Bills’ Recognition, Ward Bros. Highlight Funding Event
Saturday was a big night for Camp – just not at Camp. A deluge of nearly 3″ of rain caused a last-minute venue change from the campgrounds to the Northwest church in Lawton, but didn’t drown out the giving spirits of the 115 in attendance at “An Evening at Lu-Jo.”
The major fundraising theme, the “Water Works Project“, took on new, unanticipated meanings as the day wore on. Originally referring to the goal of repairing the water system at camp, the rainy weather quickly became a project of its own, and by the end of the night, co-emcees Sam & Zack Ward sang a new, hilarious rendition of Kenny Rodgers’ “The Gambler” to make sure all attendees clearly understood the <<ahem>> unforeseen consequences of a Lu-Jo without water (…check with any attendee for details…perhaps a video will soon surface…)
In addition to the fun, there were also moments of thankfulness and reverence. A special, Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Leroy & Betty Bills of Chattanooga, for their decades of selfless service to Camp. Mr. & Mrs. Bills are so worthy of this recognition, as they have sacrificed much to see Camp Lu-Jo become what it is today. All of us in the Lu-Jo family are all humbly thankful for their love of God, kids and Camp.
A small and worthy silent/live auction also spurred excitement at the event. Among the items were two Camp Lu-Jo quilts, an autographed book by Oklahoma’s best-known blogger, the Pioneer Woman, and 20+ pans of Judy Carroll’s incomparable cinnamon rolls. Judy, her husband, Mike, and family also cooked and served the delicious rib dinner!
All together, it was a fantastic, successful night. Fundraising for the Water Works Project continues, and everyone at CLJK is thankful to the donors, attendees and supporters of Camp for providing a springboard into the 2010 camp sessions!