Experience Camps got a rose.
Former Bachelor host Chris Harrison and wife Lauren Zima cohosted Experience: Austin at Ranch Austin Oct. 23 to celebrate the opening of the nonprofit’s first location in Texas. The star-studded affair raised a whopping $800,000 by the end of the night for the organization, which provides free grief support for children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver.
Experience Camps’ mission is especially important to Lauren, whose dad Gary died while she was in college. She now serves as a volunteer counselor. Plus, adding another special touch to the night, the gala was held at the same venue where Lauren and Chris tied the knot in 2023. (Not to mention, their wedding band The Little Wedding Band also performed.)
And for the big night, Bachelor Nation reunited, with former Bachelors Ben Higgins, Andrew Firestone and Zach Shallcross, who attended with wife Kaity Biggar, all in attendance. Also there were Bachelor alums Catherine Lowe, Raven Gates (with husband Adam Gottschalk) and Kelley Flanagan, as well as Bachelor in Paradise's Connor Saeli and girlfriend Jenna Palek.
Andrew, who starred on season three of The Bachelor, served as auctioneer for the night, which marked his first public appearance since his announcing his split from wife Ivana Firestone after 17 years of marriage.
“Everyone loves his humor and charisma,” a partygoer shared. “He was the hit of the evening.”
The event's big ticket auction item was a so-called "group date" trip to Napa, which Raven ended up winning for an undisclosed amount.
In fact, the night ended up being a much-needed date night for the couple, who met on season four of Bachelor in Paradise and share sons Gates, 3, and Max, 2.
“Adam and Raven were especially happy to be there because they had to miss Chris and Lauren’s wedding,” the guest noted. “So this was the perfect fix.”