Portland affirms: ‘Today’s the Day’

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Annual “All About Kids” dinner raises $308,000.

By Teresa Steinmetz – 

Over 300 Portland Metro community members recently declared “Today’s the Day” to help create a brighter future for children and families in support of The Salvation Army’s 21st annual All About Kids dinner at the Portland Art Museum that raised $308,000.

Drew Carney of Portland’s KGW-TV served as emcee and started the evening by encouraging guests to like The Salvation Army Portland Metro on Facebook. The program included history of The Salvation Army internationally and in Portland, music from the Portland Tabernacle Singing Company, and testimonies from families whose lives are forever changed thanks to The Salvation Army.

The Army presented two annual awards: Sister Ruth Frank from Valley Catholic School received the Fred Meyer Founders Award and Centimark received the Hoffman Construction Partners in Excellence Award.

Anne Marie Flora-Lowe, long-time Portland Metro Advisory Board member, shared her own connection to The Salvation Army. After several years on adoption lists, she said her baby Olivia arrived safely to her and her husband in large part due to The Salvation Army Female Emergency Shelter. The baby’s mother was homeless and found shelter there, and The Salvation Army had cared for her baby.

“It’s easy to hear a passionate story at an event and give some money,” said Major Nancy Dihle, Portland Metro coordinator. “What is harder is noticing the need around us during our daily activities, stopping and doing something to help. Often, the biggest need that we face daily is for encouragement.”

After thanking guests for their contributions, Dihle surprised each of them with a WishPets stuffed animal. “So that you have a little something to bless people with,” she said. “Let’s keep the spirit of giving going.”