Around two dozen people will take an extended stay at Tawasentha Park this weekend as they raise money to help provide a roof over another person’s head.
The Capital District Habitat for Humanity will hold its Tent-A-Thon from Thursday, Aug. 14, to Monday, Aug. 18, with participants demonstrating their commitment to eliminating poverty and substandard housing. The unique fundraiser allows participants to camp out in the Town of Guilderland park while raising money to support the local housing efforts. Security is also provided during the day so campers can continue their normal daily schedule.
The event started out with McKownville United Methodist congregation members sleeping in the parking lot behind their church. This is the 21st year the event has been held, and it has grown to welcome the general public and takes advantage of the scenic Tawasentha Park.
Sarah Rising, development and communications manager for Habitat for Humanity, said the event has been quite successful over the years and raised more than $50,000 for the organization.
“It has gotten to be something that people look for every year,” Rising said. “A lot of our participants have been doing it for many years.”
Participants collected pledges from friends and family members, typically on a per night basis similar to some walks with people pledging per mile. Anyone interested participating at the last minute can also personally donate money to camp out as long as room is still available.
All of the funds raised are earmarked for area projects that benefit local families.
“The idea of tenting out for the length of time the Tent-A-Thon lasts really demonstrates the commitment people are showing to eliminate poverty and substandard housing,” said Rising. “This is a way of raising awareness that not everyone has a place to go home every night.”
Participants also are not required to stay every night, but Rising said most will stay over the weekend. Breakfast and dinner are provided to participants, too, along with activities throughout the day.
This is the first year a volleyball tournament will be held, which stretches from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
“We were looking to get something new and different for one of the events on Sunday,” Rising said.
One of the volunteer coordinators is active in the local volleyball community and thought of the idea to host a tournament during the event, Rising said. People from outside the event will be participating in the tournament, too.