The Foundation for Camp Bob Waldorf (FCBW) held its annual Brunch and Family Day on Nov. 18 at Camp Bob Waldorf.
More than 150 community and businesses leaders and camp families attended the brunch, at which Stephen Saltzman received the Sydney J. Rosenberg Lifetime Achievement Award for his involvement as an active volunteer and board member for nearly 45 years.
The event also unveiled the camp’s new square, dedicated in honor of Arnie Nelson as a 90th birthday gift from his wife, Sherri Nelson. “The Arnie Nelson Camp Square will be an inviting, inclusive and central meeting space where the entire camp community can gather together,” the FCBW said in a statement.
Arnie Nelson has served as a leader and supporter of the camp and its campers for decades and has served for 40 years on the board of Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles (JBBBSLA), which owns and operates Camp Bob Waldorf.
Camp Bob Waldorf Director Zach Lasker welcomed guests into the new camp square.
“Now, more than ever, is a time when we need safe spaces where our next generation of children can form relationships with positive role models while cultivating a sense of self-respect and compassion to others,” Lasker said. “This coming summer we will welcome 1,000 diverse young people into our community and hope to nourish their minds, bodies and hearts.”
The camp serves children in need entering grades 4-10.
The Brunch and Family Day raised more than $380,000 for FCBW, exceeding the event’s goal by $50,000, the FCBW statement said. The funds raised will support a full renovation of the camp’s cabins, including new flooring, lighting, cabinets, security systems and window shades.
During the event, guests heard speeches from parents of campers and enjoyed activities that included a petting zoo, face painting and a rope course.
“Camp is more than just two weeks of fun for kids in need. It is a support system for families and a beacon of hope for our community,” said JBBBSLA and FCBW CEO Randy Schwab. “For 80 years, Camp Bob Waldorf has been their safety net and, thanks to the Foundation, which provides perpetual funding for the camp, our kids know that we will always be there.”
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