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Metropolitan Family Service Celebrates Gathering of Good

CASH Oregon Board Chair Bruce Whiting, MFS CEO Judy Strand, and CASH Oregon Executive Director Sarah Adams are about to make the big announcement that CASH is now part of the MFS family of services so more people who are economically struggling become financilly well tomorrow. PHOTO: Andie Petkus

Portland, OR. The Metropolitan Family Service (MFS) A Gathering of Good took place on September 18th at the Loft in Portland. 290 guests helped raise $250,000 at the benefit. Bruce Whiting, Board Chair of CASH, (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) posed for a photo with MFS CEO Judy Strand, and CASH Oregon Executive Director Sarah Adams. They celebrated the announcement that CASH is now part of the MFS family of services and will be able to reach more people who are struggling to make ends meet. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Cobi Lewis, Senior Vice President & Director of Umpqua Bank, speaks about tackling complex challenges around economic opportunity and equality in the Portland Metro Region. Umpqua’s significant grant to the MFS Economic Empowerment programs helps people move people beyond the limitations of poverty and inequity.

Mei-Ling Shiroishi, Dr. Margaret Neal, MFS CEO Judy Strand and Anne Marie Johnson proudly display the Eileen Johnson Award. Anne Marie’s mother, Eileen, was the inspiration for this award due to her exuberant and steady commitment to the community throughout her life.

Long time MFS supporters Eva Kripalani and Dave Johnson return to celebrate A Gathering of Good. Eva is a former member of the MFS Board; and Dave’s beloved late wife Eileen is the inspiration for the entire event. This year, the Eileen Johnson Award for Community Leadership honored Age-Friendly Portland and Multnomah County. PHOTO: Andie Petkus

Richard Diforio, Partner and Co-Founder of Gorge Holdings; Trevor Graves, Principal and Co-Founder of Nemo Design; and Travis Kindler, President of Kinco, bring the entrepreneurial spirit to their support of the families, youth, and older adults in the MFS family of services.

Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meiran, District 1; Former MFS Board Member and Multnomah County Commissioner Susheela Jayapal, District 2; and Oregon State Treasurer Tobias Read ready for the evening’s dinner and program. As a featured speaker, Treasurer Read urged investing in Oregon’s kids and creating a culture of savings an inclusive economy.

From Metropolitan Family Service:

A 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization for more than six decades, we have earned the community’s trust. We recognize our responsibility to use resources efficiently, maximize every opportunity and deliver on our promises. It’s what you expect and we’re proud to deliver.

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.