CULLMAN, Ala. – The Camp Patriot Charity Gala will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, at 5:30 p.m. at Cotton Creek. The event raises money for disabled Veterans.
Crane Hill native Laura Rogers and her daughter Brooke had the opportunity to visit Camp Patriot in Montana during fall break in 2024. The ranch’s mission of helping wounded and disabled veterans immediately left a lasting impression on Rogers.
“During the visit, Micah (Clark), a former Navy corpsman and the founder of Camp Patriot, shared stories of veterans whose lives had been impacted by the program,” Rogers said. “Two stories, in particular, stayed with me: one of a veteran who was blinded by a combat injury, and another who lost a leg, but through Camp Patriot’s recreational therapy programs, went on to climb Mount Rainier. I returned home determined to find a way to support the organization and its mission.”
Founded in 2005, Camp Patriot is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to empower and thank wounded and disabled military veterans of all generations through outdoor programs.
Rogers organized the inaugural Camp Patriot Charity Gala at Cotton Creek Venue in Cullman last year, bringing the community together to raise funds and awareness for the organization’s efforts to help wounded and disabled veterans rediscover purpose, connection and healing through outdoor experiences.
“Sept.19 will be the second year for this event,” Rogers said. “There are around 4.4 million wounded and disabled military veterans in the United States. It is Camp Patriot’s mission to empower American disabled veterans by providing the right relationships and assistance so that they can once again enjoy the great outdoors. Camp Patriot funding is solely by ‘a grateful nation,’ individuals, families and corporations.”
Over 200 guests showed up at the inaugural Camp Patriot Charity Gala in 2025, and $25,220 was raised for Camp Patriot.
“Our goal is to exceed last year and raise $30,000 or more for Camp Patriot this year,” Rogers said. “The black tie is an optional dress code for the night of patriotism and celebration at Cotton Creek Cullman on Sept. 19, 2026. The doors open at 5:30. Get ready for an evening featuring live music from The Overtones, silent auction and dinner catered by Wade Maynard, longtime chef at All Steak. The keynote speaker is Will Summers – Special Forces communication sergeant assigned to 5th Special Forces Group as a member of ODA 595, nicknamed ‘The Horse Soldiers’ and recognized as the most successful unconventional warfare team in modern history. Their mission inspired the America’s Response Monument and the movie ‘12 Strong.’”
Camp Patriot Founder Micah Clark said since last year’s gala they have hosted over 10 separate trips for veterans at the ranch, including a Gold Star family trip and a Thanksgiving meal.
“The trips all went great – fly fishing, ice fishing, floating our rivers and ATV riding to name a few activities, produced big smiles on many faces,” Clark said. “We have also completed several projects on the ranch including winterizing vehicles, ATVs and tractors; moving hay for the farm animals; and constructing a forge for forging and blacksmithing classes. We were also able to purchase and construct a Quonset hut-style plastic shelter to store the pontoon boat that was donated to the ranch last fall.”
Event details
- Attire: Black tie optional
- 5:30p.m. doors open
- 6-7 p.m. cocktails, silent auction and 50/50 raffle
- Cocktail hour featuring live music by The Overtones, Horse Soldier bourbon
- 7-8 p.m. Special Forces soldiers
- Dinner and keynote speaker Will Summers, Green Beret and one of the “12 Strong”
- 8-10:30 p.m.- Meet and greet with Will Summers and Micah Clark, founder of Camp Patriot and afterparty with dancing and live music by The Overtones
Tickets, tables and sponsorships can be purchased at ticketstripe.com/cpgala2026 or by contacting Laura Rogers at camppatriotgala@gmail.com. More info about Camp Patriot’s mission can be found at camppatriot.org.
