West Hempstead Teen Organizes Fundraiser to Benefit Camp Anchor

A walkathon was held on Sunday, Nov. 3 to benefit Camp Anchor, a year-round recreation program dedicated to citizens with both mental and physical handicaps. 

The walkathon was coordinated by Brendan Callahan, a West Hempstead resident and Kellenberg junior, and Christina DiMasso, a Kellenberg senior, who both work at the camp. 

"I did this because Camp Anchor has been so great for my brother, Thomas, who struggles with autism," said Callahan. "I have also grown so much through volunteering there these past three summers." 

DiMasso said she is grateful for the chance to "help give back to such an incredible organization and the amazing people who compose it."

"It took a lot of hard work but we were so motivated by our passion and love for this camp," she said.

The walkathon took place from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.  and approximately 300 people registered and attended. The participants consisted of Kellenberg students and faculty and Anchor staff, volunteers, and campers, as well as students from other neighboring high schools, such as Chaminade and Sacred Heart. 

With a $10 donation at registration the participant received a wristband. If participants raised over $150, they were rewarded with a Camp Anchor Walk-a-Thon drawstring bag.

Students who are members of both the Kellenberg and Anchor family volunteered their time face-painting, handing out food and water, and supervising games such as bean bag toss and "Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin."

Hicks Nursery donated a pumpkin patch which was perfect for this Fall day. Music was played throughout the day thanks to a DJ, Stephen Parrinello, and the football field was filled with Kellenberg students who danced with disabled children and teens.

The walkathon raised approximately $9,000, which will benefit the camp and its campers.