06/19/98

The Hole in the Wall Gang

Q: How are jazz, serious childhood illness and summer family fun related? Just ask Joe Bombaci, President of the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival, which helps raise funds for The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, CT.

A: The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, brainchild of legendary actor Paul Newman, is an old-fashioned camp modeled after an Old West frontier town, where seriously ill children and their siblings can have a whole lot of fun for a few days and, at least for a little while, forget about being sick. Boys and girls hang out at the 300+ acre camp to participate in sports, crafts, photography, entertainment, acting and music, while under the watchful but unobtrusive supervision of medical personnel.

Supported in the past by Newman's food company, which has donated more than $80 million to worthy causes since 1982, the camp's annual budget is now entirely sustained by contributions of individuals, corporations, foundations, churches and synagogues and non-profit organizations, such as The Hot Steamed Jazz Festival.

This year's Hot Steamed Jazz Festival will take place June 26, 27 & 28, 1998 at The Valley Railroad (also known as The Essex Valley Steam Train) in Essex, CT. For more information, visit the website, email: info@hotsteamedjazz.com or call 1-800-348-0003.

Many children in Connecticut also suffer from racial, ethnic and cultural isolation. The Hole in the Wall Discovery Center, created and partially funded by Paul Newman, began in 1992 as an academic retreat. Organized by the University of Connecticut School of Education, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and the Hartford City School District, the program offered inner-city fifth graders an opportunity to study away from the daily crises faced on the streets of Hartford. The Discovery Center developed the integration element of the present program in 1994 by having students from sister schools, Parkville in Hartford and Hopewell in Glastonbury, attend sessions together.

The partnership of The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, University of Connecticut School of Education and the participating school districts has been very productive and beneficial, by bringing students together from urban and suburban schools for the purpose of providing meaningful, integrated social and academic experiences. Students come to understand and appreciate the richness offered by cultural and personal diversity while also strengthening skills in problem solving, teamwork and academic areas identified by their home schools.

All participants attend free of charge, thanks to Newman, State of CT grants, The Education Foundation of America and participating school districts and individuals. Direct your inquiries to Elizabeth Jeffrey at 860-486-0238.

Enjoy your summer and contribute to the enjoyment of those less fortunate at the same time!

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.