Last Friday, our community gathered for the 28th Annual Celebration of Hope — a powerful reminder of what’s possible when compassion and generosity come together. In this message, CEO Kaleen Deatherage reflects on an evening that celebrated not only shared success, but the lasting impact supporters make every day across Oregon.
On Friday evening, friends old and new gathered at the Hyatt Regency in NE Portland for the 28th Annual Celebration of Hope — an evening dedicated to compassion, community, and the shared belief that every Oregonian deserves stability, dignity, and opportunity.
From the moment guests arrived, the room buzzed with conversation and purpose. I watched as attendees assembled care kits for neighbors experiencing homelessness, tucked donated socks into bins that will soon warm cold feet across our region, and reconnected with fellow supporters who share a heart for service. It was a celebration in every sense of the word.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who joined us in support of Catholic Charities of Oregon’s mission. And to those who gave so generously as sponsors and donors — thank you for going above and beyond. Your leadership ensures that families facing hunger, women moving from homelessness into housing, and immigrants and refugees building new lives have the support they need to move forward.
A special thank you to the many hands who made the evening possible. Our dedicated volunteers helped the night flow seamlessly. Our event and AV partners brought the fundraising gala to life through flawless planning, production and management. The team at the Hyatt Regency delivered wonderful hospitality that set the tone for the evening.
Most of all, I want to recognize our Catholic Charities staff, who live this mission every single day. The Celebration of Hope is one evening. The work continues 365 days a year — in housing programs, legal services offices, case management meetings, food distribution sites, and quiet conversations that restore dignity and possibility.
Because of you, hope blooms.
Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for celebrating with us. And thank you for helping ensure that life-changing services remain accessible to those who need them most.
With gratitude,
Kaleen Deatherage
CEO/Catholic Charities of Oregon