Fundraiser benefits Circle of Friends

The second annual Key to The Circle Fundraiser was hosted by Duncan Campbell and his wife Cindy in their Tuscan-style home in Sisters last week.

Circle of Friends board members, contributors, and a few mentors gathered together Tuesday evening to show their support for the mentoring program and each other in a relaxed atmosphere with appetizers and refreshments.

Circle of Friends is a nonprofit organization founded by Duncan Campbell and is a volunteer mentoring program in Sisters. It is modeled after Portland's Friends of the Children, founded in 1993 by Campbell.

Campbell used a microphone to graciously thank over 60 guests for attending the fundraiser.

"The most important part of Circle of Friends is the mentors and the outcome of the children," announced Campbell. "After two years we have 19 kids and 24 mentors and are grateful that we are able to grow and partner with these kids."

Brad Tisdel, creative director of Sisters Folk Festival and singer/songwriter played folk songs while guests mingled among new faces and familiar friends.

Circle of Friends board president Jan McGowan was among the 11 board members present at the fundraiser.

"This evening's event demonstrates the incredible progress of this nonprofit organization that just started a couple of years ago. It's everyone within the organization and the many contributors coming together to do what it takes to support the children," said McGowan.

Circle of Friends Executive Director Beth Hanson introduced Sally Marsh, a special guest from Portland, who has mentored children for 14 years and is also a Friends of the Children board member in Portland.

"Duncan Campbell's vision has come true; the mentoring program has helped support many participating children earn a high school diploma. I know, because I have mentored five children over 12 years and they all received their high school diplomas and moved on toward careers. We still stay in touch and it's a wonderful feeling to know that in some way you encouraged them to succeed at life," said Marsh.

The evening was topped off when Hanson conveyed a special message to the guests:

"We do not have a magic potion we give the children; our solution is quality time with a child on a weekly basis. Providing a friend to listen, have experiences with, do homework with and be an encouraging friend that cares enough to take the time to be a true friend."