Local benefit market invites community to help raise funds for Camp Hayden
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IDAHO FALLS — Returning for their second year, organizers of the annual Camp Hayden Benefit are looking to raise double what they made last year for a great cause.
The benefit will start at 10 a.m. on April 18 at Park Avenue Grill, located at 3950 South Yellowstone Highway, and run until 5 p.m. The benefit is free to the public, and all proceeds will go back to Camp Hayden.
There will be over 20 local vendors, kid activities, food and over 70 items up for raffle.
EastIdahoNews.com spoke with the two organizers of the benefit, Michelle Perez and Elisa Mendosa, who started the event last year.
Perez said the benefit stems from her connection to the Chapa family, which founded the nonprofit that provides free outdoor experiences for children with special needs and their families. As well as her own experience in losing a child, Perez wanted to help out.
Understanding that Camp Hayden puts on Halloween, Easter, and Christmas events, Perez said this is another annual fundraising event.
Currently, with the sponsors the event has, Perez said they are close to raising $2,000 before Saturday.
She said that seeing how these funds go back to helping these children in the community and the work that Camp Hayden does is amazing.
“I love the reaction that I see from the happiness that (these children) get from being able to participate in things that usually they wouldn’t be able to,” Perez said. “Camp Hayden doesn’t just do fun stuff for kids. They make memories with them that nobody else has done.”
Mendoza, owner of Sonido Turbulenca, said she is aware of the work Camp Hayden does, and when Perez reached out to her, she agreed because she enjoys serving the community.
For the raffle, Mendoza said tickets will cost between $1 and $5, with an option to do an “arms-length” for $35.
Many of the items that can be won were donated by either local or national businesses. She said some gift baskets from Culver’s and Dutch Bros, but there are some from The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, Spiderweb tattoos and others.
For the kids, Mendoza said there will be some bounce houses, covered in case it rains, a train ride, and Champ’s Heart will also be there.
“We’re always happy to help out and give back that way and help them out,” Mendoza said.