Judge Brent Robinson said he smiled when he saw pictures of local children splashing around recently at Kalahari Waterpark Resort in Sandusky. The Richland County judge and three other community members donated $250 each to help children who might not have had a chance to ever visit the gigantic waterpark have a wonderful time with no worries about lodging, food or money.
“What happened was Deborah and Tim Holt of the Cookies and Milk Project (CAMP), had heard me speak at a local church and they came in to see me and they were kind of in a bind,” said Robinson.
The Common Pleas Court judge then went on to explain that the couple needed $1,000 to take the children of CAMP on an already promised trip to the indoor and outdoor waterpark.
“They wanted to know if I was willing to help and I felt like the project is very worthwhile,” said Robinson. “These are kids who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to go to a waterpark, or on a vacation. They’re in a circumstance where their family can’t afford to go to places like a waterpark or things like that.”
Robinson said he immediately made phone calls to community philanthropists Grant Milliron, Jeff Monica and Ohio Rep. Mark Romanchuk to help raise the $1,000.
“I knew it was something that was needed right away,” he said. “We got the money to Deb and Tim Holt right away so they could take the kids on the trip.”
CAMP was founded by the Holts along with Ben and Theresa Williams. The couples, who are passionate about mentoring the community’s “inner-city” young boys and girls, started with their first meeting in January. The project has taken on many roles including a Tom Thumb wedding, crafts, meetings and mentoring.
“This is one of the things that we thought would be out of their range that they couldn’t reach,” said Debra Holt of why she wanted to take the children on a fun getaway to the waterpark. “We also want to reward them for just being good kids.”
The children, as well as their parents or chaperons, were treated to admission to the waterpark, a hotel room, and food–all free of charge. Some were even provided with swimming suits and swimming shoes.
“This was the first time for the majority of the children and their parents,” she said of the mini-vacation to Kalahari.
In addition to Robinson, Milliron, Monica and Romanchuk, Dennis Baker from the Urban Minority Alcohol Drug Outreach Access Program (UMADOAP), Richland Bank and Doc Stumbo from Graham’s Automall, also donated money and/or goods to make the trip a success. There were also other anonymous donors and donations.
Debra and Tim Holt both said they are very grateful to the community and all those who donated their money, time or efforts to CAMP.
“With the most recent [violent] community events, particularly in the minority community, it further more solidifies that programs like these are so important,” said Tim Holt. “We cannot do enough, we have to do more. I can’t stress that enough, we need to do more and give the young people something positive to do.”
Robinson said he appreciates having programs like CAMP in the community.
“Tim and Debra are good mentors and good people for the children to be around,” he said. “And they are good for the community too. As judge, I support programs that are good for the community.”
Twitter: @angelnichole222
