fandango benefit gala

Incoming transmission: The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, Conn., welcomed nearly 200 guests for “Back to the Future: Honoring Yesterday, Celebrating Tomorrow,” a day of celebration in support of Camp’s growing programs across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Camper Correspondents Matteo and Desiray helped kick off the celebration on Camp’s social media channels, building excitement for the live and silent auctions and sharing sneak peeks of the Gala setup. Throughout the event, they brought followers at home along for the festivities, capturing candid conversations and putting guests’ ’80s knowledge to the test with trivia.

Nostalgic colors, ’80s-inspired motifs and photos from Camp’s early years transported guests back in time as they explored downtown. Guests sampled tasty bites from Cowabunga and The Big Green Pizza Truck, while New Park Brewing offered local beers and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages. With music playing and friends reconnecting, the festivities celebrated Camp’s history with the same playful spirit that continues to bring people together today.

As the afternoon unfolded, guests gathered in Sports & Rec for the Live Auction. Following an update from Hole in the Wall CEO Hilary Axtmayer, former Camper Selam shared her Hole in the Wall journey, from experiencing Camp magic as a child to helping create it as a Theater Program Specialist this summer. Then, longtime Camp friends Brian Williams, journalist and our celebrity emcee, and Erin Ward, professional auctioneer of Star Benefit Auctions, teamed up once again to keep the energy high and the paddles raised. Guests bid enthusiastically on experiences including a weekend buyout of Granville House featuring dinner with a private chef, a movie screening in Camp’s Theater with Karen Allen and SNL rehearsal tickets. Following the auction, guests came together in a heartfelt moment of giving, pledging gifts to support Camp’s programs.

The celebration continued in the Theater, where the Fandango performance opened with the presentation of the Most Wanted Award to Sherry Malone and David Shavor for their nearly two decades of thoughtful, multi-faceted giving that has created joyful and healing spaces for our campers. Then nine talented campers—Ben, Cameron, Claire, Ethan, Izzy, Jayla, Layla, Savannah and Wyborn—took to the stage alongside Christopher Sieber, Jonalyn Saxer, Shavey Brown, Rachel Webb and other sensational Camp friends. A special video transmission from Michael J. Fox—Back to the Future’s own Marty McFly—brought a little extra star power to the celebration. The show blended playful humor, moving Camp stories and showstopping musical performances, while a soundtrack of beloved ’80s hits brought a burst of nostalgic energy to the stage—and kept guests talking and singing along after the final bow.

The time-travel fun continued outside the Theater, where a DeLorean awaited guests in downtown for one more “Back to the Future” surprise. Guests then made their way to the Dining Hall green for a festive buffet dinner, made-to-order crepes, and fresh s’mores. With jazzy tunes from Catnip Junkies filling the evening air, friends lingered beneath the stars to celebrate a day that honored Camp’s beginnings and the joyful possibilities ahead.

Stay tuned for a slideshow of memorable moments coming soon.