Edwards Center Luncheon Raises Over $350,000 to Help Those With Developmental Disabilities

Portland, OR. The Edwards Center’s Annual Luncheon Celebrate Success drew 400 guests to the Multnomah Athletic Club. The benefit on October 11th raised Over $350,000 to help enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. Eva Norland posed with participants Tuanne Deklotz and Marla Kleinheinz. Behind them, stood staffer Cassie Cretian. The nonprofit offers training, education, employment, housing and social opportunities. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Pat Reser, Reser’s Fine Foods and her husband Bill Westphal. Pat was the Keynote speaker for the event.

New Executive Director, Allen Cress, with founder Dr. Jean Edwards and Art Pascuzzi, Milwaukee Crane

Founder, Dr. Jean Edwards, Jean Uzelac and sister, Marlene Burns

Ann Perrins, Board Member and family guardian to sister Dee Yerke with Allen Cress, Executive Director, Edwards Center

Elizabeth Austin, Founder EC Dr. Jean Edwards and Sean Kuni, Wayne D. Kuni & Joan E. Kuni Foundation

David Butler with wife, Michelle Neiss Butler and Richard and Mary Norgart, who have a sister, Sue, in the program.

Craig and Linda Hannum offered a $100,000 matching grant to honor their daughter Amy, who benefits from the Edwards Center program.

From the Edwards Center:

We live every day in support of these core values

Excellence

Providing the best to people with developmental disabilities.
Individuality

Encouraging decision-making and expression of choice.
Ability

Emphasizing an optimistic and compassionate attitude in supporting participants as they overcome challenges.
Respect

Facilitating dignity and respect for all individuals through personal and environmental safety, cleanliness and privacy.
Productivity

Encouraging productiveness and engagement, whether through employment, artistic expression, socializing or other activities.
Integration

Fostering and creating opportunities for participating in their communities with people without disabilities.

For more information: http://edwardscenter.org/

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.