Lines for Life Benefit an Upbeat Celebration

Board President Dan McMillan of the Standard, Judy Cushing, Tommy & Amber Thayer

Portland, March 7th, 2014. Over 460 of Portland’s generous Lines for Life supporters celebrated the work of Judy Cushing, retiring CEO at its gala. Board President Dan McMillan of the Standard is pictured with Judy Cushing, Tommy & Amber Thayer (Tommy Thayer is best known as the guitarist from the rock band, KISS.) New CEO Dwight Holton was also there to kick off another great year of lifesaving work. The nonprofit raised over $323,000 for its efforts to prevent substance abuse and suicide. (photo credit, Andie Petkus)

KISS band member Tommy Thayer, Amber Thayer, Event Co-Chair Tom Milligan, Cristan and Major Dan Browne.

Guests visiting at the pre-gala reception in the Sunken Ballroom.

Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill, Retiring CEO Judy Cushing, Incoming CEO Dwight Holton and Portland mayor Charlie Hales

Bidders during the paddle raise auction in the Kridel Ballroom

From Lines for Life:

Lines for Life (formerly Oregon Partnership) is a non-profit dedicated to preventing substance abuse and suicide because they touch so many families in our society. We have served thousands of people with addiction, mental health and suicide intervention services, treatment referral and drug prevention education.

Lines for Life Crisis Lines receive approximately 35,000 calls per year. We are able to de-escalate 98 percent of the 17,000 suicide calls we receive. The Military Helpline offers free, anonymous assistance 24/7/365 to active duty service members, veterans and their families through telephone and text support.

Our YouthLine offers a confidential teen-to-teen phone line and texting to help youth deal with bullying, depression, substance abuse or other issues that can make those years especially painful.

The Lines for Life staff works closely with schools, parents, treatment professionals, law enforcement and the military. We train and support community anti-drug coalitions. We lead public awareness campaigns on underage drinking, youth access to alcohol and reducing illegal drug use.

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.