HAITI :: Putting the "labor" in Labor Day :: A computer lab for St. Vincent’s

A year round gift

Never have a row of cardboard boxes lining a hallway ever looked so wonderful! That's because these aren't just any boxes; they are filled to the brim with gifts from our supporters at Elkins PLC for the students, faculty and staff at St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children.

What's in those 16 boxes you might ask?

Each box holds a Dell desktop computer—including hard drive, keyboard, speaker and monitor—the foundation for the new computer lab (laboratories d’informatique) at St. Vincent’s in Port-au-Prince. The lab has been designed to meet the needs of all students regardless of ability: the room and desks will be wheelchair accessible; computers will be outfitted with braille and other software specific for the student's varying needs. 

Tom Landry II diligently wrapping monitors and keyboards 

Elkins PLC, a boutique commercial real estate firm in New Orleans, offered the computers following partner Shawn Richard’s recent trip to Haiti as a Red Thread volunteer and Camp Jake counselor. So profound was Shawn’s experience with St. Vincent’s students that he and the firm aspired to further students’ ability to engage more of the world on a daily basis. Elkin’s gift of technology is the first of many to bring this dream to fruition.

Shawn, partner at Elkins PLC, with a St. Vincent's student in Haiti

The concept for the lab builds on Camp Jake Director, Tom Landry II’s vision for Camp Jake. "The Red Thread’s goal is to broaden the horizons of each member of the St. Vincent's community. Beginning with Camp Jake in 2012, St. Vincent's students are brought to the Haitian coast for a 7-day camp filled with new experiences geared toward building self-confidence and societal awareness. The computer lab will build on this foundation, giving residents of St. Vincent's a porthole through which to explore the world beyond their native Haiti and, in the process, learn valuable computer skills that will serve them well into the future."

Prior to shipment, James Juneau of New Orleans based Axxess-IT prepared the computers with much needed software and updates. Today, Shawn and Tom put the “labor” in Labor Day as they packed box after box for the equipment’s scheduled departure this Tuesday. Finally, Haitian wireless service provider, Digicel, generously donated all of the furniture, paint, labor and wifi connection boxes for the entire lab. Digicel has also committed to maintaining the lab and providing free wifi to the entire St. Vincent’s campus.

Shawn wrapping individual computer speakers

With all of the boxing complete, a weary Tom is homeward bound

A hearty thanks to Elkins PLC, Axxess-IT and Digicel for their dedication to the children at St. Vincent’s! We look forward to sharing photos of the completed lab, which is slated to open in October 2013.

HAITI :: Making wishes at Camp Jake

Counselors preparing the hand-made Chinese sky lanterns (photo credit: Brian Clark)

Young Frenel and Michel pushing their wish skyward (photo credit: Brian Clark)

Following the traditional "end of camp dance" on the final evening of Camp Jake, counselors made their way to the beach, each carrying a biodegradable sky lantern to be released at sundown. All counselors prepared a wish for their group of kids that would be shared as the lanterns were lit and released over the ocean.

The onset of rain and the delicacy of the tissue paper may have hurried the process along, but the weather couldn't change the heartfelt wishes each counselor attached to their lantern. It was a memorable finale to the third successful camp, one that was shared by all campers, counselors, Kaliko staff members and other resort guests. 

"I wished for a productive and happy life for my kids 

and for more acceptance of them in Haiti." 

~ Shawn 

"I wished for the campers' safety, happiness and health." 

~ Kathy, The Red Thread Promise President 

"I wished for the kids to never give up hope; 

for them to find their purpose in life and make a difference in the world; 

and finally, for each to know and believe how much they matter."

