A Community United for Children: Grand Cru at Cork & Barrel Raises $815,000 for KIDS Center

This past weekend, Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty advisors joined community members, local leaders, and generous donors for an unforgettable evening at the Grand Cru Gala, the signature event of Central Oregon’s Cork & Barrel fundraising weekend. More than just a celebration of fine wine and food, the event served a powerful purpose: supporting KIDS Center, the region’s only child abuse intervention and prevention center. Held annually in Bend, Cork & Barrel brings together wine lovers, advocates, and philanthropic supporters from across the region. This year’s Grand Cru event raised an impressive $815,000, providing essential funding for forensic interviews, therapy, medical evaluations, and prevention education—services offered with compassion, confidentiality, and professionalism.

Giving Voice to Children, Safely and Compassionately

David Gilmore, a real estate advisor with Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty and longtime board member of KIDS Center, shared insights into the organization’s critical role in the community. “One of the most powerful things the KIDS Center does is conduct forensic interviews that align with judicial standards,” David explained. “This means children only have to tell their story once. It helps protect them from being retraumatized in the courtroom.” These trauma-informed interviews are a cornerstone of KIDS Center’s approach, ensuring the legal system has what it needs—without forcing children to relive painful experiences multiple times. David first became involved with KIDS Center more than a decade ago after attending a Healing Hearts Luncheon. “I was blown away by the services they offered and immediately knew I wanted to help,” he said. After years of sponsorship, David joined the board to take a more active role. “Next year marks my tenth year on the board. I just felt I could do more than write a check—I wanted to be actively involved.”

Prevention is Powerful: Everyone Has a Role

Beyond intervention services, KIDS Center is deeply committed to prevention through education. The organization offers Darkness to Light training, internet safety workshops, and school-based programs designed to help both adults and children recognize and respond to signs of abuse. “We can all play a part in preventing abuse,” David said. “It doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It starts with awareness and small actions—learning the signs, speaking up, supporting organizations doing this work.” He emphasized that abuse is often perpetrated by someone the child knows—a reality that highlights the importance of early education and community awareness.

Big Impact, Lean Team

KIDS Center’s services extend well beyond Bend, reaching families throughout Central and Eastern Oregon. Despite this broad reach, the organization operates with a lean and efficient staff. “A lot of nonprofits have heavy administrative overhead,” David noted. “But KIDS Center runs with a compact team that does an extraordinary amount of work. Your donations go directly to helping kids and families.” This focus on impact over overhead ensures that contributions from the community are put to immediate and meaningful use.

On the Horizon: Expanding Access to Rural Communities

Looking toward the future, KIDS Center is working to expand its reach through a mobile unit that would deliver services directly to remote communities. “That will allow them to take services into outlying regions,” David said. “Not everyone can travel to Bend, so this mobile unit will help ensure more children have access to these life-saving services.”

How the Community Can Help

While Cork & Barrel plays a vital role in annual fundraising, ongoing support is essential to sustain KIDS Center’s services. Community members are encouraged to get involved by volunteering, attending awareness trainings, or even organizing their own fundraising events. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and one way to show support is by participating in the Blue Ribbon Campaign, a symbolic act that raises awareness and shows solidarity with survivors. “Just being aware that the organization exists and spreading the word is huge,” said Gilmore. “Whether it’s a donation, a training, or just wearing a blue ribbon, every bit helps.”

Learn More

To learn more about KIDS Center, volunteer opportunities, or upcoming events, visit kidscenter.org. Together, the Central Oregon community continues to show what’s possible when people come together for a powerful cause: creating a safer, healthier future for children.