In marking the passing of its founder, Paul Newman, the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps has issued the following statement:

While greatly saddened by Paul's passing, the family of Hole in the Wall Camps celebrates the life of Paul Newman and the legacy he has left us and the world.

Paul's commitment to the welfare of children suffering from serious illnesses and life-threatening diseases was never-ending. His infinite passion to provide kids who are sick with a place "to kick back and raise a little hell" has touched the lives of children everywhere.

Paul founded the first Hole in the Wall Camp in Connecticut in 1988, and has since grown to become the world's largest family of camps for children with serious medical needs. Today, camps in Connecticut, New York, North Carolina, Florida, California, Ireland, UK, France, Hungary, Italy, and a Global Partnership Initiative in Africa and Asia offer children opportunities to restore hope, regain confidence and create a lifetime of memories. For more than two decades, over 135,000 children have had a Hole in the Wall Camp experience -- all free of charge.

Through his celebrity status, boundless enthusiasm and entrepreneurial brilliance, Paul helped to create a culture of philanthropy that has inspired everyone from seven-year-old children to 70-year-old corporate CEOs. For the past several years, he was one of 10,000 volunteers who donated their time to the camps. By way of the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps and countless other charitable contributions, he set the example for making this a better world and enhanced the lives of children, their families, volunteers and others who have been blessed by this experience.

Indeed, Paul lived a life informed by his recognition of luck -- the grandeur of it in his life, and the brutality of it in the lives of many others. Paul always felt a responsibility to those in need, especially children. The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps is part of his living legacy, and for that we remain forever grateful. For those of us in the Hole in the Wall Camp family, we are greatly saddened by his passing. His leadership and spirit can never be replaced. But he has left us strong and confident.

All who knew him, worked with him and who have been touched by his kindness and generosity are extremely fortunate. It was Paul's dream that the camps continue to thrive and provide laughter to children who need it most, and we will keep that dream alive. Through the many camper smiles we witness each and every day, Paul's dream lives on.

If you would like to honor Paul's commitment, devotion and passion for the family of Hole in the Wall Camps log on to www.holeinthewallcamps.org.