By Amy Hensel
Golden Key Camp and West Branch Knights of Columbus invite you to a fundraiser to make a special camp into a reality. A night of fun is planned for Saturday, Aug. 17 at Knights of Columbus Hall, 601 Columbus Drive in West Branch. The doors open at 5 p.m. Dinner starts at 6 p.m.
“There will be a taco bar, music and raffle baskets,” Lisa Keck-Kujawa said. “I’m trying to gather auction items.”
Keck-Kujawa is president and founder of Golden Key Charity, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Golden Key was founded ten years ago to make dreams come true for kids fighting cancer and to help their families by creating memories. Two years ago, the charity purchased 55 acres, the property of a former camp in Gladwin. The goal is to restore the property to make Golden Key Camp a year-round retreat for Michigan children who are fighting cancer. The event is an opportunity for the community to learn about the organization and the camp, and to raise some funds.
“This property has 16 buildings on it. It needs a lot of restoration,” Keck-Kujawa said. “We’re trying to raise $5,000 for building supplies. If I can get 50 businesses or families to sponsor a table for $100, they can get eight tickets to the event.”
At the end of August or the beginning of September, 50 people from Peer 360, a recovery group in Midland, are coming to the camp for a workday.
“They have electricians, plumbers, roofers and building contractors,” she said. “They are volunteering their hours, manpower and skill, but I need materials.”
Helping families cope in the fight against cancer is personal for Keck Kujawa.
“When my little nephew was three years old, he was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor,” she said. “He fought for his life for five years, but he passed away and it crushed my whole family.”
She felt called to do something, but didn’t what until her brother said, “I know you are all tired of seeing the same old pictures, but I can’t make any more memories.”
“That’s what I am supposed to do,” she said. “I’m supposed to help families make more memories.”
Golden Key helped families take wonderful vacations or celebrate Christmas early, so they could make special memories before time ran out. Building Golden Key Camp is a way to build memories in the beauty of northern Michigan,
“You can make the world a better place for these special children who have had their childhood stolen from them,” she said. “Your kindness will give these families some childhood memories they wouldn’t have gotten without you.”
Golden Key is looking for sponsors to support the event, items for the auction and families and businesses to participate. Golden Key will also accept new or gently used building materials. There are many ways to help and no gift is too small.
“Any amount will help rebuild the camp and help us reach the ultimate goal of turning the sign to open to welcome these children who are fighting cancer.”
For more information, call 313-363-8610 or email goldenkeycamp@yahoo.com
