Dear Fellow Vacation Rental Home Owners,
Right on our Island is an organization, The Children’s Fresh Air Home. This nonprofit
plays an important role in providing an opportunity for children from inner cities to
come and experience the ocean for the very first time – the same ocean many of us visit
year after year. We, as a community of Vacation Rental Property Owners, have an
opportunity to come together to leave a legacy of being community contributors. This
could be our turn to make a difference in the lives of thousands of young children. Think
back to the first time you set eyes on the ocean for the first time. It was a sight to behold
– a memory that draws us back to the sea over and over again.
In 1896, the Children’s Fresh Air Home was founded by L. Ida Dukes, a 41-year old
mother of six children. Initially, Mrs. Dukes began to invite children whose families
were unable to afford a summer retreat from city life for a day of fun along the Delaware
River. Over the next several years, Mrs. Dukes continued her outreach. In 1911, she
brought her first group of children to Wildwood, N.J. and in 1923 the Children’s Fresh
Air Home opened its doors. In 2006, The Children’s Fresh Air Home board made the
difficult decision to temporarily close the Home for critical repairs and at that time
established a capital campaign, called the Century Campaign, to support the renovation
effort. This important work is supported largely by the support of generous donors who
contribute to their annual capital campaign.
This year’s goal is $50,000, which in the end will allow The Children’s Fresh Air Home
to provide a no-cost, enriching summer experience at the Jersey Shore in a safe, positive
environment for children who may be living with family or community adversities. This
organization is still giving the gift of summer to children throughout the region, while
their facility is undergoing renovations. The “If Just for a Day” program hosts kids from
a variety of local organizations to enjoy a day at the beach – a simple wish that so many
of us take for granted.
In order to continue making a difference in the lives of these children, they need our
help. Will you join me in donating to this worthy charity? By making a tax-deductible
donation to their capital campaign, you’ll be directly contributing to changing the lives
of these young children forever. What will your legacy be? Maybe that can be answered
in the difference your contribution can make.
Additionally, you’ll be recognized for your generosity as a capital campaign supporter on
the Children’s Fresh Air House website and in the upcoming newsletter. Our
contributions will be pooled together and will provide the funds necessary for the
purchase of all of the doors in the facility. Let’s join together to “open the doors” to the
discovery of the Sea we all have grown to love and cherish. For your contribution of
$250 your name will be engraved on a plaque to commemorate the legacy you have left
behind.
Please visit https://www.freshairhome.org/donations/ to pledge your support. Please
complete the online donation form and indicate “Vacation Rental Home Owner in the
Wildwoods” in the “Special Notes” box at the bottom of the form. By noting this in the
“Special Notes” section, we can tally what we were able to raise as a group.
Please be assured that your contribution will be put to good use to provide a life-changing
experience to those children. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Regards,
Keren Cinzio