It is a bit ironic that I came across this opportunity today since I have just returned from attending the funeral of my brother. All week I have been watching my two boys and monitoring how they were doing through what is a very difficult and confusing time for them. They are lucky to have the love and support of many family and friends. Fortunately, there are additional great avenues of help for children going through difficult times and that is the focus of the opportunity I am highlighting today. This one is for the children.

Thie week’s pick: Philadelphia Phillies’ Pitcher Jamie Moyer and his wife Karen founded The Moyer Foundation in 2000 to help children in distress. Inspired by the compassion for others shown by a young cancer patient, Erin Metcalf, and concerned about the grief felt by her family at her passing, the couple established Camp Erin. Camp Erin is a bereavement camp supporting children experiencing loss and letting them know they are not alone. The camp system is currently expanding and by the summer of 2008, ten camps will be up and running around the United States. The plans are to establish a camp in every Major League Baseball city with the the program awarding thirty $100,000 grant commitments over the next three years. Hospice and bereavement organizations that are interested in participating in the program are invited to respond to the Request for Proposals by contacting the foundation.

Camp Erin is free for those who participate, but an application is required. Applying as early as possible is recommended as many camps have waiting lists. Current camp locations are in Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington. For registration information go to: http://www.moyerfoundation.org/events/erin_registration.asp#arizona.

Our best to anyone dealing with personal loss.