The Daniel J. Wilcox Camp Hope Fund has once again supported children impacted by domestic violence. On April 14, Gretchen, Bridget, and Wesley Wilcox met with members of JBWS (formerly known as Jersey Battered Women Services, Inc.) to present a $25,000 donation. It will be used to fund a camp stay, including 2 weeks of sleep away camp and all the camp gear they need for 10 children affiliated with JBWS.
“Some of these kids have never been able to go to camp before,” explains Gretchen Wilcox, President of the commercial mortgage banking firm, G.S. Wilcox & Co. “To see them running around, singing songs, and just being kids is beautiful.”
For about 25 years, the Wilcox family have been ardent supporters of JBWS’ mission. Prior to her husband Daniel’s passing, the pair used to spend each Christmas season wrapping presents for children impacted by domestic violence.
“I come from a very loving family in New England and didn’t even learn about what domestic violence was until I was taking a social science course in college,” recalls Gretchen. “I was appalled at the thought of anyone perpetuating such violence and made a promise that I would devote my time to this cause.”
The Wilcox family’s passion for helping those in need led to the creation of the Daniel J. Wilcox Camp Hope, in honor of Daniel J. Wilcox. Initially developed to allow survivors of domestic violence the space to process their trauma by providing their children with a safe sleep away experience, Camp Hope quickly turned into a time of healing for the children as well.
“While these 2 weeks of camp will instill hope in children who have been impacted by trauma and abuse it will also help children to create fun childhood memories that will stay in their hearts and have a lasting impact” said Diane Williams, President & CEO of JBWS.
Supporting these children has been meaningful for the entire Wilcox family. As Gretchen puts it: “Dan’s favorite place was the Adirondack’s and he loved camp, so this brings us back to him in a way.”
(pictured above from left to right: Wesley Wilcox, Gretchen Wilcox, Bridget Wilcox)