TICKET PURCHASING

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When do ticket sales open? 

• Ticket sales will tentatively open on March 17th. We will send an announcement to our newsletter subscribers, be sure to sign up for the most up to date for Friend Raiser developments

 

Did your pricing change? Why?

• Yes and no... early bird ticket pricing will be offered for tickets purchased prior to April 1st for $250 per individual or $2,500 per table of 10, the same pricing as last year. Any tickets purchased April 1st or after are available for $300 per individual or $3,000 per table of 10. 

• Friend Raiser ticket costs have remained the same since 2018 and as you may be aware, the cost of goods and services have risen significantly since that time. We've absorbed these increases for as long possible, but it has become increasingly challenging to deliver the experience guests have come to expect and love from Friend Raiser. Thank you in advance for your understanding! 

 

When do ticket sales close?

• Ticket sales will close on May 4th, 2026

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WAITLIST

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How do I join the Friend Raiser waitlist?

• Please email spollach@friendspdx.org to join the waitlist.

 

How will the waitlist work?

• Waitlist requests will be first come first served and addressed in the order they are received.

 

How will the waitlist work?

• We will communicate with you by May 1st, 2026

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REGISTRATION & BIDDING

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Learn how to register in this quick tutorial

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How do I register for Friend Raiser?

• Event registration: you will be prompted to register for the event during your ticket purchase. Guest of a table host or sponsor? They will be in touch with our team who will send you a confirmation email. 

• Guests who purchase tickets to the In-Person event will NOT automatically be registered for the Silent Auction running May 10th – May 15th. Please register for the Silent Auction in order to participate.  

 

How do I register for the silent auction?​

•  Register for the Silent Auction by clicking here. You will be directed to our Greater Giving site and takes 3-5 minutes. 

  1. Click "Get Started." 

  2. Click "Create Account" to enter your email address. 

  3. Enter your email address and you will receive a verification email from Greater Giving. Complete the steps in the email to register, including adding your credit card information and phone number (OPT IN to receive text message reminders and notifications when you have been outbid in real time). 

  4. Once you've completed registration, you will be redirected to the Greater Giving page. Click the gavel to start bidding! ​

 

Who do I contact if I’m having issues with online bidding?

• We are here to help you! Between now and May 15th, please email events@friendspdx.org or call us at (503) 281-6633 with your question, contact information and your availability for a staff person to return your call.  

• If you are having trouble bidding, you can view this video tutorial or email events@friendspdx.org with questions you have. 

 

Is my donation anonymous?

• When you bid on a package, purchase a buy now package, or gives to the special appeal your name will not show.

• During the in-person event, bidders will be using their bid numbers to bid on a package, purchase a buy now package, or give to the special appeal.

 

EVENT DETAILS

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What is the schedule of events?

• NEW LOCATION: The Redd on Salmon, enter at 831 SE Salmon St 97214

• March 16th, 2026: Ticket sales and Silent Auction registration open 

• May 10th, 12:00pm: Silent Auction opens. Guests will be able to bid on or directly purchase exciting auction packages. 

• May 14th: In-person 

  • 6:00 PM Doors open on 831 SE Salmon St, all guests MUST check in at the REGISTRATION TABLE INSIDE THE VENUE prior to gaining entry

  • 7:45 PM Live program with live auction and special appeal.  

  • 9:15 PM Friend Raiser ends 

  • 10:00 PM MAY 15th, Silent Auction closes 

 

What is Friend Raiser? 

Friend Raiser is an iconic, annual celebration of mentorship and philanthropy, hosted on the second Thursday in May at The Redd on Salmon.

 

What is the parking situation?

Unmetered street parking is available. For ease, ride shares are also strongly encouraged. 

 

What can I expect? 

The event begins with a 90 minute reception, where guests can mingle, view auction items, drink a variety of curated beverages, and indulge in gourmet dishes prepared by some of the region's most celebrated chefs. At 7:30pm food and beverage stations close, guests find their seats for an exciting and mission-centric live program.  

 

What is the attire?  

Portland cocktail casual! Remember that this event is partially outdoors, We are expecting sunny skies but it cools off quickly when the sun goes down.  

 

Food and beverage details

• Food: Instead of a seated dinner, guests have the opportunity to visit different chef stations throughout the venue during the first half of the event. Six featured chefs and restaurants will be announced soon!

