Raphael House of Portland raises $230,000 for Domestic Violence Services at Destinations Gala

Portland, October 29th, 2015. More than 200 guests convened at the Nines Hotel to support Raphael House of Portland’s mission to provide a safe haven from domestic violence. The benefit raised $230,000. Gala emcee, Brenda Braxton of KGW-TV, received a standing ovation for her 10+ years supporting the event. Portland Board Chair Rick Lesniak gave her a “thank you” bouquet. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus) Destinations is named in honor of the domestic violence survivors served by Raphael House of Portland. For families fleeing violence, getting to Raphael House is a key milestone in their journey, and this accomplishment is often a turning point in their lives.

Brenda Braxton started the night’s program which included dinner, a live auction featuring 14 packages, and a dessert dash. State Treasurer Ted Wheeler took the stage and described Raphael House’s local impact. “Raphael House is there every step of the way to attack domestic violence on every front,” Wheeler said. “They’re there to educate. They’re there to intervene and they’re there to provide community outreach. When there are domestic violence survivors who exercise that tremendous courage that’s required to leave an abusive relationship, Raphael House is there to help them and provide safety and security.”

The evening’s theme centered around Raphael House’s education and prevention programming, which works to fulfill the organization’s mission of preventing future violence through innovative, awareness-raising services. As the only domestic violence agency in Portland with a full-time Education Coordinator, Raphael House was recently asked to support a program within all eleven Portland Public high schools called Coaching Boys into Men. This curriculum provides athletic coaches with the resources they need to promote respectful behavior among their players and help prevent relationship abuse, harassment, and sexual assault.

“We are grateful to the community for sharing our commitment to making the Portland Metro a healthier and safer place for everyone,” said Executive Director Teri Lorenzen. “This generous support not only helps us provide assistance for people experiencing violence, but also helps us break the cycle of violence through prevention and education.”

This fundraising effort was made possible thanks to generous supporters and guests. The Standard served as the evening’s Silver Sponsor with additional major support from Cambia Health Solutions, Nike/Jordan Brand, Wells Fargo Bank, and Brown & Brown Northwest. Challenge Match Sponsors included Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, Meyer Memorial Trust, and the Detwiler Family Foundation. Z’IVO Wines, Stoller Vineyards, Bethel Heights Vineyard, Girardet Vineyards, Lemelson Vineyards, and Owen Roe Winery donated the evening’s wine selections.

From Raphael House of Portland:

As the largest domestic violence shelter in Multnomah County, our agency has been providing life-saving services to families for more than 37 years. Annually, we provide 130 adults and children with emergency shelter; support more than 1,200 callers on a 24-hour access line; and offer ongoing self-sufficiency programming and housing assistance to an additional 400 survivors.