Luncheon raises mentorship funds

It was a full house at The Belfry on Tuesday, May 13, when close to 100 people gathered for the second annual Circle of Friends Fundraiser luncheon.

Circle of Friends board members, committee members, mentors and first-time folks who wanted an introduction to the revolutionary mentoring program mingled among a dozen decorated tables.

The table and wall decorations were created from scrap paper left over from larger projects done by several Circle of Friends students, using Sisters art educator Annie Painter's curriculum. Each table was enhanced by hand-painted spring flower cards created by the students.

The free buffet-style lunch was provided by Rio Restaurant, with dessert by Sisters Bakery.

Circle of Friends Executive Director Beth Hanson explained to the guests exactly what the mentoring program is all about:

"We know that Sisters School District has about eight to 10 children a year that could benefit from having a long-term friend. Circle of Friends volunteer mentors look like each of you sitting in this room today, they are people that live in Sisters that have full-time jobs, part-time jobs. They are teachers, finance directors, custodians, shipping clerks, they're going to college, raising a family, a nurse, or a professor. The one thing we all have in common is the heart to be a friend to a child, with the goal for seeing them succeed over time."

Circle of Friends has grown over the last 20 months, and now has 11 board members and 23 volunteer mentors that have committed to connect with a child on a weekly basis.

"At Circle of Friends we have a very successful inspiration to follow: A mentor program that has proven that long-term friendship works for the past 22 years. Sisters resident Duncan Campbell is the founder of Friends of the Children in Portland since 1993. He is also the founder of Circle of Friends in Sisters and is our role model," Hanson added.

Circle of Friends board members stood up as Hanson pointed out each one by name. Board President Jan McGowan approached the podium with a message:

"I have been so moved and inspired by this organization. Our vision is that every child in Sisters who needs a friend has one."

A board member since Circle of Friends was founded in 2011, Carolyn Gabrielson inspired the guests at the luncheon by her words of wisdom:

"It's the undivided attention and listening over a long period of time that is the key to success. The undivided attention that the mentors at Circle of Friends give is a rare gift."

Hanson wrapped up her speech by recognizing businesses and friends that support Circle of Friends on a monthly basis and to The Belfry for donating the space for the luncheon fundraiser.

"Our mentors strive to empower our children with real hope and vision of their tomorrows," said Hanson.

All fundraising contributions for Circle of Friends go to help support the increasing numbers of mentors and children coming into the mentoring program each year.