Care Camps Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to offering the healing power of the outdoors to children living with cancer, achieved a significant fundraising milestone in collaboration with Kampgrounds of America (KOA). Since its founding, KOA and its campgrounds have successfully raised more than $20 million to support the foundation’s initiatives.
Established in 1984 by a group of KOA campground owners, Care Camps Foundation began as a grassroots fundraising initiative for pediatric oncology camps. Over the years, it has evolved into a significant foundation, supporting over 120 camps across the United States and Canada.
In 2023 alone, the combined efforts under the KOA umbrella raised over $1.6 million, impacting more than 41,000 children and their families.
In a press release, Gwynn Sullivan, executive director of Care Camps Foundation, expressed gratitude for KOA’s continuous support. “Their unwavering dedication allows us to fulfill our mission of providing transformative camp experiences for these special children. As our legacy partner, KOA is the cornerstone of our organization, and their generosity has made an indelible impact on the camps we fund,” Sullivan said.
KOA and its network of campgrounds participate annually in various fundraising activities to bolster the foundation’s efforts. A notable example is the KOA Big Weekend, scheduled for May 10 to May 11, where a portion of proceeds from campground reservations will be donated to Care Camps.
Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of KOA, expressed KOA’s commitment to helping the Care Camps Foundation. “KOA is proud to stand alongside Care Camps Foundation,” she said. “KOA’s mission to connect people to the outdoors and each other seamlessly aligns with Care Camps Foundation. Our partnership underscores the deep-rooted values of compassion and community that define both organizations.”
Through their fundraising initiatives, KOA and Care Camps not only gather financial support but also raise awareness about the benefits of outdoor activities for children living with cancer.
“Together, we will continue to make a positive difference in the lives of children living with cancer and their families,” O’Rourke added.
The collaborative effort between KOA and Care Camps Foundation models how campgrounds can leverage their resources to support meaningful social causes. It demonstrates the impact of collective efforts in the outdoor hospitality sector, showing that business goals can align with community efforts.
KOA is a network of privately owned campgrounds worldwide that operates more than 500 sites throughout North America. For over thirty years, KOA has actively supported the Care Camps Foundation, helping to raise funds and awareness to enable children with cancer to benefit from camping’s healing power.
To learn more about Care Camps Foundation, visit carecamps.org.
