Last month, I posted a story of a unique raffle.
Ian O’Malley — the New York disc jockey, realtor and Westport resident — offered a 1978 Macallan single malt whisky. It’s worth over $4,000.
Ian bought it years ago. He planned to save it for a special occasion. But he put it on a top shelf, and forgot about it. (These things happen.)
He recently found it — and decided not to drink it, but raise funds for a good cause.
His wife Debbie suggested Experience Camps. The Westport-based organization sponsors 1-week camps for boys and girls after the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver.
Kids laugh, cry, play, remember the person who died, or forget the grief that weighs them down. They feel “normal,” because everyone there has been through something similar.
Ian O’MalleyWhen Ian was 12, his father died of pancreatic cancer. Decades later, Ian says, “I would have loved an opportunity like Experience Camps.”
Tickets were $104 each — because Ian is a DJ on New York’s classic rock station, Q104.3.
The raffle raised $13,000. The lucky winner is Mark Mangino from Wilton.
And, of course, hundreds of kids who will have the experience of their lives at Experience Camps.
Thanks Dan. It was dare I say a wonderful “Experience” and the folks at Experience Camps were a joy to work with in making this all happen. I’ll miss that bottle, but couldn’t be happier with the result!
Well done, Ian!!
On behalf of Experience Camps, huge thanks to Ian for making this happen, and to you, Dan Woog, for keeping this org in the spotlight. We feel incredibly fortunate to have our roots in this community, which is so full of good people.
Ian O’ Malley! Thank you for your donation to this special camp. My close friend was suddenly widowed with 6 children. They are struggling in every which way. I saw this flyer at my gym and am hoping her kids can go this summer. Donations like yours make it possible. Thank you!!!