Get Your Tickets Today!
Our first-ever FRIENDRaiser in Union County isn't your average fundraiser. It's a night to come together, enjoy food, drinks, and community, and be inspired by the power of one-to-one mentorship. One year in, and the work is already changing lives!
About the event
A night of food, drinks, and community.
This is a casual, high-energy night built around real connection. For the first hour and a half, guests enjoy curated small bites and beverages while mingling with others who care about kids in our community. Then we move on to the live program for updates on the work, a live auction, and a paddle raise.
On May 21, 2026, we're gathering at the beautiful White Barn Estate in La Grande to lift up what is possible when a child has a consistent, caring adult in their corner - 12+ years, no matter what.
Whether you've been with us since the beginning or are just learning about Friends of the Children - Eastern Oregon, this is your invitation to show up for the youth who need us most. Come hungry, come curious, come ready to be part of something real.
Dress code is casual. Just come as you are, we're excited to see you!
Date
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Doors open at 5pm · Event 5–8pm
Venue
White Barn Estate
La Grande, Oregon
What to expect
Curated small bites and beverages, live auction, paddle raise, and stories of impact
Tickets are on sale now!
Reserve your spot before they're gone. Interested in purchasing a full table of 8? Contact Neesha Turner.
One year in
Changing the story for youth in Union County.
Friends of the Children - Eastern Oregon pairs youth facing the greatest obstacles with paid, professional mentors, called Friends, beginning as early as age four, and walking alongside them all the way through high school graduation. That's 12+ years of consistent presence, no matter what happens along the way.
Our model is built on a simple truth backed by research: the single most important factor in helping a child overcome adversity is a long-term, nurturing relationship with a caring adult. Every dollar raised through the FRIENDRaiser supports local programming, mentor wages, and the wraparound services that make that relationship possible.
For every $1 invested in Friends of the Children, the community benefits over $7 in saved social costs. That's not just a good investment, it's generational change, one child at a time.
Meet Jimmy
Friends of the Children – Portland graduate and featured guest
We're honored to welcome Jimmy to the FRIENDRaiser stage. Jimmy joined Friends of the Children – Portland when he was eight years old. Every generation of men in his family before him had gone to prison, a path that, for a long time, seemed set in stone.
Then he met John, his Friend (mentor). For the first time in his life, he had an adult who listened to his dreams, showed up through the hardest moments, and never walked away. When Jimmy's last guardian passed away at 14, John was the one who stepped up and asked what Jimmy wanted for his life.
Today, Jimmy works within the Oregon court system, advocating for children in foster care, the same kids he once was. He has broken a generational cycle and built a future his own children will never have to survive. In his words, "my kids will never have to experience that."
Jimmy's story is a glimpse of what becomes possible when a child has a Friend, no matter what, for 12+ years. It's also what we're building for the youth of Union County, the next generation of stories just like his.
Join us on May 21
Grab a single or bring someone with you. Whatever way you show up, your presence makes the night.
Ticket Options
Single Ticket - $75 | Couple Ticket - $150 (2 included)
All tickets include curated small bites and beverages, community, and access to the live program.
Limited tickets available. Reserve your spot early.
GET TICKETSBecome a FRIENDRaiser Sponsor
Your sponsorship directly supports professional mentors walking alongside children facing the greatest obstacles in our community. Sponsors receive recognition across event materials, our website, and bi-weekly emails, and the knowledge that their investment is creating real, lasting change in Union County.
Event Resources
Questions? Get in touch
Neesha Turner, Executive Director
nturner@friendseasternoregon.org | 541-805-9129