American Camp Association, New England's 2nd Annual Camp Champions Event at Fenway Park!

The event was co-chaired by Jeff Hacker of Lincoln, MA, owner and director of Camp Cedar in Casco, ME, Dan Isdaner of Jupiter, FL, owner and director of Camp Mataponi in Naples, ME, and Jason Silberman of Needham, MA, owner and director of Camp Matoaka in Smithfield, ME. The November 1^st event celebrated the true spirit of camp. Boston Mayor Thomas Menino was this year’s honoree for his extraordinary work on behalf of children and families throughout the state. Daphne Griffin, Chief of Human Services for the City of Boston and Executive Director of Boston’s Centers for Youth & Families, accepted the Camp Champions award and spoke on behalf of Menino, who was absent due to illness.  This event was hosted by 7News sportscaster, Joe Amorosino, who also served as the auctioneer for the evening. Alejandro Garcia, a camper at Hill House, and Alirio “AJ” Gomes, a Leader in Training at Camp Harbor View, spoke about their person life-changing camp experiences.

Photos include (from left to right) -

Jason Silberman, Dan Isdaner, and Jeff Hacker, the three co-chairs of the event

Hacker, Daphne Griffin, Chief of Human Services for the City of Boston and Executive Director of Boston’s Centers for Youth & Families (accepted award on behalf of Menino), Nat Saltonstall of Dover, MA, President of the Board of Directors, ACA New England and Director of Beaver Summer Programs, Silberman and Isdaner

Joe Amorosino during the live auction

Bette Bussel, Executive Director of ACA New England making opening remarks to kick off the evening

Wally mingling with guests

June and Eliot Tatelman, last year’s honorees, with Bette Bussel

Daphne Griffin accepting the Camp Champions Award on behalf of Mayor Menino

Larry Rosen, June and Eliot Tatelman of Boston, Leslie Silberman, and Sharman Rosen

Morgan, Michaela, Diane and Joe Ames of Foxboro with Quito Freitas of Maine, all of Camp Vega in Fayette, ME with Wally

Beth and Donna Johns-Thomas of Milford, NH, Stephanie Baker of Melrose, Cheryl Oliveira of Worcester