Kiwanis stroll exceeds goal, raises record $54,000

Late summer rain couldn’t dampen the spirit of the nearly 200 supporters who came out to the Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp Walk, Roll, or Stroll at Oaks Amusement Park on Sept. 14. The rain-soaked participants helped make the Kiwanis fundraiser the largest in its18-year history.

“Together, we made history,” Kiwanis Development and Communications Director Skye Burns said to the supporters. “Thanks to your amazing generosity and enthusiasm, we raised over $54,000, making this our most successful walk.”

The new record-high $54,000 exceeded Kiwanis’ goal of $50,000, which was approximately last year’s total. Burns thanked everyone – many of whom came well-prepared with jackets and umbrellas – for turning out despite the rain.

“Guests braved the weather with big smiles and even bigger hearts, joining together to walk in support of Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp,” Burns said. “Thank you to everyone who walked, rolled, strolled, volunteered, donated, and cheered us on. You helped make this event not only a fundraising success, but a true celebration of what makes MHKC so special.”

Highlights of the 18th annual event included a barbecue lunch provided by Performance Food Service, sweet treats from Raising Cane’s and Salt and Straw, live music performed by the Kiwanis Camp’s very own Staff Infection Band, animal balloons, face-painting, Bingo, prizes, camp spirit, and unforgettable times with MHKC friends and family. 

Walkers, rollers, or strollers took a one-mile loop on the grounds of Oaks Amusement Park in Portland. One of the biggest fundraisers on the Kiwanis calendar, the walk raises money for Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp, a 22-acre campsite in the Rhododendron community in Mount Hood National Forest.

For more than 85 years, the camp has served individuals with developmental disabilities, providing recreational programs in the winter and summer. They serve 500 to 600 campers of all ages each year.

On any given summer day, campers can be found catching fish, conquering their fears on the adventure course and zipline, splashing in the pool, riding horses for the first time, whitewater rafting, paddling a canoe on Trillium Lake, and dancing around a campfire.

Wheelchair accessible trails and innovations such as adaptive saddles, harnesses, and bicycles make the camp experience available to all. Camp offers a chance for people with disabilities to make new friends and build community in a nonjudgmental environment where they can feel empowered and included.

For more information about Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp, go online to mhkc.org.

“We can’t wait to see you next year — rain or shine,” Burns said.