Scarsdale Residents Support Catskills Camp for Inner City Kids from New York City

(Scarsdale, NY, March 21, 2013)  The substantial commitment of money and time by a group of Scarsdale residents has enabled more than 200 under-privileged students from New York City high schools to enjoy two weeks at Steve’s Camp at Horizon Farms in Livingston Manor, NY.

Three years ago, real estate developer Steve Kessner bought 100 acres of land in the Catskills and turned it into a summer camp attended by predominately African-American and Latino high school students from New York City. He realized that in order for the non-profit camp to be successful he would need a Board of Directors and turned to Ron Binday, owner of a Scarsdale insurance agency, Advocate Brokerage. Kessner met Ron when he joined the Scarsdale Synagogue and Ron was treasurer.

“I was impressed with Ron’s drive and talent and became a client of his company.  Insuring a camp is a difficult task and Advocate Brokerage guided us every step of the way,” said Kessner.  In addition to Ron, Scarsdale residents Ira and Janice Starr, Jeffery Fogelson, Howard and Sharon Charles, Len Spivak, Cheryl Kessner and Glenn Binday were recruited for the new Board.  The Board has now been expanded to include NBA legend John Starks and former New York Ranger star Ron Greschner, among many others, who now make up the Board of Directors.  

In addition to the usual camping activities, campers at Steve’s Camp learn about nutrition, participate in group exchanges relating to issues arising in their family lives and education, and also keep journals.  “When I ask the campers what they have learned from their experience, many say that they have discovered how to trust people.  They now realize they need to broaden their horizons, and strive to achieve more in order to fulfill their potential.” observed Kessner. During the school year, Kessner also supports group activities for the campers, such as a visit to the Museum of Natural History.

Ron Binday was instantly attracted to the work of Steve’s Camp.  “Many of us have made life-long friends when we attended camp.  Those summers hold great memories,” he said. Currently, he and the Board are working on a benefit for Steve’s Camp on Thursday, April 18th at Humphrey Restaurant in New York City.  The casino-themed evening will honor the work of John Starks, who along with being a great basketball player, is also a philanthropist with a foundation that provides college scholarships to disadvantage kids.

Information about the benefit is available at http://us2.forward-to-friend.com/forward/show?u=1feae82bb6e83e2026184faeb&id=0c65ab6020____.

Steve Kessner’s dream is to expand the camp and reach more inner city kids.  Ron Binday and the board will contribute to this effort. “Steve’s Camp is a great way for Advocate Brokerage to help kids who would otherwise face a long, hot summer in the city with few resources.  I am grateful that so many of my friends from Scarsdale and elsewhere have decided to join us in this endeavor,” said Binday.

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For further information:

Mary Frances DuffyThe Dilenschneider Group212-922-0900Cell: 917-854-6580mduffy@dgi-nyc.com