A new fund  with the North Carolina Community Foundation will enable American children who have lost a parent in combat to attend YMCA Camp Sea Gull or Camp Seafarer.

The Camp Sea Gull Seafarer Gold Star Children’s Fund, established by Fin and Nancy Gaddy of Manteo, will provide support to the YMCA of the Triangle, which operates the two resident camps on the Neuse River in Arapahoe, N.C.

“The Gaddys are well-known philanthropists throughout North Carolina,” said Jennifer Tolle Whiteside, NCCF CEO and President. “We are so honored to steward another fund for this generous family and in support of children who have suffered the ultimate sacrifice.”

The Gaddys created the fund after reading an article about a family who lost their father in combat. The children of the fallen soldier are the same age as the Gaddys’ two sons. The couple “was inspired to do something tangible to help those left behind,” according to a YMCA newsletter.

“We are very grateful for the generosity of the Gaddy family in creating this fund to benefit military children who have lost a parent in combat,” said Gretchen Presnell Hyde, YMCA director of development. “YMCA Camp Sea Gull and YMCA Camp Seafarer provide deeply impactful experiences, and we believe all children should have the opportunity to build community and grow in this environment, and the Gaddys are making that possible for families who have deeply sacrificed for the rest of us.”

Those interested in attending camp with support of the fund should contact Jocelyn Atkins at (919) 719-9645 or Jocelyn.Atkins@seagull-seafarer.org. To learn more about the camps, visit https://www.seagull-seafarer.org/

Those interested in donating to the fund should send their tax-deductible contributions to the Foundation in the name of the Camp Sea Gull Seafarer Gold Star Children’s Fund. Gifts can also be made online at nccommunityfoundation.org by pressing the GIVE NOW tab on any page. Donations can also be mailed to NCCF, 3737 Glenwood Ave., Suite 460, Raleigh, NC 27612.