The Latest Buzz

RMHC welcomes Stephen Abouaf, Beth Irish, Stephen Kantor, and Joe Graziano as the newest inductees to the Hall of Fame at this year's Hearts & Hands Auction, October 2 at the Nines in Downtown Portland.

 

The Hall of Fame honors those whose generous contributions and abiding commitment have an enduring impact on the children and families served by RMHC. Annual inductees are chosen by unanimous vote of current Hall of Fame members. 

 

About this year’s Hall of Fame inductees:

 

“For me,” says Stephen, “as much as this is about the children, it’s also about the families in the hope that they can get through a terrible time and remain intact.”

 

Over the past six years, Stephen’s extraordinary leadership has placed him front and center in RMHC’s evolution. He has held positions ranging from Chair of the Golf Committee to Chair of the Board. His vision and passion guided RMHC through a year-long strategic planning process which resulted in new program partner guidelines, a more reliable, diversified revenue model, and a new committee structure—all of which have better positioned RMHC to weather the economic fluctuations that hinder other organizations. Since the completion of his two-year term as Board Chair, he has continued to chair the Board Development Committee and serve on the Strategic Leadership Team.

 

“To invest in Ronald McDonald House Charities,” contends Stephen, “is to help ensure that the less fortunate among us have a home away from home where they can be with their child during a really challenging time.”

 

“When I was a critical care nurse,” says Beth, “I learned that, just like kids in the hospital who need somebody to care for them, the families need that as well. They find that solace when they stay at the Ronald McDonald House.”

 

Since joining the Board of Trustees as a representative of the Oregon Medical Association Alliance nine years ago, Beth has been involved in nearly every RMHC committee and program. A two-time Auction Committee Chair, Beth has also served on the Board Development Committee, Program Excellence Team, Outreach Committee, Philanthropy Enhancment Team, Strategic Planning Team, and Executive Committee. Currently Vice-Chair, she will complete her third three-year term as a board member this year. Through her wide-ranging service and advocacy, Beth inspires others to give as well.

 

“In addition to the wonderful Houses,” Beth reminds people that “RMHC also has a tremendous outreach program which targets childhood immunization and dental care.”

 

 

 

“All you have to do is go to the house and see the staff interacting with the families,” Stephen observes. “Their compassion and understanding is incredible. The things they do to help are really phenomenal.”

 

Stephen became involved with RMHC nearly 10 years ago as a member of the Finance Committee. He soon accepted a seat on the board, and later agreed to chair the organization’s first year-long planning process. In 2004, he became Board Chair, in which capacity he led RMHC’s negotiations with OHSU for a new West House—a cause he continues to champion passionately. Stephen also facilitated the largest donation in RMHC’s history—a million dollar gift from the late Doris Nelson, a Hall of Fame member whose contribution funded the eight-room expansion of our East House.

 

“The one constant that families can count on after a trying day at the hospital,” Stephen points out, “is the comfort and refuge they will find inside the doors of the Ronald McDonald House. The work being done here is absolutely indispensable.”