Why I Give, by John Mattera '94

In the Spring you may have noticed the campaign led by the NYAA…We raised more than $50,000 in about one week’s time. I gave $5,000 which was a much larger gift than I’ve ever given to any organization. Why now? I have remained involved with Camp, however, only recently did I begin to understand the magnitude of Camp's financial situation. Camp has an amazing tradition of providing amazing campers with an amazing program... for free. And while the experience may have been magical, it was money, not magic, that made it happen.

I decided I wanted to do something to help. I contacted the Foundation and said that I wanted to give $5,000 but that I wanted my donation to encourage others to give. That inspired the NYAA President (who also happens to be my sister) to also pledge $5,000. She then contacted other NYAA members to join us in providing $5,000 matching gifts. Before we knew it, we had $25,000 in matching funds. Then we contacted the 2,000 New York alumni to help us get to each matching level.

The good news is that more alumni are giving now more than ever. At this critical juncture in the life of our organization we must look at our own capacity to help. Look at your situation at this time, think about the investment camp made in you. How have your career, family and friends been impacted by your experience at CRS? What is that worth to you? And what is it worth to you to give that opportunity to the next generation? 

Some alumni have said, “no one ever asked me to give.” Well, I’m asking you now. Please make a donation. Camp will be sustained if we invest in the future of our organization

Donate to Camp here.

Sarah Uttermann-Merritt '02, '03, '12 – '15

Sarah Uttermann-Merritt '02, '03, '12 - '15 has been a #GivingTuesday leader for CRS since 2013. She wrote the following message about #GivingTuesday 2015:

This Tuesday is Giving Tuesday, and you know what that means... I am trying to raise money for a charity I love.

I spent my sixth summer at Camp Rising Sun this year, and my fourth summer as a counselor. Camp is the best gift I've ever been given, and I'd like it if bright, caring teenagers from around the world could continue to spend a life-changing summer at CRS next year and for many years to come. So, I'm putting my money where my mouth is and using my entire salary from my four weeks at camp this summer-- $1,500-- to match your donations for the CRS 2016 season. This means if I raise $1,500 for camp, I will donate another $1,500.

UPDATE (at 10pm California time):

WOW! At midday today I was pretty sure I wouldn't be able to meet my goal. However, thanks to Christina my little campaign has now been publicized to the whole alumni community! Thanks to your help, with my matching donation we have SMASHED through my goal! A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to all the donors I have never met-- please let me know when you're in San Francisco and we'll get tea! Thank you thank you thank you! 

P.S. Anyone want to match the rest?

We're honored by Sarah's generosity and so proud of her hard work. This year, she raised over $3,700 dollars (and counting!) for her campaign. For the past four years, she took time off from her job as a data analyst in San Francisco to work at Camp Rising Sun. She is also project leader of the CRS Alumni Forum, heads selection in California, and serves on the Alumni Relations Committee. Sarah contributes so much to the CRS community.

She has also inspired others to follow in her footsteps. Sandesh Shettar '06 has started a campaign to match $1,000 (and raise $2,000). 

Sarah's determination, hard work, expertise, and dedication have benefited us through the years, and we're so thankful for her time and effort.

Has Sarah inspired YOU to take action? Here's how to get involved:

• Donate to Sarah's fundraiser here!
• Donate to Sandesh's fundraiser here! Remember, he will match your gifts up to $1,000 this week. 
• Create your own fundraiser and make a meaningful impact on Rising Sun 2016!
• Shop with Amazon Smile for Cyber Week and support LAJF at checkout.