Captain Ron's Team

Claire Messano / Camp Kita on Loon Pond

Captain Ron's team is founded by Ron Messano's daughter, Claire, and is dedicated to helping the Kita Center grow so we can reach and support more suicide loss survivors.  

  • $132,696

    Raised

  • $150,000

    Goal

  • 218

    Supporters

Recent Transactions

About Captain Ron's Team

Captain Ron's team is a continuous fundraising effort by me and my community to honor my late father, Ron Messano, who lost his mental health battle in July 2020. 

Many involved in the fundraiser know how beloved Captain Ron was by so many. He was an extremely successful entrepreneuer who ran his own business, Heritage Business Forms, for almost 40 years. He was a devoted husband and father to both of his human children and many Corgi children throughout his lifetime. He was an avid yachtsman who was happiest spending time out on the Chesapeake Bay, and he supported bay conservation efforts throughout his entire adult life. He was gentle, kind, and silly. He was extremely smart, hardworking, and passionate. He had conflicting interests: like loving Philadelphia sports but also loving the Backstreet Boys. He loved Chi Chi margaritas and absolutely despised peas. He was truly one of a kind and will be lovingly remembered by all who knew them. 

Captain Ron's team for Camp Kita is a continuous effort to support Camp Kita, a tuition free summer camp for children and teens who have lost a loved one to suicide. Currently, the camp is working towards their goal to build a permanent camp location in Maine but this team will continue to raise funds for Camp Kita in the years to come so they can continue their mission. 

 I cannot imagine having to go through losing my father to suicide during my childhood or teenage years, and my heart goes out to those who have experienced that loss at such a young age. Camp Kita offers a safe place for children to grieve and process their emotions while also experiencing the joy and fun of summer camp. 

I can't thank everyone enough who has supported this fundraiser since its kick off in August 2022, especially my corporate partner Flat Vernacular. I look forward to raising money here for Camp Kita for many years to come.

With love and gratitude,
Claire Messano