I’ve spoken in great length about Camp del Corazon, the non-profit organization I have been volunteering with for nine years and counting. Juuuuuuuuuust in case you’re rolling in totally unaware though, here it is in a nutshell:
Camp del Corazon is a non-profit that sends kids ages 7-17 living with cardiac issues to a five-day camp on Catalina Island. We have three sessions that run at the end of August through Labor Day weekend.
For visual aid, here is a picture I took last year:
Girl’s Camp – Catalina Island
Pretty damn sweet, huh? We have kayaking, arts and crafts, high-ropes, climbing wall, nature, archery, air rifles, boom ball, PLUS free choice activities PLUS each evening has a jammed packed itinerary of fun like barbeques, skit night, dances, scavenger hunts, and my personal favorite – disco bingo. We also have nurses and doctors absolutely everywhere. We’re accredited by the ACA and just freaking awesome.
Wow, you must be saying, I bet it sure costs a lot for parents to send their kids to that slice of paradise. Au contraire! This camp is at no cost to the parents, and it roughly costs $1200 per camper. That’s not even accounting for us adults, either. This all means we need to raise a metric expletive-ton of money every year to keep running it. Hence, Gala del Sol – our annual black-tie fundraiser where we honor someone within the community for their humanitarian work as we nosh on delicious food provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering.
Hey, we’re in Southern California. We perfected red carpet events.
This year camp honored Carl Schuster, CEO and President of Wolfgang Puck Catering. We honored Mr. Schuster for his ongoing philanthropy to Camp del Corazon as well as his connection to the world of childhood heart disease. Our hosts were Tom Arnold, who has been busting his butt for camp for numerous years now, and Joel McHale, whose son Eddie required an open heart surgery in infancy.
This is an event I look forward to every single year; I always go early to pitch in with the initial set up before getting all gussied up to spend the evening with my Camp Family. I consider these men and women to be my “Camp Siblings” as we all share a common bond in our love and dedication to Camp del Corazon.
Joel McHale with Wheels, a CDC counselor
I only took pictures of our cocktail hour because I didn’t want to be That Jerk With the Flash Going Off during our dinner, which was indoors.
Some items at the silent auction:
Pearl Ring
Fender Squire signed by Don Felder (The Eagles)
Community Gift Basket
The Hunger Games Gift Basket
Lanikai Soprano Ukelele signed by Train
Greeting Cards – created & donated by yours truly
My favorite appetizers of the evening:
Salmon with Caviar
Ricotta Tortellini with Spring Lamb Meatball & Spring Peas
Open-Face Sliders
Mini Lobster Tacos
Spicy Tuna with Masago (my #1 every year)
It’s a pretty penny to attend but if you are interested in going next year this is what I suggest: Washed out an empty milk carton (half gallon or gallon) and put your spare change in it. Over time you’ll save up a good chunk of change that can go toward a fabulous night filled with gourmet food, delicious libations, sound entertainment – and best of all, it’s for a great cause!
Too far away or don’t think you’d like to attend the Gala, but you still want to help? Just hop on over to the official Camp del Corazon website for numerous ways on how to pitch in.
Also, be sure to check out Camp del Corazon’s Three Auctions over at Charity Buzz – Including VIP experience for the CMT Music Awards, Meeting Joel McHale during a taping of E! or Meet the Cast during a taping of Community. Hurry, though – they’re going to end very soon!