Kenmore resident Alex Toole, 17, performed in front of an audience of 500 on Sept. 19 at Grow, an annual fundraising event for Camp Korey. Toole was born with Cerebral Palsy and has attended Camp Korey for several years.
For Toole, Camp Korey is a home away from home where he can “Just be a regular kid and have fun.” Over the years Toole has participated in a variety of camp programs, including soaring down the universally accessible zipline, horseback riding and Stage Night performances.
“Camp Korey is something special. It is a place where Toole is unconfined,” Alex’s mom Patricia Toole said. “Camp Korey is a place where the counselors saw his heart and appreciated his bright spark. He came home with his heart so full, he overflowed with happiness.”
Camp Korey is the only SeriousFun Camp in the Pacific Northwest, hosting life changing programs throughout the year for children living with serious medic al conditions.
Held on Camp Korey’s breathtaking grounds at the historic Carnation Farm, guests to Grow enjoyed exquisite pre-dinner chef and vintner pairings, bid on one-of-a-kind items, and enjoyed camper Stage Night, experiencing just a hint of the magic that 4,655 campers and families enjoy all year round. The dinner featured the talented Chef Bradley Dickinson of PEARL Bar and Dining. The event raised $1.6 million dollars to help empower children and their families living with serious medical conditions.
The event reunited the talents of KOMO Weather Anchor Steve Pool with retired News Anchor Dan Lewis, a Camp Korey Board Member.
“Since I retired from KOMO 4 News I’ve had time to get more involved with Camp Korey and to see the multitude of magical moments that happen at this amazing place,” Lewis said. “I’m really excited to be paired with my good friend Steve Pool as emcees for Grow and we know the friends of the camp will show their love for our campers as they have done in the past.”
Toole joined Lewis onstage at Grow and delighted the audience with jokes and riddles, communicating via a dynavox device.
“Our programs are designed to be accessible for all,” said Executive Director Hillary Carey. “At camp kids are kids first and foremost, and their medical conditions take a back seat to all the adventures and fun they are going to have. We work to build their sense of self, fill up their reservoir of courage, and challenge their perceived boundaries of limitations. Children living with serious medical conditions can experience stress, isolation and fear. Camp Korey is a safe haven where children are celebrated for who they are and can stretch themselves, all while being supported by a robust medical team and extraordinary volunteers and staff. “
Grow was generously sponsored through numerous corporate partners, including title sponsors Microsoft and Newman’s Own; platinum sponsor ECOS and Earth Friendly Products; gold sponsors The Clorox Company, Club Demo Services, John L. Scott Foundation, Key Bank and Unilever; and silver sponsors Abbott Construction, Coca-Cola, Moneytree and Seattle Children’s. Throughout the night, community members placed bids on amazing trips and items and raised the paddle to support Camp Korey’s mission.
