By Lulu

This is by far one of my favorite events of the year. The Rossmeyer’s and Camp Boggy Creek went all out again to celebrate the silver anniversary of the ride. Over the past 25 years the Ride for Children weekend has raised over $6 million dollars to support the camp. It started with a gala on Saturday night at the Plaza Hotel with a wonderful meal, cocktails, a silent and live auction…and more generosity than you could imagine in the hearts of many. Live music by Landon Lane playing Jerry Lee Lewis’ flamed piano (provided by Derrick Ames) got people up on their feet. But the emotions of the night came as a young cancer survivor had us think back to being happy, playful, healthy 9-year olds. He told of HIS ninth year and being diagnosed with bone cancer, and entering the world of hospitals, doctor visits, multiple surgeries, constant IV’s and sickness…fear. Then the opportunity to go to Camp Boggy Creek gave him his life back. He made a best friend and found the happy child he once had been. He was able to play, explore and learn. He emotionally thanked those in the room and there wasn’t a dry eye to be seen because we knew how lucky we were to have been healthy kids, not children fighting a monster within.

The next morning the ride departed from Destination Daytona expertly escorted by seven local law enforcement agencies; Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach and Port Orange Police and the Volusia County, Flagler County and Lake County Sheriff’s Departments. As we turned to enter the camp, I thought of the young man who spoke the night before and wondered what his emotions were the day he arrived at camp. I imagined how excited he must have been, but also the fear of leaving the safety of his home and the medical care he was familiar with. I remembered myself as a child being afraid when my parents took me to 4-H Camp and dropped me off with strangers. I cried myself to sleep that first night…and I was healthy.

As we arrived passing signs held by campers and parents thanking the riders, I really understood how strong their gratitude for this camp is. The camp is beautiful. Boggy Creek is everything a camp should be. 232 acres with welcoming bunk houses, a huge dining hall and a beautiful lake. Horseback riding, fishing, archery, crafts and zip-lining are some of the amenities that the kids get to enjoy. We were treated to a wonderful meal of chicken and steak provided by Outback Steakhouse where. all the employees donate their time for this event. Another silent and live auction raised more funds. The live entertainment at the camp was the Tobacco Rd. Band and we all enjoyed their mix of country and rock. This year’s Grand Marshalls, Jimmy Van Pelt, Michael Austin and Doug Danger were on hand to add to the festivities.

For a $50 registration/donation you get a chance to help a kid be “just a kid” for a week. No child is ever charged for camp. The camp was founded by Paul Newman, General Norman Schwarzkopf and other community leaders. But it has been funded by dollars generously given by large and small donors too numerous to mention. The cost of $2500 for a week at camp takes many generous hearts. A special thank you to the Rossmeyer Family, John Hamlin, Robert White, Collin & Jeanmarie York, Heather Larsen, Eva Connors McMullin, S. R. Perrott, Inc., Patricia Miracle and Frank Scott, all the sponsors and to each and every rider throughout the last 25 years that keep the legacy of Bruce Rossmeyer alive.