Central City Concern Ends Year on a High Note with Luncheon

CCC Founding Board member Sally McCracken with Portland City Mayor, Charlie Hales.

Portland, November 5th, 2014. More than 500 people attended Central City Concern’s seventh annual luncheon at the Portland Art Museum. CCC Founding Board member Sally McCracken posed for a photo with Portland City Mayor, Charlie Hales. The event raised more than $350,000 for Central City Concern’s employment, health and housing programs.

Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury with Dr. Aleka Heinrici, a CCC alumna and featured speaker, with Ed Blackburn, CCC Executive Director

Herman Bryant, Executive Director of The Miracles Club, and Carol Graven, CCC Family Mentor. CCC and The Miracles Club are soon embarking upon a capital project in NE Portland.

CCC featured client Richard Reyes with daughter Thommie. A video detailing Rick’s journey was shared at the luncheon.

Freda Ceaser, Program Manager of CCC’s Employment Access Center, opened the luncheon with a stirring rendition of “One Voice.”

From CCC: Major corporate supporters were CareOregon and Wells Fargo. Featured speaker was Dr. Aleka Heinrici, a graduate of CCC’s programs; County Chair Deborah Kafoury introduced Dr. Heinrici and discussed the County’s history in supporting the Recovery Mentor Program. City Commissioner Dan Saltzman discussed the City’s support of two major capital projects for CCC in the coming two years. Portland Mayor Charlie Hales introduced CCC’s Executive Director Ed Blackburn who shared three stories about people reaching a higher potential thanks to the work of CCC staff.

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.