Greeks' 'Coaster Crazy' aids kids

Monique Jones, Editor-in-Chief
Published On: 09/30/2008

If you happened to be at Alabama Adventure September 27, you probably took part in Coaster Crazy for Camp ASCCA and The Balm of Gilead Center. For Danuel Laan and his fraternity Delta Sigma Phi, this fund-raiser helps them gain a better sense of brotherhood while giving back to the community.

Laan, a member of Delta Sigma Phi and coordinator of Coaster Crazy, said that last year the fraternity raised over $20,000 for Camp ASCCA, Alabama’s fully accessible camp for children and adults with disabilities and health complications.

“Camp ASCCA’s mission is to help eligible individuals with disabilities and/or health impairments achieve equality, dignity, and maximum independence,” said Dana Rickman, director of marketing communications for Camp ASCCA. “This is to be accomplished through a safe and quality program of camping, therapeutic recreation, and education in a year-round barrier-free environment.  Our goal is to serve those who can derive maximum benefit from the resident camp experience and provide a healthier, happier, longer, and more productive life for children and adults of all abilities.”

The camp currently serves more than 8,400 people every year, and the money raised helps Camp ASCCA send “Campership Funds” to kids to attend the camp.

“[The fund] allows for campers with disabilities to attend summer camp who are need of financial assistance in paying the full $675 summer session fee,” said Rickman. “Over 95 percent of our campers applying are in need of partial or full sponsorship. It is because of groups like Delta Sigma Phi that many campers are able to attend camp each summer.”

The fraternity brothers do more than give money to the camp; they also give their time. Every spring, they mentor the children at the camp along with holding the fundraiser every fall.

“It’s been a really great program,” said Laan. “It’s helped bring us [the fraternity brothers and Camp ASCCA] closer together. We’ve learned that we’re not just here [in college] to have fun, we’re here to give back to the community.”
Rickman agreed with Laan. “Campers really look forward to interacting with camp staff and volunteers — for many campers their camp visits are their one time away from home each year, and having people to volunteer like the young men from Delta Sigma Phi always makes the time spent much more valuable and meaningful,” said Rickman.
Their efforts for the camp have affected one camper in particular. C.C. Perry, a UAB student, is a quadriplegic afflicted with cerebral palsy. He has attended the camp ever since he was eight years old, and now Perry helps raise the camp and has joined Delta Sigma Phi. Also, the money raised for the camp helped the camp buy a new water park and special wheelchairs to be used in the water park.

This year, Alpha Epsilon Delta has partnered with Delta Sigma Phi to raise money for The Balm of Gilead Center at Cooper Green Mercy Hospital. The Balm of Gilead Center, is a palliative end-of-life care unit for patients who have little income or no insurance.

Laan is excited about the direction Coaster Crazy is going in.

“There will be more than 100 [Alpha Epsilon Delta] members with the brothers riding coasters,” said Laan. “We’re looking at helping in a big way. It’s a noble thing to raise money for. 150 people [are expected] to raise money for their philanthropy. As Delta Sigma Phi, we’re really proud of that.”

If you are a student interested in the medial, engineering, physical or occupational therapy, physical education, or special education fields, or would like to learn more about Camp ASCCA or the Balm of Gilead Center, visit www.campascca.org, www.asccafriends.org, www.campascca.org/give or www.coopergreenmercyhospital.org.

Email: uabkscope@yahoo.com