On Saturday, Nov. 2, the multi-platinum GRAMMY award-winning Zac Brown Band took the stage at The Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta, Georgia for the eighth annual Night of Candles benefit show, raising over $1 million for Camp Southern Ground.
Located about 30 miles south of Atlanta, Camp Southern Ground is a camp with one mission and two causes. For eight weeks over the summer, the camp serves children ages 7-17, from all socioeconomic backgrounds, races, and religions, with activities that challenge, educate and inspire campers. An inclusive, residential camp, Camp Southern Ground brings together typically developing children, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), learning and attention issues, social or emotional challenges and those with family members serving in the military.
Zac Brown and Camp Director Scott Hicok talk to Brody A., summer camp alum.
During the rest of the year, Camp Southern Ground is dedicated to supporting veterans. Warrior Week, their signature program, helps veterans find their new mission in life after military service. Warrior PATHH (Progressive Alternative Training for Healing Heroes), is the nation’s first non-clinical program aimed to cultivate and facilitate post-traumatic growth among combat veterans struggling with PTSD, depression, anxiety and/or combat stress. Camp Southern Ground was approved in early 2019 as a service provider of the Warrior PATHH program through the Boulder Crest Retreat Foundation and delivered the first program in October 2019.
Much of the evening’s proceeds will help fund summer camp scholarships and veteran programming, which is provided at no cost to veterans. A large portion of the night was made possible by presenting sponsor The Home Depot Foundation, who made a generous donation to Camp Southern Ground to help with the construction of a residential village for veterans while they are on campus.
“The Home Depot Foundation’s work to improve the homes and lives of U.S. military veterans and their families aligns with our mission to serve those who have sacrificed to protect our freedoms and keep us safe. We are so grateful for The Home Depot Foundation’s generous donation which will go toward building a special residential village to house veterans participating in our Warrior PATHH program,” said Mike Dobbs, president and CEO of Camp Southern Ground.
It’s through the support of the community and partners like The Home Depot Foundation that Zac Brown’s passion project continues to grow. Another successful evening for Camp Southern Ground means they can serve even more kids and more veterans. Registration for 2020 summer camp is open with early bird discount until Nov. 21 and upcoming Warrior Week and Warrior PATHH programs have openings as well. Visit CampSouthernGround.org to learn more and apply!
