For Immediate Release:      

May 2006      

For More Information Contact:
Lea Kone, Director of Development
(973) 744-3488
lkone@frostvalley.org

FROST VALLEY YMCA ANNOUNCES BUILD STRONG! CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

MONTCLAIR, NJ – On Tuesday, May 16th at The Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange, Jerry Huncosky, CEO of Frost Valley YMCA, announced the launch of the camp’s latest capital campaign, The Build Strong! Campaign.  In front of more than 150 guests, Mr. Huncosky announced the $5 million initiative aimed at growing the camp’s wellness and family lodging facilities.  “Frost Valley changes lives,” Huncosky said.  “We have a duty to ensure that future generations of campers are able to benefit from the Frost Valley experience, just like so many here tonight have.”

              Huncosky went on to explain that numerous supporters were generous during the campaign’s year-and-a-half long “quiet phase”.  “I am pleased and humbled to report that we have already secured $2.7 million,” he said.  “The really hard work begins now, though.”

               The Build Strong! Campaign seeks to raise funds to build a new wellness center and additional family-friendly lodging accommodations.  With more than 35,000 annual visitors, the camp’s year-round nursing staff must respond to various medical issues.  In addition to serving traditional guests, Frost Valley works with a number of special children each year through its partnership with the Ruth Gottscho Kidney Foundation.  Frost Valley is home to the nation’s first camp-based dialysis center, which is still unique in its ability to mainstream children with kidney disease into camp-life with other children.  Here, children receiving hemo-dialysis or peritoneal dialysis, those in chronic renal failure, or post-transplant campers, are able to participate in a traditional residential camp experience while gaining confidence and independence, in what may be their first time away from home.  The dialysis unit is staffed under the supervision of Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center. 

             The new Guenther Family Wellness Center will help meet the needs of Frost Valley’s diverse guest population.  The center has been designed to encompass three areas: a health care wing, a kidney dialysis wing, and a program and education center.  It is named in recognition of the lead gift provided by Paul B. Guenther, Frost Valley’s Chairman of the Board.

            Additionally, the Mitchell Family Center, named in recognition of a generous gift by the English, Bonter, Mitchell Foundation and the Mitchell Family, will allow Frost Valley to better serve the more than 6,000 family members who attend retreats, reunions and weekend and holiday get-aways.  This new lodging facility will feature 46 semi-private rooms, each with a private bath.  In addition, two suites will be constructed for seasonal doctors, nurses, and group leaders.

            Frost Valley YMCA was founded in 1901 and is located in the Catskill Mountains in Claryville, NY.  Offices are also retained in Montclair, NJ.  In addition to its resident camp program, Frost Valley offers Teen Adventure Trips, an Educational Farm Summer Camp, Woodwise Environmental Education Camp, Arts Camp, Horseback Riding Ranch Camp, and a Day Camp for community children, among other programs.  Frost Valley serves children, adults and families of all racial, religious, and ethnic cultures through its mission of putting “Christian principles into practice through programs that promote a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.”   The majority of the camp’s participants arrive from New York City, New Jersey and Long Island. 

Those seeking more information about The Build Strong! Campaign may call Lea Kone at (973) 744-3488.