Camp Alexander loses Hopkins Foundation Funding
More than $30,000 in funding lost
By Brandy Nance
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Camp Alexander board has lost funding from the Hopkins Foundation, causing a search for a new director to be halted and leaving several other programs hanging in the air.
Kay Calvert, chairwoman the Camp Alexander board, said this morning that the board was informed Monday evening that it would be losing more than $30,000 in funding from the Hopkins Foundation. The funds supported the salary for the executive director position which was vacated recently by Sara Krueger Shaw who took a job in Council Grove. The board had placed ads and had received applicants for the job, but now with no way to fund the position, the ads have been pulled and applicants have been informed that the search has been halted.
“There’s nothing we can do but shut down the search,” Calvert said.
Calvert said the Hopkins Foundation had to make major cuts this year in what it funds.
“Hopkins has not said to us ‘don’t ever come back to us, we’re mad at you,’” Calvert said. “I think part of it is the economy. They said they had to do some major scaling back.”
Camp Alexander will carry on as much as it can with limited resources, Calvert said.
“We will evaluate what we need to do to keep the United Way funding,” she said, adding that United Way funding goes for programs.
The School’s Out program, which provides camp anytime public school is out, likely will be halted for now and summer camp is up in the air, Calvert said. Earth Day plans will continue this year as scheduled.
“Right now we plan to have summer camp,” Calvert added. “But we will really have to see if we can fund it.”
madpoet (anonymous) says...
Man, that's sad. The economy is hitting about everyone where it hurts, it seems. Maybe they could do a fund drive to keep some programs going.
February 4, 2009 at 11:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
EsqEB (anonymous) says...
Poet is right, they need to organize some sort of fundraiser. A lot of kids that grew up in the area spent summers and weekends at Camp Alexander. Those people are now adults and might be willing to open their checkbooks to help out. I know between organized summer camps, plus Boy Scout camps I spent a great deal of time at CA and so did alot of others.
February 4, 2009 at 2:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
I find it odd that shortly after Sara Krueger Shaw found another job that funds were cut, Isnt Her father Tom Krueger one of the board members responsible for the distribution of the funds? I may be wrong but I have to wonder why the funds were not cut during the time Sara had the job and they were shortly after she quit the position.
February 4, 2009 at 7:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
admireed (anonymous) says...
Hopkins Foundation has done wonderful things with their funds over a number of years. They deserve thanks not a poke in the eye. I would be hesitant in making a grant to Camp A now in fear that I might be "called out" if my gifting directions changed. Shame on you Camp A
February 5, 2009 at 9:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eelork (anonymous) says...
This is a prime example of the media creating a rift between two wonderful community organizations where there shouldn't be one. The Hopkins Foundation has been a huge factor in Camp Alexander's ability to create and offer programs that benefit the children and parents of the Emporia community. Most people have no idea what that involves. Without a doubt, the members of the Camp Alexander board is eternally grateful for all the support the foundation has given them through the years. This VOLUNTEER board and Sara Shaw have worked tirelessly to provide an extremely valuable asset to this community. Of course it will make a big difference in what the camp can now offer without the funds from Hopkins, This foundation has contributed so much to this community and should in no way be criticized, but they also have the right, for whatever reasons, to use their funds as they see fit. Shaw certainly also has the right to further her career when the opportunity became available. Who among us would not make that decision for ourselves or our families? On the other hand, there should be no shame to CA or its board for its concern about how they are going to continue to fund the programs so badly needed to help the children and parents of the area. "LifeGoesOn", you and your kind are what is wrong with this community. Maybe you should put positive energy into encouraging the other local foundations and community members into filling this gap instead of spreading your negative opinions. Or, here's a novel thought...maybe you should put your money where your mouth is...No "admireed", there should be no shame on CA. There should be only "thank you" to both the Hopkins foundation, Camp Alexander, and Sara Shaw for what they have done TOGETHER for this community. Now it's time for the rest of us to step up and keep it going!
February 6, 2009 at 10:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
eelork, Hows this for ya, A BIG THANK YOU should go to Hopkins, Camp Alexander and Sara Shaw for all they have done, They All have done Great things for Emporia and the community.
With that said
I STILL find it odd that shortly after Sara Krueger Shaw found another job that funds were cut. And I have to wonder why the funds were not cut during the time Sara had the job and they were cut shortly after she quit the position.
I suppose it could just be a matter of coincidence but my question still stands,Isnt Her (Saras) father Tom Krueger one of the board members responsible for the distribution of the funds? (I dont know, I'm just asking) Did she quit because the funds were Going to be cut? Or were they cut because she no longer needed the job?
lastly eelork, You have NO CLUE what I do or dont do for this community, where I spend my money or how, I could say the same to you, Put Your Money where your mouth is! but it sounds pretty stupid doesnt it since I dont know you or what you have done???
February 6, 2009 at 3:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )