Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Open your hearts to camp fund

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Feb. 10, 2000 | 8:39 a.m.

Ruthe Deskin is assistant to the publisher. Her column appears Thursdays. h her at deskin@vegas.com.

"Thank you for the mostest fun I ever did have."

That was the text of a note from a little girl who had just returned from summer camp. She was able to go to camp when her fees were paid by the Sun Camp Fund.

Again this year hundreds of financially deprived or handicapped children will be dreaming of summer camp and "the mostest fun." For almost three decades the Sun Camp Fund has offered camperships to children. Thousands of youngsters have benefited through a camping experience. They would never have had the chance for a wonderful experience in the outdoors without financial help.

Through the years supporters of the Sun Camp Fund have included all kinds of individuals, businesses, organizations and foundations. There are no limits to the desire to bring happiness to a needy child. One donor, in particular, has been an inspiration.

Several years back I received a call from John Kovach. He wanted to know all he could about the Sun Camp project, how many children it helped, the cost per child, who was eligible and a dozen other pertinent questions. He told me he wanted to give something to "help little kids who deserve to be happy." If they can have something to remember, he said, it will help them all through their lives to know that people care about others. Every year a small donation came from Kovach. Usually there was a handwritten note apologizing for the amount and expressing his wish that it could be more "for these little kids."

Then a letter came to the Sun Camp Fund. It read: "I want to be sure the Youth Fund gets this check. I'm terminally ill, and time is running out fast for me. Please deposit this check as quick as you can. I've donated at least twice a year for the last five years. Not much, $25 each time. God love them all. Thank you. John A. Kovach."

Later I received a call from a lawyer's office. Kovach's will was being probated and he had left $1,000 to the Sun Camp Fund. To the very end he was thinking about children in need and doing his part to bring happiness to a disadvantaged boy or girl. John Kovach's legacy was to teach us all to love and cherish our children and his example of giving from the heart is how the Sun Camp Fund has been able to carry on the work started so many years ago.

With Valentine's Day a short few days away, it seems appropriate to remind one and all that the annual Sun Camp Fund drive is under way. How better to show love from the heart than doing something to make life a bit more joyful for boys and girls in need?

This year the demands on the Sun Camp Fund probably will be higher than ever before, with hundreds of children asking for financial assistance. Camping costs have risen and the fund's budget had to be increased in order to cover the costs. Donors to the Sun Camp Fund can be assured that every penny of their donation goes to make happiness happen for a needy child. All administrative costs, including two staff salaries, telephone, mailing and miscellaneous expenses are absorbed by the Las Vegas Sun.

It is the fervent hope of the Sun Camp Fund directors that you can be counted on to donate to this most worthy cause. Donations can be made to: the Sun Camp Fund, 800 S. Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas, NV. 89107.