~ Tina 

Camp Jake Director Tom propelling a lantern into the sky (photo credit: Brian Clark)

CAMP JAKE: In the news

Strong partnerships between US NGOs helps expand summer camp for children with disabilities in Haiti

Three-year partnership between The Red Thread Promise and Physicians for Peace brings more kids to camp

Camp Director, Tom, brandishing the donation from Physicians for Peace with campers

Havertown, PA – July 2, 2013 – Thanks to the collaborative efforts of a dedicated group of nonprofits, dozens of Haitian children with disabilities will gather outside Port-au-Prince again this July for an unparalleled summer camp experience. Camp Jake (a program of The Red Thread Promise) removes physical and emotional barriers, engaging campers in activities that promote health, healing and exploration in a fun nurturing environment. Thanks to The Red Thread’s long-term partnership with Physicians for Peace and a grant from the Major League Baseball Players Trust, we are able to expand the camp, bringing hope and healing to more students from St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children.

Together with the Players Trust, Physicians for Peace recently awarded $22,000 to The Red Thread Promise to support Camp Jake. The 40 plus campers expected to attend camp July 12-19 call St. Vincent's Center for Handicapped Children home in Port-au-Prince. 

"The concept for Camp Jake was inspired by my 16-year-old nephew, Jacob Richard, who suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a degenerative terminal illness,” said Tom Landry II, camp director and Red Thread board member. “We believe every child deserves the most life has to offer, regardless of ability, class, race or circumstance. Camp Jake will assure that physical limitations are left behind and replaced with endless opportunities for emotional and physical development in a fun-filled atmosphere. 

During camp, blind, deaf and non-ambulatory children take part in creative arts, music, occupational and physical therapy, expand on personal hygiene, hone life-skills, and participate in career-building opportunities under the supervision of a team of volunteer counselors, artists, musicians, mentors and healthcare professionals. Most importantly, campers learn to love and accept themselves for who they are and experience that love and respect reciprocated by Camp Jake counselors. 

"Physicians for Peace is thrilled to work with our partners to ensure that these children receive the care and fun-filled experience they deserve and need to lead healthier, happier lives," said Brig. Gen. Ron Sconyers (USAF, Ret.). "Once again, Camp Jake will be a life-changing experience."

“The Players Trust and all Major Leaguers are honored to support the efforts of Physicians for Peace and Camp Jake in helping provide these special young children with an experience they’ll never forget,” said Melissa Persaud, director of the Players Trust.  “Major Leaguers, through the Players Trust, are passionate about helping people in time of need. The players realize that misfortune can befall anyone at any time and are determined to partner with like-minded charitable organizations that share their passion to help.”

ABOUT THE RED THREAD PROMISE

The Red Thread Promise is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to bringing hope and healing to needy and orphaned children in China, Haiti and the United States. Our diverse programs exist to improve the quality of life for children with disabilities so they can live independently with dignity, health and, most importantly, HOPE. For additional information about our work in Haiti, please watch our video. Find The Red Thread online, on Facebook, and Twitter: @trtpromise. 

ABOUT PHYSICIANS FOR PEACE
Physicians for Peace is an international non-profit organization that mobilizes volunteer healthcare professionals to assist developing nations with unmet needs and scarce resources. Through effective, hands-on medical education and training, clinical care and donated medical supplies, Physicians for Peace develops long-term, sustainable, replicable and evidence-based programs to help partner nations build medical capability and capacity to help themselves. For additional information about Physicians for Peace, please visit our website and follow us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter, Physician4Peace.

ABOUT THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS TRUST
Through the Players Trust, Major Leaguers contribute their time, money and celebrity to call attention to important causes affecting the needy and to help encourage others to get involved in their own communities. For additional information, please visit www.MLBPLAYERS.com and visit the Players Trust channel on YouTube. Follow the Trust on Twitter: @MLBPlayersTrust.

CAMP JAKE: Continuing with physical therapy

During Camp Jake July 2012, with the support of Physicians for Peace therapist, Jake M, we began doing physical therapy with some of the campers. That therapy continues through Camp Jake 2013 with the help of our nurses, Ashly and Danielle. The pair took Marie Line and Christina into the pool for adpated therapy where they stretched and toned muscles while strengthening their cores.

Christina being helped into the pool for therapy (photo credit: Brian Clark)

Ashly working with Christina (photo credit: Brian Clark)

During an interview prior to camp, we asked each of our nurses to tell us a bit about themselves and what compelled them to volunteer. (Read about Danielle.)

