Mt. Prospect burn camp fundraiser in danger of being canceled

For the past 16 summers, Mount Prospect firefighters have raised money so burn victims can attend an overnight kids camp in Ingleside.

But donations are shockingly low this summer and organizers might have to cancel their fundraising event altogether if enough people don't sign up by July 1, said Mount Prospect firefighter Eric Mertes.

Usually, between 80 and 90 golfers sign up for the event, slated for July 8 at the Poplar Creek Country Club in Hoffman Estates. So far this year, only 20 people have signed up, Mertes said.

"I think it's because of the economy," he said. "Golf is a luxury at this point to a lot of people."

Last year, the firefighters raised $12,000 for the camp and in the past, the fundraiser has netted more like $16,000.

This year 85 kids from throughout the state attended the camp which was held June 13 to 19, said Jill Friedrichs, executive administrator and treasurer of Illinois Fire Safety Alliance.

It costs about $2,000 for each child to attend, but no one pays. The camp is run strictly on donations, which pay for food, transportation, housing and even clothing for some kids, Friedrichs said.

"A lot of kids don't bring a bathing suit because they're used to being scared of going swimming and of what other people will say," she said. "But when they get here they realize everyone is in the same situation. So we always have a lot of extra suits."

To sign up for the golf outing, call Mertes at (847) 870-5646 ext. 5114 or e-mail him at emertes@mountprospect.org. The cost is $125 per person and includes a cart, driving range, lunch and dinner. People can also attend dinner only for $50.