William Temple House Celebrates with 11th annual Lifting Spirits Benefit

Portland, September 20^th, 2014. Friends of William Temple House gathered for the 11^th annual Lifting Spirits Benefit Dinner & Auction to support mental health counseling and emergency social services programs of William Temple House. The benefit at the Oregon Zoo raised $96,000 and drew 153 guests.

Volunteer of the Year, Lea Spacirova and her husband Jorge Torales

Development Director, Sally Oakes and Board President, John Chandler

Geoff Norcross, Morning Edition Host, OPB Radio

Since 1965 William Temple House has been providing low-cost/no-cost mental health counseling and emergency social services such as food, rent, utilities and transportation assistance to individuals, couples and families. No one is turned away because of an inability to pay. We have over 11,000 client visits each year.

The Band was Duthie & Company – David Duthie, Dave Evans and Dave Johnson and sponsors included: Anderson Bros., Inc.; McGee Wealth Management; O’Donnell Clark & Crew. The Master of Ceremonieswas Geoff Norcross, Morning Edition Host, OPB Radio and the auctioneer was Chris Sheik.

Board President, John Chandler “Our annual event isn’t just about raising operating revenue. It’s about celebrating our successes with the friends of William Temple House and getting to know those friends better.”

Director of Development, Sally Oakes “My favorite part of having an event is connecting with those who support William Temple House and share the enthusiasm for the organization. It’s so meaningful to personally meet those who help William Temple House achieve its mission.”

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.