The Arizona Daily Star Sportsmen’s Fund has successfully raised over $253,000 to provide summer camp scholarships for children from low-income households and active military families in Southern Arizona. This initiative has enabled 423 children to attend various camps, including weeklong sessions at the YMCA, Scouting America, and Girl Scouts, as well as special overnight camping at Camp Tatiyee for children with special needs.
Established in 1947, the Sportsmen’s Fund has a long history of supporting youth in the region. To expand its outreach, the fund introduced new scholarships this year for Flowing Wells students to attend the overnight Sky School camp on Mt. Lemmon. Plans are already in place to further this partnership in 2026, aiming to assist more children from Title 1 schools.
The impact of the fund has been notable, with total donations reaching 1,038 contributions amounting to $256,252. The organization prides itself on efficiency, directing 97 cents of every dollar raised toward camp scholarships.
Donations to the fund are eligible for the Arizona tax credit, making contributions particularly beneficial for local taxpayers. Joint Arizona filers can donate up to $987 for their 2025 taxes, while individual filers can contribute up to $495. The fund’s tax identification number is 86-6053274.
Individuals interested in donating can do so via credit card at azsendakidtocamp.org or through checks made payable to the Sportsmen’s Fund, sent to: Send a Kid to Camp, P.O. Box 16141, Tucson, AZ 85732-6141.
Recent donations highlight the community’s support, with notable contributions including $10,000 from Jack L. Alexander and $1,000 from Robert Vessella. The organization also received various smaller donations that collectively make a significant difference in the lives of local children.
For those aged 70½ and older, there are options to give directly from an IRA, potentially yielding additional tax savings. Direct payments to the Arizona Daily Star Sportsmen’s Fund may qualify as a charitable distribution, even if the standard deduction is claimed. Interested individuals are encouraged to consult their tax advisers for more details.
For further inquiries, contact Debbie Kornmiller at 520-954-3139 or via email at [email protected]. Donations are accepted year-round, contributing to a vital cause that helps enrich the lives of children in Southern Arizona.
