Reigning Roses Raises Funds, Celebrates Motherhood
Rose Haven’s Reigning Roses Walk which took place on Mother’s Day was highlighted on the front page of The Oregonian on May 11th. The article highlights the efforts of our volunteers, attendees, donors and the centers mission in providing food, clothing, shower and care to women, marginalized genders and kids who need it the most.
The walk was successful in exceeding its goal of $250,000.
Read the full article here!
Three Reigning Roses Walk attendees on route of the walk (Mark Graves)
As volunteers set up swag bags for people who would be taking part in the 5k walk through Northwest Portland’s Alphabet District, Sarah Hobbs sat a table wearing a colorful outfit decorated with the “Star Wars” logo and characters. Hobbs clutched a stuffed figure of Grogu, the lovable character from “The Mandalorian” TV series, affectionately known as “Baby Yoda.”
Sarah Hobbs was among the people who attended the 2025 Reigning Roses Walk, a fundraising event for Rose Haven.Kristi Turnquist/The Oregonian
“I started coming to Rose Haven in 1997,” Hobbs said. After some tough years, Rose Haven has been a source of support, helping her with housing and other needs.
“This is really what supports our programs all year,” Liz Starke, head of development, stated. This is the twelfth year Rose Haven hosted the event and the fundraising goal was $250,000. The shelter had met that goal and more before the walk even began, Starke said.
“Right now, we’re all strained,” Starke said of Rose Haven and other nonprofits, “and we’re seeing increasing need.”
Marshell Hines, 62, found help from Rose Haven following an accident that left her with a traumatic brain injury that made it impossible for her to work. She was homeless for a time, sleeping on the street, “dazed and confused,” she said.
Marshell Hines, Rose Haven guest and Reigning Roses attendee. Kristi, Turnquist/The Oregonian
“Thanks to Rose Haven, I became a new person,” Hines said. Staff there helped her get her current apartment and now, as she said, she feels like she’s “on top of the world.”
“I just support women,” said Heidi Needham, 43, who was joined by her husband, Ivan Needham, 51. Attending the walk on Mother’s Day was especially meaningful, Needham said, because “I want to support mothers.”
Rose Haven volunteer serving food at the center during the Reigning Roses celebration (Mark Graves)
We want to thank the support of The Oregonian for showcasing the efforts of the Rose Haven community.
