Matching Funds Needed for Mabee Foundation Grant
ROCKY MOUNT Mo. — Wonderland Camp, a camp for individuals with disabilities, is closing in on reaching their one million dollar fundraising goal to support the Funding the Future campaign. As of today, $654,000 has been raised and more good news recently came to the camp. The J.E. & L. E. Mabee Foundation approved a matching funds grant of $200,000 to be be awarded if the team raises an additional $180,079 by May 1, 2025. Luckily, year-end donations from 2024 can be applied to the criteria set forth by the Mabee Foundation, lowering the fundraising need to $108,000 by May 1, 2025.
The Need
Established in 1969, Wonderland Camp sits on 125 acres and welcomes more than 1,000 campers with disabilities each year. Of the 19 buildings on property, most were built over thirty-five years ago and have only had minor updates and maintenance improvements. The primary goal of the Funding the Future campaign is to improve current facilities and build additional housing which will help the camp expand camping opportunities and serve more campers than ever before.
The additional housing has already been completed and the remodel of Miller Hall is underway. Miller Hall, the camp’s primary activity center, is named after the founder Charles J. Miller. It is the epicenter of games, meals, meetings, dances, talent shows and more. Built in 1983, Miller Hall has had minimal improvements and lacks the functionality that is needed today. The proposed renovations will make Miller Hall an inviting multi-functional space that will add special accommodations for campers with sensory needs.
“We are elated at the great news we received by the Mabee Foundation,” said Jill Wilke, Wonderland Camp executive director. “These matching funds will finish the remodel and expansion which will allow us to serve more campers with the kind of facilities that everyone deserves to make memories in.”
Make a Matching Gift
Every penny counts and donors who wish to support this project will be leaving a lasting impact on Wonderland Camp and the future campers to come. Donors wishing to support this project can give by making a donation online at wonderlandcamp.org or by mailing a check to 18519 Miller Circle, Rocky Mount, MO 65072.
“We are blessed with many supporters to make our mission possible and we need them now more than ever,” Wilke said. “Each donor makes this project a reality and we cannot cross the finish line without them.”
Wonderland Camp has a few remaining naming rights opportunities in the remodeled Miller Hall. Additionally, Missouri business owners who wish to give may be eligible to receive a 70% tax credit for their donation through the state’s Missouri Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP). Donors that may be interested in those opportunities should contact Mike Clayton, development director at 573-392-1000 or [email protected].
Wonderland Camp is a non-profit camp for individuals with disabilities. Affordable camp fees are made possible by donations and volunteers. To learn more about volunteering or to donate, go to wonderlandcamp.org.