Thank you to everyone who made the 18th Annual Blue Jean Ball our most successful event yet! We raised over $207,000 – enough money to send 41 children to camp.
The theme of the evening was “Our Journey.” Guests were able to learn more about the journeys of our campers by visiting the different camp villages set up around the room.
During the program, we honored our Executive Director, Mary Rogers, who will be retiring at the end of the year. Former Board president, Ed Becker, reflected on Mary’s journey and the gifts she has shared with Sherwood Forest. Our campers presented Mary with lifetime membership to the National Parks so she can continue her journey into retirement.
We revealed the name of our newest village first at the Blue Jean Ball. The village, Summit, which will be the home away from home for our 8th and 9th grade Leadership campers, was made possible through our Way More than Camp campaign and will allow us to have more campers experience our programs each summer.
Later in the evening we honored Sheryl Williams with our first ever Spirit of the Fire Award. Sheryl is a 1979 graduate of Sherwood Forest’s Leadership program. During her acceptance speech, she shared that “Sherwood Forest unlocked talents that I didn’t know I possessed.”
Today, Sheryl works in the US Justice Department. Previously, she worked in the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Transportation, was the first Special Counsel Law Employment Adviser, served in the office of General Council for the Navy and worked as a Judge Advocate for the US Marine Corps for 28 years. She is the first African American female judge advocate to achieve the rank of Colonel in the Corps.
In addition to a great program, guests were able to win big during our silent and live auctions, enjoy live music, eat a delicious a 3-course meal, and more – all while making a difference in the lives of children in need.
Thanks again to everyone who made our Blue Jean Ball and night to remember!
Check out our video from the Blue Jean Ball:
Check out our photo booth pictures from the event:
