WARSAW – Church camps across Missouri may receive inspiration from the results of a recent fundraiser held for Baptist Ridge Camp (BRC), a facility owned and operated by Fellowship Baptist Association (FBA), both located in Warsaw. Support from nearly 350 people attending the dinner and auction netted the camp an estimated $20,000, which will be used for overdue repairs and maintenance to the camp.
Director of Missions (DOM) David Mifflin, coordinator of the fundraiser, was extremely pleased with the outcome.
“The proceeds will be used to maintain Baptist Ridge Camp,” Mifflin said. “Unfortunately, many Missouri associational camps are facing financial hardships, some are even closing. It is the firm conviction of our camp board and staff that Baptist Ridge Camp is worth the investment of time and resources.”
BRC is located just south of Warsaw on top of an Ozark Ridge and nestled among an abundance of Oak trees. Since 1976, it has been the site for a valued ministry through a summer camping program offered to students from across Missouri, and most recently it served nearly 80 girls and leaders at a GA Retreat held Oct. 28-29.
The benefit was held Sat., Oct. 22, at the Benson Center in Clinton. The evening included generous cash donations, both a silent and live auction, and a ticketed dinner, and was attended by people from area churches and community members at large.
Individuals, organizations and businesses donated numerous items for both the silent and live auctions, offering bidders an opportunity to buy goods in categories ranging from automotive to entertainment, including community college theatre tickets, a tractor and bush hog and a handcrafted wooden armoire.
“Praise the Lord!” Mifflin said. “We had so much cooperation with the fundraiser, from volunteers helping execute the event to the support of donors and bidders who made it all possible. The months of preparation culminated in a very satisfying and successful project.”
Coordinating the auctions were members of FBA Annie Green, Linda Cate and Robin Wall, and chairing the steering committee was Charlene Nichols. Rick Watson Auction Service conducted the live auction. BRC staff, board members and many other volunteers also helped to make the event a resounding success.
BRC is a modern facility which includes four dormitories, a full-service cafeteria, pool, nurse’s station and beautiful chapel. Mifflin hopes to maintain the ability to provide a camping ministry for many years to come.
For more information about the camp, or how to donate, visit www.fellowshipbaptistassociation.com, or call 660-438-6678.