Transition Projects IMPACT Gala 2025
An evening of celebration and success
On Saturday, March 15, our Chief Social Impact Officer (CSIO) Doug Blauer and his wife Amy were joined by five SHED RAIN™ employees and hundreds of other guests for the 2025 IMPACT Gala at the Portland Art Museum.
The annual gala is critically important to supporting Transition Projects’ programs and services, with the 2024 event raising $510,000. It's also an opportunity for community supporters, leaders, and representatives from local businesses and corporations to come together, recognize the efforts and commitments of everyone involved, and celebrate stories of success through the life-changing and lifesaving work of this incredible organization.
Things kicked off with drinks and hors d'oeuvres, as guests shook off the cold, greeted one another, and learned about Transition Projects and their mission.
The SHED RAIN team and guests
-
Cocktail Hour/Reception
Photo Credit: Waltz Kenton -
Transition Projects’ Three Phases of Service
Photo Credit: Waltz Kenton
From homelessness to housing.
“Never before has the work of Transition Projects been more vital to solving our community's challenges.”
For 56 years, Transition Projects has served some of Portland’s most vulnerable and marginalized residents. Each year, they assist more than 10,000 people experiencing homelessness—helping nearly 900 people to find and retain affordable housing in 2024 alone.
Through our Shelter for Shelter™ program, SHED RAIN is a top supporter of Transition Projects, providing event sponsorship, financial contributions, volunteer hours, and more than 200 umbrellas.
Thanks to donors like SHED RAIN and many others, Transition Projects is able to continue their crucial work across Portland and the four-county metropolitan area.
Following the reception, guests moved upstairs to the Kridel Grand Ballroom for dinner. Award-winning local sports anchor Tyree Smith led the evening as Master of Ceremonies, supported by a musical soundtrack from the Metropolitan Youth Symphony and 45th Parallel Ensemble. A three-course meal and selection of wines were provided by Art of Catering and several Oregon wineries.
Master of Ceremonies, Tyree Smith | Photo Credit: Andrea Lonas
Musical Interlude | Photo Credit: Andrea Lonas
The program recognized sponsors, board members, and staff, and shared the touching stories of three Transition Projects participants. Each of the three were military veterans experiencing homelessness—one fleeing domestic abuse, one unable to manage the daily tasks of living alone, and one simply unable to cover the costs of living—all profoundly impacted by the compassion and commitment of their Transition Projects case managers.
-
CareOregon Chief of Staff, Jeremiah Rigsby, Accepts ”Setting the Standard” Award
Photo Credit: Andrea Lonas -
Three Veteran Services Case Managers Present Success Stories
Photo Credit: Andrea Lonas
Throughout the evening, there was a live auction, a raffle, and an open call for pledges that saw paddles raised from virtually every table in the massive ballroom.
Attendees Participate in the Open Call for Pledges | Photo Credit: Andrea Lonas
Doug even got to catch up with an old friend, Mayor Keith Wilson, to discuss some thoughts on how SHED RAIN can further partner with the city in addressing homelessness and serving the unhoused population of Portland.
Doug Speaks with Mayor Wilson and A Fellow Attendee | Photo Credit: Andrea Lonas
As the evening was drawing to a close, a well-dressed gentleman approached Doug and introduced himself as Tigh. A retired banker from First Republic Bank, he knew Stan from working on a national proposal years ago. Tigh had fond memories of meetings with Stan and was hoping to cross paths with him that night. Stan had a scheduling conflict, but Doug was able to chat with Tigh and relay his words along to Stan—who remembered Tigh fondly as well.
This moment and many others from the evening served as evocative reminders of the interconnectedness of our community, and the far-reaching impacts of our work within it. We’re proud to support initiatives like Transition Projects, and grateful to share experiences like the 2025 IMPACT Gala!
Thank you to everyone who made this event—and continue to make these ongoing efforts—an amazing success.
Doug and Tigh Share a Chat
Recognition of Supporting Sponsors | Photo Credit: Andrea Lonas