Camp Korey founder Tim Rose knows laughter is the best medicine.
More than 300 Camp Korey supporters turned out at Pickering Farm on May 7 for the RX: Laughter Luncheon benefiting the facility for children struggling with serious illness to recharge and reclaim a bit of their lost childhood.
Rose was joined by Pam Gray and Rochelle Alhadeff of the Chat with Women Radio Show who emceed the event.
After losing his son, Korey, to bone cancer in 2004 at the age of 18, Rose decided he wanted to leave a legacy in his son’s name. He learned about Hole in the Wall Camps, a concept started by Paul Newman 20 years ago. The Whole in the Wall Association now provides thousands of kids worldwide the opportunity to experience a week-long camp experience free of charge.
Inspired by his friend Newman’s work, Rose began working towards bringing a Whole in the Wall Camp to the Pacific Northwest. Two years ago, Rose announced the purchase of 818-acres of the historic Carnation Farm from the Nestle company. The camp launched its first sessions last summer and is working with the Association of Hole in
the Wall Camps to meet the necessary requirements to become an official member of the family of camps.
The five sessions this summer will cater to kids who have undergone liver or intestine transplants, have craniofacial conditions and disorders, and those with mitochondrial disease.
Camp activities include fishing, a climbing wall, an-all-camp food fight, swimming, horseback riding, a talent show, and more.
Experienced camper Tim Gormley received a standing ovation at the Camp Korey luncheon after sharing his camp adventures and singing a solo performance in front of the packed crowd. His mother Susan Gormley spoke about the camp’s positive impact on her son’s life and thanked Rose for his dedication to kids.
Camp Korey continues to raise funds to support the construction of 12 new cabins for campers, counselors, and medical staff. The additional cabins would make room for 120 more campers to attend Camp Korey each summer.
“We are finding the story of Camp Korey is something people really connect to because we are working to better the lives of children who are so deserving,” explained Tom Parker, executive director of Camp Korey. “Camp Korey just gets to people’s hearts.
Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425.453.4602.
Spring Open House: Saturday, May 30 from 1-4 p.m.
Camp Korey at Carnation Farm, 28901 NE Carnation Farm Road, 425-844-3100, Camp Korey website.
