Nashville – The first annual Camp Charley Spooktacular Weekend took place on October 17-19 at the Center for Courageous Kids, in Scottsville, Kentucky. The Center for Courageous Kids, a children’s medical facility disguised as a camp, partnered with Kirkland’s, Inc. and The Charley Foundation, a 501c(3) non-profit organization, to sponsor the Camp Charley Spooktacular Weekend. Camp Charley provided a magical weekend free from the physical and emotional pain of the serious illnesses of these children along with their parents and siblings. Because of the fundraising on the part of the Charley Foundation and Kirkland’s, 24 families were able to take part in this incredible event.

On September 30, Kirkland’s hosted the first annual Bowl-a-thon to benefit Camp Charley. Each family was able to attend the camp free of charge because the Charley Foundation, Kirkland’s, and other partners worked together to raise $2,000 per family to cover all of the costs incurred during the weekend, both medical and otherwise. Through fundraising and Bowl-a-thon participation, Kirkland’s supported the attendance of almost 14 families, double their initial goal, with more than $27,700 raised in total.

Throughout the weekend at Camp Charley, the families participated in events including campfires, horseback riding, and pumpkin carving to allow the children to enjoy normal childhood experiences they are so often robbed of due to their illnesses. The children dressed up in Halloween costumes and trick or treated during the camp, then finished off their enchanted weekend with a hayride and a “Spooktacular” party. All the while, parents and children alike were able to enjoy each other’s company and understand that they are not alone in their struggles.

About Kirkland’s:
Kirkland’s is a specialty retailer of home decor in the United States, operating approximately 320 stores in 34 states. Kirkland’s was co-founded in 1966 by Chairman Emeritus Carl Kirkland. The first store opened in Jackson, Tenn., and the company has grown steadily thereafter. The company’s stores present a broad selection of distinctive merchandise, including framed art, mirrors, candles, lamps, picture frames, accent rugs, and artificial floral products. The company’s stores also offer an extensive assortment of holiday merchandise, as well as items carried throughout the year suitable for giving as gifts. The company provides its customers an engaging shopping experience characterized by a diverse, ever-changing merchandise selection at surprisingly attractive prices. Kirkland’s offers a unique combination of style and value that has led to its emergence as a leader in home décor and the development of strong customer loyalty. For more information, visit www.kirklands.com.

About the Charley Foundation:
The Charley Foundation is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that provides support and fundraising to charitable organizations that deal with the critical needs of children. The foundation distributes funds to qualified agencies that provide relief in one or more of the following areas: homelessness, abuse, mentoring, and critical or chronic care. For more information, please visit www.charleyfoundation.org.

About the Center for Courageous Kids:
The Center for Courageous Kids is a world-class medical camping facility in Scottsville, KY that provides a cost-free, safe, and fun camping experience for seriously ill and disabled children and their families. For more information, please visit www.courageouskids.org.


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