From the Deputy Director's Desk:
As we enter autumn and all that it brings – a return to school; cool, sunny days; settling into familiar routines; and welcoming beautiful fall foliage – we’re also reflecting on the success of our biggest fundraiser of the year…the Hullabaloo!
We are filled with gratitude for the generosity that our community has shown by stepping up to give child abuse victims a voice, raising over $95,000.00 at last month’s Hullabaloo! The spirit of a community coming together to put an end to child abuse is what made this amazing achievement possible. We could not have accomplished this without our sponsors, donors, volunteers, staff and YOU…our caring supporters!
We’ve received wonderful feedback from this year’s Hullabaloo attendees and can’t wait to implement some of their excellent ideas! In fact, we heard from some folks who are interested in helping to bring back all of the delightful gift baskets that fill our silent auction with enticing options too good to pass up, so look for the silent auction to return in 2026! There are LOTS of opportunities to get involved, so reach out to Fundraising & Event Coordinator Monica Rush to learn more.
With 2025 marking the Amani Center’s 25th anniversary, we also took time during the Hullabaloo to look ahead to the next 25 years and beyond. We were thrilled to see so much interest in our Capital Campaign to build a new Amani Center facility to house all of our programs under one roof. While funds raised during the Hullabaloo do not go to support the new building fund, there are plenty of opportunities that DO, including recognition and naming options, and helping our organization leverage key funding partnerships at this stage of our campaign. And while the Hullabaloo is focused on bringing funding into our programs to directly impact kids RIGHT NOW, the difference our new facility will make promises to make a lasting impact for decades to come.
If you want to learn more about the Capital Campaign, how your gift can impact the trajectory of our timeline and catapult the project forward as we seek partnerships with foundations, corporations AND individuals like you, please reach out to me. I would be so honored to share more about the project, tour you around our current facilities and give you a sneak peek into all of the plans for an Amani Center home where children find their voice, are heard, get help and start their path toward healing.
With your financial support, you can help us demonstrate that our community stands behind this project, our mission and the children we serve. If you haven’t yet had a chance to learn about our Capital Campaign, or would like an update, reach out to me today, or use this link to visit our website. I’d love to meet with you and share how this new facility is going to help us DOUBLE our services and expand our programs to kids and families in Columbia County. Let’s get together! Email or call me at: bpulito@amanicenter.org, 503-318-0568.
Warm regards,
Beth Pulito, Deputy Director
What's New?
We are thrilled to share that in celebration of 25 Years of Amani, we’re creating a coloring book, and we need your help! We are currently collecting submissions of original artwork to be converted to line drawings for an Amani Center Coloring Book. Staff at Amani Center will select the pieces that best embody Columbia County, Oregon and the positive messages we seek to share in our community.
During our forensic assessments, we always provide coloring materials to children, as it serves as a valuable tool for easing the stress of recounting traumatic experiences. This activity allows the Forensic Interviewer to engage with the child in a way that helps ease the emotional weight of reliving traumatic experiences. The stress-relieving activity of coloring has been a part of the Center’s history for many of our 25 years, and you can be a part of that legacy by sharing your artwork for this special project.
Amani Center Coloring Book Submission Requirements:
· PNG, JPEG, PDF or TIFF—No AI submissions accepted
· Submit work to tvaerewyck@amanicenter.org, “Amani Center Coloring Book Submission” in the email subject line
· Include your name and/or business name, other relevant contact details, receipt delivery preference
· Deadline: October 17th
Submission examples include but are not limited to the following: A photograph of a quilt you made, a scanned image of an original drawing or painting, a photograph you took of Columbia County, a photograph of a sculpture or pottery, inspiring phrases or words of affirmation. If you have any questions, please reach out to the email provided.
September Spotlight:
This month, we’re shining a light on the Hullabaloo ImPact Award winner, Kendall Liday!
In partnership with InRoads Credit Union, Presenting Sponsor of the Hullabaloo, the ImPact Award was created to recognize an Amani Center supporter that has gone “above and beyond” to champion our mission to give child abuse victims a voice.
A Scappoose native, Kendall Liday (pictured center) has lived, worked and volunteered in Columbia County for many years. Kendall is better known to most as Dr. Liday from her dental practice, Healthy Smiles of Scappoose.
Kendall’s connection to the Amani Center first began in 2011. Her support has bridged many areas including donations for fundraisers, sponsorships, attending annual events and inviting folks to attend with her as guests, advocating for our agency in the community and as a key initial investor in the Capital Campaign for the Amani Center’s new building project. Kendall shares her engagement and commitment out with others, inspiring them to join our mission in giving children a voice in Columbia County.
Thank you, Kendall, for your years of support of Columbia County’s child abuse victims. Because of people like you, brighter futures are possible for our community’s children!
25 Years of Amani:
We have another Amani Center scrapbook page to share as we look back on “25 Years of Amani” all throughout 2025, celebrating our 25th anniversary.
Check out this photo from the 2002 Fall Harvest & Silent Auction! Community support of our fundraising efforts has been a cornerstone of the Amani Center from the very beginning. Now, we celebrate with our annual Hullabaloo, carrying on the tradition of a community coming together to support child abuse victims.
If you’d like to celebrate our “silver jubilee” anniversary with us, consider donating via our 25th Anniversary donation page. All donations will support the building fund, helping to make a permanent home a reality for the Amani Center. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see more scrapbook photos from the past!
Upcoming Events:
October 17th – Amani Center Coloring Book Submission Deadline
Submissions for the Amani Center Coloring Book are due on Friday, October 17th. Turn in submissions to: tvaerewyck@amanicenter.org. Learn more about this project by visiting our website.
October 31st – Trick or Treat the Blvd.
Join the Amani Center in celebrating the 5th annual “Trick or Treat the Blvd.” on Friday, October 31st from 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. Enjoy this free, family-friendly event where kids are welcome to trick-or-treat local businesses along Columbia Blvd, including the Amani Center!