The SAAGNY Foundation, the charitable organization of the Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY), was named one of the inaugural inductees for the Happiness Is Camping Wall of Fame earlier this summer. Happiness Is Camping is a nonprofit American Camp Association (ACA)-credited overnight camp for kids with cancer, ages 6-17, and their siblings. The Happiness is Camping Wall of Fame is for individuals, foundations and groups that have contributed financially to the camp, and/or have made a significant impact on the camp.
Happiness Is Camping is one of the longest-running residential summer camps for children with cancer in America. Founded in 1980 by Murray Struver, the camp originally served as a retreat for inner-city kids to spend time in the country. The camp’s focus changed when the daughter of Struver’s close friend was unable to attend because she was diagnosed with cancer. Since its first summer, Happiness Is Camping, which is free to all who attend and recognized by the IRS as a 501 organization, has hosted over 18,000 children with cancer and their siblings. It is the only camp specializing in the care of children with cancer in New Jersey to be accredited by the American Camp Association.
The SAAGNY Foundation has made significant financial contributions to Happiness is Camping, which includes supporting the remodel of its North America cabin. In addition, The SAAGNY Foundation and its volunteers have volunteered at the camp for over 25 years at its Annual Pirate Day. This pirate-themed day consists of carnival games, water balloon fights, scavenger hunts, crafts, prizes, goody bags and more. Ryan Campbell, camp director of Happiness is Camping, says, “We felt that SAAGNY was a most fitting inductee into our inaugural Wall of Fame class. Thank you for the impact you have made on our organization and for the fun you bring our campers each summer.”