With hundreds of fundraising events happening in Central Oregon during a year's time, creative fundraising can be fashionable, making giving back the new black. This month, local nonprofit Bend Gives Back hosts Giving in Style, its second annual “fashionthropic” event that encourages guests to dress to the nines for a fundraiser that includes a silent auction and a runway show, featuring models wearing Central Oregon fashions from both national and local clothing stores. Proceeds from the evening benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon (BGCCO). “Giving in Style was designed to be a fun-filled, community-focused event that uses fashion for philanthropy,” says Andra von Behren, executive director of Bend Gives Back and Giving in Style’s co-chair. “We recognized that a unique audience could be attracted, giving people an opportunity to dress up and support a great cause. The event is designed to be an exciting annual event in Bend, attracting an active, socially conscious and philanthropic audience to learn more about an important local charity.”
Benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon
In its 2018 inaugural year, Giving in Style raised more than $40,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon. “My family has been involved with Boys & Girls Clubs for as long as I can remember,” says von Behren. “In every city, the Clubs offer a safe place and activities for at-risk kids to feel a sense of belonging and a path for personal development. I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity to work with BGCCO and create a unique event that gives back to the community,” she says. As a nationwide organization, Boys & Girls Clubs offer life-changing programs to youth between the ages of 5 to 18 years old. Their programs focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles, character development and citizenship involvement in our community. Giving in Style will be held Friday, October 4, 2019, at the Tetherow Pavilion. GivingInStyle.org
