Friends of the Children Raises $1.5 Million With Virtual Benefit

Portland, OR. When the 2020 Friends of the Children “Friend Raiser” was forced to pivot because of the COVID-19 virus, it created a two-step plan. First, it offered mobile bidding and a silent auction in advance. Then on May 14th the nonprofit held a live-streamed program, live auction, and virtual paddle raise. In the end, Friends of the Children raised $1.5 Million with the virtual benefit.

The virtual auction was broadcast live.

Highlights included this shout-out from Mayor Wheeler below:

There was also a message from Russel Wilson and founders Cindy & Duncan Campbell. If you missed the live program you can check out the recording at friendraiserpdx.com.

From Friends of the Children:

Friends of the Children – Portland is the founding chapter of a nationwide organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty through salaried, professional mentoring. For 25 years, Friends of the Children has used evidence-based strategies, long-term interventions, and nurturing relationships to serve youth facing the greatest societal challenges. For every $1 invested in program youth, $7 is returned to the community in savings within the public sector and contributions to the private sector, according to a Harvard Alumni Association of Oregon research. This year, Friends of the Children was named the number one Most-Admired Nonprofit in Oregon by the Portland Business Journal for the fourth time in six years.

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.