No one was more disappointed than Year-End Social Director Rob Lillie when word reached him that the traditional, luxurious wrap-up parties, funded with Run Camp carryover funds, would not be held this year.
"Boy, originally, when we had 500 people sign up, all those entry fees, product endorsements and sponsorships, we were making big plans to underwrite some pretty extravagant galas," said Lillie, who took three dozen campers last year to Tahiti the week after the race.
What many team leaders remember as the "glory days of Run Camp," when scores of campers dined on caviar and frolicked on distant beaches, may be long gone.
"I'd say our biggest year was when we had that Russian billionaire in camp," recalls veteran Team Leader Phyllis Florian. "You don't forget service like that on a yacht, believe me."
Even with beer barons, advertising moguls and captains in the food industry, though, this year's party contributions fell far short of what it took to maintain water stops, Gogurt supplies and fresh fruit for the hundreds of troops.
"We should have seen this coming," said Lillie. "The overall numbers were good, but the money crowd just wasn't here this year. Lillie said that the coffers are so dry this year that only he and one other camper will be able to use camp funds for retreat. They'll be in Belize from April 26 through June 14.
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