Friends of Doernbecher is a volunteer organization dedicated to long-term support for OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital. The purpose of Friends of Doernbecher, through its volunteers, is to advocate and foster regional and community support for Doernbecher through the development of fundraising chapters to directly benefit the well-being of children.

Friends Board

The Friends of Doernbecher Board is comprised of volunteers who oversee the Friends of Doernbecher fundraising dollars, act as liaisons between Friends chapters and the Doernbecher Foundation, and serve as ambassadors in the community for OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital and for Doernbecher Children's Hospital Foundation. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the Friends of Doernbecher Board, please contact Cassady Kennebeck with the Doernbecher Foundation at 503 220-8344 or kennebec@ohsu.edu.

Friends Chapters

Friends of Doernbecher chapters include volunteers from across Oregon and southwest Washington. These chapters hold fundraising events in their communities to raise awareness and funds for Doernbecher Children's Hospital.

Currently, there are five active chapters:

Claudia Swanson · Dru's Chapter · Felicity Chapter · Oswego Friends · Women for Children

If you’re interested in getting involved with a Friends Chapter or would like to start your own Chapter, contact the Doernbecher Foundation at 503-220-8344 or email kennebec@ohsu.edu. 

Friends Fundraising Opportunities

Cards for Kids

For 25 years, Cards for Kids has been an annual fundraiser for Doernbecher Children's Hospital, organized and produced by Friends of Doernbecher volunteers. The program transforms artwork collected from Doernbecher patients, siblings and professional artists into classic cards for the holiday season. During the holiday season, customers can purchase the holiday cards at participating retail locations as well as through the mail or online.

Friends of Doernbecher Grant Program

All money raised by the Friends of Doernbecher is targeted solely to support the Friends of Doernbecher Grant Program. The grant program enables Doernbecher faculty and staff to pursue research or develop projects and programs at the hospital. In many cases, these grants provide the initial, seed-stage funding that can get a project underway and provide a platform and track record to assist in securing longer-term grants from the National Institutes of Health or other sources. This program provides critical funding for the researchers and faculty at Doernbecher, and is one of the most highly respected grant opportunities at OHSU and Doernbecher Children's Hospital. 

Click here  for the 2018-19 Friends of Doernbecher Grant Application.

Friends of Doernbecher and Grimmster Endowment

The Friends of Doernbecher and Grimmster Endowment was established in January 2017 when Sasha Roiz, Doernbecher Foundation board member and star of NBC's "Grimm," announced that the Friends of Doernbecher would combine its $2.2 million Friends of Doernbecher Endowment for Medical Care with the $1.5 million Grimmster Endowment. This merger created the Doernbecher Children's Hospital Foundation's single largest endowed fund. The purpose of the Friends of Doernbecher and Grimmster Endowment focuses on providing assistance for the uncompensated needs of patients. Expenditures may include costs associated with uncompensated care, travel, lodging, food and/or other services integral to patient care and comfort.

Click here to learn more about endowed funds at Doernbecher.