Rotary Club of Coral Springs makes its biggest donation yet with a $45,000 gift to camp for children battling cancer
Coral Springs, Florida – In a heartfelt gesture of generosity and community spirit, the Rotary Club of Coral Springs has donated $45,000 to the Chiera Family Foundation’s N.I.C.K.’S Camp, a unique summer camp experience designed specifically for children affected by cancer.
The donation, which was announced this week, marks the largest amount ever raised by the club for the camp, all through proceeds from the annual Coral Springs Rotary Club Golf Tournament. For the club, this year’s milestone serves not just as a fundraising success but as a symbol of their ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable children and their families in the face of life-threatening illness.
N.I.C.K.’S Camp — which stands for “Nothing Is Impossible for Cancer Kids” — was created in memory of Nicholas R. Chiera, who lost his battle with cancer in 1989. The camp has grown into a safe haven for children across South Florida, offering them the opportunity to enjoy the carefree joys of summer despite the challenges they face due to illness.
The donation was formally presented during the Coral Springs Coconut Creek Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Wake-Up Breakfast on Wednesday. Rotary Club president Mickey Dubberly and treasurer Candice Soeder handed over a large commemorative check to representatives of the Chiera Family Foundation in a brief but meaningful ceremony.
“This is a camp that helps kids with cancer and other illnesses,” said Dubberly. “They can go there and have fun and forget about their illness.”
The Rotary Club also celebrated the moment with a post on its official Facebook page. The message emphasized the power of unity and purpose: “When passionate people come together with purpose, big things happen. Let this be a reminder that you don’t need to move mountains to make a difference — you just need to show up, give back, and lead with heart.”
N.I.C.K.’S Camp hosts about 150 children each year who are recommended by their oncologists. These children spend five days at a sleep-away camp near Orlando, where they take part in traditional summer camp activities like swimming, arts and crafts, and games — activities that might otherwise be inaccessible to them because of their medical needs.
The experience offers more than just fun; it provides a chance for children to connect with peers who understand what they’re going through, creating lasting friendships and memories in a setting that encourages healing, joy, and hope.
The Rotary Club of Coral Springs, known for its dedication to service projects both locally and beyond, has made N.I.C.K.’S Camp a centerpiece of its charitable efforts. With this record-breaking donation, the club has not only honored the legacy of Nicholas Chiera but also brought smiles and laughter to dozens of young lives.
For more information about the Chiera Family Foundation and N.I.C.K.’S Camp, or to learn how to support or volunteer, visit chierafamilyfoundation.org.
