news and events

The Big Give Casino Night

Saturday, June 21, 7:00 pm, Riverhouse Convention Center

Join us for an amazing evening to benefit the Bethlehem Inn. Come with your friends and family for a fantastic night filled with exciting casino action and tantalizing appetizers. Try your hand at Poker, Texas Hold'em, Blackjack, Craps and the Prize Wheel! Amazing prizes such as a "PRIVATE POSH EVENT" for 30 of your closest friends, win a trip to Hawaii and much more...
Most important of all, the real winners are the folks at Bethlehem Inn!

Tickets are $75, Sponsor a gaming table for $1200

For tickets please call 541-410-0573 or print and mail this order form

View the Spring 2008 Newsletter

Deschutes Brewery 4th Annual Beer Dinner

to Benefit the Bethlehem Inn

Eat Great Food and Feed the Homeless

Deschutes Brewery is hosting the 4th Annual Beer Dinner at the Mountain Room to benefit the Bethlehem Inn on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 6:00pm. Come enjoy a fun-filled evening dining on a 5-course dinner with beer pairings.

'Around the World' theme… Featuring guest chefs:
Matt Mulder / Bluefish Bistro
Marcos Rodriguez / Hola!
Justin Cook / Kanpai Sushi and Sake Bar

All proceeds donated to the Bethlehem Inn. Menu specifics and price still to be determined. Please contact Sharon McMorris of Deschutes Brewery at 541.385.8606 for more information. Seating is limited to 80.

Help Organize a Donation Drive for Day of Giving

The 6th Annual Day of Giving is coming this November (date to be announced). This is your chance to help collect donations for the Inn. Encourage your coworkers, family or civic group to organize a donation drive.

Donations collected on the Day of Giving provide six months of supplies and food for the Inn. "The Day of Giving is a wonderful way for community members, organizations, families and co-workers to help provide emergency food and shelter to the homeless in our community. These donations will provide the Inn with the costly supplies we need to provide 78,000 meals this year," said Board Chair Jon Basham. Over 3,700 committed volunteers provide time and resources to the Inn valued at $115,500 per year.

Requested Items:

  • Warm coats, hats and gloves
  • Socks, underwear, slippers, pajamas, robes, and slippers for adults
  • Blankets and sleeping bags
  • Deodorant, chapstick, razors and shaving cream
  • Diapers, baby/toddler food and formula
  • Hardy paper plates, napkins, plastic utensils
  • Canned foods and juices
  • Cash contributions

Sandra Mears, Executive Director

Sandra Mears has been hired as the new Executive Director for the Bethlehem Inn. She brings over 14 years of community building and nonprofit experience from King County to this position. Sandra began her new position on April 2, 2007. Liz Hitt will work with Sandra over the next three months to ensure a smooth transition of leadership and to assist with the shelter relocation plans.

Bethlehem Inn Receives National Award from White House

The Bethlehem Inn received an award from the White House on January 18th, 2007 at a conference sponsored by the White House Department on Faith Based and Community Based Initiatives. The award recognizes the Inn as a "Champion in Compassion." Two organizations in the State of Oregon were recognized at the conference and the Bethlehem Inn is honored to be a recipient. For more information on the award, please click here.

Ideas for Year-end Giving

A gift to us at this time of the year not only demonstrates your belief in our mission, but also reinforces your commitment to helping break the cycle of homelessness in Central Oregon. Many types of gifts allow you to fulfill your charitable intentions and may result in immediate and possible future benefits for you and your family.
Ideas for Year-end Giving (PDF file)

Families First Receives $30,000 Grant

The Collins Foundation awarded the Families First program a $30,000 grant over the next two years. The Collins Foundation, an independent private foundation, exists to give greater expression to humanitarian endeavors in the state of Oregon and to assist in improving the quality of life for Oregonians. The Foundation contributes approximately $8 million annually. A two year, $60,000 capacity building grant by The Collins Foundation in 2004 helped provide the critical resources needed to expand the Inn to a full time shelter.

Re/Max Equity Group's Bend Office Spearheads $5,000 Gift

Re/Max Equity Group's Bend Office spearheaded a $5,000 funding request to the Equity Group Foundation by the Bethlehem Inn. The Foundation issued a $2,500 challenge to the Bend office. Thanks to the successful fundraising efforts lead by Tom Strange, Ron Ross and Mary Stratton, the Inn received a $5,000 grant. "Our office believes in giving back to the community," said Marty Stratton, the current representative from Bend serving on the Foundation Board.