According to Dana and Craig Van Horn, the reason behind their involvement in The Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Town program is simple. “I have been involved in the Fresh Air program basically all of my life,” Dana states. Dana became involved with The Fund at just 5 years old when her family welcomed David of Brooklyn into their home. David quickly became part of the family and returned every summer until he was 18 years old. Dana, who now has three grown children of her own, has been hosting Fresh Air Fund children for thirteen years and is currently the Chairperson of the program in Mifflintown, PA.

 

The Van Horns met their first Fresh Air Fund child, Danaisha, in the summer of 1995. Dana’s children Lauren, Jared and Logan spent their summers with Danaisha swimming in the family’s pool, roasting marshmallows by the campfire and going on camping trips. “I think it is such a rewarding experience for both the children who come to stay with us as well as my own family” Dana stated. Danaisha was able to participate in a lot of activities that simply aren’t available to children in New York City and Dana’s own children looked forward to the fun and excitement Danaisha brought to the family each summer.

 

One of the Van Horn’s fondest memories took place as Dana and Craig recreated their wedding day for their 20^th anniversary. All the children participated in the special ceremony where Danaisha acted as the official videographer. Danaisha always loved to help out and was truly a member of the family in every way. The Van Horns have also been lucky enough to host three other Fresh Air Fund children.

Though Danaisha is now grown and no longer visits the Van Horn family every summer, she is still very much a part of their family.  Dana and Craig Van Horn welcomed their “first granddaughter,” Danaisha’s daughter Giselle, into their lives in 2008. That same year Danaisha also took part in Dana’s daughter’s wedding.  Once just a little girl visiting from the city, Danaisha has now grown to become a very dear member of the Van Horn family.  For Dana, the special bonds she has formed with her Fresh Air Fund children can never be broken and she will always treasure the learning experiences and memories from each summer.