Categories: EventsFeatures

Luncheon Raises $150,000 to Support Edwards Center’s Work With Developmentally Disabled

Edwards Center founder Jean Edwards, Reser’s Fine Foods Board Chairman Pat Reser, and The Honorable Barbara Roberts, Former Governor of Oregon and Families Sharing Journeys’ keynote speaker.

Portland, October 9^th, 2014 . Over three hundred supporters gathered at the Multnomah Athletic Club to celebrate the work of the Edwards Center at Families Sharing Journeys, presented by US Bank. Edwards Center founder Jean Edwards, Reser’s Fine Foods Board Chairman Pat Reser, and The Honorable Barbara Roberts, Former Governor of Oregon discussed how the Edwards Center helps adults with developmental disabilities.

Lisa Krug and her son Neil, an Edwards Center client.

An enthusiastic crowd of 300 raised over $150,000 to support Edwards Center’s work enhancing the lives of people with developmental disabilities in Oregon

Edwards Center Executive Director Jessica Leitner and Edwards Center parent and Vox member Craig Hannum.

The luncheon event featured the Honorable Barbara Roberts, Former Governor of Oregon, as keynote speaker. Former Governor Roberts shared the story of her long struggle to find opportunities for her son Mike, who was born with autism. After many years of lobbying for the rights of children with special needs, her efforts resulted in Oregon guaranteeing equal access to public education for children with disabilities in 1971. Fighting for her son’s rights led her to begin a long career in public service culminating with her becoming the first female Governor of Oregon in 1990.

President of American Industries and Portland philanthropist Howard Hedinger and Tammy Beckley, Principal Broker at Sotheby’s International Realty.

Guests also heard from Kas Anderson, an Edwards Center Board Member and sister of an Edwards Center resident. Kas described how Edwards Center transformed her family’s life by caring for her brother John for 30 years. A special appeal was conducted by Johnna Wells from Benefit Auctions 360 which raised $150,000 to support Edwards Center’s work. Families Sharing Journeys was produced with additional support from: Vernier Software and Technology, ZRT Laboratory, Bonita Pioneer, the Milt Lampros Family, Pacific Office Automation, MassMutual Financial Group, Brown and Brown Northwest, and Anthro Corporation.

From Edwards Center:

Edwards Center began as a day program serving 6 individuals and in 1975 opened Washington County’s first group home housing developmentally disabled adults in the community. Today they provide homes, jobs, and recreational opportunities in 18 locations serving over 300 Oregonians with disabilities in Washington and Clackamas Counties. Edwards Center’s mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by helping them reach their highest potential through training, education, employment, housing and social opportunities in safe, healthy and stimulating environments. http://www.edwardscenter.org/

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.