Portland, May 10th, 2014. Rebuilding Lives, Families and Communities was the theme of Neighborhood House’s annual Fête Locale dinner-auction fundraiser held in the Multnomah Athletic Club Ballroom and presented by Wells Fargo Bank. Guest Patty Muchmore was delighted about the trip to Bali she won in the live auction. More than 320 community and business leaders donned “Construction Couture”—work boots, hard hats, tool belts and bright orange safety vests, while enjoying an evening of fine Northwest cuisine, storytelling, both silent and live auctions and entertainment in celebration of the pending completion of Neighborhood House’s new Children’s Center at Stephens Creek Crossing. Over $139,000 was raised to support Neighborhood House’s educational programming and anti-poverty services, which serve more than 18,000 low-income children, families and seniors each year across the Portland area.
Emcees KGW’s Katherine Cook and RHS Key Club President Michael Ouanesisouk.
Neighborhood House’s Board member Joan Steinbach, Development Director Mari Yerger, and Board Member Beth Blenz-Clucas.
4. Guests (Home Forward’s Executive Director Steve Rudman, Chair Emeritus, Harriet Cormack and Program Director, John Keating) enjoyed dressing in “construction couture” props at the green screen photo booth.
3. Children’s Center Capital Campaign Steering Committee members were recognized for outstanding leadership.
2. Robert Gray Middle School SUN School Break Dancers performed for our guests.
Built by Home Forward, the $52 million Stephens Creek Crossing development will provide 122 units of affordable housing near the intersection of SW Capital Hwy. and SW 26th Avenue, in Southwest Portland’s Multnomah neighborhood. The event’s construction theme also celebrated Neighborhood House’s role as a lead partner to Home Forward at Stephens Creek Crossing, where the agencies will work together to create opportunity for low-income residents of all ages through education and training.
KGW News Channel 8 Reporter Katherine Cook emceed the event, which included some inspiring stories shared by individuals who have rebuilt their lives with the help of Neighborhood House’s anti-poverty and educational programs. The evening also featured a special break dance performance by children from Robert Gray SUN Community School and Stephens Creek Crossing.
Neighborhood House and Home Forward jointly recognized the following community leaders during the event for their exemplary leadership and service on the Children’s Center Capital Campaign Steering Committee, which raised more than $1,000,000 to support construction of the new early learning facility: current Neighborhood House Board Members Jane Collins Packard and Ted Coonfield; Neighborhood House Board Emeriti Mary Ann Frantz and Bob Johnson; community volunteers Bonnie Berg and Katrina Wheeler; and Jubitz Family Fund Executive Director Ray Jubitz. Said Executive Director Rick Nitti, “The project demonstrates the amazing power we have when the community comes together to support our most vulnerable children and families.”
Neighborhood House’s Mission
Neighborhood House, Inc. is a multi-service, multi-site organization providing social, emergency and recreational services for individuals and families residing in Southwest Portland. Our mission is to bring neighbors together to feed the hungry, house the homeless, and educate young and old. We strengthen community by providing resources to support self-reliance, economic independence and dignity in people of all ages and backgrounds.
Suggested Photo Captions:
- Emcees KGW’s Katherine Cook and RHS Key Club President Michael Ouanesisouk.
- Robert Gray Middle School SUN School Break Dancers performed for our guests.
- Children’s Center Capital Campaign Steering Committee members were recognized for outstanding leadership.
- Guests (Home Forward’s Executive Director Steve Rudman, Chair Emeritus, Harriet Cormack and Program Director, John Keating) enjoyed dressing in “construction couture” props at the green screen photo booth.
- Neighborhood House’s Board member Joan Steinbach, Development Director Mari Yerger, and Board Member Beth Blenz-Clucas.
Guest Patty Muchmore is delighted about the trip to Bali she won in o
