Major League Baseball Pitcher Jamie Moyer & Wife Karen Help Bring Bereavement Camp for Kids to Orange County through Partnership with Local OC Foundation
Anaheim, CA – The Moyer Foundation, a non-profit organization established by Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Jamie Moyer and his wife, Karen, and the Spencer Hospice Foundation announced the opening of Camp Erin Orange County. Camp Erin Orange County is designed for children and teens ages 6-17 who’ve experience the death of someone close to them. The camp will take place August 13th – 15th at The Outdoor Education Center in Orange, CA.
According to U.S. Census Reports, nearly 140,000 children between Los Angeles and Orange Counties have suffered the loss of a family member. Research indicates that without proper support, these children face much higher risks for problems such as mental illness and substance abuse. Camp Erin teaches children healthy ways to cope with grief, and provides resources for children to use during and after camp.
Camp Erin Orange County is one of 8 new camps opening in 2010, made possible by The Moyer Foundation’s Campaign for Kids, a nationwide fundraising effort to help establish and fund as many as 60 new camps– including one camp in every Major League Baseball city. Through the support of individuals, corporate sponsors and partner organizations nationwide, Camp Erin has become the largest bereavement camp in the country, with 36 camps in 23 states and one in Canada.
The Moyer Foundation partners with healthcare and bereavement organizations in local communities to help fund, develop, and grow Camp Erin nationwide. For the Orange County program, bereavement experts and trained volunteers from the Spencer Hospice Foundation will help facilitate and raise additional funds to support Camp Erin Orange County.
“Camp Erin will help grieving children through the process of remembering and reflecting on the passing of their loved one; rejoicing in their contributions and legacy that have enriched their lives; and to renew their bonds of faith, family and community,” said Curtis Chan, board president of the Spencer Hospice Foundation. “We look forward to working together with The Moyer Foundation to bring Camp Erin to children in our community.”
The Moyer Foundation works with more than 100 Camp Erin Advocates and Supporters– national bereavement experts, celebrities and professional athletes – to help raise awareness and funds for Camp Erin in their local communities. In addition to support from the Angels Baseball Foundation, local MLB player advocates for Camp Erin Orange County include Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim’s Joel Piniero and his wife Shirley.
“My wife Karen and I are grateful to everyone who is getting involved to help support Camp Erin in their local communities and on a national level, bringing this much needed service to more children in more cities each year,” added Jamie Moyer, Co-Founder of The Moyer Foundation.
For more information on all Camp Erin locations, how to get involved in the program and The Moyer Foundation in general, visit www.MoyerFoundation.org.
About The Moyer Foundation and Camp Erin
The Moyer Foundation – (a public, 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization) was founded in 2000 by World Series-champion, Major League All-Star pitcher, Jamie Moyer and his wife, Karen. The Foundation’s mission is to help children in distress. With the community’s support, The Moyer Foundation creates and funds programs that directly serve the needs of children in physical, emotional or financial distress. The Foundation’s largest initiative is Camp Erin, free bereavement camps for grieving children and teens ages 6-17.
Camp Erin is a traditional, fun weekend camp combined with grief education and emotional support. With 36 camps in 23 states and one in Canada, Camp Erin is the largest bereavement camp in the country, serving more than 2,500 children annually. With the community’s support of the Campaign for Kids, The Moyer Foundation plans to establish as many as 60 camps nationwide- including at least one camp in every Major League Baseball city.
Camp Erin is facilitated through a long term partnership with a local bereavement agency. Together, these organizations and The Moyer Foundation raise funds to help bring the healing experience of Camp Erin to children in more communities each year.
About The Spencer Hospice Foundation
The Spencer Hospice Foundation is a unique, community based nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing hospice care by providing additional support services to hospice patients and their families. The foundation was established through a bequest given by Mr. Marlyn Spencer, a hospice patient diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, whose final wish was that the gift of hospice be strengthened by helping others like himself, who are isolated and in need. The Spencer Hospice Foundation therefore aims to support hospice patients by offering education in end-of-life care, assisting patients with special needs, and offering bereavement support to grieving children and their families. For more information on how to get involved with Camp Erin Orange County, go to www.spencer-foundation.org.
Contacts:
For Jamie & Karen Moyer: For The Moyer Foundation: For Camp Erin Orange County:
Andrea Kunicky Sandy Hawley Craig Strenger
410.442.1221 206.298.1217 714-597-8250
Andrea@MaroonPR.com Sandy@MoyerFoundation.org CStrenger@Spencer-Foundation.org
OR
Curtis Chan
714-447-4993
CJ_Chan@ChanandAssoc.com
