PORTLAND, Ore. — Hundreds came out to Northwest Portland on Mother's Day to raise money for Rose Haven, the area's only full-time day shelter that serves women, children and members of the LGBTQ community.
The annual Reigning Rose Party and Neighborhood Walk is the big annual fundraiser for Rose Haven. Their hope is to raise $150,000.
Keep in mind that $189 covers one person's services at the shelter for an entire year. So the money they raise Sunday can help a lot of people in need.
Sunday's fundraiser — it was really a big party — was held inside a large, warehouse-style room at Castaways in Northwest Portland. It was packed with free gifts, music, mimosas and more.
The shelter serves an important purpose in the community, providing help for mothers in need of a boost.
Ethan Tracey Britton, whose child, Darian, is 14 years old, knows firsthand.
"I had some things going on in my life, in our lives, and needed a break," she said. "I found Rose Haven. Whether there are abuse situations, house situations, whatever, it's a really good place to find home."
The shelter is open to homeless and struggling women and children during times when they need a safe haven.
"They provide a place to go in the daytime, which can be really rainy and cold, or really hot and oppressive, which can be not good for the baby at all," said Rebecca Mitchell, a supporter of the shelter.
The shelter's aim is to help women, children and Portland's LGBTQ population.
"They should be celebrated for trying as hard as they can," said volunteer Olive Brown. "For mothers, they work a lot for their children because they care about them."
Darian Britton, the 14-year-old child of Ethan Tracey Britton, said of his mother, "She'll just take care of me, and she's always been there for me. Honestly, I'm just glad to have her."
"That's funny," Ethan Tracey said to Darian. "Because I feel like you saved my life. A lot of parents feel that way about their kids."
if you missed today's event but want to help support Rose Haven, click here.