Tent-a-Thon 2010 to run Aug. 12 to 19 in Tawasentha Park
For most, sleeping outdoors is an enjoyable summer pastime. For those less fortunate, it’s a possibility they hope will never come.
The Capital District Habitat for Humanity is hoping to combat one with the other this week, with its 17th annual Tent-a-Thon fundraiser.
Every year, campers gather in Tawasentha Park in Guilderland for seven nights of camping out. They share not only camaraderie and classic camping experiences like bonfires and s’mores, but a common goal to help eradicate homelessness.
We give up the comfort of our bed so people can get into their own homes, said organizer Tim Condon.
What participants don’t have to give up is their daily lives. The Tent-a-Thon starts each evening at 6 p.m., when a dinner donated by a local restaurant is served. The Outback, 99 Restaurant, Mr. Subb, Pizza Hut, Inferno Pizza, the Metro Diner and others have all made contributions in the past. A large dining tent donated by Energy Insurance of East Greenbush shields everyone from the elements.
In the morning, breakfast is either provided on site or coupons to the McDonald’s on Western Avenue are distributed, and campers can head out to their daily lives secure in the fact a volunteer from one of the participating area Methodist churches will be watching the tents during the day.
`During the day go we’ll go home and just live our active lives,` said Condon. `If it’s during the week, we go to work.`
Most people don’t stay for the entire week ` although there are some die-hards who stick it out every year.
The time between dinner and bedtime can be spent around a bonfire, telling stories and roasting s’mores. Something special is planned for every night, too. This year, on Sunday, an astronomer will be on hand to help campers read the night sky.
`We’ve been sitting around the campfire for many years wondering, what might that constellation be?` said Condon. `It really is a family event.`
Participants fundraise beforehand, and there are also area businesses that chip in by way of donations or by providing meals and other supplies for campers. The money the event raises varies from year-to-year, but over its 17-year history the Tent-a-Thon has brought in enough money to build four houses.
The Tent-a-Thon is a unique event for an organization that relies on donations or money and work to operate.
`The Tent-a-Thon has played a vital role in the history of Capital District Habitat for Humanity,` said Executive Director Paul Richer. `For a week, we have a visual reminder that many of our neighbors in the Capital District do not have safe and affordable housing.`
Like many public use parks, Tawasentha normally closes at dusk. The Tent-a-Thon is the exception to the rule, but it wasn’t always that way.
`McKownville Methodist Church began this sleeping in the parking lot in the back of the church,` Condon said. `They moved out to Tawasentha Park, and the park has been able to allow this fundraising event to go on since.`
While the area’s Methodist churches don’t directly organize the event any longer, they are still very much involved and usually drive an impressible donation effort, said Condon.
For more information or to register, visit www.capitaldistricthabitat.org.“