30 Helping Underprivileged Kids in New York City Since 2000, Camp Fiver, in New York, has been a lifeline for kids growing up in the inner city. Working year-round with a group of motivated educators and college students who inspire and care for the children, Fiver has helped and/or is continuing to help more than 1,400 children by making a 10-year commitment to their “campers” who start in the program when they are 8 years old. Research has shown that in addition to the obvious (education), character and self-confidence are critical in an individual’s future success. Recognizing that children brought up in a bad (poor and often dangerous) environment often lack these qualities, Fiver’s programs include promoting healthy life choices, enhancing self-efficacy and leadership skills. By motivating participants to succeed in school, Fiver has seen 99% of its high school seniors graduate with 90% enrolling in college. The program leads children who might well otherwise have to be faced with the bad choices of those living in an endless cycle of poverty, to make ethical and healthy life decisions. We can help these children grow, or we can let them continue in what would probably be an endless cycle of poverty and the need for a lifetime of assistance. Through the years HOT has funded (i) programs to support college visits for rising sophomores and juniors, (ii) public speaking instructors, (iii) a platform tent, (iv) buses and incremental camp expenses to get as many parents as possible to the Annual Parent Retreat (which keeps the parents engaged and involved in the program and allows them to experience the magic of Camp Fiver the way their kids do), (v) a new $30,000 cabin where Camp Fiver’s other donors met a $15,000 HOT Challenge Grant, (vi) a $10,000 HOT Challenge Grant to repair a dock injured in a storm that was met 6 times over, (vii) LED lights that had a 2-year payback in saved electricity costs, (viii) purchased office equipment necessary to keep the Camp running efficiently, (ix) electrical wiring and conduits for seven cabins, (x) a new phone system, and (xi) new beds. By funding these programs, HOT has helped Fiver succeed in their mission to lead their kids out of what could otherwise be a never-ending cycle of poverty, drugs and crime. HOT would like its donors to designate all or part of the following: • $4,500 for a new industrial ice machine • $7,700 to replace rotted wood and damaged handrails on many of the cabins • $24,750 for a new pick-up truck