William Temple House Raises Over $89,000 With Inaugural Luncheon

Portland, OR. William Temple House celebrated sustainable fashion and thrift store style at its fundraising luncheon on June 19th at the Multnomah Athletic Club. KGW’s Cassidy Quinn showed off her thrift store finds during the benefit’s fashion show. Special guest, thrift store fashionista Jessi Arrington, entertained over 300 guests with a presentation about how thrift store style helps the planet. The benefit, called Style & Sustainability for Social Good, raised over $89,000 to further the mission of William Temple House to provide social services, mental health counseling, and spiritual care to individuals and families in need.

Guest speaker Jessi Arrington comes to Portland with only a small tote bag and the clothes on her back. In 90 minutes at the William Temple House Thrift Store she puts together 3 great outfits to wear while here.

Jenn Richardson’s look takes a fun party dress in a resort-wear direction by pairing it with on-trend wood bracelets and a natural fiber hat and tote. Her classic converse sneakers complete her look.

Special guest Jessi Arrinton is interviewed by KGW’s Lacey Evans on sustainable style and the social impact of thrift stores.

Well-know local pianist Brad Mersereau plays for our arriving guests.

William Temple House Board Chair, Pat Boyle greets guests as they arrive

Here’s a video about the work of William Temple House:

Caring For Our Community from William Temple House on Vimeo.

From William Temple House:

Thank you to everyone who made the luncheon possible, including our stylish speakers, guests, and fashion models. We are especially grateful to Campbell Global, New Seasons Market, and Susan Workman for sponsoring this event, and to a generous donor who stepped up to anonymously match Wednesday’s donations by 50% to support William Temple House.

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.