Portland, OR. More than 200 guests convened at the Exchange Ballroom to celebrate Raphael House of Portland’s 40th Anniversary, and commemorate four decades of building a brighter future that’s free from domestic violence. Garry Weil and Raphael House Board Member Theresa Weil visited with Emcee Brenda Braxton of KGW-TV and Jeff Pasquariello. The 40th Anniversary Gala, on October 19th, raised $280,000 to help break the cycle of violence for individuals and families. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Kevin Cook, also known as the legendary Poison Waters, Roey Thorpe, and Andrew Tweedie of Wells Fargo were in a celebratory mood during cocktail hour.
Raphael House Board Member Chloé Mason with Andi Bixel of Drip ice Cream and artist Maja Dlugolecki
Samina Ijaz, Raphael House Board Member AJ Ijaz of The Standard and Executive Director Teri Lorenzen
Former Raphael House Board Member Amy Williams, Katrina Wheeler and Mayor Ted Wheeler, and Raphael House Board Member Tracy Curtis of Wells Fargo Bank
Emcee Brenda Braxton of KGW-TV welcomes guests and opens the program.
Raphael House Board Vice President Nicole Frisch of First Tech Federal Credit Union gives generously during the special appeal.
Four pair of rare Air Jordan sneakers donated by Gold Sponsor Jordan Brand and a frock by designer Michelle Lesniak had guests in a bidding frenzy during the auction.
Benefit auctioneer Kelly Russell of Artisan Auctions opens bidding on the first of many live auction packages.
The Dessert Dash featured delicious creations from 15 local bakeries, including this special cake made by Gluten Free Gem and adorned with the Raphael House logo.
Guests celebrate winning their first choice in the Dessert Dash: a beautiful Pumpkin Spice Layer Cake made by local pastry chef Matthew Ives.
Live music from The Bylines entertained guests throughout cocktail hour. Pictured are Marianna Thielen, Dylan Reick, and Reece Marshburn.
Thanks to sponsor First Tech Federal Credit Union, guests are treated to a nightcap of fresh treats from Pip’s Mobile Doughnuts and Chai after the event.
The evening’s program included dinner, a live auction featuring 14 packages, and a special appeal. Custom cocktails by Crater Lake Spirits, live music, a dessert dash featuring treats from 15 local bakeries and pastry chefs, and a nightcap of Pip’s Mobile Donuts and Chai created a celebratory atmosphere to mark this milestone anniversary.
The Gala honored 40 years of support, commitment, and transformation, and highlighted the many ways Raphael House empowers survivors to move from shelter into safe housing, and supports them as they move forward and build lives without abuse.
As Executive Director Teri Lorenzen explained, “Portland’s lack of affordable housing has been a persistent and difficult challenge to overcome. The combination of personal obstacles caused by domestic violence and this housing crisis has only increased the need for consistent, ongoing, and trauma-informed support for survivors. That’s why we put an emphasis on housing and long-term advocacy in addition to immediate safety.”
Guest speaker and domestic violence survivor LaVonda bravely shares about her journey, and how connecting with Raphael House has changed her life.
Raphael House is giving survivors the tools they need to shape their own futures and end the cycle of violence. In the words of special guest speaker and survivor LaVonda, who shared about her journey following a short video featuring her story, “Abuse may be a part of my past, but thanks to Raphael House, it will never be a part of my future.” Following LaVonda’s speech, guests raised an incredible $160,000 during the special appeal. LaVonda’s video can be viewed here:
From Raphael House of Portland:
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 Silver Sponsors Umpqua Bank and The Standard; Bronze Sponsors Brown & Brown Northwest, Cedar Mountain Advisors, Bill Dickey and Michael Smira, and Wells Fargo Bank; Bid Card Sponsor Wells Fargo Bank; Dessert Dash and Nightcap Sponsor First Tech Federal Credit Union; Dinner Wine Sponsor Z’IVO Wines; Signature Cocktail Sponsor Crater Lake Spirits; Wall of Wine Sponsor JD Fulwiler & Company Insurance; Print Sponsor Morel Ink; and Media Sponsor Portland Business Journal. Challenge Match Sponsors included Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, KMR Group Foundation, and Guild Mortgage.
For more information, contact Brenda Kinoshita at bkinoshita@raphaelhouse.com or (503) 243-5115.
For 40 years Raphael House of Portland has helped domestic violence survivors and their families find safety, hope, and independence. Our emergency shelter serves individuals and families fleeing intimate partner violence, and we proudly provide family-centered, culturally responsive, and gender-inclusive services. In addition to immediate safety and basic needs, survivors have access to ongoing programs and case management designed to help them achieve permanent housing, employment, and stability.