ASHLY, RN

Originally from New Orleans, Ashly is a recent graduate of nursing school and sister of Camp Jake Director, Tom. After speaking with her, it was evident that Tom's enthusiasm for camp had certainly rubbed off! Having heard the gritty details of the two previous camps first-hand, Ashly acknowledged that the workload would be huge but she was up for the challenge. "This certainly won't be a vacation, but I am really looking forward to doing things for others. Relationships built with the campers will be hard to break at the end of the week. I'm prepared for this to bring out raw emotions in all of us."

In a more formal statement, Ashly wrote "My underlying passion is caring for others. This passion fuels my search for volunteer opportunities where my compassion and skills can be used to their fullest. I was—and still am—inspired by The Red Thread Promise’s mission to provide for orphans and needy children and positively impact their young lives. As this is my first mission trip, I plan to learn more about Haiti's culture, population end environment to further my involvement in projects dedicated to improving living conditions. Finally, I hope that I will be empowered by the individuals I encounter, walking away with a humbling and satisfying experience that will change my outlook on life."  

---------------------------

Interested in serving as medical staff during Camp Jake 2014? 

Please fill out the volunteer interest form on our website and we'll get back to you! We're already looking for people for next year's camp.

CAMP JAKE: In the ocean

Good times with Tina and Elisme (photo credit: Brian Clark)

Ashly and Sandee (photo credit: Brian Clark)

Tom and Frenel (photo credit: Brian Clark)

Relaxation after a swim (photo credit Brian Clark)

CAMP JAKE: Arrival!

The arrival of the first bus and Christina making her grand entrance

Camp Jake 2013 has truly begun now that the campers have arrived! Two busses picked up kids from St. Vincent's on Saturday morning—one at 9:00 and one at 10:00am—to begin the bumpy trek to Kaliko Beach. 

Shawn greeting the ever-smiling Yolene

The first bus, toting the non-ambulatory kids, arrived before noon to cheerful greetings from counselors. As always, the enthusiasm was electric! Campers were very excited to reconnect with Tom, Shawn and DeeDee who they remembered well from previous camps. The new counselors received warm introductions, big hugs and eager smiles. About an hour later, the second bus arrived with all able-bodied campers and, once again, loud cheers resounded through the resort. (Author's note: Wonder what the other resort guests thought of our arrival!)

Maille and Solomon greeted by Shawn and Tom

Following cold drinks and receiving name bracelets, each camper was introduced to their counselor: the person who would provide a wake-up call in the morning, ensure that they made it to each activity and meal, and take them to their room every evening. Then it was off to lunch, the pool for an afternoon of swimming, dinner and a movie: Pirates of the Caribbean, of course!

CAMP JAKE: Gumbo galore!

Head chef, Tom, manning the gumbo

Maxing out St. Vincent's stove

Marie Carmel lending a hand in the steaming hot kitchen

A mountain of okra

HAITI :: MAY 15-20, 2013 :: During the most recent trip, Tom gave St. Vincent's residents a sneak peek at one of the activities that will be introduced at Camp Jake 2013 - cooking! After a long day of scouting potential sites for a farming initiative that The Red Thread Promise plans to launch (stay tuned for details), Tom and Doug—our aeroponics expert and Tom's traveling companion—brought the ingredients for a traditional New Orleans gumbo!


Campers and residents of all ages joined the pair in St. Vincent's kitchen prepping chicken, sausage and okra for a dish completely foreign to the kids—one they had never tasted or even heard of. (40 lbs of rice and 35 lbs of meat make for some serious gumbo!) As the gumbo's boil roared, campers looked on inquisitively wondering if the rice would be mixed in with the gumbo and, in true Haitian form, speculating if there were enough spices in it!  

Some of the evening's sous-chefs

Grinding spices

Following over 4 hours in the kitchen where temperatures soared to well over 100 degrees F, the gumbo was ready. Thinking their work was complete and they could escape to the cooler air outdoors, Tom and Doug realized they had to serve 70+ hungry residents, far more than originally anticipated.

