A Gathering of Good 2025 was a night to remember!
Our community came together at the Portland Art Museum in celebration, solidarity, and generosity—and the energy was electric. From the joyful opening dance performance to the heartfelt stories of resilience, the evening embodied the spirit of Metropolitan Family Service: helping people gain prosperity, promoting equity, and building a connected community for all ages.
Because of you, we raised $177,856 toward our $200,000 goal.
Honoring Community Leadership
From left: Judy Strand, CEO of MFS; Cheryl Myers, accepting the 2025 Eileen Johnson Community Service Award on behalf of the Generations Fund Founders; and Anne Marie Johnson, MFS board member.
We proudly presented the Eileen Johnson Community Service Award to the Generations Fund Founders, a circle of donors whose extraordinary commitment ensures MFS can remain a trusted partner for generations to come. Accepting on their behalf was Cheryl Myers, representing the generosity and vision of Carol Bernick, Susheela Jayapal, Christopher Sherry and Lee Stewart, Don and Melinda Riggs, Katie Gallagher and Nick McWhorter, Eva Kripalani and Kenneth Warren, John and Monaree Deller, Valerie Ilsley and Bruce Murray, and Cheryl and Jim Myers.
Together, these donors embody the heart of the MFS Generations Fund—an initiative building a lasting foundation for equity, prosperity, and connection. Founders of this Fund help sustain critical programs, strengthen intergenerational ties, and ensure that every child, family, and older adult has the chance to thrive today and for generations to come.
Become a Generations Fund member today ➜
Spotlight on Our Community Work
This year, we were honored to share the story of Erika and her family, who built a foundation for success with the partnership of MFS’s Ready, Set, Go! program. What began as parenting classes and early learning support grew into a foundation of belonging, resilience, and opportunity.
With encouragement from staff and peers, Erika gained confidence as a parent and leader, while her children thrived—today, all three are graduating into bright futures, including Abigail, who is pursuing a PhD in chemistry at Notre Dame.
As Erika puts it, “This program was my salvation. It changed my life.” Her story shows how MFS programs plant seeds that grow across generations—empowering children, strengthening families, and building a more connected community for us all.
With Gratitude
We are deeply thankful to our presenting partner, the Johnson Family Foundation, and to all of our sponsors, volunteers, and friends who made this event possible. Your generosity fuels programs that partner with more than 24,000 children, families, and older adults across the Portland metro area each year.
Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community. Thank you for supporting MFS!
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Champion Sponsor
Innovation Partner Sponsors
Brown & Brown
Ferguson Wellman Capital Management, Inc.
Community Builder Sponsors
Jerry & Ruth Cohen — in memory of Sarah Cohen-Doherty
JD Fulwiler & Co. Insurance, Inc. — sponsoring the creation of the MFS 75th Video
Pick Your Sponsorship Sponsors
Pick Your Sponsorship Sponsors
Our gratitude also goes to Banville Wine Merchants for providing the 2022 Ribolla white wine and to AHA Wines for providing the 2014 Abrame red wine that made the evening’s celebration even more special. For more information about Banville wines, please contact Tina Rivara at tinarivara@banvillewine.com
Questions? Reach out to nikki.hunt@mfs.email or (530) 228-1962