Camp Arrah Wanna’s Denim & Diamonds Gala Raises $41,360

By Marie Kennedy, The Mountain Times

Long rows of tables stretched across Camp Arrah Wanna’s old Main Lodge during the Oct. 3 Denim & Diamonds Gala. The floors, polished with age, creaked slightly underfoot, while windows around the large room looked out on the surrounding woods.

The 123 guests visited with old friends and tried their luck at the raffle. Chef Brigette Regan and her team served up one of her famous buffet-style dinners.

Erika Zavala, Camp Arrah Wanna’s development director, said the gala raised $41,360, about 25% more than last year’s fundraiser. The fall gala is the camp’s primary annual fundraising event. This year’s proceeds put the organization more than 40% of the way toward its $100,000 year-end goal.

The increase comes as the camp faces a significant revenue loss. Statewide funding reductions led to the loss of its 2026-27 Outdoor School contract, which had been expected to provide more than 22 weeks of programming and related revenue, Zavala said. That loss has added pressure to fundraising efforts as the camp works to sustain its year-round operations and maintain its facilities.

Planning for the fall event began soon after the camp wrapped up its spring fundraiser, which featured a month-long virtual event and online auction. Months of preparation included securing sponsors, soliciting auction donations from local businesses, coordinating entertainment, planning the menu, and arranging volunteers for decorations and setup.

The Denim & Diamonds theme added elegance to the lodge’s rustic setting. The event included entertainment, fundraising activities, and live and online auctions. Donated items and experiences ranged from getaways and wine tastings to outdoor adventures, family outings, and handcrafted artwork.

Two of the most successful live-auction packages each raised $900. Astoria Excursions included a guided crabbing trip and admission to the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Chalet, Chill & Cheers offered a stay at Collins Lake Resort. The Family Adrenaline Pack, featuring experiences at Oaks Park, Pat’s Acres, and In-N-Out Burger, brought in $675.

The online auction gave supporters another way to take part, with packages including Play All Day at Langer’s, A Taste of Oregon and Blue Skies & Burgers. Bidding remained open until 10 p.m., after the in-person celebration wrapped up.

One of the evening’s speakers, Katie Koch, was engaging to watch as she spoke with humility. Her story reflected the lasting connections young people can form at camp. Zavala said stories like Koch’s illustrate the lasting role the camp can play in young people’s lives.

Programs such as PHISH, or People Humble In Serving Hope, and AWSOM, or Arrah Wanna Summer of Ministry, give young adults opportunities to develop leadership skills, deepen their faith, build relationships, and serve others. Some return as mentors and volunteers, investing in the next generation.

Founded in 1941, Camp Arrah Wanna sits on about 120 forested acres in Welches. It hosts youth camps, adult retreats, family reunions, school programs, and other gatherings throughout the year. Groups can plan their own programs while the camp provides meals, meeting spaces, lodging in cabins and cottages, and activities.

The camp describes its mission as “providing a beautiful, peaceful, and safe environment where people can experience the transforming power of God’s love and find support through healthy relationships and activities.” Summer is the busiest season for youth programs. In winter, the camp continues hosting groups while also handling facility maintenance, staff development, and preparation for the next year’s programs.

Current priorities include improvements to cabin interiors and flooring, building maintenance, and infrastructure work. A key project is improving emergency generator infrastructure at the Main Lodge. The camp is seeking grants, donations and community partnerships to help fund the work as it adjusts to the Outdoor School contract loss.

Winter Camp is scheduled for Feb. 12-15, 2027, and registration is open. Camp Arrah Wanna will continue year-end fundraising through Giving Tuesday on Dec. 1. Donations can be made at camparrahwanna.org.