Horizon August Newsletter

- August 2016 Newsletter -

Horizon's 25th Anniversary was one for the books! Hot air balloon rides, dinner from Biaggi's, the screening of a special 25th Anniversary documentary, and fireworks made it extraordinary!

Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make it possible including the 112 campers, 144 volunteers, Timber Pointe Outdoor Center staff, and many generous donors! Thank you!!!

Horizon Tribute: Michael Trimpe (1966-2016)

Michael Trimpe was the heart of Horizon. In 1992, he started out as a camper at our very first Horizon Camp. Over the years he became more involved in many ways: serving as a committee member, running fundraisers, serving as a board member, camp director, and eventually becoming one of our operations managers. He spent countless hours working behind the scenes for Horizon, managing our database and updating our website. Even though he was one of our paid consultants, he would often volunteer his time and donate his hours. He was always giving to Horizon in one way or another.

Horizon was very dear to Mike. He was completely dedicated to seeing Horizon grow. He was constantly focused on bettering the organization and bringing our mission and vision to everyone he met. He was a fantastic spokesperson for Horizon.

Throughout his life, Mike always had a relaxing way about him. Even when we were struggling to figure out a task or get things done, he would never lose his cool. He would always take time to think things through. You always knew that he was thoughtful about what he said and how people would react to it. He was always supportive and constructive.

Mike was always up for visitors and welcomed conversations (or a poker game) with friends, and took time to really listen to what you had to say. He would give advice when asked, lend a hand when he could, and always make you laugh. He was really a great example of what a good friend should be. Mike will be missed. Camp will not be the same without him. Life will not be the same without him.

We were lucky to have known him and have him as a part of our Horizon Family. We will always hold him in our hearts, and we are thankful for the fantastic memories he gave us.

Horizon Tribute: Dan Schmidt (1987-2016)

Dan Schmidt had a lot of dreams. He wanted his family

and friends to be happy. He wanted his business, a podcast called "Across the Airwaves," to not just recap TV shows and movies, but become a production company dedicated to getting creative works of disabled people out in the world with able-bodied & physically-challenged working together. And he wanted Horizon to continue to thrive.

Before Dan passed away, he got to see some of those dreams realized. His family and friends were happy, at least when he was around. "Across the Airwaves" just completed the recent TV season and was gearing up for greater things in the future. And he helped make this year's Horizon Camp a tremendous success.

The theme of superheroes? Dan 's idea. The superhero trivia game show? Hours of planning. And the "25 Years of Camp" video that debuted Friday night? That was Dan's baby. While he had a team of assistants helping him, Dan poured his heart and soul into it because he wanted to honor an organization we all love so much.

Dan loved superheroes. But he was a superhero to many of us. He still saw his dreams come to being. It's up to us to help the dream live on. For our hero. For Dan.

Calling All Beer Lovers...

On September 10th, help support Horizon and come to the Metal Monkey Brewery. Enjoy tours, a raffle, prizes, and a food truck!

On September 17th, come to the Batch Match and taste the excellent homemade brews of the competitors. Prizes and food will be provided. Purchase tickets for Batch Match online.

You Can Help Raise Money For Camp

We are proud to celebrate 25 years of Horizon Camp and want to ensure 25 more! Here are some ways you can help fundraise for Horizon: you can host a bake sale, donate pop can tops, and you can sell year long raffle tickets to your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors. Cheers to the next 25 years of camp! Contact the Fundraising Committee with any questions.

Save the Date: A Wicked Affair

We are thrilled to announce that Heal Team 6 is hosting another fundraiser for Horizon on October 29th at the Cuneo Mansion and Gardens in Vernon Hills. Tickets are available starting August 1st at healteam6.org. Tickets purchased before September 15th are $200 and after that date the price is $225. This costume party promises to be another magnificent evening provided by Heal Team 6. For more information about becoming a sponsor or donating auction items, contact Kathy Kingston.