Many of us have fond memories of our youth spent at camps with friends. Games, activities, crafts, sing-alongs, and campfire stories. These are special environments where friends are made, and children can begin to grow into the future versions of themselves. And for some kids suffering loss or separation from a parent, the camp environment can be just the right place to start a journey of healing. Since 2017, Charitybuzz and Power of Humans have worked side by side to make sure that kids dealing with difficult circumstances can have that place to heal and grow.
Power of Humans is the shared home of three programs built on one belief: that connection, healing and community can carry a child through even the hardest circumstances. Camp Hometown Heroes gives more than 200 children ages 7 to 17 a place to grieve, laugh, and belong after losing a parent or sibling to military service. Camp Reunite brings over 150 Wisconsin children together with an incarcerated parent each year, rebuilding bonds that distance and circumstance have strained. And the Kids2Kids Toy Drive has put more than 350,000 toys into the hands of families in need, making sure the holidays bring joy instead of worry. Every one of these programs is grounded in trauma-informed care, meeting kids exactly where they are. While each of these programs seems different, ultimately they all foster and nourish parent-child relationships facing difficult circumstances. They give parents and children an opportunity to heal and to play.
A Partnership Nearly a Decade in the Making
Power of Humans has a specific fundraising challenge. It is difficult to see the power of their programs without being there. But because of the sensitive nature of these programs and logistical challenges, not every donor can see a program up close. So when Power of Humans joined Charitybuzz in 2017, it opened a new avenue to engage an entirely different set of donors who might not otherwise connect with the organization.
Nearly ten years later, the goal has grown into a partnership that has raised close to $70,000 on the platform, including almost $10,000 this year alone. Numbers like these are not abstract. This is the equivalent of Charitybuzz buyers sending over 30 children to camp over the years.
“Sustainability in funding feels personal, because of the individual kids you are working with who want to return next year. The pressure is on because these kids are counting on us. You don’t want to tell a kid they can’t come because we had to downsize our operations. There is a face for exactly where the dollars are going.” – Kenzie Gonzalez, Executive Director Power of Humans
This year alone, Power of Humans logged 48,258 hours of joy, healing and connection at Camp Hometown Heroes and Camp Reunite. Campers received 2,000 pounds of clothing, supplies and hygiene items, and shared 10,280 meals together. Volunteers gave 6,875 hours of their time. Families lit 218 candles in honor of fallen service members. And in total, 520 children were served by these programs, each one arriving with a different story and leaving with a little more room to carry it.
What the Auction Block Has Made Possible
By leveraging Charitybuzz, each lot becomes a small entry point into a much larger mission, and each winning bid becomes another meal served, another hour of programming funded, another child who gets to spend a week at camp instead of carrying grief alone.
While raising funds is critical, Charitybuzz also loves being able to raise the profile of programs that operate quietly and effectively, often without the recognition they deserve. Power of Humans operates truly powerful camp experiences but doesn’t carry the national brand of other youth programs. Auctions and sweepstakes don’t just provide additional revenue, they widen the circle of people who know these programs exist and to give them a reason to care.
“Working with Charitybuzz has been a great way to get a whole different sector of people involved in approachable and fun ways. We can do some unique fundraising that we wouldn’t normally do, that isn’t so traditional. Because every dollar counts.” – Kenzie Gonzalez, Executive Director, Power of Humans
Looking Ahead
Charitybuzz is proud to continue supporting Power of Humans and the thousands of children and families who have found healing through Camp Hometown Heroes, Camp Reunite and the Kids2Kids Toy Drive. As this year’s campaign continues, every bid means one more child gets the chance to simply be a kid again.