For 20 years the Clearwater Lions have been grilling for Camp Friendship, and this year was no exception.

 

On May 6 Camp Friendship held its 23rd annual Steak Fry, raising money to help support scholarships and programs at the camp. 

 

This year’s event was a huge success with 450 tickets sold, resulting in a full house and keeping the Clearwater Lions busy at the grill. 

 

Along with 12 oz. steaks, attendees were treated to cheesy potatoes, glazed carrots, green beans, bread and cookies. A  Annandale Boy Scout troop helped bus tables and take out trash.

 

Attendees had the opportunity to bid on 30 different themed baskets during the silent auction portion of the evening, and could purchase raffle tickets to win one of four grand prizes, a 48” flat screen television, a pizza oven, a wine set that included a wine rack, bucket and bottles of wine, and a painting valued at $1,000. 

 

There was also a cash raffle drawing, with a $1,000 cash grand prize and a $500 cash second prize. 

 

Another popular event was the liquor raffle, similar to a meat raffle, in which attendees purchased tickets during different rounds held throughout the event. The winning ticket each round won a bottle of liquor, and on the bottom of each bottle was an envelope with $5 to $50 in cash enclosed. 

 

The event raised $19,000, one of the most successful steak fry fundraisers Camp Friendship has held.

 

“We want to thank the local businesses who donated prizes and auction items, the Clearwater Lions, the Boy Scouts, and the group of community volunteers,” said Brooke Jensen, Camp Friendship development officer. “Their outstanding support and generosity was what made this event a great one.”

 

Camp Friendship is part of True Friends, a nonprofit agency providing life-changing experiences that enhance independence and self-esteem for nearly 4,000 children and adults with disabilities annually. Locations include Camp Friendship near Annandale, Camp Courage near Maple Lake, Camp Eden Wood in Eden Prairie, and a northern Minnesota location. For more information visit www.TrueFriends.org or call 952-852-0101.