Jenny Morganthau, Executive Director of The Fresh Air Fund was kind enough to take the time to answer some questions about the organization, its mission, and some of its programs, She shares ideas about how people and businesses can participate in achieving the goals of this worthwhile organization.
Thanks as well to Sara Wilson of The Fresh Air Fund for arranging this wonderful interview.
What is the mission of The Fresh Air Fund?
Jenny Morgenthau: Our mission is to provide free summer experiences in the country to New York City children from disadvantaged communities. Each year, thousands of children visit volunteer host families in 13 states and Canada through the Friendly Town Program or attend one of five Fresh Air Fund camps.
Is the programs funded through donations?
Jenny Morgenthau: Yes, the success of our programs relies on the generosity of individuals and corporate sponsors. Seventy-five percent of our funding comes from individual donors, in fact. It costs The Fresh Air Fund $923.00 for a visit with a volunteer host family and $1,563.00 to send a child to Fresh Air camp.
How many children does The Fresh Air Fund help send to camp each year and how are these camps helping with the vision initiative?
Jenny Morgenthau: Three-thousand children attend our Fund camps and an additional 2,000 children participate in our off-season camping weekends. We work with OneSight, which so generously brings up its mobile “Vision Van,” to camp and screens the children for glasses. Many of the children don’t have access to free vision screenings, and if needed, free glasses.
How does The Fresh Air Vision Program and alliance with OneSight work and how many children in need receive assistance?
Jenny Morgenthau: All of the children at camp are screened. If a child needs glasses then OneSight provides them free of charge to the child.
How can individuals and families get involved in helping The Fresh Air Fund achieve its goals?
Jenny Morgenthau: Families can get involved by volunteering to host this summer, making a donation, volunteering in our New York City office, etc. Check out our Web site for more information on how to get involved.
Is there a role for the business community to play in supporting this worthwhile program?
Jenny Morgenthau: Businesses can also get involved; again the best thing to do is look at our Web site. Businesses make donations locally to support our Friendly Town hosting program, contribute to events, volunteer at events, and so on.
What is next for The Fresh Air Fund?
Jenny Morgenthau: We’re looking forward to a fun-filled summer 2010!
