Portland, September 25th, 2014. Over 300 guests helped raise more than $290,000 to support MFS programs that benefit 30,000 children, families and older adults in the greater Portland area. Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, pictured here with Metropolitan Family Service Development Chair Julie Harrelson, MFS Board Chair Eva Kripalani, MFS CEO Judy Strand, and MFS Board Member Vynette Arnell, spoke at the event and emphasized the importance of MFS programs in the community.

Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, pictured here with Metropolitan Family Service Development Chair Julie Harrelson, MFS Board Chair Eva Kripalani, MFS CEO Judy Strand, and MFS Board Member Vynette Arnell, spoke at the event and emphasized the importance of MFS programs in the community.

Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, pictured here with Metropolitan Family Service Development Chair Julie Harrelson, MFS Board Chair Eva Kripalani, MFS CEO Judy Strand, and MFS Board Member Vynette Arnell, spoke at the event and emphasized the importance of MFS programs in the community.

Nine-year-old Master of Ceremonies, Diego Delascio and MFS Development Chair Julie Harrelson commemorated the evening with a photo. Diego proudly declared, “Look out Ellen DeGeneres, I’m the new king of selfies!”

Nine-year-old Master of Ceremonies, Diego Delascio and MFS Development Chair Julie Harrelson commemorated the evening with a photo. Diego proudly declared, “Look out Ellen DeGeneres, I’m the new king of selfies!”

Thanks to the amazing generosity in the room, MFS broke all fundraising records for this fun, energizing event!

Thanks to the amazing generosity in the room, MFS broke all fundraising records for this fun, energizing event!

From Metropolitan Family Service:

MFS delivers proven programs to help people succeed at home, in school and in the community.  We are here to support parents and students.  We are here to help our older neighbors.  We are here to connect working families with vital resources. We are here to energize volunteers and inspire future generations.  Our experienced and dedicated staff partner with volunteers, community members and a dedicated Board of Directors in order to make today’s communities work.