THE HOLE IN THE WALL GANG CAMP RECEIVES $1 MILLION DONATION COMMITMENT FROM CHARLES P. FERRO FOUNDATION FOR RENOVATIONS AT MARYLAND LOCATION

As Renovations Begin at the Maryland Location, Charles P. Ferro Foundation's $1 Million Gift Supports State-of-the-Art Infirmary to Care for Children with Serious Illnesses

NEW HAVEN, Conn., March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, which provides "a different kind of healing" to children with serious illnesses and their families through year-round programs, has received a $1 million donation commitment from the Charles P. Ferro Foundation. The donation will support renovations of the Camp's new location on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. As renovations on the future infirmary are now underway, the donation will allow a purpose-built space designed to provide complex care to children with rare and ultra-rare diagnoses.

"The Ferro family has been devoted supporters of Hole in the Wall since our earliest days," said Jimmy Canton, CEO of The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. "Their friendship has allowed us to dream big for our campers and their families, and this gift is no different. Because of them, our children will find a state-of-the-art, yet welcoming space, when receiving treatment at Camp."

The new infirmary will include three observation/overnight rooms, a reception area, a pharmacy and medical equipment. It will be located in what was previously the carriage house on the property, which is undergoing a major renovation. The goal is to create a modern, accessible and efficient environment that meets the diverse needs of campers and their families. It is one of several buildings currently under renovation before the new location begins family programming in the spring of 2026.

"Our family is all in on Camp, so when we heard about the second location, we immediately wanted to know how we could be involved and support it," said Bonnie Ferro, Hole in the Wall board member and co-executive director of the Ferro Foundation. "With this gift, we wanted to create an atmosphere that was warm, welcoming and filled with a sense of fun. Since the infirmary is where everyone will come for treatment, it was important that the space did not appear overly clinical, and instead, put children at ease by reflecting the fun-loving spirit of Camp.

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp-Maryland sits on a historic property that boasts scenic water views, tree-lined pathways and majestic meadows. The first phase of renovations will transform the existing buildings and outdoor spaces into an inclusive and thoughtfully designed facility with peaceful and inviting spaces to support children, parents, caregivers and siblings. In addition to the infirmary, renovations will include a family space where families can gather to play and relax; a parent relaxation room where caregivers enjoy rest and connect with other parents; a cozy, barrier-free theater removing impediments for aspiring actors and singers of all ages; temperature-controlled and accessible residential rooms; and much more. Looking to the future, plans are in development for additions to the location that will allow for camper-independent programming.

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp-Maryland is located on the site of the former Aspen Institute's 166-acre Wye River Conference Center in Queenstown, Md. The Institute was gifted the scenic property in 1979, and its Board generously donated it to Hole in the Wall when they learned of Camp's interest in expanding services in the region.

About The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp provides "a different kind of healing" to thousands of children with serious illnesses and their family members annually-all completely free of charge. For many of these children and families, Hole in the Wall provides multiple Camp experiences throughout the year at the facility in Ashford, Conn., in dozens of hospitals and clinics, directly in camper homes and communities, and through other outreach activities across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Media Contacts:
Beth Starkin, Communications Director
The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
[email protected]
(203) 745-2720

SOURCE The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp