This Year, Golden Slipper Decides to Honor All Its Varied 'Angels'

Larry Bergen stood at the lectern, his fingers gingerly holding a small piece of paper. As he looked out at the large crowd seated before him, he read the following words: "Working with children has a miraculous effect on your spirits."

The inspirational words came from an unusual source -- a fortune cookie. But it was a prediction most fitting the event, considering he was talking to donors of the Golden Slipper Club and Charities, a philanthropic foundation that supports opportunities for seniors and children, such as housing, scholarships and summer-camp experiences. (Bergen is a camp vice president.)

For 60 years, the Golden Slipper Camp, which is located on about 600 wooded acres in Bartonsville in the Pocono Mountains, has given boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 15 a chance to engage in a wide range of sports, arts-and-crafts, swimming and other activities, according to camp director Tom O'Neill. Most of the children who attend the camp are from the Philadelphia area, and while 65 percent of the campers are Jewish, the facility "serves all kids."

Golden Slipper Camp president Alan Jacobson

Campers' families pay on a sliding scale based on their need and financial circumstances, explained O'Neill.

He added that in 2007, 40 percent of families sending their children to the camp earn less than $20,000 a year, and 95 percent of the kids "receive some type of scholarship." That financial assistance allows the kids to have "a camping experience they would not otherwise receive."

On April 30, more than 160 food vendors, supporters, and camp staff and board members turned out for the annual Golden Slipper Camp Angels Dinner at the Philadelphia Marriott West in West Conshohocken.

Since 1972, Golden Slipper Camp has designated a prominent member of the local food industry as its "Angel of the Year," explained camp president Alan Jacobson. Past recipients include Herr's, Tastycake, Jack & Jill, Penn Maid Dairy, Clemens Markets, Acme Markets, Giant Foods, and Dietz & Watson.

Their donations of food, supplies and funds help more than 600 campers have varied meals throughout the season, added Jacobson.

Each summer, more than 90,000 meals are served and 5,500 gallons of juice are consumed -- nearly all of which has been donated by 120 different companies.

"The food industry," explained Howard Stoeckel, president and CEO of Wawa, Inc., "have come together to support a meaningful program."

"It makes you feel good, being involved," added Stoeckel, who noted that he and Wawa have been associated with Golden Slipper for nearly two decades, and were honored as angels in 1999 and 2007. "I find you gain a lot personally from that experience."

Fully Inclusive Program
This year's dinner is a bit different, explained Jacobson, in that the board decided, instead of choosing a new angel, to honor all former recipients, especially those who remain involved with the camp.

The evening's program also marked the first-ever keynote address delivered at these gatherings. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter did the honors. The mayor addressed the importance of ensuring that kids receive an education and good opportunities in life.

One of the children who has benefited from Golden Slipper is Ethan Mandel, 13.

The teenager talked about his camp experiences last summer -- how he won two awards, including a special one from his fellow campers, who recognized him as a positive person to all he encountered.

The overriding point of his presentation came through loud and clear: "Golden Slipper Camp is perfect in every single way."