The final product, seasoned to perfection

Plenty of rice

Again, the campers came to his aide and an assembly line quickly formed without Tom or Doug's direction. First, the bowls were filled with a heap of rice. Second, each was smothered in piping hot gumbo and sprinkled with filé. Lastly, sliced baguette and butter dollops were added to complete the dish. The finishing touch: ice-cold Tang® and a bit of candy for everyone.

Outside the kitchen, a long line of hungry residents had already formed. Within minutes of being served, the bowls were emptied and the residents returned for more until every bit was devoured.

Campers and residents filing in for a bowl of gumbo

Tom and Doug resisted returning to their hotel until well after 10pm, long after our usual Haiti curfew. Doug even inquired about sharing space in the dorms as he had made numerous friends and learned more sign language then he ever thought possible.

The old saying, "too many cooks in the kitchen" was given a new meaning during the gumbo cookout. We welcomed each and every helper and were grateful for their assistance in preparing the meal. Every chef was instrumental in the meal's success! 


One of our many goals is to help St. Vincent's become self-sustainable so there is sufficient food for everyone all the time. Currently, staff and students receive beans and rice twice a day; on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays they receive a third portion. This reinforces our efforts to explore sustainable farming initiatives so no student is hungry again.

Yes, that is indeed ice-cold Tang® 

Dieumenne distributing candy to everyone

CAMP JAKE: Camp Director visits St. Vincent's

St. Vincent's students greeting Tom

As you've read on many occasions, Tom travels to Haiti often during each year to see his friends at St. Vincent's. But there is no time where residents celebrate his arrival more than the visit that takes place 8 weeks before Camp Jake. This trip—May 15th through 20th—was no exception!

As he pulled through the gates of St.Vincent's, former campers emerged from the dormitories, kitchen, clinic, classrooms and convened at the SUV. Even as he opened the door, campers pummeled him with questions about camp in French, English and in sign language:

• which counselors were returning from Camp Jake 2012?
• what activities were planned for the upcoming camp?
• are they going to the same resort?

Several even pulled Tom aside following his visit and shared that Camp Jake was truly the one event they look forward to each year and asked that he promise they will always have Camp Jake. Of course, Tom answered that as long as he was around and there were campers as eager as they were to attend, there would always be a Camp Jake!

His answer brought a smile to each camper's face as well as the entire The Red Thread Promise team.

Tom and Samuel at Camp Jake / July 2012

HAITI :: Calling all camp counselors!

The following letter was sent to potential Camp Jake counselors this past week. If you are interested in becoming a counselor for the 2013 session of Camp Jake and did not receive a letter, please read below. We welcome all applicants!

Thank you for your interest in joining The Red Thread Promise as a counselor at Camp Jake, July 2013.

Camp Jake is an extraordinary summer camp where disabled Haitian children and teens are given the opportunity to move beyond their disabilities in a fun and compassionate environment, discovering and nurturing their own innate abilities. Each camper is given the opportunity to engage in cultural exchanges with counselors, sports, aquatics, creative arts, music and physical therapy at Kaliko Beach Club, located in Montrouis on the Northern coast of Haiti. Carefully selected activities are geared toward campers developing new life skills and experiences that impart greater self-confidence and self-esteem, with a focus on the campers’ future integration into the greater Haitian society.

The Red Thread’s first Camp Jake was held in January 2012, followed by another session in July 2012, each a success! Our campers continue to build on past experiences at Camp Jake and are excited about our next session. Camp Jake 2013 will host 50+ campers and with that we require 14-16 extraordinary counselors with varying backgrounds.

Given the harsh conditions of the Haitian environment and the many disabilities of our campers, we require our counselors to have the following characteristics:

• Empathy and compassion for both campers and their 
• Reliability and responsibility
• Patience with campers and other counselors
• Motivation
• Ability to follow detailed instructions
• Ability to multi-task in a high stress environment with sudden and expected changes
• Be physically fit with the ability to lift 75 lbs.
• Ability to work in temperatures exceeding 90F / 32C
• Ability to swim in both pool and sea
• A youthful outlook
• Energetic and gregarious personality
• Sense of humor

In addition to the above qualities, we look for candidates that have experience in the arts, sports, aquatics, French, ASL, physical therapy and those with CPR / lifeguarding certification.

