YMCA Camp Ockanickon will officially unveil the recently completed Frank A. De Martini Craft Center with a ceremonial ribbon cutting on Sunday, July 1 at 11:30 a.m. Multi-generations of the DeMartini family attended Camp Ockanickon and Camp Matollionequay and formed a foundation to make this facility a reality.
Frank De Martini, a former Camp Ockanickon camper, volunteer and construction manager for the World Trade Center is remembered for his courage, for his concern for the world around him, for his boundless energy, for his love of live and for his love of family.
As the world remembers Sept. 11, 2001, De Martini is remembered for his multiple acts of selfless bravery and heroism as he saved more than 75 people from the World Trade Center that fateful day. He helped evacuated an entire floor and insisted on staying in the tower to help others.
Keith VanDerzee, CEO of Camp Ockanickon, said, “The Frank A. DeMartini Craft Center honors Frank’s passion and courage and we are immensely proud to have his name and legacy forever remembered through the dedication of this building.”
The DeMartini Family Foundation, along with many members of the extended DeMartini family, contributed more than $100,000 toward the construction of the building.
Other major contributors include the Holman Automotive Group, the William G. Rohrer Charitable Foundation, Dan, Karen, Jack and Sean Kelly and the Haddonfield Y’s Men’s Club.
Primarily overnight campers at Camp Ockanickon will use the craft center, but also by Lake Stockwell day campers and other camp guests for rain day activities, conferences, board meetings, groups and retreats.