JBBBSLA CEO Cari Uslan joined co-chairs Steve Miller and Joey Behrstock at the annual golf benefit, which raised $370,000. (photo courtesy of JBBSLA)

Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles held its 30th annual Camp Bob Waldorf Golf Classic on May 1 and raised more than $370,000 to send youth from low-income households to overnight summer camp.

JBBBSLA has owned and operated Camp Bob Waldorf in Glendale for over 80 years to give youth an enriching summer camp experience and provide them with the tools and a support system to thrive, from elementary school to college and beyond.

JBBBSLA is grateful to the golfers, foundations, institutional sponsors and in-kind donors who support Camp Bob Waldorf. At the event’s closing awards dinner, golfers heard from JBBBSLA CEO Cari Uslan, JBBBSLA Board president (and former camper) Sandy Sigal, camp director Simon Hansen, Golf Committee co-chairs Joey Behrstock and Steve Miller, camp namesake Waldorf, and camper Samy Desman.

“Thanks to Camp Bob Waldorf, I learned things that have truly changed me as a person,” said Desman, a former camper who will be a leader-in-training at camp this summer. “When I’m at camp, I never feel alone. I never feel bored or tired or angry. I feel happy and calm. After these last few years of isolation, returning to camp and experiencing that sense of home again is really important.”

All campers receive partial or full financial aid. The annual golf event ensures more youth from low-income households can attend camp and develop life skills, build confidence, and become future leaders.

“Our campers experience tremendous life challenges, such as food insecurity, homelessness, and trauma,” JBBBSLA CEO Cari Uslan said. “At camp, we give these kids a safe space where they can have fun, make new friends and just enjoy being kids. Before learning about our camp, many parents tell us they never dreamed they could afford to send their children to an overnight camp experience. Our camp is different. We ensure that all children can attend regardless of their ability to pay. [The golf benefit’s] generous supporters make camp possible for children throughout Los Angeles.”

All campers have access to JBBBSLA’s other programs including the Teen Talk App providing social and emotional support to teens; the College Access + Success Program offering one-to-one college counseling, and scholarships to attend college. For information, visit jbbbsla.org.