Categories: EventsFeaturesNews

YMCA of Columbia-Willamette Good Friday Breakfast Draws 950 Supporters

Mark Burris, Chief Operations Officer at the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette, Kaytie Fiedler, Executive Director at Open Arms International; John O'Leary, Keynote Speaker; and Mark Burkesmith; Good Friday Breakfast Co-Chair

Portland, OR. The annual YMCA Good Friday Breakfast at the Oregon Convention Center drew over 950 business and community leaders from the Portland and Vancouver metro area. Supporters gathered to recognize and celebrate the significance of Good Friday and a shared Christian heritage. The event was centered on prayer, encouragement and reflection. At the event Mark Burris, Chief Operations Officer at the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette, Kaytie Fiedler, Executive Director at Open Arms International; John O’Leary, Keynote Speaker; and Mike Burkesmith; Good Friday Breakfast Co-Chair posed for a photo. (Photo credit, Sam Cox)

Keynote Speaker John O’Leary, Former Governor John Kitzhaber and YMCA of Columbia-Willamette COO Mark Burris

“The YMCA shared a video highlighting its programs for kids, families and adults of all ages, their Chaplains and the Y’s Christian Principles of love, respect, honesty, responsibility and service.”

Here’s the video link.

Booths were available to sponsors, including Founder and Gold Sponsor Open Arms International

Event founder, Open Arms International, helped make the breakfast possible and Kaytie Fielder from Open Arms International was the emcee for the breakfast. Kevin Palau provided the invocation at the April 19th event. After a breakfast of Salmon Croquettes Co-Chairs Mike Burkesmith and Mark Burris, Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette took the stage to thank sponsors and guests.

The YMCA shared a video highlighting its programs for kids, families and adults of all ages, their Chaplains and the Y’s Christian Principles of love, respect, honesty, responsibility and service.

Keynote Speaker John O’Leary shared his story of triumph and his beliefs on how you choose the path to walk in your life. At the age of nine, after a massive explosion in his home, he was given a one percent chance to live, and fought extraordinary odds to survive. Organizers say John was engaging, entertaining, humble, thought-provoking while sharing his strong, selfless commitment to Jesus Christ. He also encouraged attendees to take the message of Good Friday out into their communities. Forty-five minutes after he started speaking the audience responded with a standing ovation signaling their connection to John and to the spirit of Good Friday. The breakfast wrapped up with Dorcas Brown leading the room in a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace.

For more information about Good Friday Breakfast, including sponsorships and attendance, please contact the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette at goodfridaybreakfast@ymcacw.org. Also, you can visit the nonprofit online. https://www.ymcacw.org/events/good-friday-breakfast

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.