Lend a Helping Hand Brunch

Bob Wendover, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, and Eric Shumway at the Lend a Helping Hand Brunch held at the Portland Art Museum on March 2.

A Morning of Inspiration

We were grateful to be able to gather in support of Blanchet House & Farm at the annual Lend a Helping Hand Brunch on March 2, 2025, at the Portland Art Museum! Thanks to our community’s generosity, we raised more than $435,000 to provide food, shelter, and hope.

We were honored to hear from Mayor Keith Wilson, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, and Representative Maxine Dexter, who spoke about the importance of coming together to care for our community. And Oregon’s First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson attended!

Blanchet’s Executive Director, Scott Kerman, urged us to do more to help, and inspired us with plans to open Bethanie’s Room, an emergency over-night shelter for women in 2025.

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Former residents Bob Wendover and Eric Shumway shared their journey from homelessness to launching their own handyman business, ActSpeak—a powerful reminder that second chances truly change lives.

We were so happy that Blanchet House co-founder Jim O’Hanlon Sr., 97 (pictured) made it out to brunch with us. Jim and his friends got together in 1952 to open Portland’s first House of Hospitality.

Blanchet House co-founder Jim O’Hanlon Sr. speaks with Katie Henessey at the Lend a Helping Hand Brunch on March 2, 2025.

Emcee Misty Marquam moved us with a personal story about reconnecting with her estranged father—who she later learned had once been a diner at Blanchet House. Her experience was an important reminder that our work impacts not only those we serve but also their loved ones. [Watch Video]

The morning was also filled with music, thanks to Maureen “Mo” Briare on the harp, and a heartfelt blessing from Father Gary Smith, who spoke about the isolation many of our guests face.

“People say, what is the sense of our small effort? They cannot see that we must lay one brick at a time, take one step at a time. A pebble cast into a pond causes ripples that spread in all directions. Each one of our thoughts, words, and deeds is like that.”

Hands-On Giving: Care Kits for Our Guests

We didn’t just raise money—we took action! Together, we packed 256 care kits filled with essential hygiene and comfort items for our homeless guests, which were handed out during meal services this week. Pictured is our guest, Mal, who picked up a care kit on his way out of the café. He shared that the bath wipes, socks, and gloves were especially appreciated. These small but meaningful items bring so much comfort and dignity to those in need. Thank you for participating.