  • Dietary restrictions: Chefs are encouraged but not required to create dishes that can accommodate common restrictions on request (GF, Vegetarian). Limited vegan options will be available. Allergens will be listed on chef station menus but there is the potential for cross contamination. Please plan accordingly, depending on the severity of allergies.  

• Beverage: Custom cocktails and bartending provided by Merit Badge featuring local spirits, wine, and beer. Coffee, mocktails, kombucha, NA beer, and more are provided for non-alcoholic beverage options. ​

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What COVID19 Health Protocols will be in place at the In-Person Event? 

• Friends of the Children - Portland is committed to hosting a safe event for the public. We will be following all county and government requirement guidelines and encourage compliance with recommended guidelines.

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AUCTION INFORMATION & PICK-UP

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How do I get the packages I purchased?​​

• Auction pickup will be held on Sunday, May 17th & Monday, May 18th from 11am-3pm. Auction pickup location will be announced soon. All auction items must be picked up by June 16th. If items are unclaimed, they will be donated back to the organization.

• On-site staff and volunteers will help load your items into your car.

• Gift certificates will be mailed by May 25th. 

• If you are unable to pick up items during designated pickup dates and times, please email Drew Van Dyke at dvandyke@friendspdx.org or call 971-340-1447

• We are unable to ship wine or alcohol and any packages with these items must be picked up in person by an adult 21+

• ​Centerpiece "Buy Now!" items can be purchased and taken home the night of the event.

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PAYMENTS & STATEMENTS​

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How do I pay for my auction purchases and paddle raise from the Online Auction?  

• Your registered credit card will be charged after a thorough review of all sales and payments. You can make alternative payment arrangements by emailing us at events@friendspdx.org.

 

How do I pay for my auction purchases and paddle raise from Friend Raiser?

• When you purchase your ticket to the In-Person Event, you will have an option to save your credit card information for easier registration on the night of the event. Friend Raiser guests will have another opportunity to provide a credit card during event registration. This will be the credit card associated with your account, and it will be charged for auction purchases and paddle raises on May 22nd unless other arrangements are made. 

 

When will credit cards be charged?

• Credit cards on file will be charged May 22nd for all purchases and contributions made to Friend Raiser unless we have been instructed to handle your payment another way. All sales, pre-payments, and charges are reviewed before being processed. If you have questions or would like to make special payment arrangements, please email events@friendspdx.org.

 

How do I make alternative payment arrangements? 

• We are happy to accommodate arrangements for alternative payment options.  Please email events@friendspdx.org by Wednesday, May 20th to let us know how you would like to handle your statement and charges. If you have registered a credit card, your card will not be charged, and your account will be set up for your preferred payment method.

• Please note that Donor Advised Fund contributions can be used for special appeal contributions, but cannot be used to pay for auction items, raffle tickets, or other event purchases. Please consult with your fund administrator or advisor for more information. 

 

How do I coordinate gifts of stock or getting my employer to match my donation?   

• We appreciate gifts of stock and corporate employer matching gifts! Please contact events@friendspdx.org to learn more about these giving opportunities. 

 

Do I have to give during the live event? Can I get a proxy bidder?   

• Your registered credit card will be charged after a thorough review of all sales and payments. You can make alternative payment arrangements by emailing us at events@friendspdx.org.

 

Can I make a gift through my donor advised fund?

• If you plan to make a contribution using your Donor Advised Fund, please let us know before May 13th. Please note the following IRS guidelines around event giving through a Donor Advised Fund: 

• Donor Advised Fund contributions cannot be used to purchase auction packages, raffle tickets, or any items. 

• Special Appeal contributions can be made using your Donor Advised Fund. Please contact events@friendspdx.org to let us know and make arrangements. 

• We appreciate gifts of stock and corporate employer matching gifts! Please contact events@friendspdx.org to learn more about these giving opportunities. 

 

When will I receive my statement, invoice, or receipt?

• Statements for auction purchases and special appeal contributions will be sent Friday, June 12th to the contact information that you provide during registration. If you have any requests for your invoice or statement, please let us know at events@friendspdx.org by Wednesday, May 20th. 

• To request an invoice or receipt for an event sponsorship or donated auction item, please email us at events@friendspdx.org. 

 

Thank you for joining us at 2026 Friend Raiser and standing alongside our youth no matter what!