The countdown is on. Well, two countdowns actually. The one most of you know about started in mid-summer when North Star Reach celebrated breaking ground on our new camp facility. Substantial construction should be complete late this year which means that in just a little over a year from now, we will be preparing for first ever camp session. While that specific date is still TBD, there is palpable excitement like never before and we hope that you will stick around to be a part of the once in a lifetime fun. With camp’s opening still in the distance, the second countdown’s end is in sight.

Less than a month from now another once in a lifetime event will take place. Somebody Told Me is a one night event on Monday, February 9th 2015 at The Ark in Ann Arbor, bringing together singer/songwriters Brett Dennen, Jonathan Kingham, Andrew McMahon and Glen Phillips to benefit three amazing non-profits. All four artists will take the stage for a night in the round of acoustic performances and stories. North Star Reach is one of those amazing non-profits, but you already know that or you would not be here reading this, so here’s the scoop on Sky High Hope Camp and the Dear Jack Foundation. Sky High Hope Camp is a program run by the Ronald McDonald House of Denver providing a week-long camping program for children with cancer celebrating their 37^th summer. The Dear Jack Foundation advocates for and supports initiatives that directly benefit adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer.  The foundation supports organizations which recognize the unique challenges the AYA community faces, during and post-treatment. Right about now, your brains are thinking, this sounds like fun while also wondering what’s the connection between these three organizations?

One year ago, on Monday, February 10^th, my wife was diagnosed with leukemia while visiting camp friends in Colorado. Thankfully, today she is doing great and in remission after a bone marrow transplant. We are blessed. Our journey from diagnosis through today remains a blur, however what is crystal clear, was the overwhelming support we received from our family and friends, including those at NSR, SHHC and Dear Jack. You see, it was kind of like camp for us, without the cabins of course, being surrounded by such an amazing community of people providing comfort and care in a time of need. It is a familiar place for us, just from the other side. My wife has volunteered at Sky High for over 20 years. My brother has volunteered at camps for over 17 years and is the Executive Director of Dear Jack. I have had the privilege of being involved with camping now going on my 25^th year. I always knew camp was a special place, I just had no idea what it felt like to be on the receiving end of it.

So, Somebody Told Me is less about cancer or camp and more about the community and people that make it up. I am lucky to know all the artists through my brother, who also works in the music business, and am grateful that they are giving their time and talent to help us raise some money for North Star Reach, Sky High Hope Camp and The Dear Jack Foundation. Honestly, this event is not even really about making lots of money, it is a celebration of family, friendship, kindness, generosity and the amazing spirit of camp. I hope you will consider joining us for this special night as we celebrate these great artists and the impact all three organizations are making. Tickets are going fast so visit http://theark.org for more information.

Patrick
Director of Operations at North Star Reach