Every Thursday, at our office, we have a team meeting. Yesterday, in the middle of many conversations (Camper Applications, Family Camps, Fall Fest — just to name a few), the door opened and Bobbie Blitz walked in — longtime supporter of Tamarack Camps, mother of Mark Blitz (alum), Dr. Jennifer Blitz-Sobol (alum and former board member), and grandmother of current campers, Ezra and Ruben Sobol.
Politely, she walked in front of the group and apologized for disrupting. “Please,” we said, “join us!” Then, with a warm smile, she opened a bag and pulled out a tzedakah box, filled with coins. “I play mahjong,” she said, “and, for years, I’ve been collecting my winnings — now I’m bringing them to you!” Since watching our virtual SK2T Event in May of 2021, when we launched the CAMPaign for Change, Bobbie has been saving her earnings and brought them here to help send more kids to camp!
With her message, so many thoughts filled our hearts:
- Thank you, Bobbie, for brightening our meeting by your generosity, kindness, and enthusiasm!
- Thanks, Geoff Kretchmer, Tamarack Camps Immediate Past President, for conceiving the grassroots idea of our community collecting coins to send kids to camp — “collecting change for collective change.”
- Thanks to so many other supporters that have met and continue to honor this challenge so meaningfully — campers, staff members, parents, grandparents, supporters, and alumni.
Finally, back to Bobbie. As she left our office, with a huge smile on her face, she glanced back, waved, and exclaimed, “See you again in a few years… with a refilled box!”
Good luck in maj, Bobbie. This change is such good fortune for the community, where every coin matters!
Now, as we continue to collect change, reunite, and enjoy the sweetness of our 122-year-old organization, we look forward to gathering and embracing the New Year at Fall Fest 2023 — please join us!