By LILY TINOCO | Reporter
Happy Trails for Kids, an organization founded by Palisadian Pepper Edmiston, celebrated its fourth annual Taste of Camp fundraiser at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel on Friday, October 22.
The organization has been dedicated to engaging children in foster care with unique learning and extracurricular opportunities, as well as nature and outdoor experiences, since 2009.
“By emphasizing retention of the same youth and staff, and by offering year-round programming, Happy Trails imparts meaningful stability, self-esteem and a sense of community that brings normalcy into the lives of children and teens,” according to its website. “The majority of our staff members have successfully emerged from the foster care system, serving as outstanding role models and lifelong mentors for the youth served in our program.
“Children are transformed by the power of the great outdoors and the joy found within our supportive camp community.”
Even through the COVID-19 pandemic, Happy Trails continued to be devoted to offering the spirit of camp to the children it serves with virtual camps, tutoring, weekly virtual extracurricular activities, online workshops and more.
“As we forge new trails, it has become increasingly clear that through these different channels and delivery of services, we have had the ability to deepen our connections with campers and as a result, are better able to offer meaningful support during the times when it matters most,” Executive Director Lindsay Elliott wrote in 2020. “And what we have always known—and what was reinforced during this past year—is that camp matters and so do these incredible kids.”
Approximately 200 attendees were invited to an “unforgettable” fundraiser evening with food, wine and cocktail offerings, as well as a live auction to support children in foster care.
According to an event flyer, guests heard from Happy Trails’ counselors who spoke about their personal experiences in foster care and the impact the organization had on their personal, professional and academic endeavors. Campers also shared their favorite memories and testimonials.
“The evening felt brisk and was brimming with passion and festivities, delicious food, cocktails and conversation flowed,” the flyer read. “Most importantly, the evening was an opportunity to come together for a cause, and for kids, we can rally and unite around.”
Happy Trails reported $300,000 was raised after auctioning a number of donations, including luxury getaways like Casa Agave in Palm Desert—a private home for up to 12 guests—a villa in San Jose del Cabo with master suites and ocean views, an afternoon sail for eight on Frank Gehry’s world-famous sailboat complete with a chef and lunch onboard, two nights at Santa Monica’s Proper Hotel and VIP tickets to the Clippers season opener on Saturday, October 23.
Attendees also had the opportunity to become sponsors and help fund a week of camp for two siblings, an outdoor adventure for 50 campers, a cabin of 10 children or summer camp for 20 children.
“Whether you were with us at Taste of Camp or supporting us from afar, your commitment and contributions have provided laughter, joy, happy memories, community, friendship and new opportunities to boys and girls who need it most,” the flyer continued. “Thanks to you, our doors will open to more deserving children this summer and beyond. We are grateful to all involved for making this such a successful and wonderful event.”
For more information or to get involved, visit happytrailsforkids.org or text FOSTERCAMP to 41444.
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