(Reaching for the Heavens by Bruce Jackson)
In 1993, Deschutes Children’s Foundation hosted their first major event. Hosted in the sanctuary of the repurposed church of their first location, Rosie Bareis Community Campus, the auction featured a wide variety of items and raised $10,000 to support the organization. From this humble beginning, the heritage event has grown and evolved over the years to become Ripples, a beloved opportunity to support nonprofits helping children and families in Deschutes County.
After two years of pandemic-related cancellations to prioritize the health and safety of children and families in our community, Deschutes Children’s Foundation is thrilled to reprise Ripples on Saturday, May 7 at Riverhouse on the Deschutes. Guests will mingle, sample fine wines and craft beers, bid on enticing live and silent auction items and enjoy reconnecting in person to ensure the financial stability of Deschutes Children’s Foundation.
Over the long history of the Deschutes Children’s Foundation auction, the generous donations of works by local artists have been integral to the success of the event. Photographer Bruce Jackson has donated 18 artworks to the auction. This year’s offering, Reaching for the Heavens, features a lush bloom of wildflowers on Broken Top. “My friends often share reports of marvelous conditions in nature,” said Jackson. “The day before [taking the photograph] I encountered friends on a trail who said the flowers are spectacular on Broken Top right now.”
The next day, Jackson tuned into his instincts to find the best composition. “To my great joy, I walked about a mile and ended up right at the view you see here [on page 5]. Such divine guidance only comes when I completely surrender to the process of discovery, without attachment to an outcome. In this case, my willingness to do so positioned me in just the right place at the right time. My favorite place to be when photographing.”
The impact of donating to the Ripples auction extends beyond support for the organization, shared Jackson. “Being a long-term donor to Deschutes Children’s Foundation has helped me understand the vital importance of their yearly fundraising efforts. It’s the engine that provides the benefits to support nonprofits helping children and families in need.”
This year, Ripples also features a signature artwork by Tracy Leagjeld, a monotype painting titled Reflections of the Future. “Supporting children and families in Central Oregon is important to me,” said Leagjeld. “Donating an original work of art is the best thing I could possibly do to help.”
Both Leagjeld and Jackson’s pieces will be framed by another longtime donor to Deschutes Children’s Foundation, Deb Spicer at East Lake Framing.
“It’s inspiring to see our community come together for a shared cause,” said Deschutes Children’s Foundation Executive Director Amy Ward. “Our mission is to provide space and support for a community of nonprofits that help children and families. At Ripples, a community of artists, sponsors and donors rallies together to support this vital work.”
After a long pandemic pause, the organization is looking forward to returning to this festive celebration. Ripples is presented by Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company, and sponsored by The De Leone Corporation, Hayden Homes, Knife River, Les Schwab Tires, Smartz, Summit Bank, Aperion Property Management, Bend Property Pros, The Brewer Team at Morgan Stanley, Webfoot Painting and Bend Anesthesiology Group. Tickets can be purchased at deschuteschildrensfoundation.org.