Boys Town’s 14th Annual Blue Water Bash, held on July 12 at the historic Roof Garden Ballroom in Arnolds Park, drew more than 250 supporters and broke all previous fundraising records. Preliminary totals show the event surpassed last year’s $250,000 goal, with all proceeds benefiting Camp Okoboji -- funding cabin maintenance, restoration and the long-term preservation of this cherished Boys Town tradition.
The evening began with an invocation by Father Jeff Mollner, Boys Town's National Director of Mission and Spirituality. CEO Rod Kempkes then welcomed guests and reflected on the camp’s legacy of life-changing experiences.
“Since the 1950s, Okoboji has given our youth their first fish on the line, their first boat wake to conquer and their first night around a campfire free from worry,” said Kempkes. “Every dollar raised tonight helps keep those firsts alive for the next generation.”
Blue Water Bash event chairs, Lauri & Kevin Bousema and Alex & Cody Bousema shared their experience of attending the event since 2018 and witnessing the transformative impact Boys Town and the Okoboji Campgrounds have had on the lives of Boys Town youth over the years.
One of the evening’s most powerful moments came when newly elected Boys Town Mayor Evan -- Boys Town’s 125th mayor -- received a standing ovation after sharing his journey. From homelessness in Los Angeles to varsity sports and a promising welding career path, Evan credited Camp Okoboji with helping shape his education and personal growth.
Additional stories from current youth and Family-Teachers echoed the camp’s impact, emphasizing the importance of boating, fishing, tubing and simply being kids in a safe, supportive environment.
Boys Town alumnus and 2024 Alumni Sports Hall of Fame inductee Barney Hill offered a heartfelt reflection, recalling how his week at Okoboji helped him believe that “freedom and hope were possible.” Once fearing a future behind bars, Hill now splits his time between an Okoboji home and winters in Florida -- proof of what transformation looks like.
The live auction -- described by longtime attendees as “the best yet” -- featured a custom-made motorized Templeton Rye barrel bar crafted by chair Kevin Bousema and bidding wars so intense that several high-demand packages, including Italian and Mexican villa getaways, were sold twice. In a show of overwhelming generosity, paddle-raisers answered the call for $100,000 in freewill donations within minutes.
The evening closed with live music and a moving group performance of the song, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother,” reaffirming Boys Town’s core belief in compassion and shared responsibility.
Since 1953s, Camp Okoboji has offered Boys Town youth the kind of summer escape many have never had the chance to experience. Thanks to the incredible generosity shown at this year’s Blue Water Bash, that tradition is set to continue for generations to come.
Next year’s event will feature a Boys Town Cowboys/Boots & Buckles Bash theme and will again be held at the Arnold’s Park Roof Garden on Saturday, July 18th.
