Features

‘Shaken, Not Stirred’ Virtual Gala a Hit for Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp

Portland, OR. Over 150 guests tuned in to support Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp‘s second annual virtual gala and online auction. It raised over $156,000. Art Edwards was the host of the event. Over the course of the hour-long event on April 21st, guests watched videos and heard personal stories of how Camp has impacted and changed their lives.

Each year, MHKC offers 8 weeks of Main Camp, where campers enjoy a one-to-one camper-counselor ratio with the option for outgroup adventures, including Trip & Travel, Tent & Travel, and Lakeside Camp where campers pitch tents on Trillium Lake, paddle canoes, go whitewater rafting and more. June brings the opportunity for new campers to experience MHKC through Family Camp, while experienced campers can come back to Camp in the snow through two weekend winter retreats.

Executive Director Dave McDonald addressed supporters during the online event.

The show ended with a tribute to long-time supporter and professor emeritus, Ann Fullerton who was instrumental in creating and growing the long-standing Portland State University/MHKC capstone program. To see a recording of this event, please go to www.mhkc.org/gala.

June brings the opportunity for new campers to experience MHKC through Family Camp, while experienced campers can come back to Camp in the snow through two-weekend winter retreats.

Here’s a video about the camp:

There are few places where individuals with disabilities can spend a week joyfully focusing on their abilities. For over 85 years, Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp (MHKC) has offered incredible outdoor recreational programming for campers with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities at its fully accessible 22-acre campsite in the Mt. Hood National Forest.

On any given summer day, our campers are catching fish, conquering their fear on the adventure course and zipline, splashing at the pool, riding a horse for the first time, whitewater rafting, paddling a canoe on Trillium Lake, and dancing the night away at campfire. Wheelchair-accessible trails and innovations such as adaptive saddles, harnesses, and bicycles make the traditional camp experience available to all. Camp doesn’t just offer outdoor activities, it offers a chance for people with disabilities to make new friends and build community in a friendly, non-judgmental environment where they can feel empowered and included.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.