The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust has awarded a $500,000 grant to Camp Rainbow Gold to help the nonprofit make a difference in the lives of children who have been diagnosed with cancer. The funds are helping Camp Rainbow Gold remodel facilities on its new camp property so that kids and their families can enjoy an escape from the rigors of their illnesses.

“In times of great challenge, one of the greatest gifts that can be given is the gift of community, of laughter, and of safety. A pediatric cancer diagnosis is one of the most difficult moments a family can endure. We are grateful for organizations like Camp Rainbow Gold that help bring community, light, and laughter to children and families in Idaho as they navigate such a challenging period and we are grateful to have the opportunity to support their efforts,” said Steve Moore, executive director, M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust.

The grant to Camp Rainbow Gold reflects Murdock Trust’s continued investment in the Pacific Northwest, having contributed $62 million to nonprofits serving communities in Idaho state and $1.2 billion in the region overall since 1975. This includes nearly $8 million to camps like Camp Rainbow Gold since 2016.

The Icing on the Cake

For nearly four decades, Camp Rainbow Gold has served kids with cancer and their families through its unique summer camp program. In 2019, Camp Rainbow Gold acquired its own camp property, a former golf course now known as Hidden Paradise, to host its camps and programs. The grant from Murdock Trust helped the nonprofit remodel multiple buildings and cabins to host approximately 120 kids and their families at camp in summer 2021.

“We know how important our camps and programs are to the kids and families we serve – and how important it’s been to find a permanent place for us to call home,” said Elizabeth Lizberg, CEO/executive director of Camp Rainbow Gold. “It took a big group effort to make camp happen in our new space this summer, and with their funding, Murdock was truly the icing on the cake.”