P.A.C.K. Raises Money for Summer Camp But May Need New Location

Less than two weeks ago, The Pasco Association for Challenged Kids was more than $20,000 short of the money needed to hold their annual summer camp for Pasco County children with disabilities.

As of Thursday, June 2, the minimum of $25,000 in needed funds had been raised and exceeded. However, the founders are still not sure that they will be able to hold the camp due to possibly having to change its location.

High costs of insurance policies for the kids, rental fees for the location and wages for the professional nursing staff put the camp , said P.A.C.K. co-founder Paula Cohen.

P.A.C.K. had raised, through fundraisers and donations, about $3,500. The remainder of the needed mony was raised through state Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey.

A press release from Fasano's office said he reached out the community. Cohen said he received $25,000 from a local charity and private businessman. Cohen won't know the name of the charity until she receives the check, and the businessman chose to remain anymous.

The P.A.C.K. summer camp was tentatively scheduled to run for three weeks starting July 8 through July 29.

The camp, first held 14 years ago, has been located for the past few years at Redeemer Community Church off Ridge Road near New Port Richey, Cohen said, but this year the church may need the facilities for its own activities. Cohen won't know for sure until next week.

The church was an ideal place to hold camp because of a separate building on the premises that housed a gymnasium, soft floors and its own kitchen and bathroom, Cohen said.

Cohen said it will be difficult to find a similar, suitable location in the area by the time the camp is scheduled to run.

"I was hoping to send the email to everyone that the camp is all set to go now that I have the pile of money but now I have to have somewhere to put the kids," Cohen said. "I was just so happy that these 40 kids who have been our campers for years will have somewhere to go and have fun over the summer. I was very happy for the kids and their families and now with the bulidng issue, I hope that will still come pass."

P.A.C.K. is planning a third fundraiser at Applebee's at 8537 Little Road in New Port Richey on June 27. If you present a special flyer to a server at between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., 10 percent of your bill will be given to PACK. Email pascopack@verizon.net to get the flyer.