The 2009 Friend Raiser presented by KeyBank Friends of the Children Offices May 7, 2009 The 9th Annual Friend Raiser, celebrates 15 years of Friends of the Children and raises a record breaking $1.5 million! The 9th Annual Friend Raiser, held on May 15th, 2008 was a magical evening for everyone! Nearly 700 people of Portland’s business and social leaders joined together for an exciting night of friendship, fun and philanthropy.The more than $1.5 million raised marks the single-largest fundraising event in Friends of the Children’s 15-year history, making it one of the largest auctions in Portland.  The evening began with guests sampling delicious foods from several of Portland’s finest restaurants while enjoying fine wines. The atmosphere was electric as bidders gathered around the silent auction vying for amazing packages including vacations, artwork, golf, dinners, wine and much more!Guests later moved to the tent where the celebration kicked-off with live music, dancing and a special celebrity tribute video to Friends of the Children and Founders Duncan and Cindy Campbell.  Celebrities such as actor Danny Glover, Nike Founder Phil Knight and Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski thanked Friends of the Children for changing lives in our community. The most moving moment of the evening took place when two very special program youth Jimmy and Eric took the stage.  Many tears were shed as the teenagers shared their life stories and the many struggles they have faced and overcome thanks to the support and guidance provided by Friends of the Children.
Following this special presentation, the live auction featured exciting vacation packages to Turtle Island, Fiji, the 2009 Master’s Golf Tournament, a fishing lodge in Alaska, the 2008 US Open Tennis Tournament in New York City as well as 99 bottles of fine wine and more. Friend Raiser is the key fundraising event for Friends of the Children – Portland, accounting for nearly a quarter of its annual budget.  The additional dollars raised will help to add 70 additional kindergartners into the program. Friends of the Children – Portland would like to say thank you to all sponsors, donors, guests, volunteers and everyone involved in making the 2008 Friend Raiser such a success!! Back to Events main page