On a warm Sunday afternoon, more than 135 people filled the Somers Point VFW Post 2189 on Bethel Road to honor the memory of Cameron Donohue — a Mainland Regional High School graduate, beloved son, brother, uncle, grandson and friend remembered for his bright smile, quick humor and selfless heart. The event marked the second annual benefit for Cam’s Buds Scholarship Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created in Cameron’s honor after his death by suicide on June 17, 2023.
The foundation was established by Claudia Donohue, Cameron’s sister, with 100% of funds raised dedicated directly to the scholarship fund. Its mission serves as both a tribute to Cameron and a call to action — investing in the next generation of mental health professionals so more families can access the support they need.
Held from 2 to 6 p.m., the event drew family, friends, coworkers and community members from across the Shore region for an afternoon centered on remembrance, generosity and hope.
Among those in attendance were Cameron’s parents, Deniele (Diaz) Donohue and Keith Donohue; his sisters, Claudia Donohue and Nicole (Donohue) Troiano; Nicole’s husband, Ricky; and their children, Niko and Mila — a family that has transformed grief into lasting purpose.
Guests enjoyed food catered by Walt’s Original Primo Pizza and Robert’s Catering by Essl’s/Il Porcellino in Egg Harbor Township. But perhaps the most meaningful part of the menu came from a special dessert table prepared by Cameron’s mother, Deniele, through her Somers Point business, Sweet Art Confectionery. The handmade desserts carried a deeply personal touch, with every sweet creation reflecting a mother’s love.
Among the most talked-about items were affirmation cookies decorated with messages promoting mental health awareness. Frosted in teal and purple, the cookies featured phrases such as “Mental Health Matters,” “It’s not a bad life, just a bad day,” “Break the Stigma” and “I Am Proud of Myself.” For many attendees, they were more than desserts — they were reminders of the event’s purpose.
The Chinese auction served as a centerpiece of the afternoon, featuring 175 donated items in a remarkable show of support from businesses and individuals throughout the Shore community.
Auction items included autographed memorabilia from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Flyers and Philadelphia Phillies, along with game tickets, restaurant gift cards and donations from local businesses including The Crab Trap, LB Steakhouse and Seaview Country Club. Guests also bid on spa treatments from Ula Facial Boutique in Margate, a hotel stay in Cape May, a gift card and golf certificate from Renault Winery Resort and hundreds of retail gift cards.
The afternoon reached its emotional peak near the close of the event during the 50/50 raffle, which alone raised more than $1,000. Attendees had written their names on their entrance tickets for the drawing.
Emcee and DJ Thomas Buchel, known professionally as DJ MicroLink, kept the event moving throughout the afternoon while announcing raffle winners and donations. As the final ticket of the day was drawn from the basket, the room fell silent.
The winning name was “Mommy.”
Deniele rose from her seat as the crowd erupted into a standing ovation. Fighting back tears, she blew a kiss toward the sky and thanked her son. There was hardly a dry eye in the room.
Cam’s Buds Scholarship Foundation awards $500 scholarships to graduating students at Mainland Regional High School who plan to pursue higher education in the mental health field.
At least one student has already applied, with essay reviews and scholarship recipient announcements expected in the coming weeks.
