The ARVC Foundation announced it raised $60,000 at its annual auction held on November 11 at the 2021 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE) in Raleigh, North Carolina.  

More than 40 donors participated in the auction, the proceeds of which will help fund grants issued by the Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund, which helps businesses in the outdoor hospitality industry get back on their feet after being affected by any natural disaster. 

“The ARVC Foundation is so appreciative of the support shown by all in attendance and would like to thank everyone who participated in the paddle raise and auction to support our industry,” said Susan Motley, executive director of the ARVC Foundation. “The money raised will go a long way to support businesses when they need it most.” 

In the past year, more than $27,000 in grants has been given to parks recovering from wildfires, floods and other natural disasters. 

If your park is in need and would like to apply for an ARVC Foundation Disaster Relief Fund grant, visit https://arvc.org/ARVC-Foundation-Disaster-Relief. 

The ARVC Foundation also recognized the Jackson Family Foundation for its perennial support of the outdoor hospitality industry with the Foundation’s highest honor, the Above and Beyond Award. 

The Jackson Family Foundation was started in honor of Mary Emily and Nelson Jackson, who started Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in 1971. They started with 30 campsites and one bathhouse and grew Ocean Lakes into a mega park with 859 campsites, 2,569 annual lease sites and five bathhouses on 310 acres of oceanfront property. During the height of the summer season, the park employs more than 550 people, making it one of Myrtle Beach’s largest employers.  

Today, the Jackson Family Foundation is a passionate supporter of the ARVC Foundation’s efforts, and the Jackson’s legacy of support for the outdoor hospitality industry lives on today with their daughters.