UToledo Camp Kesem Chapter to Host Annual Make the Magic Gala

UToledo Camp Kesem Chapter to Host Annual Make the Magic Gala

The University of Toledo chapter of Camp Kesem will host its largest fundraiser of the year next month to support its free summer camp for children whose parents or caregivers have faced a cancer diagnosis.

The annual Make the Magic Gala will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Sylvania Country Club. The semi-formal event includes an open bar, dinner and dessert, as well as live entertainment and a silent auction.

"This is a really important fundraiser for our organization," said Meghana Perumalla, a sophomore biology student and Make the Magic Gala co-chair. "This is where we raise the bulk of the money that allows us to send these kids to camp at no cost to them, and we're so grateful for the community's continued support."

Tickets are available through Wednesday, March 4, and can be purchased on the Camp Kesem website. Individual tickets cost $70 and a table for eight is $450.

Camp Kesem is a national nonprofit that provides programs and services to children ages 6 to 18 whose parents or caregivers have or have had cancer. The student-led UToledo chapter was organized in 2020.

Though Kesem provides year-round resources, its signature event is a weeklong summer camp that offers children a break from the stress of a family member's cancer diagnosis while building a community of peers with similar experiences.

"Our camp has traditional activities like archery, swimming, rock climbing and kayaking, but there's also an emotional aspect to the camp," said Rahil Patel, a junior bioengineering major and co-director of the UToledo chapter. "We're all there to support the kids, help them through any grief and provide a safe place for them to be with others who understand what they're going through."

This year's camp will be held June 7-12 at Hidden Hollow Camp near Bellville, Ohio. Online registration is open now on the Camp Kesem website.

UToledo volunteers hope to raise about 30% of their annual goal of $55,000 through the Make the Magic Gala - enough to support up to 40 campers.