Raphael House Gala a Worthwhile Destination

Portland, OR. The Raphael House of Portland gala, “Destinations” raised over $240,000 to help fund vital domestic violence services including emergency shelter and permanent housing assistance. Three pair of yet-to-be-released Air Jordan sneakers donated by Gold Sponsor Jordan Brand had guests jumping out of their seats during the auction. More than 240 guests joined the celebration at the Exchange Ballroom on October 20th to support Raphael House of Portland’s mission. Destinations is named in honor of the domestic violence survivors served by Raphael House. For families fleeing abuse, getting to Raphael House is a key milestone in their journey, and this accomplishment is often a turning point in their lives.

The program’s highlight was undoubtedly hearing directly from guest speaker and survivor Tiffany Eggleton. Following a short video featuring her story, which can be viewed here:

Tiffany bravely took the stage to describe how connecting with Raphael House was the difference between life and death. “Because of Raphael House, I now have a place to call home, a chance to go back to school to pursue my dreams, and safety for the first time in many years. I am alive because people cared about me.” Following Tiffany’s impassioned speech, guests raised $132,635 during the special appeal.

The evening’s program included dinner, a spirited live auction and a special appeal. Custom cocktails by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, live music, a dessert dash featuring treats from 15 local bakeries, and a nightcap of Pip’s Mobile Donuts and Chai added to the fun and celebratory atmosphere that drew hundreds of guests to this unique event.

This year’s Destinations theme centered around the critical need for access to affordable housing, and how Portland’s housing crisis is impacting domestic violence survivors. Emcee Brenda Braxton of KGW News Channel 8 set the stage for guests with a personal reflection, sharing: “I’ve been living and working in this city for many years—and that longevity has given me a window into one of the toughest problems survivors face in Portland right now: affordable housing…Many must make the impossible decision of choosing between homelessness and staying with an abusive partner. This is a very real problem.”

As Executive Director Teri Lorenzen further explained, Raphael House is committed to helping all survivors find safety, self-sufficiency and permanent housing, despite local challenges. “We work hand-in-hand with survivors to ensure they have a permanent place to call home.” Lorenzen also proudly shared that Raphael House has evolved their programs and approach in response to Portland’s housing crisis. Theirs is the only local domestic violence agency with a full-time Housing Coordinator and other staff dedicated to helping survivors find a permanent place to call home. These programs assist more than 400 adults and children annually.

This fundraising effort was made possible thanks to generous supporters and guests. Jordan Brand served as the evening’s Gold Sponsor with additional major support from Bronze Sponsors Brown & Brown Northwest, Cambia Health Solutions, Hamilton Construction, and Wells Fargo Bank; Bid Card Sponsor First Tech Federal Credit Union; Dessert Dash and Nightcap Sponsors Green Box and Smuggle Portland; Dinner Wine Sponsor Z’IVO Wines; Exclusive Vodka Sponsor Tito’s Handmade Vodka; and Wall of Wine Sponsor JD Fulwiler & Company Insurance. Challenge Match Sponsors included the Collins Foundation, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the Junior League of Portland, and Meyer Memorial Trust.

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 39 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.