Camp Jake 2013 will require counselors to depart the US from their respective cities on July 10, 2013 and return on July 21, 2013.  All counselors share the same flight into and departing from Haiti. The time includes an 8 day camp, a full day of training before the camp and time to recuperate following the camp.

Our fundraising efforts for the July camp will begin in February and we hope to be able to subsidize the costs of the counselors’ airfare to and from Haiti as we have for the past camps at an average cost of $900.00 per person. All remaining fees (estimated at $1,500 per counselor) are the responsibility of the counselor and must be paid in accordance with a schedule provided by The Red Thread Promise upon acceptance into the program. These remaining costs will cover all ground transportation, accommodations at the hotels in Port-au-Prince and Kaliko Beach Club and meals during the trip. The total cost per counselor is approximately $2,500.00 before any applicable subsidization.

If you plan to do fundraising for your own trip expenses, we will gladly assist you in your efforts over the next several months. Please inquire when you send your completed application and I will contact you to discuss your ideas as well as those used by previous counselors successfully. We encourage all to apply and let us help you through fundraising.  While it may seem daunting task, it can be fun and a highly rewarding experience.

If you would like an application to be a counselor at Camp Jake July 2013, we ask that you contact Kathy Korge Albergate by phone at 817.320.6522 or email at kathy@redthreadpromise.org.  If you have any questions regarding the camp or being a counselor, please contact Tom Landry, Camp Jake Director at tom@redthreadpromise.org.

Given the number of applications we receive for counselor positions, we encourage you to return your Request for Application by February 20, 2013. Upon receipt of your completed application, a formal time-line will be provided for conference calls and fees. Please note that late applications cannot be considered for this session due to the logistical nature of this camp.

Questions and additional inquiries welcome!

Thank you.
Tom Landry, Camp Jake, Director
Kathy Korge Albergate, President, Founder

About Jake Richard, Camp Jake namesakeJake is a vibrant teenager with Duchenne Musclular Dystrophy, a rare and progressive disease that involves rapid degeneration of the muscles with a life expectancy in the late teens. Jake’s dream is to provide a unique summer experience for children with disabilities like his own in a supportive, barrier-free environment. Jake participates in the planning of camp activities and engages the campers via Skype.

CAMP JAKE :: Lessons learned, part 1

We discovered how beautifully blue and green acrylic paint mix on suitcase fabric after the lids came loose during our travels! Several counselors, including our fearless leader Tom, did their best to clean up and conserve the paint for the wonderful activities in store for the campers. We even made a fashion statement with this messy situation - Ana's shorts are now a new shade of green for the trip home!

Tom scrubbing!

A great weekend

Tom, Shawn and Jake with his award

Any weekend with 2 celebrations is a good one in The Red Thread's book.

Not only did we celebrate Memorial Day to honor  those who have served our country both past and present, but Jacob—namesake for Camp Jake—graduated from the 8th grade. Jake was recognized by the Vice Principal of his school with an award for "his absolute patience and perseverance against all odds." 

Congrats to Jake on a great accomplishment and THANK YOU to all of the men and woman who have and continue to serve our country.

St. John's supports our wheelchair program

A big thank you goes out to The Church of St. John's in the Village, New York City, for naming The Red Thread Promise it's 2012 Lenten beneficiary.


St. John's learned about The Red Thread from watching our PBS segment in January, 2012. Not long after the story aired, St. John's contacted Kathy who jumped at the opportunity to visit New York City. She met with the church's Outreach Committee and shared details about TRTP's domestic and international work.

One of St. John's bulletin boards

The committee later selected our All Terrain Wheelchair program as part of the church's Lenten journey and set to work sharing information with parishioners via word-of-mouth, internal and external bulletin boards and their website. The church began receiving donations on our behalf, raising funds for the maintenance and upkeep of our All Terrain Wheelchairs.


