Children’s Center Healing Garden Gala Raises Over $420,000 to Help Those Affected by Abuse and Neglect

Richard Ransome, Mary Ransome, and Executive Director Tom Soma

Portland, OR. Nearly 400 friends gathered at the Embassy Suites Washington Square on September 14th for the Children’s Center’s Seventh Annual Healing Garden Gala. Richard Ransome, Mary Ransome, and Executive Director Tom Soma were among those supporting the Children’s Center’s mission to end child abuse and neglect. The benefit raised more than $423,000 to serve kids and families recovering from abuse. (Photo credit, Naim Hasan)

Pianist and composer, Michael Allen Harrison, Auctioneer Johnna Wells, and Nike designer Tinker Hatfield

Susanne Olin, Jim Boyer, Executive Director Tom Soma, and Barb Boyer

Event Co-chairs Adel Adams, Lauren Retzlaff, and event host Steve Dunn

The evening’s program was emceed by Steve Dunn of KATU Channel 2 News, and the live auction and special appeal called by international auctioneer champion Johnna Wells. The festivities also included a silent auction in the atrium, dinner, and dancing. Live music was provided by Michael Allen Harrison and Time Machine.

During the appeal, Clinical Director Dr. Cathy Lang gave a moving tribute to staff and families and explained why the work of intervening in cases of child abuse is both vital to community health and meaningful to her personally.

Children’s Center also shared an exciting new development: the launch of a Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program. The program will enable Children’s Center to stay with kids and families on their healing journeys, with ongoing support and care from specialized counselors.

From Children’s Center:

Children’s Center is deeply grateful for the generous investments made to help children affected by abuse change their stories and build stronger futures.

Event Co-chairs
Lauren Retzlaff
Adel Adams

Presenting Sponsor:
Airstream Adventures Northwest

Gold Sponsors:
3 Point Brand Management
Bob’s Red Mill

Silver Sponsors:
OPUS Agency
Reliable Credit Association Inc.
Trails End Dental
Warn Employee Community Impact Project

Bronze Sponsors:
Katie & Zak Callahan
Marianne Cursetjee
Eaton Family Law
Lori & Kevin Faris
Tasca & Paul Gulick
Bill & Lia Halter
Homestreet Bank
NessCampbell Crane & Rigging
Northwest Bank
Gabe & Ken Petersen
Rachel Preston
Providence Health & Services
Mary & Richard Ransome
Safeway/Albertsons Foundation
Hilary & Wes Sand
Amy Stoeber PhD
Troy C. Stoeber, M.D.
Tanner – Mortensen Family
The Thornton Family
United States Drug Testing Laboratories, Inc.
Scott & Beth Ward
John & Ginny Wells
Christina & Gary Yarco

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.