An additional $7,500 in local matching funds were raised locally by Lions and community members to contribute to the projects anticipated budget of $60,000. These funds will support the ‘Embracing the Future’ sustainability initiative for the Camp Ho Mita Koda Foundation.

The grant will allow for the immediate renovation of onsite cabins and a transition to a winterized facility. Once complete Camp Ho Mita Koda will begin hosting programs year-round (which has never been done in its 92-year history), that in turn will help to expand their reach, service, and support to more participants on an annual basis, while providing rental opportunities to the community. It is anticipated that the renovated cabins alone will directly serve over 5,000 participants in the next 5 years.

"As a pillar of our community, Camp Ho Mita Koda brings people together by providing important programs, medical services, and life-changing experiences. This historic organization is a trusted space where the community can learn, explore and grow” said Executive Director, Ian Roberts.

The Lions Club International Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. “It was very clear to the Lions in District OH4 (Northeastern Ohio) that supporting the improvements at Camp Ho Mita Koda would be an ideal project that would bring the LCIF vision to life, right here in our community.” Said Ernie Richmann, District Diabetes Chairperson.

The grant is a welcome arrival as it was approved on the 100th anniversary of insulin being discovered and 92nd anniversary of the founding of Camp Ho Mita Koda.

About the Camp Ho Mita Koda Foundation
Camp Ho Mita Koda was founded in 1929 by Dr. Henry and Betty John at the world’s first camp for children with Type 1 Diabetes. Each year, hundreds of campers and participants come to our 72-acre camp to make friends, have fun, and learn how to manage their disease. Campers receive around the clock medical care provided by our community’s leading hospitals systems including the Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth, and University Hospitals. For more information about Camp Ho Mita Koda, please visit www.camphomitakoda.org. For the latest news on Camp Ho Mita Koda, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About the Lions Club International Foundation
Established in 1968, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is the grant-making body that empowers Lions to create a greater impact within their local and global service work. In 2017, Lions Clubs International celebrated its centennial year of service as an organization by adopting diabetes as one of its global causes. LCIF’s diabetes grant program offers financial support to Lions who seek to improve diabetes awareness, prevention, and management initiatives in their communities. The LCIF Diabetes grant has an expansive reach, one that will help Lions interested in having a societal impact on the diabetes epidemic. To donate to LCIF, visit lionsclubs.org/donate. For more information about how LCIF supports Lions’ humanitarian efforts, please visit lionsclubs.org/lcif.