November 2014 - In This Issue:
PHFS Family Reunion Fundraiser: A Look Back
$76,000 raised to support local homeless families with children!!!
Thank you so much to those of you that supported the PHFS Family Reunion Fundraiser, whether in attendance or not. We felt a huge surge of "family" energy from everyone there that night, and we are so glad that you are part of our Village! From Celebrity Family Feud, to all the games, the exciting Live Auction, and the heartfelt donations, it was certainly a night to remember.

A special thank you to our Family Feud "celebrity team leaders", Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury & City Commissioner Nick Fish. Word on the street is that Commissioner Fish has even asked for a rematch...
We'd love to hear your feedback! Please fill out this short survey to tell us what you thought about the Family Reunion Fundraiser, and what you'd think may need to be changed for next year.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Wednesday, November 19th
5:00 PM - Dual Shelter Orientation (Thirteen Salmon + Goose Hollow)

Monday, December 1st
Tuesday, December 2nd

Saturday, December 13th
7:00 PM - PHFS + Community Warehouse Give!Guide Party (@ Community Warehouse, MLK Blvd)

Tuesday, December 16th
3:30 PM - PHFS Holiday Village
SHELTER NEEDS
  • Rain gear (umbrellas and ponchos)
     
  • Coloring books for kids
     
  • Tissues
     
  • Cold & Flu Medicine
Tis the Season...
Give!Guide Season!

As of Wednesday, November 5th, the 2014 Give!Guide is open to accept donations for 136 local nonprofits in the Portland area during this holiday season. Portland Homeless Family Solutions is so honored to be one of the many organizations featured this year... for the 6th time in a row!! 

 

To honor this incredible achievement, we've provided 6 reasons why you should participate in this year's Give!Guide campaign:

  1. You get stuff for giving! Making a donation via Give!Guide of anywhere from $10+ will get you free and discounted products from some fantastic local businesses.
  2. Are you 35 years old or younger? Give, give, give! One of the founding missions of Give!Guide is to get younger folks involved in the community giving in Portland. There are special incentives involved for younger donors... we need you!! (See the McMenamin's Challenge for more info.)
  3. Big Give Days! Did we mention you get free stuff for donating? Well, keep an eye out for the "Big Give Days". If you choose to make your donation on one of these days, you'll be entered to win some pretty big, awesome prizes!
     
  4. A special chance to sponsor two of your favorite organizations at once! PHFS is so excited to be partnering with Community Warehouse to hold a joint fundraising event for the Give!Guide. Save the date for 12/13/14, and keep an eye out for more details - coming soon!
     
  5. ...Remember Big Give Days? By donating a minimum of $10, you are entered to win things like a $500 Powell's Books shopping spree, tickets to a Portland Trail Blazers game, and a Salt & Straw ice cream party for 200 people. Seriously.
  6. Help PHFS families during the holiday season! The Give!Guide is such an easy way to make an extremely thoughtful donation during the holiday season. Every single dollar counts, and we so appreciate your continued support of our mission.

 
Volunteer Spotlight: 
Mark Udarbe
1. How long have you been volunteering with PHFS and what got you involved initially?
I have been volunteering with PHFS for approximately 4 months. One of my many hobbies include cooking. The foods I prepare were derived from a Hawaiian and Asian background. With inspiration from nutrition courses that I've taken in school, I developed an idea to utilize my hobby with meaningful use. In an effort to promote health and nourishment, I would manipulate particular ingredients that can be [potentially] harmful to the human body with the intentions of increasing the nutritional value and decreasing health risk factors.

2. In what position/shift do you typically volunteer? Has that changed or evolved over the years?
I volunteer as a Meal Provider (usually on weekends) without any changes or evolutions.

3. What's your favorite thing about volunteering with PHFS?The PHFS staff as well as the families are all wonderful and appreciative. In addition, I appreciate the honest opinions from families in regards to the aroma, gustatory perception and appearance of the meals I prepare. The constructive feedback helps me improve the quality in foods I prepare.

4. Can you share any advice for new volunteers?
One advice I would share with prospective volunteers would be to make your volunteer experience a fun one! :)

5. Outside of PHFS, what do you do for fun/to unwind/relax?Believe it or not, I host a dinner and cocktail event once a month for my diverse group of friends to socialize as well as maintain my network of relationships. Not only are knowing facts important, but also who we know can be beneficial. Otherwise, I enjoy being physically active at the gym or outdoors and traveling, especially to Oregon's coast region. I also enjoy hanging out with my friends, making new friends and exploring the night life. Karaoke is always fun too. Lastly, I enjoy gardening despite the fact that I don't have a green thumb.

6. What's something nifty or fun that few others would know about you?
Most of my friends have told me that I have a genuine character and that I'm surprisingly full of energy. I imagine those are compliments. Otherwise, people are surprised when they hear that I can sing. I've taken singing lessons all throughout high school.

7. In rainy Portland, what's your favorite thing to do?
Spring cleaning and gardening preparation.

8. Anything else you wish to share?
I have a dog named Farren.
Congratulations! You made it to the bottom.
During this time of year, PHFS is so appreciative of all the donations we receive to prepare our guests for the upcoming cold weather: coats, hats, blankets, gloves, etc.

Check out this inspiring video of 24-year-old social entrepreneur, Veronika Scott, and her response to helping the homeless stay warm during the cold days and nights in Detroit, Michigan.
Click the image above to watch the video.

Thanks for all you do!

- PHFS Team

Portland Homeless Family Solutions
503.915.8306


Helping Homeless Families 
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