COURT HOUSE — The first “Dine Out for Dreamcatcher,” an event commemorating World AIDS Day and the upcoming 15th anniversary of Camp Dreamcatcher, will be held in Cape May County on Sun., Nov. 28, at four area restaurants — Alfe’s Restaurant, Bellevue Tavern, Gia’s, and Mulligan’s Shore Bar & Grill.
All guests who dine at one of these four restaurants and present a coupon (available in the Herald, at Sandpiper Embroidery, or one of the participating restaurants) will have a percentage of their check donated to Camp Dreamcatcher.
Established in 1996, Camp Dreamcatcher provides free therapeutic and educational programs for children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. These programs include: a week-long camp session, a teen life skills retreat, a teen leadership retreat, a Holiday adopt-a-family program, family support and advocacy, a teen speaker’s bureau, HIV/AIDS education, training and community outreach.
Over 270 counselors, medical personnel, professionals and community members volunteer with Camp Dreamcatcher. This year the summer camp session hosted 132 children ages 5-17.
Camp Dreamcatcher has a special connection to Cape May County through the Fineberg family who has been volunteering with the Camp programs for the past 11 years. It’s a true family affair. Ginny Fineberg, owner of Sanpiper Embroidery is the president of the camp board of directors. She and her adult children Cindy and Dan are full time counselors every summer at the camp session.
The family dog, Brealey is a registered therapy dog and attends camp as well. “In the last 15 years what began with a one-week camp session has expanded to year-round programs for children coping with the harsh reality of HIV/AIDS,” says Fineberg. “Most importantly Camp Dreamcatcher is a safe place where the children can be open about dealing with HIV/AIDS without fear of rejection.
As with many non-profit organizations, Camp Dreamcatcher has been impacted by the challenging economy. Their 2010 funding has significantly decreased. We are hoping that the “Dine Out for Dreamcatcher” event will enable us to continue serving children impacted by HIV/AIDS ” concludes Fineberg.
.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
