Thinking Outside the Box for Camp Scholarships at the SCC

For more than 25 years the Sephardic Community Center has been operating a day camp and extending scholarships to families requiring financial assistance. In 2007, the SCC extended camp scholarships to hundreds of qualifying families and all indications point to an even higher demand this year. Limited sources of funding have forced camp administrative staff to think outside the box.

To close the gap between demand and available dollars, the scholarship committee teamed up with the SCC Boutique Showcase coordinators and in no time a vendor booth was allocated to the day camp to help generate needed revenue.

Included with the fine jewelry, clothing and unique items was a booth called “The Buck Stops Here.” Stocked with an assortment of donated merchandise from community businesses, the booth quickly went into action selling a variety of donated quality goods at deep discounts. Proceeds from sales went directly to the scholarship fund.

What began as a camp scholarship project, quickly turned into a community event. Participating Boutique Showcase vendors took time out from their own booths to offer the SCC booth assistance and advice. Product display tips and materials were offered; purchases were made by vendors to show support and give the fundraising effort a boost. Vendor efforts ensured success and enabled the SCC to offer scholarship assistance to dozens of community children who will now be able to enjoy a fun-filled summer camp experience.

For two days the benefactors of goodwill became the beneficiaries, a truly humbling experience. A debt of gratitude is extended to all who showed their support to the SCC and our community children.

Should you or someone you know require scholarship assistance for day camp services, please contact Norman Mandel at (718) 954-3134 or Carmen Sabbagh at (718) 954-3136.