32 Portland Area Restaurants Support Domestic Violence Survivors

A very worthwhile cause:

6^th Annual Fundraiser on May 20^th

Raphael House of Portland, Multnomah County’s largest domestic violence shelter, will hold their 6th annual “Restaurants for Raphael House” dine-out fundraiser next Wednesday, May 20^th.

This year’s event is setting a new record for support from Portland’s culinary community. More than 30 restaurants have pledged a portion of their day’s proceeds to aid Raphael House’s life-saving services for domestic violence survivors.

Many beloved restaurants in Portland and Lake Oswego are involved, including Mother’s Bistro, The Country Cat, ¿Por Que No?, Cheryl’s on 12th, Pacific Pie Co., Cocotte Bistro, Smallwares, Accanto, Dove Vivi, Ya Hala, Chiang Mai, Beulahland, and more.

This is a vital fundraiser for Raphael House, since every $100 raised during the event will provide one safe night in shelter for a woman or her child escaping intimate partner violence. Community members are encouraged to order generously, enjoy meals at as many involved eateries as possible on May 20^th, and post about their delicious support on social media using #R4RH.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to show local businesses how much their giving back is appreciated by the community, especially in connection with domestic violence, which too often remains an unspoken issue,” says Raphael House of Portland’s Executive Director, Teri Lorenzen.

The full list of businesses supporting “Restaurants for Raphael House” can be found here.

Many participating restaurateurs have shared their enthusiastic and ongoing commitment to Raphael House’s mission. Involved for the third year in a row, Chiang Mai co-owner Mike Rohman says, “Raphael House is a great charity helping those affected by domestic violence every day, and we feel this event not only raises awareness of the issues but also…of the support that those in need may not know is available to them.”

For Mother’s Bistro owner and award-winning chef Lisa Schroeder, the choice to be involved is a personal one. Lisa has been a committed donor since the event’s inaugural year “because I am a survivor and wish I had a place like Raphael House to turn to.”

Last year Raphael House’s dine-out event raised enough to fund their emergency domestic violence shelter for more than three full days. That support provided safe housing, round-the-clock case management, food, clothing, transportation, support groups, and other essential services for up to 36 women and children living in their shelter. This year the agency foresees even greater success, with more restaurants participating than ever before. “Domestic violence is real,” says Mary Karter, a Raphael House volunteer who’s been involved with the agency for more than 20 years. “It is often ignored or covered up. No one should have to live in fear. Raphael House helps people get their safe lives back. They support both women and children in this process. I can’t say enough good things about the staff and the difficult work they do.”

For more information, contact Raphael House Development Associate Amanda Ives at (503) 243-5116.