Camp Arrah Wanna’s Gala Highlights Decades of Community Support

Of all the charitable organizations that dot the Hoodland Area, few can claim the combination of history and accomplishment as Camp Arrah Wanna. For generations of Mt. Hood residents, the camp is more than just a place — it’s a landmark.

Since 1941, the nonprofit has been a cornerstone of the community, working to improve the education and well-being of kids and adults throughout the area. It’s a place where countless local children have had their first camp experience, and where adults have found connection and retreat.

Accomplishing their myriad goals requires a dedicated effort, and Development Director Erika Zavala and her team coordinate vital fundraisers throughout the year. The flagship event is often the annual Fall Fundraiser & Gala, a night where the community comes together to celebrate and give back.

This year, on October 18th, seventy-two guests gathered with a common purpose: to support the camp's Youth Programming. By the end of the evening, they had raised more than $30,000.

This year’s funds were earmarked for a particularly important mission. “Camp Arrah Wanna’s 2025 Black Tie Gala centered on raising funds and support for the year-round programs we offer,” explains Zavala. “Especially those connected to our ‘Character at Camp’ initiative launched in 2024.”

This initiative is the heart of the camp’s modern mission, focusing on building resilience, leadership, and community in young people. Zavala notes that the funds raised are crucial for making this vision a reality. “Every contribution helps us: provide more camper scholarships, strengthen and expand our program infrastructure, and update and enhance activity offerings for our amazing campers.”

A fundraising event of this scale is impossible without the bedrock of local business support, and the Fall Gala is a testament to the community’s commitment. Each year, the gala draws support from several stalwart members of the Hoodland area. A glance at the sponsor list reads like a guide to the local community, with names like the Lions Club, KOR Roofing, the Whistle Stop, and Clackamas County Bank stepping up to help. The list goes on and on, demonstrating a powerful, collective belief in the camp’s mission.

Zavala reports that nearly $7,000 was raised between these critical sponsorships and initial ticket sales alone, setting a strong foundation for the night's success.

The gala itself was a vibrant affair, mixing elegance with the comfortable, familiar feel of a mountain gathering. Guests enjoyed a live auction, a raffle, and a sumptuous banquet, all held in support of the camp.

The auction items perfectly captured the spirit of the community, offering a blend of exciting experiences and practical mountain living. Prizes ranged from sophisticated private wine tastings to fun-filled escape room experiences. And in a moment that could only happen on Mt. Hood, one of the most popular items was a full cord of wood — as the original article noted, “never a bad investment on the mountain.”

The friendly bidding and excitement from these events brought in another $11,000. Of course, the most significant impact came from direct, heartfelt financial donations, which dwarfed all other categories, bringing in more than $15,000. For Zavala, the financial tally was secondary to the incredible feeling in the room.

“When I think back on the 2025 CAW Black Tie Gala & Fundraiser, one thing stands out above all: the people. I was deeply moved by the generosity of our guests, whose support fuels the mission and magic of Camp Arrah Wanna,” she says. “But beyond the giving, it was the joy, laughter, and shared spirit that made the evening truly unforgettable.”

That spirit of connection is what defines the Hoodland community, and what the camp itself seeks to foster in its programs.

“From heartfelt conversations to spontaneous moments of celebration, the fun-loving energy of everyone in attendance created a night filled with connection, purpose, and lasting memories,” Zavala reflects. “I am beyond thankful to be a part of something so special each year!”

Zavala’s final message perfectly summarized the night: “Together, we’re building a camp experience rooted in character, community, and growth!”

With a history stretching back to 1941 and a community that continues to show up, Camp Arrah Wanna's future looks as bright as its storied past.