Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Cradle Beach, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Cradle Beach
Mailing Address: 8038 Old Lakeshore Road
City: Angola
State: New York
Postal Code: 14006
Main Phone: 716-549-6307
Main Fax: 716-549-6825
Organization Website: www.cradlebeach.org
Employer ID Number: 16-0743025
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 19, 2026
Requested Amount: 10,000.00

Project Title: Cradle Beach Summer Camp Program
Project Description:

Cradle Beach offers an overnight summer camp experience to children ages 8-17 years old with disabilities and/or from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Summer camp provides children with the opportunity to learn, grow and play in a safe and enriching environment. Through recreational activities, skill-building opportunities and positive peer interactions, campers develop confidence, independence and meaningful social connections while enjoying a traditional camp experience.

Cradle Beach empowers children with disabilities and the underserved to become their best selves. We create opportunities for life-changing experiences in a supportive and inclusive setting. Cradle Beach has been proudly serving the children and families of Western New York for more than 138 years.

Cradle Beach sits on the shores of Lake Erie about 20 miles south of the City of Buffalo. The 66-acre campus includes a heated and fully accessible swimming pool, basketball court, baseball/softball diamond, nature trails, playground, an accessible treehouse, arts & crafts and performing arts centers, and enough cabins to comfortably sleep 100 campers each session. About 800 campers enjoy the Cradle Beach experience every summer. The camp also includes an infirmary and a commercial kitchen and dining hall.

Participants include campers with physical, developmental and social-emotional disabilities as well as campers who face barriers related to income, transportation or limited access to structured extracurricular programming.

Cradle Beach employs over 150 staff every summer. Program staff include direct support staff and mental health counselors, supervisors, registered nurses, and support personnel. Staff receive a week long training in trauma-informed care, behavior management, disabilities, youth mental health first aid, and so much more. Volunteers and community members also play an important role in supporting programming and special events.

Cradle Beach is open year-round. In the offseason the campus provides professionally supported respite services and programs for youth as well as seniors.

Total Project Budget: $2.5 million

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Special events, corporate underwriting, individual donations, foundation grants, county and state governmental agencies

Project Duration: 8 weeks
Geographical Area Served: Western and Central New York State
Age Group To Be Served: 8-17

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Michael
Contact Last Name: Benzin
Contact Title: Director of Advancement & Development
Contact Phone: 716-549-6307
Contact Email: mbenzin@cradlebeach.org