Metropolitan Family Service Honors Top Community Volunteers

Portland, OR. Bruce Murray and Val Ilsley received the Metropolitan Family Service (MFS) 2018 Thomas Stoel Award for volunteer commitment to the community and a special recognition dinner was held in their honor May 22nd at the Sentinel in downtown Portland. Those who posed for a photo included MFS CEO Judy Strand; Bruce Murray and Val Ilsley; Social Venture Partners Portland CEO Mark Holloway; KeyBank Sr. Vice President and Manager, Pacific and Rocky Mountain Regions Corporate Responsibility Bruce Whiting.

Val Ilsley thanked MFS saying, “The most important thing of all is how all of you inspire me everyday—the Board, the staff, the Executive Team, the programs and the people that you impact on a daily basis.” (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Former MFS Board Member and current Multnomah County Commissioner-Elect, Susheelah Jayapal, and MFS Board Vice Chair, Katie Gallagher arrive at the Tom Stoel Recognition Dinner. Photo by Andie Petkus.

MFS Stewards, Sarah and Josh Reynolds, Former MFS Board Member and Community Leader, Amy Wayson, and MFS Chief Program Officer, Amy Corbett enjoy pre-dinner conversation. Mr. Reynolds is also an MFS former Board Chair and current CEO of Ruby Jewel. Photo by Andie Petkus.

MFS recognizes and honors Mr. Stoel’s legacy by bestowing an award that bears his name. As one of Portland’s leading citizens, Mr. Stoel helped establish many local charitable foundations. Mr. Stoel was a founding member of the MFS Board of Directors in 1950.

“Val and Bruce have advanced organizations and efforts that serve those most in need, with a focus on economic advancement for those living on the edge of poverty,” shared MFS CEO Judy Strand.

MFS provides help to more than 10,000 children, families, and older adults in the greater Portland and SW Washington area each year. For more information, visit www.metfamily.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.