The sounds of top hits from prior decades will provide a fitting accompaniment
to Camp Arrah Wanna’s “The Generations of Promise” Banquet and Auction
held at the camp’s historic lodge on Saturday, Oct. 12. All proceeds of the
evening will provide funding for an ongoing campaign to renovate the camp’s
facilities and ensure the continuation of the camp’s more than 78-year
tradition of providing a place of respite and development for generations of
campers.

“The goal (of the fundraiser) is improving the facilities for the next 75 years of
use,” said Laura Young, executive director of the camp. “It should be a really
fun night.”

She noted the evening will offer community members and donors a fun-filled
night in the camp’s facilities including dinner, an open bar, live and silent
auctions, raffles, games and a live band. She added the event was an
opportunity for people to learn more about the camp’s history and future
impact while enjoying a meal prepared by the camp’s food service staff.

Tickets for the event are $60 per person and include dinner and two drink
tickets. Doors to the banquet open at 4:30 p.m., with the bar opening at 5
p.m. and dinner served at 6 p.m. Entertainment and auctions will occur
throughout the evening.

The auction will include items such as vacation packages to regional resorts,
artwork, locally produced woodworking, massage gift certificates, surf lessons
in Lincoln City and gift baskets donated by community businesses. The camp
is auctioning off a pool party to be hosted at their facilities in 2020 as well as
VIP lodging on the campgrounds. For sports fans, a variety of Portland Trail
Blazer memorabilia will be available at the auction, including a ball
autographed by the 2018-19 roster.

The non-profit camp, conference and event center was established at its
current location by The American Baptist Churches of Oregon as a nonprofit
camping ministry in 1941. The camp describes its ongoing goal as “providing
a beautiful, peaceful and safe environment where people can experience the
transforming power of love and find support through positive relationships and
activities.”

The camp has completed phase one of the restoration process which involved
modernizing the second floor of the historic lodge and hiring a full-time
Program and Marketing Director. Funds raised by the banquet and auction will
be used to improve staff housing, continue renovation of the main lodge and
update Judson Lodge, including making the restrooms ADA accessible.
“We’re constantly trying to figure out how to make the facilities more
accessible,” said Young, adding that the camp hosts many groups with
disabilities.

Young stated the camp hopes to host 150 guests at the banquet and auction.
Camp Arrah Wanna is located at 24075 East Arrah Wanna Boulevard in
Welches. Tickets to the event can be purchased online at
www.camparrahwanna.org.