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15th Annual Bridge Meadows Online Gala Raises Over $196,000

Join us for a dynamic virtual event this September, hosted by KGW anchor Drew Carney and Benefit Auction 360’s Johnna Wells.

Portland, OR. KGW anchor Drew Carney was the emcee for the annual Bridge Meadows Imagine gala this year. It was his seventh time hosting and he noted it was very different: no dinner, no crowd, and most importantly, the whole event was online. Over 500 people tuned in for the September 17th benefit, which also featured entertainment by Patrick Lamb. The event raised over $196,000 for the nonprofit’s intergenerational communities. Bridge Meadows leaders say the funds will help them expand across the state and region.

Derenda Schubert, Ph.D. Executive Director, Bridge Meadows spoke during the virtual gala.

Bridge Meadows works to promote health and well-being across three generations by providing permanent, adoptive homes for youth in foster care, supporting adoptive parents with resources and guidance, and helping elders retain meaning and purpose in their daily lives through positive social connection. The nonprofit has planned communities in several locations, including, Portland, Beaverton, and Redmond.

It has also joined forces with New Avenues for Youth to create New Meadows; an innovative housing community for transition-age foster youth.

For kids at Bridge Meadows, school is now in full swing, albeit virtually for most districts.

The Bridge Meadows program team and families are currently working together to support youth as they navigate distanced learning. Beaverton and North Portland communities are creating learning hubs to safely set aside community spaces for tutoring and schoolwork, creating new routines and strategies to adjust to the challenges of online schooling.

Bridge Meadows currently serves 56 youth, 21 parents and 63 elders. It is intentionally diverse in race, income and culture, with 78% of youth representing communities of color.

Here’s a video about Bridge Meadows:

From Bridge Meadows:

Bridge Meadows builds intentional intergenerational living communities that bring youth who have experienced foster care, their families, and elders together.

Youth enjoy stable homes. Parents receive support and guidance. Elders find the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families and children. And we help create strength and self-reliance with family and community services that address each generation’s unique needs.

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.