(Photo above: Bob and Cheryl Shaw in front of the Giving Tree at Boots | Photo by: Leaetta Mitchell)
Boots, Buckles & Bling Brings in Funds to Clothe Kids
Assistance League of Bend held its annual Gala on November 5 at the Riverhouse on the Deschutes. The organization’s premier event focuses on fundraising for its clothes-for-kids program called Operation School Bell. For the 2015-16 school year, Assistance League provided clothes for over 2,000 Deschutes County children who otherwise would not have adequate clothing for school. With the success of the Boots, Buckle and Bling, many more children and seniors in Deschutes County will receive services through our philanthropic programs,
With a festive western theme and live music, the event offered several fundraising opportunities with silent and live auctions as well as an ever-lively Dessert Dash. In addition, a private family foundation generously committed to a maximum grant of $25,000 toward Operation School Bell, based on matching pledges between $250 and $2,500 to clothe a child. The gala raised a net amount of $83,000 excluding the matching grant!
The evening included a visit from the Deschutes County Rodeo Queen Emylia Breckel with local celebrity weatherman Bob Shaw hosting the program. Assistance League of Bend recognized outstanding supporters, Tim and Kathy Garling of Jackelope Grill. They were presented with the National Operation School Bell Award for their continued support of the organization and their generous participation and donations over the years.
Dennis Turmon and his associates, an auctioneer from Powell Butte was the auctioneer.
Assistance League of Bend wishes to thank many people including all those that attended the Gala, those who donated but were not able to attend, and all of its members that make up the all-volunteer organization. A heartfelt thanks goes to the sponsors of Boots, Buckles and Bling including McConnell Labs/Light Elegance, St. Charles Health System and Riverhouse on the Deschutes. The date and theme for the 2017 Gala will be announced after the first of the year.
Assistance League of Bend is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people in need in Deschutes County, including children, seniors and cancer patients. For more information about donating or joining the organization, please go www.assistanceleaguebend.com or Facebook page.