On May 13th, Kathy and husband, The Reverend Dr. Scott Albergate, visited St. John's to receive a check for $4,500 during their worship service. A beautiful prayer was offered at the dedication of the check that we'd like to share:

"I ask your prayers for peace; for goodwill among nations; 

and for the well-being of all people. Pray for the people of Haiti, 

especially all injured children, and for those working in 

The Red Thread project, that the most vulnerable of your people 

in this troubled land may be restored to fullness of life. 

Pray for peace and justice."

We are humbled that St. John's would think of The Red Thread's work during the holy season of Lent and are thrilled to share that a portion of their funds have already been put to their intended use. Kathy and Tom recently returned from Haiti where they worked with the employees of St. Vincent's on our wheelchairs.


We thank the parishioners and supports of The Church of St. John's in the Village and appreciate all they are doing to make the lives of disabled people in Haiti better.

Working on the wheelchairs

Back in Haiti again

Flag Day celebration

Yesterday The Red Thread team embarked on our second trip of the year to visit and work with our friends in Haiti. Following a redeye flight for Kathy and Tom, the two met up in Miami and flew in to Port-au-Prince together. After settling into the hotel, a meeting and dinner, they went their separate ways to rest up and prepare for the busyness of today, when the real work began.

Tom and a St. Vincent's student

First on the agenda was visiting St. Vincent's where we found out that Tom is quite the kid-magnet! Students of all ages were coming out of the woodwork to greet and hug him, happily posing for pictures, especially those from Camp Jake. To our surprise the kids were preparing for Flag Day. Each had made his or her own Haitian flag and was proudly displaying it in the classrooms, around the grounds and during a ceremony in the courtyard which the team happily observed.

Then Kathy and Tom got down to work, meeting with Fr. Sadoni, Director of St. Vincent's, for a long meeting covering a multitude of topics including: 

• the rebuilding of the school
• creation of a much-needed computer lab
• setting up routine All Terrain Wheelchairs (ATWs) maintenance and repair
• computer accessibility in the pharmacy
• the release of the handicap-accessible van from customs
• the soon to be unveiled St. Vincent's logo (designed by TRTP's Vice President, Sonya) 
• the upcoming session of Camp Jake, the campers and the caregivers

MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

Computer Lab

Fr. Sadoni was very excited to hear that The Red Thread is working to secure 20 computers to be sent to St. Vincent's in order to set up a much-needed computer lab for students! To top it off, we were excited to learn that our main concern—that of consistent power to run the computers—has already been addressed. A new electrical breaker has been installed on the grounds that provides uninterrupted power in the classrooms and offices. A dedicated, secure space will be prepared to set up a fully functioning computer lab in the school. The Red Thread team will then travel to St. Vincent's to help set up the lab and do some of the initial training of lab workers and older students who will mentor the younger ones as they learn to use the computers. What a blessing!

All Terrain Wheelchairs (ATWs)

One of the things that makes The Red Thread stand out from the "drop it and run" relief organizations is our commitment to the people we serve and the supplies that we send. With each trip, we check on those using our wheelchairs as well as the chairs themselves, looking for signs of wear and tear, making sure they are in good working order, talking to the people using the chairs to provide input, always on the lookout for areas of improvement. 

 Kathy surrounded by workers from the prosthetics shop

 Inserting the new tubes

 Testing out the tire pumps

Making sure everything is in good order!

During our trip in January 2012, we noted that some of the tires weren't holding air as well as anticipated. After much research, Kathy secured alternate tubes as well as several different kinds of pumps for the St. Vincent's crew to try. Kathy and Tom worked hand-in-hand with the St. Vincent's team to change out many of the tubes with the new ones and tested all of the air pumps. Scheduled maintenance has been set up and will be done on the chairs every 2 weeks to ensure that they are always in top working order for their owners. After determining if these tubes hold air better than the originals, we will order new tubes for all of the wheelchairs.

