Touching $1.2 Million Houston Night Brings Two Surprises, Makes Camp For All Possible — Where Horsing Around Is Encouraged

What: Camp For All 30th anniversary gala

Where: The Revaire

PC Moment: Beyond the big news that the Camp For All 30th anniversary gala raised more than $1.2 million for the camp that provides barrier-free experiences for children and adults with challenging illnesses or special needs, there was a major surprise. During the “Send A Camper” appeal, honorees Martha and Buzz White were completely surprised and thrilled to learn that a group of their friends had arranged for the purchase of two horses for Camp for All.

The equines are now part of the barrier-free equestrian programs at Camp For All. Ace and Deuce have already begun their training at the camp. While the horses weren’t able to make the gala, in their stead the Whites were presented with a pair of stick horses wearing burnt orange bandannas.

Applause, applause for gala chairs Lauren and Chris Baker and Debra and Steve Gilbreath as well as for additional honoree Patrick Samuels, who was recognized — as were the Whites — for longtime support of and dedication to the camp.

The value of the camp experience was shared by Mayra Delacruz, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 2. Her first Camp for All visit was at age 14, at which time she says that she was a “scared and timid child who had never ventured out of my parents’ protection, stepping into the world outside my bubble.

“That week, I had fun doing activities that I never thought would be possible for me: zip-lining, canoeing and riding a horse,” she told the gathering. “This initial experience allowed me to gain knowledge of the greater disability community and step out of my comfort zone.”

Young Delacruz has become one of the 9,000 campers that visit the 206-acre campsite each year.

PC Seen: Camp for All president and CEO Pat Prior Sorrells, emcees Lisa Malosky and Angela Wigglesworth, Liz and Robert Ragney, Diann and Mike Lewter, Marilyn and Louis Mogas, Melinda and Matt Mogas, Larry Neuhaus, Alan Chambers, Marcella and Nicholas Foreman, Rhonda and Dr. Paul Gerson, Dr. Robert Zeller, and Steph and Bryan Maers.