FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Dalles, OR (May 7, 2012) – The Next Door of The Dalles, OR successfully raised $18,000 for Families First at their 3rd annual Table of Friends event last Friday, May 4 at The Mint. This event, which directly supports Families First and their vital role in helping local families and children thrive, was the largest and most well-supported to date.

Over $6,000 was raised during the dessert auction, auctioned by David Griffith,  receiving exuberant help from community members bidding on irresistible desserts created by local bakers. Sixteen uniquely created desserts received bids ranging from $250 to $600 each.

This year’s bakers were Romul’s, Glass Onion, La Fogata Grill, Candice Ryan, Marc McAllister, Cousins, Petite Provence, ANZAC Tea Parlor, Tara Koch (of HAVEN), Gordon McCleod and Elizabeth Abrams and Baldwin Saloon. Candice Ryan’s Mile High Mocha Cheesecake took the cake, so to speak, with the most heated bidding war, winning out at $600!

“We had a great time at the Table of Friends event. Bidding on the desserts was tremendous fun, especially knowing that it’s helping Families First, which plays such an important role in preventing child abuse in this community,” said Cheryl Cunningham, an attendee of the event.

More than just dessert was served up to the sold out crowd. There was live entertainment throughout the night by Hapa Hillbillies and delicious food barbecued on site by Paradise Rose Chuckwagon.

“Each year just gets better and better”, said Julie Ryan, Supervisor of Families First. “The number of people who step up to make this event a success fills me with gratitude. I am reminded each year of what a wonderful community we live in and I am so thankful.”

To round out the evening there was another wave of bidding for a spa package donated by Water’s Edge and Fringe Salon, a kayak trip by the Ballinger family, a white water rafting trip with Bill Marick, and original artwork.

By far the most important part of the evening was the video presentation that detailed the vital role Families First has in The Dalles community and the many success stories of supporting struggling families.

For the last three years, the Table of Friends event has successfully raised funds for Families First, allowing the continuation of program services to hundreds of children and families in Wasco County. Families First offers critical help that includes: Healthy Start, where a parenting mentor provides home visits to stressed first-time parents: Family Support & Connections, providing resources and support to low-income families; and Parent Training, where parents can attend parenting classes and receive coaching.

Families First and the entire Next Door agency are grateful for the financial support provided by MCMC, CenterPointe Community Bank, Casa El Mirador, Les Schwab Tire Center, Papa Murphy’s and Sara McCafferty, Denise Fitzsimon and Meghan McAllister at Columbia Hills Family Medicine.

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