The Dougy Center’s Annual Fall Event raises over $65,000 for programs to help grieving children and families

Portland, November 10th, 2016. More than 300 people attended the The Dougy Center’s Annual Fall Event, Portraits of Courage, at Portland’s Sentinel Hotel on November 10, raising over $65,000 for programs to help grieving children and families.

Stephanie Willard: Dougy Center parent speaker for the 2015 Portraits of Courage Fall Event with her daughter Raphaella who attends a support group at The Dougy Center

Jennifer R. Saliba: President, Rhino Consulting, and 2015 Fall Event Chair

There were over 300 attendees at the 2015 Portraits of Courage Fall Event 

Reuben Broadfoot: Senior Director of Application Services, Nike, and Dougy Center Board Chair.

Event Chair, Jennifer R. Saliba, President of Rhino Consulting, and Reuben Broadfoot, Senior Director of Application Services at Nike and Dougy Center Board Chair, took the podium to speak to attendees about the invaluable services and resources The Dougy Center offers grieving children and families in the community. Dougy Center participants Bailey Thomas and Stephanie Willard courageously shared their stories of grief and loss, as well as their positive experiences of finding belonging, hope, and support at The Dougy Center.

This year’s event marks the first Portraits of Courage luncheon with new Dougy Center Executive Director, Brennan Wood, at the helm of the organization. Brennan and Donna Schuurman, Senior Director of Advocacy & Training and Executive Director Emeritus, joined each other on stage for an inspiring and emotional passing of the baton.

From The Dougy Center:

Founded in 1982, The Dougy Center provides support in a safe place where children, teens, young adults and their families who are grieving a death can share their experiences. Locally, The Dougy Center serves 450 children and 300 adult family members each month with peer support groups in Portland, Hillsboro and Canby. Through the National Center for Grieving Children & Families, The Dougy Center also provides information and training locally, nationally and internationally to individuals and organizations seeking to assist children in grief. The Dougy Center does not charge families for its services, and relies solely on generous donations from individuals, corporations and foundations.