Photo, ERAJustin 2009 Muscular Dystrophy fundraising has begun for the ERA Justin Realty Summer Camp for Kids effort to send as many local children to camp so they can enjoy some fun in the sun.  Left to right: Ilene Harpuder, Carol Calamari, Cathy Vick, Debbie Campasano and Terry Mertens.

(July 2, 2009) — ERA Justin Realty works each year to send as many children with muscular dystrophy to area summer camp for some fun in the sun.

ERA New Jersey’s fundraising real estate office and Ron Darby, ERA New Jersey broker, was recently informed that the firm was inducted into the MDA President’s Club, honors shared only by organizations with year-long focus for Jerry’s kids and the Summer Camp for Kids program.

Darby, chairman for all of the ERA offices throughout New Jersey, with his staff of Realtors is coordinating the statewide effort with the cooperation of other ERA offices and hope to raise $50,000 to be presented at the Jerry Lewis Telethon by ERA Realtor Kristen Davis to recording star Tony Orlando.

Davis said, “We are asking for area residents to help achieve these goals for our MDA kids, whose health may permit them to be part of summer camp this year, but they may not be able to attend in future years. Each year MDA supports some 90-summer camps across the country. Whether in Alaska or Hawaii, in California or New Jersey, at MDA camp barriers simply don’t exist. A child with a disability can just be a child among friends. MDA camp is a magical place offering a wide range of activities specially designed for young people who have limited mobility or use wheelchairs. MDA camp programs, although structured, are conducted in a relaxed atmosphere that gives campers an unmatched opportunity to develop lifelong friendships, share interests and build self-confidence. Activities range from outdoor sports such as swimming, boating, baseball and horseback riding to less physically demanding programs like arts and crafts and talent shows. Thousands of youngsters attend MDA camp each year at no cost to their families.

“If you’re 16 or older, you’re invited to apply to join the MDA team as a camp volunteer for 2009. At most MDA camps, volunteer counselors work one-on-one with campers around the clock, providing the care, close supervision and attention children with neuromuscular diseases need. Counselors push wheelchairs, lift and carry youngsters, and even “bunk down” near their campers. But above all, they become a youngster’s friend for a week and sometimes for a lifetime.

“By becoming an MDA summer camp sponsor you can provide a local youngster with neuromuscular disease with many special summer memories.  As a sponsor, you will be invited to visit the local MDA camp during special sponsor VIP Day. You’ll see the joy that your participation in this program creates. Your involvement will also be saluted on the local broadcast of the MDA Labor Day Telethon.”

Darby continued, “Become a sponsor! Help youngsters with neuromuscular diseases in your community and experience a week of fun and friendship they’ll never forget. At MDA camp there’s always a need for volunteer counselors, medical staff, water safety instructors and activity coordinators. Be a volunteer or a sponsor by sending your tax deductible check made payable to MDA and mail it to MDA c/o ERA Justin Realty Co., 118 Jackson Ave., Rutherford, N.J. 07070. For questions on this program call 201-939-7500.”

To review more about ERA Justin Realty MDA fundraising, visit www.ERAJustin.com.