Annual fundraiser is 'Changing Futures'

I was told many years ago that it takes just one consistent and caring person in a child’s life for them to develop resilience — resilience that will help them succeed in spite of circumstances like poverty, homelessness, and a challenging family life that deprive them of reliable care, support, and opportunities. If you don’t know about Circle of Friends, now is your chance to learn about its positive impact on the lives of underserved kids in our Sisters community.

Circle of Friend’s annual fundraiser, “Changing Futures” — aptly named because futures are changed for children involved in its programs — happens July 20, 6 p.m. at the Sisters Art Works outdoor venue on Adams Avenue. Changing Futures promises to ensure a standout experience for those who attend — great music by the popular band Toast and Jam, excellent food catered by Luckey’s Woodsman, free wine and beer, along with an exciting live auction and a richly curated raffle with well known auctioneer and comedian Anthony Poponi. As guests you will be inspired by moments during the evening when Circle of Friends mentors share stories of how their long-term relationship with their student is transformational.

Through my involvement as a volunteer, it becomes very clear that Circle of Friends provides transformative mentors and opportunities that enable kids to break free of the disabling effects of their poor circumstances. Duncan Campbell, Sisters resident and founder of Friends of the Children, with international scope located in Portland, and our own Circle of Friends in 2011, said in his book, “The Art of Being There,” “A program unlike any other: Friends of the Children (Circle of Friends) is the solution to breaking the cycle of poverty and thus the inter-generational repetition of low educational attainment, teen parenting, and criminality.”

The number of Sisters children and students who need the support of Circle of Friends is growing every year. You don’t want to miss “Changing Futures” and this fun opportunity to support a great organization that is helping our kids build a foundation for success. It seems trite to say, but we all know, our children are our future.

Please go to http://www.circleoffriendsoregon.org to buy tickets.