Blog

Hole in the Wall Camps
October 7th, 2009

By LB Slosek

At Turner PR we are encouraged to give. We give our time, we give donations, we give hope - and anything goes as long as we give something that makes a difference. Over the last couple years I have devoted my time to Hole in the Wall Camps.

Founded by Paul Newman more than two decades ago with the idea that no child should have to compromise their childhood because of a serious illness, today Hole in the Wall oversees 11 full-member camps in eight countries, eight new camps in various stages of development and five Global Partnership Initiatives in Africa and Asia. I give my time to the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in CT, which is only a train ride away from NYC!

I still remember my first visit to the Wild West-themed camp. There was a certain energy about the grounds that I will never forget. Walking through the paths, stopping only for chipmunks, I peeked through the trees and saw 15 campers all cheering on another camper who was harnessed to a zip line. The young boy coasted from tree to tree with his hands out in the air like he was flying, while being attached to his dad who was full of smiles and holding that moment close. At the last tree the camper got down and was put into his wheelchair. He looked at all the other campers and said, "THAT WAS THE COOLEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE. I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD GET TO DO THAT!" The others applauded and gave him hugs while I wiped happy tears from my cheek.

That is what they do at Hole in the Wall; they make the unimaginable happen. I was honored to be a part of that day and have given my time because of moments like that one. Here's a photo of me and my brother at Hole in the Wall CT:

If you are interested in helping but can’t make it to a camp, please read below on how companies can help out, too!

On Sunday, November 15th, the Weinstein Company will present a private screening of “NINE” at New York City Theatre. After the screening, all the VIPs will gather for a cocktail hour and live auction. We are currently looking for auction prizes. Please let me know if you have anything to donate, we are eager to make this a huge success for Hole in the Wall and every bit helps!

Simply Give: Heart for Africa
July 20th, 2009

At Turner PR, our belief is that it doesn’t matter where you give, or what you give, it matters that you give.

Our hope is to inspire our team and clients to be socially aware and embrace a cause close at heart. Giving is contagious… and once the spirit is spread, the results are infinite.

This month we’d like to spotlight one organization that is dear to Turner PR… Heart for Africa.

This Atlanta-based non-profit works alongside local African organizations to provide self-sustainable homes for orphans through long-term programs and short-term service trips. Christine Turner serves on Heart for Africa’s board of directors and four Turner PR team members have traveled to Kenya on service trips.

We encourage you to read It’s Not Okay With Me by Janine Maxwell, who leads Heart for Africa (her book was listed as recommended reading in former President Clinton’s book, Giving). If you’ve ever had the desire to see for yourself and serve, head to Kenya or Swaziland with Heart for Africa. In 2007 Turner PR and its clients helped to fund dorms at the Tumaini Children’s Home in Kenya to get 50 children off the streets.

During our service trips we assist with building projects at orphanages, dig water wells, plant gardens, build bunk beds, teach skills for widows to earn a living such as jewelry making or knitting and much more. The irony is that we’re serving – but the trips are life changing for us. The 11-day service trips are powerful – check out www.heartforafrica.org and join us for our summer 2011 trip. And look out for Janine Maxwell’s next book, Is It Okay With You? to be launched on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2010.

(Each month our Simply Give column is going to highlight brilliant cause campaigns executed by our clients or nonprofits that our individual team members are embracing.)