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Annual Fandango Benefit Gala

2022 Gala Stage with Campers in Beatles coats

When: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Time: 1:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, Ashford, Conn.

The annual Fandango Benefit Gala tradition our Founder Paul Newman began to support Camp programs has evolved over time, but the touchstone and culmination of the festivities remains—a variety show with campers performing musical numbers, families sharing inspirational stories and celebrity friends joining them center stage. Our Fandango show once again returns to Hole in the Wall’s Theater, with a simulcast stream available in our Dining Hall. Guests will enjoy an afternoon and evening filled with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, food trucks, interactive culinary stations, spirited silent and live auctions, music…and more!

If you're interested in attending, or have any questions, please contact Sam Klozik at (203) 745-2721 or via email.

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A VAUDEVILLE CAMP FANDANGO

Saturday, September 28, 2024

On September 28, 2024, 300 Hole in the Wall supporters gathered in Ashford for A Vaudeville Camp Fandango where they enjoyed an afternoon and evening packed with entertainment and plenty of inspiring moments. Thanks to the incredible community, who supported both onsite and from home, this year’s event raised more than $1.25 million for Camp’s growing programs.

New this year, leading up to the event, Camper Correspondents, Daniela and Nate, got the Gala excitement brewing, sharing sneak peeks of the upcoming event and live and silent auctions on Hole in the Wall’s social media channels. They continued to report live from the Gala, sharing funny moments, like Oreo races with Camp friend and actress Melissa Joan Hart, and heartfelt interviews with event attendees.

Festivities kicked off under sunny skies on a perfect autumn day as a cool breeze fluttered leaves and anticipation through a transformed downtown Camp. Food trucks, including Hungry Lion, Rustic Streats and The Big Green Pizza Truck tempted guests with delicious offerings while Shake Shack served up frozen treats. Camp Board Member Lissy Newman wowed with her musical stylings, keeping things lively while guests gathered with friends and made memories to last at the photo booth.

As the day continued, the silent and live auctions sparked some fierce competition for hotly sought after items, including a 1965 World Series Game 1 Ticket Stub autographed by Hall of Famer and Camp Board Member Sandy Koufax, a weekend buyout of the Granville House in Great Barrington, Mass and a private “White Truffle” dinner for 12 with Chef Nick Anderer in New York City. The anticipation was palpable as auctioneer Erin Ward from Star Benefit Auctions and journalist and emcee Brian Williams masterfully stoked the bidding and paddles shot into the air. Adding to the auction excitement was Camper Ellie sharing about how Camp impacted her life and the celebration of Ray Lamontagne who has served as Camp’s Board Chair for 25 years. With a funny and tender song from long time Camp friend and clown, Noodle, and an inspirational paddle “Rayse” to support Hole in the Wall programs, it was a meaningful moment recognizing a transformational legacy.

Following the auction, it was time for the Fandango performance in the Theater and simulcast in the Dining Hall, which opened with the presentation of this year’s “Most Wanted” award to Matt and Kathy Sheeleigh for their support over nearly 30 years! As nine talented campers took the stage, it became clear that this would be a show to remember. Campers Ben, Cameron, Imani, Jayla, Leyma, Quinn, Sky, Vansh and Violet stole the spotlight as they performed alongside celebrity friends including Sherz Aletaha, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Melissa Joan Hart, Adrianna Hicks, Ana Cruz Kayne, Lissy Newman, John Rapson, Elizabeth Stanley, Jessica Vosk, the Wonderful Watson, Brian Williams and Luke Wilson! With powerful songs, hilarious skits and moving segments including reflections focused on community and Family Weekends featuring the Sullivan and Montera Families, it was a show that entertained and reminded guests of all their philanthropy makes possible.

When guests exited the theater and dining hall and returned to downtown Camp, they found a dinner buffet and variety of dessert options, including crepes and warm donuts under twinkling lights on the Dining Hall green. The night wound down with music from Nine6teen and time to relax and reflect on the day’s events.

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