Camp Bob Waldorf Golf Classic Raises over $370,000
Over 1,000 Youth from Low-Income Households in Los Angeles to Attend Summer Camp
JBBBSLA CEO Cari Uslan with Event Co-Chairs Steve Miller (left) and Joey Behrstock (right)
(May 2, 2023)
Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles (JBBBSLA) held its 30th Annual Camp Bob Waldorf Golf Classic on Monday, May 1st at Valencia Country Club to send youth from low-income households across Los Angeles to overnight summer camp this summer. JBBBSLA has owned and operated Camp Bob Waldorf in Glendale for over 80 years to give youth an enriching summer camp experience and provide them with the tools and support system to thrive, from elementary school to college and beyond.
Thanks to the support of donors and sponsors, the Golf Classic raised over $370,000. JBBBSLA is grateful to the generous golfers, foundations, institutional sponsors, and in-kind donors who support Camp Bob Waldorf. The event’s success is due to the dedicated Event Co-Chairs Joey Behrstock and Steve Miller, the Golf Committee, title sponsor National Mortgage Resources and Steve Miller & Susan Paillassou, presenting sponsors City National Bank and Gilfenbain Family Trust, and golf cart sponsors EF Collection, Johnny Carson Foundation, and Northwestern Mutual.
CEO Cari Uslan, Bob Waldorf, Camp Director Simon Hansen
At the event’s closing awards dinner, golfers heard from JBBBSLA CEO Cari Uslan, JBBBSLA Board President (and former camper) Sandy Sigal, Camp Director Simon Hansen, Golf Committee Co-Chairs Joey Behrstock and Steve Miller, camp namesake Bob Waldorf, and camper Samy Desman.
“Thanks to Camp Bob Waldorf, I learned things that have truly changed me as a person,” said Desman, a former camper who will be a Leader-In-Training at camp this summer. “When I’m at camp, I never feel alone. I never feel bored or tired or angry. I feel happy and calm. After these last few years of isolation, returning to camp and experiencing that sense of home again is really important.”
Thanks to community and institutional support, all campers receive partial or full financial aid. This annual event ensures more youth from low-income households can attend camp and develop valuable life skills, build confidence, and become future leaders.
Golfers enjoy a day on the links
“Our campers experience tremendous life challenges, such as food insecurity, homelessness, and trauma,” JBBBSLA CEO Cari Uslan said. “At camp, we give these kids a safe space where they can have fun, make new friends, and just enjoy being kids. Before learning about our camp, many parents tell us they never dreamed they could afford to send their children to an overnight camp experience. Our camp is different. We ensure that all children can attend regardless of their ability to pay. Today’s generous supporters make camp possible for children throughout Los Angeles.”
“This year and last year, we’ve had a significant increase in the request to attend summer camp for free due to life circumstances,” Camp Director Simon Hansen said. “Traditional summer camp is not a possibility for most of our campers. Everyone here today has helped us say yes to providing financial assistance to more families in need.”
About Camp Bob Waldorf
Owned and operated by Jewish Big Brother Big Sisters of Los Angeles and inspired by Jewish values to help others, Camp Bob Waldorf is a non-denominational residential camp located on 112 acres in the Verdugo Mountains of Glendale. Since 1938, the camp has helped more than 60,000 youth from low-income households throughout Los Angeles. All CBW campers have access to JBBBSLA’s other programs – including the Teen Talk App providing social and emotional support to teens; the College Access + Success Program offering one-to-one college counseling and scholarships to attend college and more. Learn more about these programs at jbbbsla.org.
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