​Another successful year means Boys Town kids will see improvements at the 50-year-old Okoboji camp. More than ​$100,000 was raised at this year’s Blue Water Bash which directly benefits the camps renovation project.

The O’Brien family, from the Spencer area, was recipients of the Wave Maker Award for their outstanding support of the Boys Town mission. The family has given their generous support and has helped get the lake community involved in raising money to update the Boys Town facilities at Okoboji. The family grew up visiting their lake cottage that is close to the Boys Town home.

“My dad had a heart for Boys Town. Boys Town was always one of his favorite causes,” said Mary Ann O’Brien, award recipient. “He was so proud of my sister Peg and my cousin Mike Wilson and their dedication as employees and advocates of Boys Town for the past 20+ years. Over the years, as my siblings and I grew, he especially loved to see the kids at the camp each summer in Okoboji having fun in the water and playing basketball late into the night.”

The first phase of renovation provided living quarters for the camp director and cook. The next phase starts in 2017 with work on the outside of the home.

“Although the camp was donated to Boys Town, it takes tremendous effort and money to restore and operate it each year,” said Herb Hames, Boys Town Development Director. “The event helps with projects, staffing, food, supplies and equipment. We are so thankful to the O’Brien family and the entire community that has helped us over the past 5 years.”

Plans are already underway for next year’s event.