On May 2, 2024, Community Warehouse celebrated our 18th annual Chair Affair in grand style! After four years of scaled-back virtual or hybrid events, we were thrilled to gather with over 200 supporters at the Portland Hilton Downtown.  

 

Donors, volunteers, staff, case managers, former clients, elected officials, local businesses, and all who make up Community Warehouse showed up for a night to remember. The event was an opportunity to celebrate the work we’ve done together and commit to the important work ahead to ensure we continue to meet the rising need in our community for furniture and household items.

Friends new and old connected and filled the room with excitement and joy.
Longtime volunteers and supporters Mark and Joelle had fun at the selfie booth.
The night was filled with smiles and embraces as we celebrated together. 

Friends of Noise DJ Anaru Jackson bringing good music and energy to the room.

Guests were mesmerized by magician Tony Oberio’s charm and talents, entertained by energetic Friends of Noise DJ Anaru Jackson, and inspired by the creativity and heart of the artistic Children’s Chairs on display, which, after the event, return to our Warehouses to be picked out by youngsters visiting the furniture bank with their families.

Creative and unique Children’s Chairs on display and available to sponsor. 

Tony Oberio, Magician

These adorable chairs brighten the homes of kids who visit the furniture banks. 

Sleight of hand or magic?

Exciting drawer -pull game and wine wall games added the element of surprise!
In addition to delicious cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and mingling, guests had a variety of engaging and creative ways to support their favorite furniture bank. From a dazzling silent auction, exhilarating drawer-pull prize game, and exciting wine wall, luck was definitely in the room that night!

With an array of unique items in our silent auction, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Beautiful tablescapes with mission-centered quotes and facts awaited guests as they seated for dinner.
A plated delicious dinner complete with decadent deserts was the perfect tret as we settled in.
The room hummed with excitement as all waited for the profram to begin. 
Roz Babener, Community Warehouse founder, mingles and chats with guests.
Our program began with emcee and avid Community Warehouse supporter, John Middleton, warming up the audience with his humor, charm, and glamorous wardrobe change. Guest speaker Lacey Beaty, mayor of Beaverton, shared insights on the importance of living with dignity and comfort and committed to continued collaboration with Community Warehouse.
John Middleton, Emcee
Lacey Beaty, Mayor of Beaverton
Executive Director Anna Kurnizki recounted her own family’s personal connection with starting over after overcoming adversity and the impact it has had on a generational level. The inspirational story spoke to the bright future and goals we have for our organization and community at large.
Anna Kurnizki, Executive Director
Vica Libov, one of the first clients served by Community Warehouse

We met Vica Libov, one of the first clients served by the furniture bank , who began her life in Portland in the early nineties as a refugee from the former Soviet Union. The community care she experienced upon arriving shaped her future and formed her lifelong dedication to giving back to the community she loves. Click the video below to watch her inspirational story.

Executive Director Anna Kurnizki presenting Vica with flowers after her speech.
At the end of the program, we rallied to raise funds for our mission. We not only met our financial goal, but surpassed it, raising over $260,000!

Together, we can achieve extraordinary things. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this event a success. If you missed this year’s Chair Affair, we hope to see you at the next one!

Our Westside furniture bank has moved to Tigard (9806 SW Tigard St, Portland, 97223.)

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