Newsletter Vol. 3
Headed for a milestone year
For almost 40 years, the Town of Hempstead and Anchor Program Fund, Inc. have worked together to run and maintain programs that benefit thousands of individuals with disabilities.
It’s hard to believe the Town of Hempstead opened Camp A.N.C.H.O.R almost 50 years ago. The camp opened in 1968 with just eight children. Today, it serves almost 900 children and adults with disabilities each summer. My daughter, Christa, and I have been involved with A.N.C.H.O.R for about 26 years.
A decade later, in April 1978, several parents with children in the camp established Anchor Program Fund, Inc. (APF). APF is a charitable, not-for-profit organization that receives donation to fund special activities and events, as well as the necessary supplies and equipment, for individuals with disabilities participating in programs like A.N.C.H.O.R.
APF has remained true to this core mission for almost four decades, and that is a source of pride for many of us.
As we head into the holidays - and toward a milestone year for both A.N.C.H.O.R and APF - I’d like to thank the Town of Hempstead for having the vision to establish Camp A.N.C.H.O.R and the fortitude to make A.N.C.H.O.R the wonderful resource it is today.
Those who work and volunteer at A.N.C.H.O.R are truly the heart and soul of the program. On behalf of the program. On behalf of so many, I thank them for their tireless commitment and service to thousands of our sons, daughters and loved ones.
As someone who has been involved with A.N.C.H.O.R for a long time, I can say it takes a village - with dedication and resources - to run and maintain a program like this. APF is but one way we’re working together to ensure programs like A.N.C.H.O.R remain available for people with disabilities for generations to come.
The APF Board of Directors is working on a strategic plan and budget, we applied for and received a grant and we’re developing some exciting ideas and activities to celebrate our milestone year in 2018.
We’ll continue to update you on the progress of APF’s work, which is made possible through generous donations from people like you.
I hope everyone enjoys the upcoming holiday season surrounded by those who mean the most.
Ellen Papalia
President, Board of Directors, Anchor Program Fund, Inc.
9th Annual Beach Ball Raises $46,000 for A.N.C.H.O.R
The ninth annual Beach Ball fundraiser raised more than $46,000, which Anchor Program Fund, Inc. will use to enhance the experience for the thousands of children and adults who are served by A.N.C.H.O.R throughout the year.
The Town of Hempstead, which runs A.N.C.H.O.R, opened summer camp in 1968 for residents with disabilities and, since then, has expanded its programming beyond the camp.
Hosted by Anchor Program Fund, Inc. (APF), this year’s Beach Ball drew more than 400 guests to The Sands at Lido Beach for a night of dinner, music, raffles and recognition.
“This was my first Beach Ball, but it won’t be my last,” said Dr. Shannon Clifford, parent to a Junior 1 camper. “The event was a wonderful opportunity to connect with A.N.C.H.OR, support a wonderful community resource and enjoy a fun evening with great people.”
Anchor Program Fund, Inc., a charitable nonprofit, was established in 1978 to fund and maintain special programs, activities and events that benefit A.N.C.H.O.R participants.
“APF’s mission is to further programs that benefit children and adults with disabilities,” said Patty Daly, chair of this year’s Beach Ball along with fellow APF board member Anna Dragone. “We do that through direct donations and special events, including our annual Beach Ball.”
Donations made to Anchor Program Fund, Inc. help to fund a variety of special activities and events, such as field trips, parties and dances, for A.N.C.H.O.R participants.
Anchor Program Fund, Inc. awarded $75,000 grant
Anchor Program Fund, Inc. (APF) received a $75,000 grant which is being used to enhance the experience for thousands of children and adults with disabilities who participate in A.N.C.H.O.R.
For example, a portion of the grant is being used to help expand the popular Saturday program. The Town of Hempstead, which runs A.N.C.H.O.R, increased this year’s fall, winter and spring period from six to 11 days, an 83% increase.
“The APF Board is delighted that we applied for and received this grant and that it will help the Town to make A.N.C.H.O.R even better,” said John McKenna, a member of APF’s Board who managed the grant for the Fund.
The foundation that awarded the grant to APF preferred to remain anonymous.
“It’s pretty incredible that the Town and APF have been partners in providing such a wonderful and important program for so many resident, for so many years,” McKenna said.