Last month our team celebrated clients, community partners and two local charities. The event was held at Tetherow Pavilion, the venue sponsor, on September 14th where we hosted a silent auction and presentation of Shepherd’s House Ministries and Bethlehem Inn. Last year at our 20th Anniversary Celebration, we shared our three-year commitment as a company to give $2,500 each year to each charity for a total donation of $15,000. As part of that commitment, we invited clients to join in the opportunity. Last year’s event raised a total of $25,700 which was divided between the two nonprofits. This year exceeded that amount by raising a total of $33,100, also split between the same two organizations.
The evening was not without charitable giving from all involved. The event was sponsored by many local businesses. Bend Magazine provided free magazines for attendees and added a free annual subscription to giveaway baskets. Drink sponsors included Owen Roe, Boneyard Brewing, 10 Barrel Brewing Co. and Crater Lake Spirits. The Tetherow Pavillion was decorated with beautiful flower arrangements from Cascade Garden Center that were donated to Partners in Care after the event.
Throughout the evening, the silent auction was open to bidders for their choice between gift cards donated from French Market, 5 Fusion & Sushi Bar, The Blacksmith Restaurant, and Brickhouse. Other items included a case of wine selected by the Compass Commercial partners, a couple bottles of Va Piano Vineyards wine and a wine rack from Tumbleweed Cabin, an original watercolor painting from Cindy Murphy, a whimsical acrylic and fabric print from Kamdon Kreations, three separate golf packages from Awbrey Glen, Broken Top Club and Eagle Crest Resort, an awning from CVT, Hydro Flask and Humm Kombucha goodies, a stay at a Yachats beach house donated by the Friedman Family, and a package from Webfoot Painting. All money raised during the auction was included in the total amount donated.
The evening included a short program to speak about the nonprofits. Brokers Steve Toomey and Howard Friedman both have close ties through volunteering and supporting the respective charities. Toomey has volunteered with Shepherd’s House Ministries for a number of years, working with the shelter for real estate needs as well as serving on their board. He has also worked as a mentor to those served by the nonprofit. Furthermore, Friedman has cooked and served meals on a monthly basis for Bethlehem Inn since 2005 with his wife and friends and was recently elected to the board of directors as vice president. His service has recently involved being part of the capital campaign to raise money to fund the reconstruction of the Inn to support more families and individuals and transition them from homelessness to stability.
In regards to the evening’s contributions from the Compass Commercial client community, Executive Director Curt Floski states, “We at Shepherd’s House Ministries are grateful for the support and contribution Compass Commercial and their partners made to our organization. As we continue to step deeper into the lives of the most hurting and desperate in Central Oregon, helping them on their path to recovery, a partnership like the one we share with Compass Commercial is critical for us to be effective in continuing to offer vital programs and services. Thanks, Compass Commercial.” Shepherd’s House Ministries is currently raising funds to improve their facilities and expand their services to continue addressing the need of homelessness in Central Oregon. Their goal is to raise money to make repairs to the interior and exterior of their existing building as well as open a new emergency shelter for women and children, health and well being services and educational services.
The donations from clients and community partners given to Bethlehem Inn from the appreciation event are just a small portion of the total money being raised for the reconstruction. A challenge between Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA) and Central Oregon Association of Realtors (COAR) has been issued and accepted. The donations from the event count toward this challenge. In addition, this competition has been escalated by a dollar-for-dollar matching funds by a local foundation. “We are overwhelmed by the incredible support provided by Compass Commercial for the Inn’s campaign to completely rebuild Bethlehem Inn,” said Executive Director Gwenn Wysling. “We commend COBA and COAR for their shared commitment to creating a Central Oregon where everyone has a home, where families in crisis can transition to stability.” Their total amount to be raised is $5.3 million for this phase of the project.
Compass Commercial cannot claim full responsibility for the large donations that took place because of their September event. Much of the credit goes to the over 200 clients and partners invited to join us in taking the time to learn about the organizations and donate to the charities with a goal of furthering their services.
According to Compass Commercial President, Pat Kesgard, “As a company, we decided to choose two local charities to support their capital raising efforts, and we will continue to give to these charities in the future. We are in a unique position connecting building owners, contractors, businesses, and several industries related to commercial real estate. With these relationships, we have been able to bring everyone together to help tell the story of the critical need of community support to very worthwhile organizations like Shepherd’s House and Bethlehem Inn. The result has been very gratifying, and we honor our relationships that make this annual event so beneficial to our chosen charities.” The team is thankful for the generosity of the Central Oregon community for joining with us and sharing their resources with those in need. The clients and community partners of Compass Commercial are truly inspiring.