Morning of Gratitude: Recognizing Those Who Make Camp Possible

Over the past 46 years, I’ve come to realize that Camp Good Days is unlike any other place. A part of what makes it so special are the hundreds of volunteers, donors, and supporters who have given their time, their talents, and their hearts to help us improve the quality of life for children and families whose lives have been forever changed by cancer or sickle cell anemia.

Each year, we take time to recognize some of those individuals and organizations at our Morning of Gratitude—a small way of saying thank you to those who have gone above and beyond to help make Camp Good Days possible.

This year’s event took place at the Woodcliff Hotel, and while the weather outside was gray, the energy inside the room was anything but. As people arrived, you could feel the warmth in the room—lots of familiar faces, meaningful conversations, and an overwhelming sense of love and appreciation for what Camp Good Days has meant to so many. Looking around the room, I was reminded of how many different ways people support Camp. Whether you’ve helped us maintain our facilities, sponsored an event, guided a camper through their first time away from home, or helped behind the scenes—you are part of the reason Camp Good Days continues to be a place of healing, joy, and hope.

The Teddi Award, named in memory of my daughter, Teddi Elizabeth Mervis, whose life and legacy inspired the founding of Camp Good Days, is given to individuals and organizations who, over the past year, have gone above and beyond in helping us fulfill our mission. Each recipient has made a meaningful impact—whether by volunteering their time, sharing their talents, offering their resources, or stepping up in ways that often go unseen. They are the quiet heroes behind the smiles of our campers and the strength of our programs.

The 2024 Teddi Award Recipients are: Tyler Adams, All Clean Power Wash, Bob Bleier, Kelly, Reagan, & Kennedy Burnett, Khari Demos, Claudine Dixon, Zack Estabrooks, Shane Gurnee, IBEW & NECA, Chris Keyes, Kyle Link, Rob Louden, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Jake Nelipowitz, New York Beer Project, Nathan Nigolian, Jordyn Poole, Collin Preston, Nick Puleri, Bill & Dawn Rakestraw, Miriam Rigas, Allison Smith, Sunnking Sustainable Solutions, Grayce Trimboli, Emily Trotman, and Lisa Wiborg.

We also had the privilege of honoring the 2024 Ring of Honor inductees. The Ring of Honor was established in 2004 during our 25th Anniversary, and it recognizes individuals and organizations whose long-term commitment, dedication, and support have left an indelible mark on Camp. These inductees have stood by us year after year, offering their time, resources, and belief in our mission. As part of this recognition, their names will be added to our permanent Ring of Honor display at our Recreational Facility in Branchport, NY, where their contributions will be remembered for generations to come.

The 2024 Ring of Honor Inductees are: Molly Bartz, Melanie K. Clement Towner, Doug & Janet Dalke, Marc Gillespie, HEP Sales, Jessica Mayer, Ontario Exteriors, Scott Sherwood, and TeamWorld.

To all of this 2024 honorees—thank you. Thank you for the work you’ve done, the time you’ve given, and the love you’ve shared with our Camp Good Days family. The impact you’ve made cannot be measured, and I hope you know just how deeply grateful we are.

It has often been said that the greatest gift one person can give another is their time and their love. Every person recognized at this year’s Morning of Gratitude has given both—and in doing so, they’ve helped create something truly meaningful for the children and families we serve.

As we look ahead to another summer at Camp, I do so with a full heart—knowing that we are surrounded by people who care, who show up, and who continue to believe in the mission that started all those years ago with one little girl named Teddi.