Camp Jake

Tomorrow is the big day for Camp Jake. The team will scout 2 new locations to see if there is another facility with better accessibility for those in wheelchairs. They will also be spending time looking for Haitian markets where more of the camp supplies can be purchased in-country, instead of purchasing everything in the US and carrying it in. We are always looking for ways to save money without sacrificing quality.


As details were ironed out and plans discussed for all of these projects, that red thread of destiny was revealed again. Our team felt a spine-tingling connection to the administration, staff and students of St. Vincent's. We know we are in this for the long haul. We hope you are too. Join us during this journey of providing hope and healing to some of Haiti's most vulnerable children. Through your financial support and volunteerism we can and are making a difference in the lives of these kids.

Fr. Sadoni and Tom

Excitement mounts for Camp Jake!

Tom (left), Shawn (right) and Jake (center), namesake for Camp Jake

Trying to find the right words to describe last week's Camp Jake reception in New Orleans has proven to be considerably more difficult than anticipated! The event was more than a great evening, more than camaraderie, more than fun.

It was an emotional high!

Tom—Camp Jake director and Red Thread board member—and Shawn graciously hosted the event in their loft, a beautiful space that more than accommodated the 50+ people who came to show their support of The Red Thread Promise. Every detail was meticulously ironed out, from the tabletop clean-burning fireplace to the sea salt organic dark chocolate truffles to the rooftop space overlooking the brilliantly lit Superdome. A continuous loop of photographs from Haiti and St. Vincent's played in the media room while people mingled, ate and laughed. The vibe was a refreshing blend of sophistication and Southern hospitality with a modern twist.

While wonderful, all of these things aren't what made the evening so memorable. It was the people, gathered to meet our guest of honor, 14-year-old Jake Richard.

Even with the serious health challenges that his muscular dystrophy continually poses, his parents, René and Stephanie, drove him from Houston to New Orleans to spend the evening with us. What a dynamic and inspiring young man!

As Jake maneuvered his motorized wheelchair from the elevator into the loft, he certainly made a brilliant first impression. Having been apprised of his love for all things orange, he boldly sported the brightest orange sneakers in current history and an orange checkered button down shirt atop the first Camp Jake t-shirt with his name ablaze in—you guessed it—orange.

With impeccable manners, he greeted each new face, graciously answered everyone's questions and spent as much time as necessary with each guest. As we spoke with him, his positive outlook on life was apparent. He posed for photos for anyone wielding a camera and we were able to capture his signature smile time and time again with different guests.

After enjoying hors 'devours and mingling, Tom shared the brief story about the inspiration for Camp Jake. While attending a summer camp for children with muscular dystrophy with Jake years ago, Tom felt his heart begin to change. The experience was so profound that he embraced that change and, on New Year's Eve of the same year, decided to stop just writing checks to charities. He made a promise to himself to take a hands on approach to his philanthropy and never looked back. He and Jake shared a dream to provide a similar experience to other children with disabilities, specifically those who would not otherwise have the opportunity.

Following several mission trips to Haiti with The Red Thread, the students at St. Vincent's Center for Handicapped Children emerged as the perfect fit for the concept. Soon after, the idea had a name and a face: Camp Jake.

René, Jake's father, also shared a few words on his son's behalf. He told how, at a young age, Jake had been able to do nearly everything that his two older brothers could do: run, play, and all things "boy". As he grew, they knew that something wasn't right and Jake was eventually diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare and progressive disease that involves rapid degeneration of the muscles with a life expectancy in the late teens.

Tom, Stephanie (Jake's mother) and Jake

Jake's wish has always been to make a difference in the lives of other people who may have lost hope due to a disability. He has taken his wish to heart by working with the Muscular Dystrophy Association as a Goodwill Ambassador, attending fundraisers and media events, and being featured on the national MDA Telethon. He and his mother run 5k, 10k and half marathons together, evoking the spirit of their motto “Always look on the bright side of life.”

It is with this tenacious spirit that seven volunteer counselors will join 35 disabled orphans at St. Vincent's in January 2012, providing each child with an opportunity to wholly experience the motto that the camp's namesake, Jake Richard, lives by each day of his life.

This beautiful and inspirational evening will remain in our memory for years to come.