by K.G. McAnally, Staff Writer
LONG BEACH (GG) — On Saturday, March 7, 2026, Camp Awesome $2,500 Drawdown Party, held at the West Harrison Civic Center in Long Beach, was a success thanks to support from the community.
Camp Awesome, an organization that provides overnight camps for individuals with special needs, would like to thank the McBride family for cooking the delicious jambalaya and The Island View for donating an array of delicious desserts. DJ Fantasy, Trae Henderson, did an amazing job providing the entertainment.
A special thank you to everyone that donated items to the silent auction and especially to everyone that bought a ticket for the event.
Camp costs a minimum of $27,000 for the summer session and $9,000 for the fall session. Camp Awesome typically serves up to 40 campers at each of the three sessions. Camp fees are on a sliding basis: full price is $150, reduced fee is $75, and there is a full fee waiver.
The fee is self-selected by the family of the camper. No one is ever turned away over camp costs. More than half of the campers attend for free. The annual drawdown is the main fundraiser for Camp Awesome.
“We are always overwhelmed by the level of support we receive from our friends and community, and this year is no different. As of two weeks ago, we were well under the target for ticket sales and silent auction donations, but when we put the word out that we were struggling our community stepped up with love and support and helped make this year’s drawdown one of the most successful we have ever had.” – Honey LeBlanc
It’s not too late to donate. Camp Awesome will be releasing their Amazon wish list soon, individuals and organizations are welcome to donate a meal, especially breakfast, and volunteers are needed to help set up camp and close camp. Adults and teens that want to volunteer as staff and counselors are encouraged to request an application via email.
Volunteers receive a t-shirt, the memories of a lifetime, and over 90 volunteer hours. For information about Camp Awesome visit their Facebook page or email campofsms@gmail.com or call 228-547-2286.
(Photos by K.G. McAnally/The Gazebo Gazette)
