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May 13, 2013 | Carol E. Barnwell

Starry Nights Guarantees Campers Access

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George Dehan, president of Camp Allen, was concerned when he saw the historic streets near downtown Austin blocked off for President Barack Obama during his visit to Austin on May 9. Thunderheads rumbled nearby, but by the time 160 Camp Allen supporters began to arrive at Serrano’s Tex-Mex Restaurant for Camp Allen’s Starry Nights fundraiser, the president had left and the rain had moved on.

 

On a sprawling patio, under twinkling lights, participants bid more than $54,200 during a lively auction, feasted on fajitas and heard glowing words about the evenings’ honorees from Bishop Dena Harrison. Robin and Malcolm Cooper, members of St. David’s, Austin, and Bertha Means, a member of St. James’ Austin, were honored as symbols for “Faith, Hope and Charity,” for their many contributions to the Diocese of Texas and their longtime support of programming for youth.

 

Bidders stepped it up for a hand-made fly rod by the Rev. Bert Betz of Trinity Rods; a hunting trip with Bishop Andy Doyle and dug deeper to pledge scholarship support for needy summer campers. 

 

Camp Allen holds two fundraisers annually: October in Houston and a spring event in Austin. The Austin event was chaired by Ashley and Miles Brandon and Kimberly and Kelly Koonce. For more information or to support the summer camping program at Camp Allen, go to www.campallen.org.

 

See the honoree bios below:

 

Starry Nights and Campfire Lights 2013