A giant THANK YOU to everyone who attended LifeWorks NW’s annual fundraising breakfast, Something to Talk About, at Multnomah Athletic Club on April 17. Now in its 23rd year, the event highlights the impact of LifeWorks NW programs and initiatives, featuring client stories and speakers from across the organization. Funds raised at the event support the fundamental pillars of LifeWork’s NW's missions: prevention, mental health, addiction, and holistic health programs.
"I love the breakfast. It personifies our mission for the community and helps showcase the depth and range of our work," says Karen Warr, Director of Development. "I’ve been at all 23 breakfasts, and, every year, I come away inspired and energized."
Centering client experiences
Tamy Linver, LifeWorks NW Board Chair, opened the event with a warm welcome. Mary Monnat, President and CEO, then took the stage to share the history of the organization, some of the newer challenges facing our community, and the innovative ways LifeWorks NW is stepping up to meet them.
The heart of the breakfast then turned to client stories, beginning with a video featuring the experiences of clients from Project Network, integrated services, and the Healthy Families program. After the video, the event’s featured speaker received a standing ovation after sharing his story of moving from houseless to hopeful with the support of various LifeWorks NW programs:
More than anything, LifeWorks NW helped give me hope. I really was at the bottom of the barrel, with nowhere to turn and no direction for my life. But now I know that I am capable. I have the strength and tools to do whatever I want to curate the most beautiful life for myself. Life is so good, so good.
Join us in 2026
With the 2025 edition in the rearview, planning is already underway for next year’s Something to Talk About We’re delighted to share that we will return to the Oregon Zoo on April 16 with more things to talk about, so mark your calendar for this important and inspirational breakfast!
If you would like more information about Something to Talk About 2026, contact Karen Warr at karen.warr@lifeworksnw.org.
