Farmington Resident Chairs Channel 3 Kids Camp Luncheon

By Barbara Thomas

For the second consecutive year, Farmington resident Susan Lederman is chair of the Channel 3 Kids Camp’s W.R.A.P. Luncheon, a fundraiser slated for Thursday, May 12 at the Hartford Marriott Downtown. As the owner of P’zazz, a unique personal and corporate gifts business, Lederman is a go-getter and a natural fit for bringing people together for a worthy cause.

“Susan’s energy and love for people is contagious. She really believes in what we do here at Channel 3 Kids Camp and it shows,” said Denise Hornbecker, CEO of Channel 3 Kids Camp. “With her enthusiasm, we couldn’t ask for a better ambassador for our event.”

Lederman has been involved with the luncheon for many years, serving as a table captain and bringing in dozens of attendees. That led to her being named chair. In that role, her main responsibility is to recruit table captains, who in turn sell tickets to fill their tables.

“I am grateful to chair again this year and to be involved with the wonderful and giving people who work at the camp,” Lederman said. “It’s important for the luncheon to be a successful fundraiser to help children go to a great camp. I’ll do anything for the kids.”

Through her business, the vivacious entrepreneur, an active member of the Avon Chamber of Commerce, also selects gifts for the luncheon speakers that are etched with their names and the camp’s name.

The 8th Annual W.R.A.P. (Women Raising Awareness Philanthropically) luncheon on May 12 runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hartford Marriott Downtown. It is one of the camp’s major fundraisers each year, others being a golf tournament, a telethon and Holiday Light Fantasia. Both women and men can attend the luncheon, to be emceed this year by Denise D’Ascenzo, WFSB Channel 3 news anchor.

The event was created to help build positive networking opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds while honoring the work of a woman for notable philanthropic contributions in her field and community.

This year’s luncheon honoree is Renee DiNino, 105.9 FM mid-day host and Director of Community Affairs for iHeartRadio and the recipient of numerous Humanitarian Awards. The keynote speaker is Rais Bhuiyan, founder of the non-profit organization World Without Hate, who will speak about ‘restorative forgiveness’ and how this concept can be incorporated into anyone’s daily life.

Beginning at 11.a.m, the luncheon will include a variety of area boutiques and artisans for shopping before the luncheon program begins at 12:15 p.m. featuring a seasonal menu.
New this year, three levels of tickets can be purchased, two of them premium. One premium level includes luncheon and an autographed book; the other includes luncheon, the book, plus a private wine and cheese reception with the speaker and honoree following the luncheon.

As a non-profit organization, the camp relies on their fundraisers and other charitable donations to operate.

“While WFSB Channel 3 has been a dedicated media partner for more than 38 years providing invaluable exposure and public awareness, we are not owned by the station, nor do they pay our expenses,” Hornbecker said. “We are extremely grateful for their incredible support.”

The mission of Channel 3 Kids Camp is to provide fun year-round opportunities to children of all abilities, families, and communities through educational and recreational programs that promote diversity, acceptance and environmental appreciation. Each year more than 3,000 children ages 3-16 from all over Connecticut and areas throughout New England attend the camp, located in Andover and Coventry.

“We offer a fully inclusive camp experience to children who could not attend on their own because of economic challenges or special needs,” Channel 3 Kids Camp Special Events Manager Katie Berube said. “We pride ourselves on bringing children with and without special needs together to camp. Children learn about diversity and acceptance."

The camp operates year-round, offering both overnight and day camps in the summer, school vacation camps, after-school programs, home school programs, and an all-year preschool.

General admission for the luncheon is $75; admission with autographed book, $100; admission with autographed book and entry to private wine and cheese reception with honoree and speaker following the luncheon, $150. Register at channel3kidscamp.org.

Photo: Farmington resident Susan Lederman, owner of P'zazz, center, is chair of Channel 3 Kids Camp's W.R.A.P. Luncheon for the second consecutive year. Pictured with her at last year's luncheon at right is Channel 3 Kids Camp Foundation & Government Relations Manager Joan Gurski of West Hartford. At left is Diane Smith, an award winning TV journalist, documentary producer, radio talk show host, bestselling author, speaker and currently anchor/senior producer for program development at CTN.