Operation Cornbread a Success - Thanks to All Who Contributed!

Thank you so much to everyone who participated and helped us meet our goals! We raised $56,992 in Operation Cornbread sponsorships and $30,211 in individual donations!   And thank you to the 21 NEW Sustaining Members who have joined on as monthly donors since May 1st!

All of us here at Sisters are inspired, as always, by our amazing community of supporters - your generosity ensures Sisters can keep up the great work during the summer months!

Saddle Up Pardners - Hoedown's on its Way!

Get yr tickets here for an evening of fun and excitement -

Friday, October 23rd, 2009 6:30 - 10pm at Portland Art Museum's Kridel Grand Ballroom.  It's Sisters' most important fundraiser of the year!  Individual tickets are $85/each or purchase a table of ten for $850.  Children ages 3 and under are free; children ages 4-12 are just $25.  A limited number of Patron Tables are available for $1,300!  You can also email or call Monica at 503-222-5694 ext. 19 anytime to purchase tickets or tables.

Would you like to be a Sponsor this year or know someone who would?  Click here to see all the great sponsor benefits.  If you're interested in donating items to the auction, give a holler to Marisa! You can email her or call her at (503) 222-5694 ext. 12.

We're gonna have a grand ol' time - we sure hope you'll be there!

Willamette Week Staff Take the Plunge for Sisters!
At Willamette Week's annual "Best of Portland" party in July, WW editors and reporters climbed into a dunk tank to raise funds for Sisters.  These brave folks raised $226 for the good work of Sisters, and from the looks of that photo - had a great time too! Thanks to everyone who got soaked - and to all those who soaked 'em.

5th Annual Wolf From The Door Dinner

Please join us Saturday, August 15th from 6 to 8pm at this incredible and fun event.  Since 2004, a group of elementary school-aged young people have planned, cooked and served a delicious meal - and all the proceeds go to Sisters!  To RSVP, contact Ruth (one of the founders of Wolf From The Door, she was 4 years-old when she co-founded this event!) at (503) 459-9201 or email her at wolf.from.the.door@gmail.com.

Temporary Cafe Close

On Friday, July 24, 2009 a decision was made to close our Cafe from Monday, July 27, 2009 through Friday, August 21, 2009.  The first two weeks (7/27 - 8/7) were added  to our planned annual maintenance closure (8/10 - 8/21) to address the crowding that blocks the sidewalks and the drug dealing happening outside our Cafe.  The police have received complaints from our neighbors about drug dealing, aggressive dogs, and people not being able to walk through on the sidewalks outside of Sisters.  In two different forums our customers have raised the same issues and, with our staff, came up with ideas to address these behaviors. 

We closed our Cafe to devote full staff attention with customer involvement to transform our ideas into solutions, many with implementation plans set to begin when we reopen.  The goal is to ensure the Cafe and the space outside of our business are safe places for all, using nonviolence and gentle personalism as our guideposts.

The last two weeks of this period represent our annual shut down in the summer for major repair and cleaning in our two sites on NW 6th and Davis.  Some of the things that will get taken care of during this time will be: repair of the baseboards and wainscoting in the Cafe;  Personalist Center and Cafe floor repairs, buff and wax; fixing venting windows; and patching drywall throughout. 

We have received a 99% or greater on our last four Cafe health inspections (three were 100%!) by Multnomah County and value greatly a safe and clean Cafe and work space for all. We appreciate everyone's support and understanding during these important closures.  Please let us know if you have any input or questions around our process.  We will keep you updated on changes and implementation of ideas to ensure a safe and clean space for all!