JACKSON TOWNSHIP — This time last year, part of the building for the charity “because I said I would” was ash.
The Bladensburg Fire District was alerted to the commercial structure fire at 3483 McCament Road, Walhonding, at 4:06 a.m. in June 2023. It was the “because I said I would” camp.
More than 40 firefighters from 11 agencies worked to contain the blaze.
The charity’s computers, printers, recreational equipment, cleaning supplies, washers and dryers, books, shirts, merchandise inventory, records, and 10 years’ worth of keepsakes were destroyed in a likely electrical fire.
“because I said I would“ is a social movement and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the betterment of humanity through promises made and kept. We created the Promise Card to inspire others to keep their promises, but the movement has grown into something far greater than its origin, according to it’s website.
Now, fresh dirt has been taken from the ground for a new beginning.
Staffers for the 92-acre camp celebrated its groundbreaking for a new 4,200 square-foot event venue Saturday, marking a new chapter for the character-building organization.
Camp executive Mary Sullivan said construction for the $1.6 million endeavor will begin in October, with a targeted completion of summer 2025.
Founder Alex Sheen shared his vision for this new space and its potential to inspire and unite the community.
The dining hall only seats 100, however, the new building will have the capacity to serve 200 people, Sheen said.
“We designed the building this way so we can expand it,” Sheen said. “Once we get the next round of funding, about $250,000 to $300,000, we’ll be able to double the size of the venue.”
“because I said I would” will be celebrating 12 years, Sheen said, adding it’s rare for a start-up nonprofit to last that long.
According to the National Center on Charitable Statistics, approximately 30% of nonprofits fail to exist after 10 years.
“I want to see this live and make a difference,” Sheen said.
For a disaster to hit an organization like a fire, it’s rare to stay alive.
“FEMA says that after a disaster only 40% of organizations will ever open their doors for another single day,” Sheen said. “By three years after a disaster, only 90% won’t exist.”
Sheen and staff weathered the storm by “drinking their own Kool-Aid,” he said, part of resiliency and hard work.
Sheen recalled his father’s eulogy titled “because I said I would”— the beginning of the non-profit.
“On that day I never intended to do whatever I’ve spoken about today,” Sheen said. “I was just trying to say goodbye to my dad.”