The SCI Camp Hill Inmate Service Organization held its annual Pa. Prison Runathon Banquet on Nov. 24. This banquet is held each year to acknowledge all of the inmates who participated in the Prison Runathon on Sept. 8. The participants for the Runathon Banquet paid for a meal prepared by Camp Hill's Culinary Department which included a turkey hoagie, chicken tenders, fries, pizza, cake, ice cream and a beverage. The top runners by age group were acknowledged and received a certificate.
Throughout the year, the charity committee of the ISO conducts a number of fundraising events to raise money to benefit local non-profit organizations. Some of the activities from which the funds were raised by the inmates at Camp Hill were the Runathon, Photo Project, Fantasy NASCAR, Fantasy Football and snack sales.
These inmates were able to donate a total amount of $3,362.23 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and $3,423.12 for the Boys and Girls Club of Harrisburg. A representative from each of these charitable organizations was available at the banquet to receive their checks totaling more than $6,785.00. Ann Waltman represented the Make-A-Wish Foundation and said this money will be dedicated to granting a wish to a courageous child with life-threating medical conditions. Mark Hawthorne from the Boys and Girls Club of Harrisburg said these funds will go a long way in help change the beliefs, behavior and attitudes of youth ranging from 6-18 years old to positively impact their future.
This year, the ISO sponsored a fundraising event selling protein cookies/bars to benefit the Hounds of Prison Education (HOPE) program, which is Camp Hill's dog training program. Dogs live with a selected inmates on P block housing unit where the inmates help train abandoned, lost, sometimes abused and/or runaway dogs with the help of dedicated outside volunteers. The ISO through their fundraiser event presented a check for $151.00 to the HOPE. These funds will provide snacks and toys for the dogs in the program.
The General Population inmates are to be commended for giving back to the local community and making a difference. Special thanks to the Culinary Department for preparing the meal. This was a job well done by all.