HISTORY OF THE CHALFONTE HOUSE
The original Chalfonte House has been hosting camps, retreats and family events and gatherings for almost 3 decades. Located only blocks away from Grand Traverse Bay, the house is home to various Chalfonte programs including Mom’s Weekend, GROW Camps, Boys Camps, among others.
The tree mural is the inspiration behind our logo. See the featured gold leaf as a reference to the meaning of the mural.
Meyer writes of his time with Giannini at Chalfonte House, taking a train trip and when the boy was hospitalized for treatment. He openly expresses his deep grief at the boy's eventual death and lauds Giannini and other children who suffer serious and fatal illnesses as "heroes, saints and angels" on Earth.
"The lives of these children and their relationships provide inspiration needed to muddle through the maze of our own confused lives, to seek a true alignment of values and authentic peace within our nation, our world and ourselves," he writes.
THE MURAL
At the heart of the Chalfonte Foundation stands a powerful symbol of love and remembrance—the Tree Mural. Painted on the walls of the Chalfonte House, this mural honors the many children who found comfort and care within its walls. Each leaf represents a sick child who stayed with us, their stories woven into the very roots of our mission. When a child passed away, their leaf was painted gold, a lasting tribute to their spirit and the love they shared. Among these golden leaves is one for Ryan Giannini, whose life and journey deeply touched our founder, inspiring the book I Loved a Boy: Confessions of a Catholic Priest, written by our founder, Jmeyer. This mural is more than just art—it is a testament to resilience, a reminder of the profound impact of every child’s life, and a call to continue our work in their memory.
“As chaplain at Children's Hospital of Michigan, the Catholic priest spent 40 years ministering to sick and dying children — mainly those with cystic fibrosis or in intensive care. He also operates Chalfonte House in Elk Rapids, where children attend retreats to receive spiritual, psychological, recreational and educational support.” -Detroit Metro Times, 2007
History of the
Chalfonte House
The original Chalfonte House has been hosting camps, retreats and family events and gatherings for almost 3 decades. Located only blocks away from Grand Traverse Bay, the house is home to various Chalfonte programs including Mom’s Weekend, GROW Camps, Boys Camps, among others
The Chalfonte Houses’ social media accounts are under construction- stay tuned for updates