Reflection Benefit, Auction, and Raffle raises nearly $900,000 for grieving kids!

On May 10, nearly 500 community members gathered at the Portland Art Museum to celebrate and support The Dougy Center at our 2019 Reflection Benefit & Auction presented by KinderCare Education. Thank you to everyone who attended to help children, teens, young adults, and their families grieving the death of a loved one, or those living with a family member with an advanced serious illness. Together we raised almost $900,000!

This incredible night included a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind art created by Dougy Center participating children and teens, an elegant dinner, and a live auction filled with unique packages. The evening culminated with the announcement of the 22nd Annual Porsche Boxster Raffle winner!

Our deepest gratitude to the event chair, Adriane Blackman, our generous sponsors, the numerous volunteers who donated their time, and our tremendous donors and supporters who helped make this event a huge success!

What should I say?

When someone you know is grieving, finding the right words can be difficult. And while there’s no perfect thing to say, some things can be more helpful than others. Here are a few ideas we’ve gathered from kids, teens, and adults at The Dougy Center.

Avoid saying: I’m sorry for your loss.
Instead say: I heard about your dad. I’m here for talking, not talking, taking a break…etc.

Avoid saying: I know what you’re going through.
Instead say: Grief is so different for everyone. What’s it been like for you?

Avoid saying: Are you still grieving? Aren’t you over it yet?
Instead say: There is no grief timeline. I won’t get tired of hearing about yours.

Avoid saying: I know how you feel, my grandmother died last year.
Instead say: Everyone’s grief is different, just wanted you know know that I’ve had someone die too. It’s not the same, but I get it on some level.

Avoid saying: You’re just so sad lately.
Instead say: Want to hang out this weekend?

What have you found is helpful to say to someone who is grieving? Share it with us on facebook.

Thank you for making the 2019 Porsche Boxster Raffle a huge success

Thanks to your overwhelming support, tickets for the 22nd annual Porsche Boxster Raffle sold out well before the May 10th drawing, breaking the previous record! All proceeds from the raffle support local kids, teens, and young adults grieving the death of a family member.

The lucky winner of the 2019 Porsche Boxster was Guy Randles with ticket number 1672. Congratulations to Guy!

Special thank you to Porsche Beaverton for their sponsorship, and thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket!

Stay tuned for your chance to win a 2020 Porsche Boxster later this year!

Registration now open for The Dougy Center's 2019 International Summer Institute

Have you ever thought about starting a peer support program for grieving children, teens, and families? The Dougy Center’s 2019 International Summer Institute is your chance to learn with colleagues from around the United States and beyond who plan to start or who have already directly established programs for grieving children.

July 22 - July 26, 2019
Portland, Oregon
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Tuition: $1,300*

Through the International Summer Institute, you will learn to…
1. Start a program like The Dougy Center’s, including philosophies, policies, procedures, and staffing
2. Gain understanding about the needs of grieving children, teens, and their families
3. Develop skills in reflection, awareness, communication, and group facilitation
4. Recruit, screen, train, place, and supervise volunteers
5. Enroll families, place children in groups, use resource and referral services
6. Design a program that fits the needs of your community
7. Build a successful Board of Directors and Advisory Board
8. Develop fundraising techniques and identify funding sources
9. Identify and build an individual donor base and endowment gifts
10. Successfully market your program in your community

To Register:
Download registration forms here or call 503.775.5683, ext. 100, to have forms mailed to you. Complete registration forms and submit them with $150 deposit.

For questions, contact Cheryl Roberts at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 503.775.5683

*Receive a 5% discount on tuition by paying in full prior to July 3, 2019 or by registering two or more attendees from the same organization.