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Pie(s) to the Face(s)
Putnam School Resource Officer Kyle Maheu, left, got a pie in the face after the Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center blew past its $5,000 fund-raiser goal for camperships. Hale Y Executive Director Amanda Kelly is laughing at right. And when they beat the $6,000 mark, Putnam Police Chief Christopher Ferace, above, was hit with a pie, as well. Linda Lemmon photos.
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By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
No surprise last week, the community came out in force for its children.
The Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center June 23 held its fifth annual Camp-A-Thon to raise money to send local children to Camp Cutler at the Hale YMCA. WINY Radio once again boosted the effort with a two-hour live broadcast.
Executive Director Amanda Kelly said this year more than $7,400 was raised and donations are still coming in. The goal was $5,000. Donations both large and small accounted for the goal-busting total that’s still climbing.
One of the best parts about beating the $5,000 goal was a pie to the face for Putnam Police officer/school resource officer Kyle Maheu. And when $6,000 goal was passed Putnam Police Chief Christopher Ferace got a pie in the face, too. Maheu picked out two campers to bestow the creamy honors.
While $7,400 isn’t a record, it’s already beat last year’s total by $1,000, she said.
She estimated that the Camp-A-Thon has raised close to $50,000 through the years.
What the purpose of the Camp-A-Thon? “The purpose is simple — raise money to send kids to camp!” she said.
Last year, she said, “We awarded more than $12,000 for 31 children to attend 10 weeks of camp each.”
“Our community never fails to step up when there is a need, and our Camp-A-Thon is no different! I am humbled by the outpouring of support from everyone who donated. Every dollar raised goes directly to support sending kids to camp at the Hale YMCA. For many of our area families, camp is a necessity during the summer months. Camp Cutler provides a safe and engaging space for children to meet new friends and try new activities throughout the summer. The relationships that kids build together are so critical to their development. Every day at camp is another opportunity to try something new and learn to work together.”
Donations can still be made at the Hale YMCA or at haleymca.org.

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