Camp Kiwi in Mahopac was swarming with children who were caked in mud, paint and much more Saturday, and that's exactly what Cindy and Lou Campbell had hoped for.
The inaugural Muddy Puddles Mess Fest was a huge success, with more than 1,500 people—twice the expected number—attending. It raised more than $50,000 for the Ty Louis Campbell (TLC) Foundation, a non-profit aimed at finding more treatment options for pediatric cancer.
"We had the idea in January, February, so it's been a long time coming and a lot of planning," Cindy Campell said at the event, which was dedicated to her son Ty Louis Campbell. Ty died Oct. 17, 2012 at the age of 5. He battled cancer for more than half his life.
He wanted more than anything to jump in the mud, but the cancer prevented him from doing so [see attached video].
"We have been doing fundraising efforts throughout the entire year," she said. "We're so proud. It's been nine months since the foundation started and we're going to make some really great investments in childhood cancer research."
Saturday's event featured everything from balloon animals and bouncy castles to a mud-pit, water balloon tosses and zip lining, plus a giant finger-painting station. There were food fights and pie-throws, too.
Most events drew huge lines throughout the day. The parking lot at the Camp Kiwi campus was full, and cars stretched down nearby side streets.
"The thing I've enjoyed most is going and standing by the mud pit," said Lou Campbell, Ty's father and a Mahopac native. "It's really hysterical to watch, and there's plenty of adults in there as well."
Cindy and Lou's other son, Gavin, is "nothing like his brother," the parents said with a laugh.
"He wants to go swimming and he doesn't want to get dirty," Cindy told Patch. "And Lou and I have been working and I walk around whenever I have a free moment and it brings tears to my eyes in a good way."
The Campbells, who live in Pawling, vow to make the Mess Fest an annual event that gets "better and better." They're encouraging folks all over the country to participate in one of many ways: recreate the event, on either a small or large basis, or send in photos of children playing in the mud.
The First Annual TyAthlon, the next fundraiser the TLC Foundation, will take place Sept. 21 around Lake Mahopac. There will be a triathlon, a 5K run/walk and a "super TyAthalon" for youngsters. Click here for details.
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