Black, White & Bubbles Gala Benefits Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp

Donor, Karen Anderson raising her paddle in support of MHKC

Portland, OR. Over 220 guests came together at the Oregon Golf Club to celebrate Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp’s 38th Annual Auction and Gala. It was the first fully “in-person” gala since 2019. Above, Donor, Karen Anderson raised her paddle in support of MHKC. The benefit on April 14th, raised $225,000 to support Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp, a local nonprofit providing equitable access to outdoor recreation for individuals with developmental disabilities. Attendees were treated to tray-passed bubbles from the Stoller Wine Group while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and listening to music from MHKC’s very own, Staff Infection Band. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Featured Camper, Harrison Halstead with parents, Chip and Kristi

Longtime MHKC supporters, Wendy Anderson & Gary Pope

Executive Director, Dave McDonald and KGW News Channel 8 Reporter & Emcee, Art Edwards

Auctioneer, Dale Johannes working his magic

About Mt. Hood Kiwanis 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.

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.

As camper Renae told us: “At Camp, I can fly!”

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.