Dougy Center’s 2017 Reflection Benefit Raises Over $860,000

Wei-Li Chong, presenting sponsor KinderCare Education, with his wife Karen Chong, Dougy Center Board of Directors

Portland, OR. Over 550 community leaders gathered at the Portland Art Museum to support the Dougy Center which has the distinction of being named “The National Center for Grieving Children & Families.” Volunteers with clipboards in hand connected with attendees like Wei-Li Chong, from KinderCare Education and his wife Karen Chong. The 2017 Reflection Benefit & Auction was presented by KinderCare Education.

This year’s gala, on May 12th, raised the most money in Dougy Center history. The night included a silent auction showcasing a gallery of one-of-a-kind art designed by Dougy Center participating children, a performance of “Seasons of Love” by Portland’s Bridging Voices Chorus, and testimonials from Michele, Ryan, Georgia, and JJ Gray who participate in Dougy Center programs. The event, Co-Chaired by Tim and Jennifer O’Brien, raised over $860,000 for programs to support children, teens, young adults, and their families grieving a death or those living with a family member with an advanced serious illness. (Photo credit, Michael Schmitt Photography and Ilona LaRue of Studio Lumiere)

The record-breaking evening culminated with the announcement of the 20th annual Porsche Boxster Raffle winner, which for the second year in a row has completely sold out of all 2,000 tickets! Lucinda Leonnig, a past participant of The Dougy Center, was this year’s lucky winner with ticket #0722.

Bev Chappell, founder of The Dougy Center, and Brennan Wood, Executive Director of The Dougy Center

Tim and Jennifer O’Brien, event Co-Chairs, with their two sons, enjoying the Silent Auction

Reuben Broadfoot of Nike, Dougy Center’s Board of Directors Chairman, with his wife Mayumi

About The Dougy Center

The Dougy Center provides support in a safe place where children, teens, young adults and their families who are grieving a death can share their experiences. Locally, The Dougy Center serves over 500 children and 350 adult family members each month with peer support groups in Portland, Hillsboro and Canby. Through the National Center for Grieving Children & Families, The Dougy Center also provides information and training locally, nationally and internationally to individuals and organizations seeking to assist children in grief. The Dougy Center does not charge for its support services, and relies solely on the generous donations of individuals, corporations and foundations.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.