Portland, February 24th, 2017. Lines for Life‘s annual gala drew a crowd of 500 guests and raised more than $390,000 to support the organization’s mission of preventing substance abuse and suicide. Master of Ceremonies Pete Ferryman (FOX12) and Kelly Russell of Artisan Auctions helped Lines for Life staff and supporters fill the Sentinel’s fourth floor ballroom with an off-the-charts energy level. “The issues that define our mission touch everyone. We were thrilled to have so many enthusiastic supporters gathered together last Friday to celebrate the difference we can make together,” says Lines for Life’s Development Director Fiona Milligan.
Highlights of the evening included honoring people who have propelled Lines for Life forward by giving a voice to the issues of substance abuse, suicide, and mental health. Former Lines for Life CEO Judy Cushing awarded KINK radio’s Sheila Hamilton the Celebrating Life Award for raising awareness about suicide and promoting mental health. Judge Nan Waller awarded Dan McMillan of The Standard with the Champion of Hope Award for outstanding leadership and philanthropic support. And current Lines for Life CEO Dwight Holton awarded Corinne Boyer of the Eugene Weekly with the Tom Parker Award for Media Excellence.
In 2016, Lines for Life Crisis Lines answered over 73,000 calls, texts, chats, and emails from individuals and their friends or family who struggled with issues related to mental health, substance abuse, and suicide. We de-escalated approximately 95 percent of the suicide-related calls we received, helping the vast majority of callers find a way forward without the intervention of emergency services.
Former Lines for Life CEO Judy Cushing awarded KINK radio’s Sheila Hamilton the Celebrating Life Award.
Standard Insurance Company’s Vice President of Employee Benefits Dan McMillan accepted the Champion of Hope Award from Multnomah County Circuit Court’s Presiding Judge, the Honorable Nan Waller.
Lines for Life supporters Cameron Altree and Shari Altree with Senator Ron Wyden and the recipient of our Tom Parker Award for Media Excellence, Corinne Boyer.
Lines for Life supporters Greg and Terry Ness.
Supporters Dave and Barbara Underriner with Lines for Life CEO, Dwight Holton.
Master of Ceremonies Pete Ferryman of FOX12 with Lines for Life’s Development Director Fiona Milligan.