URGENT UPDATE: The Arizona Daily Star Sportsmen’s Fund has just raised over $253,000 to provide summer camp scholarships for children from low-income households and active military families in Southern Arizona. This initiative aims to send local kids to enriching experiences at camps like YMCA and Scouting America, and it has already funded scholarships for 423 children this year alone.
In a remarkable community effort, the fund has received 1,038 donations totaling $253,673.97 and has allocated $256,252 for camp scholarships. Since its inception in 1947, the Sportsmen’s Fund has helped 44,814 children experience the joys of overnight camp, making it one of Arizona’s oldest and most efficient 501(c)(3) charities, with 97 cents of every dollar going directly to support the kids.
New developments this year include scholarships for Flowing Wells students to attend the overnight Sky School camp on Mt. Lemmon, with plans to expand this partnership in 2026 to benefit more children from Title 1 schools.
Donations to the Arizona Daily Star Sportsmen’s Fund qualify for the Arizona tax credit, allowing joint Arizona filers to donate up to $987 for the 2025 tax year, while other filers can contribute up to $495. Your generosity can make a significant impact on the lives of these children during critical summer months.
“Every dollar counts, and we are grateful for the community support that helps us send kids to camp,” said Debbie Kornmiller, a representative of the Sportsmen’s Fund.
Recent contributions have been diverse, with notable donations including $10,000 from Jack L. Alexander and $1,000 from Robert Vessella, highlighting the community’s commitment to supporting local youth. The fund continues to welcome donations year-round, ensuring that no child misses out on the camp experience.
For those aged 70½ or older, there is an opportunity to give directly from an IRA, potentially maximizing tax benefits. Consult your tax adviser to learn how this can apply to your tax return.
To contribute, visit azsendakidtocamp.org for credit card donations or send checks payable to Sportsmen’s Fund at P.O. Box 16141, Tucson, AZ 85732-6141. For more information, contact Debbie Kornmiller at 520-954-3139 or via email at [email protected].
This urgent call to action is crucial for ensuring that Southern Arizona children have access to transformative summer camp experiences. Share this story and contribute to making a difference today!
