By Samantha Joseph

Staff writer

MARTIN COUNTY - Before the economic downturn, the Martin County Parks and Recreation Department used to typically raise $13,000 for its scholarship program to help send local children to summer camp.

But this year, its efforts yielded only $3,000, about $10,000 shy of its usual intake.

A matching grant from the Treasured Lands Foundation helped double the sum, but the group still needs to make up for the shortfall, administrators say.

That's why the group teamed with local restaurant Mulligan's Beach House for a fundraiser. The eatery donated 15 percent of its revenue from June 18 to the camp program, which came to more than $500.

"We need the support of local businesses now more than ever," said Lauren Mihalik, who coordinates the county's Lanford Park Camp. "Sending kids in need to camp is a priority. I can't think of a better way to spend dollars raised in our community."

With more than 20 families on the Parks and Recreation Department's waiting list, county staff and their supporters at Mulligan's say they feel especially motivated to raise enough for scholarships.

"These are families who otherwise would not be able to afford to have their kids in camp this summer," said Angela Gomez, a Parks department staffer. "Without this program, a lot of these kids may be home alone."

The department opened three camp locations at Langford Park and the Hobe Sound and Palm City community centers that will last throughout the summer. It offers a variety of full-service, full-day camps, priced at about $75 per week, which include about 16 field trips, no registration fees and price breaks for families with more than one child.

Themes include theater, fishing, surfing, wrestling, various sports and art, among several others.