By Warner M. MontgomeryWarner@TheColumbiaStar.com

Jeanne Schmidt (c) accepts $15,000 check for Camp Kemo from Lee Smith (l) and Thomas Peacock (r), president of CAHU.

The Columbia Association of Health Underwriters (CAHU) presented a check for $15,000 to Camp Kemo during CAHU's monthly luncheon meeting September 21 at the Palmetto Club.

Camp Kemo Director Jeanne Schmidt accepted the check from Lee Smith, CAHU public service chair, on behalf of the organization. CAHU has donated $92,800 since 1998 when it began raising money for Camp Kemo through its Annual Golf Tournament.

Camp Kemo is a summer camp experience for children with cancer, ages 5-18, and their siblings. The camp provides the children with a typical childhood experience. The program was created by the Palmetto Health Richland Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Founded in 1980, it was the first camp of this type in S.C. and one of the first in the nation.

The purpose of CAHU is to support the role of its members in servicing the public's need for affordable health insurance coverage. CAHU achieves this goal by providing its members with educational opportunities, by being involved in the legislative and regulatory process with the S.C. Department of Insurance, and by participating in community service projects.

"We are so grateful for the support we receive from the CAHU golf tournament. They raise much needed funds so that we can continue to see smiles on the faces of our patients. They really are making a difference in the lives of children!" said Schmidt.