Earlier this month, Camp Ne-O-Tez hosted it's annual event and fund-raiser, and we were excited to be invited to join in on the celebration! Each year, campers, leaders, volunteers and more get together to celebrate the camp and raise funds for improvements. For more than 50 years, the camp has allowed youth to come, make friends, learn social skills and grow as people and believers. Each summer, the camp hosts hundreds of youth at its location near DeSoto.
The event featured a silent auction, musical performances, speakers and camaraderie. Over just a few hours, they raised $54,000 to help with improvements to keep the camp going for another generation of attendees.
Chris Johnson performs as guests arrive and start bidding on silent auction items.
There is no shortage of camaraderie as friends and family gather to celebrate the camp.
Located at Machinists Hall in Bridgeton, the event draws a few hundred guests each year.
As guests settle in, the program begins.
One of the coveted auction items went to Steve who was thrilled! The item was part of the original property from 1970. It is the last remaining intact chair.
Lukasek, our favorite caters, were even there to provide dinner!
While the adults enjoyed the evening festivities, the kids got to have the most fun. Free childcare was provided so parents could attend the event, and the kids could socialize!
Between games and a magical ballon maker, there was no shortage of fun! (Jared even spotted a Mario ballon he made for one kid. This guy has talent!)
At the end of the program, Steve Awtrey got the audience on it's feet (literally for some!) as he lead a sign-along of his favorite camp songs.
The honored guest speaker for the night was a former camper, David Wilkins.
Congratulations to this great group on a wonderful evening and a successful fund-raiser!