Expressing overwhelming gratitude and praise to God for His leading and to the constituents for their generous support and commitment, President Jerry Page began the Nov. 14 afternoon meeting of the 30th triennial session. The Capital Campaign report and recommendations were the afternoon’s single topic.

“Out of our vision for ministries comes the need for updated facilities. And we are moving toward our dream that Adventist education be available for every Adventist child. It is thrilling and humbling to watch God at work through His people,” Page said.

Jackie Bragaw, capital campaign director, joined Page leading out in the afternoon presentations.

Capital Campaign Phase I Report

As of 12/31/04, total funds raised are $7,910,023 — $4,764,405 for Phase I and $3,145,618 for future phasing.

At the August 2000 special constituency session, delegates voted Phase I of a three-project Capital Campaign. The original goal was $6 million. Because of expanded projects, time delays, land entitlement challenges, and escalating construction costs, delegates voted to approve a revised Phase I goal of $10.7 million.

Phase I’s three projects are:

Camp Wawona – new dining hall, chapel/performing arts building, infrastructure, and maintenance endowment.

Soquel – Main Auditorium new roof and interior remodel, new bathhouse, new cookhouse, 78 new RV sites, and various facility improvements. All of these projects are completed!

Educational Endowment – To begin a first-time conference-wide worthy student endowment. The Phase I goal is just $22,000 short of the beginning $1.2 million goal. The first scholarships, appromaximately $18,000, will be awarded for the 2005-06 school year.

$18.1 Million Phase II Approved

The Campaign’s Phase II projects are:

Camp Wawona – 4 mini-lodges, medical building, gymnasium and water recreation area.

Soquel – Infrastructure upgrade in Central City and South Meadow RV areas.

Educational Endowment – $2 million. The ultimate goal is $10 million.

Camp for Life-Threatening Diseases

A growing ministry opportunity at Camp Wawona was presented. Summer camps for children with life-threatening diseases are held during the weeks before and after the conference summer camp program. Currently there are two summer camps for children with HIV/AIDS and asthma. Weekend retreats for parents and siblings of children with life-threatening diseases are also offered.