Neighborhood House Holds Gala Fête Locale: Ready, Set, Grow!
Portland, OR. Neighborhood House’s annual Fête Locale drew nearly 300 supporters to the Multnomah Athletic Center on May 5th. After a year of change at the long-standing social services agency the gala fundraiser called, Fête Locale: Ready, Set, Grow, was a celebration of the agency’s 110-year history of intergenerational work. The evening began with a silent auction and cocktail hour, the room draped in leaf garlands and awash in green. Guests, like Lori Alfonso and Valerie Hunter wore their best garden-party attire, sampled the margaritas and enjoyed the photo booth, then headed downstairs for a sit-down dinner and presentation which raised $171,113.
Marc Czornij, Kristy Duggan, Hannah Nordlie, Matt Duggan
Neighborhood House Executive Director Chris Chiacchierini learns to “floss” with Hayhurst Connect students Elijah and Issa.
Meera Batra and Mari Yerger
Neighborhood House’s new executive director, Chris Chiacchierini, kicked the evening off with a Q&A session with two Hayhurst Connect students, giving the audience an opportunity to get to know him a bit better. Hayhurst Connect is Neighborhood House’s afterschool program at Hayhurst Elementary for low-income and other struggling students. Auctioneer JillMarie Wiles and Emcee Rod Hill then auctioned off a number of fantastic items, before introducing client and honorary guest Takeena Servi.
Neighborhood House’s new executive director, Chris Chiacchierini, kicked the evening off with a Q&A session with two Hayhurst Connect students, giving the audience an opportunity to get to know him a bit better. Hayhurst Connect is Neighborhood House’s afterschool program at Hayhurst Elementary for low-income and other struggling students. Auctioneer JillMarie Wiles and Emcee Rod Hill then auctioned off a number of fantastic items, before introducing client and honorary guest Takeena Servi.
Takeena shared her story while holding her squealing daughter, Nova. Takeena, a veteran, got pregnant after years of trying; struggled through a complicated pregnancy, which left her unable to work; and then gave birth to an extremely premature baby. Nova weighed just 1.5 pounds at birth and spent 109 days in the hospital. Mere days after bringing Nova home, Takeena’s husband left. Takeena explained that Neighborhood House provided her with a home and resources as she and Nova rebuilt their lives; today, mother and daughter are healthy and happy. Following her speech, the special appeal raised a record-breaking $81,500 from attendees. Challenge grants were provided by the Helen and Richard Phillips Charitable Fund, Wells Fargo, and the Neighborhood House Board of Directors.
After auctioning off a few more items, Rod and JillMarie bid the guests goodnight and encouraged them to enjoy the dessert buffet and live piano music. The event grossed $171, 113, surpassing Neighborhood House’s $170,000 goal. All proceeds from the evening will benefit the agency’s programs, which provide comprehensive services for vulnerable Portlanders, including recent immigrants and refugees, low-income families, and local seniors. Through a variety of programs, clients are given the tools to attain stability and build stronger, more self-determined lives. Sponsors for the evening included Bullard Law, Hillsdale Farmer’s Market, NW Natural, US Bank, and Wyse Kadish.
From Neighborhood House:
With the right support, people can overcome serious challenges. Just ask the thousands of people Neighborhood House assists each year.
Neighborhood House is a leading Portland non-profit social service provider and delivers innovative, life-changing programs for low-income people of all ages. Our programs prepare children for success in school and life, help families move beyond poverty, and support seniors to continue living independently.
Who We Serve
Approximately 18,000 low-income children, families and seniors each year across the greater Portland area. Our clients represent a remarkably diverse mix of ethnicities and cultures, including many recent immigrants from Latin America, Africa, Russia and the Middle East.
Our Team
We currently have more than 150 regular staff and 500 volunteers, who give more than 20,000 hours of service each year.
Our History in the Community
Founded in 1905, Neighborhood House was the city’s first organization established to help the many immigrants who were arriving and settling in South Portland. For over a century, Neighborhood House has been the primary resource for people in need in South/Southwest Portland, its programs evolving to meet the changing needs of the surrounding community. In the last few years, Neighborhood House has grown dramatically, adding new programs and extending our services across the greater Portland area, with a concentration in North Portland. Read more about Neighborhood House’s impressive legacy of service to the community here.
Our Core Values
Neighborhood House is committed to offering innovative and high-quality education, anti-poverty and senior support services. Our core strengths are:
Client-focused services – Every neighbor’s different. We reach people where they are to effectively facilitate change.
Connection – We are connected to our neighbors. When we help people in need, our entire community is strengthened.
Results – Our programs make a measurable difference in the lives of our clients and in the community.
