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Submitted by Maureen Scharber

Passing through Tenino, it’s hard to miss the pink angel wings at the edge of town.  Local residents know it’s Raise For Rowyn, the home-grown non-profit established in memory of Rowyn Johnson with little more than a vision, a laptop, and a town full of volunteers.

I had never seen the tiny office they acquired along the way, so last summer decided to stop by. It struck me how warm and welcoming the simple space was, with two small desks side-by-side, a meticulously organized storage area and of course, a beautiful angel photo of Rowyn.  I was also struck by the genuine sparkle in Brynn Johnson’s eyes that day as she worked elbow-to-elbow with the Executive Director, carrying on the legacy of her daughter.  She looked up only briefly to mention preparations for their annual dinner auction.  Knowing the event was always held in the spring to coincide with Rowyn’s birthday, the date seemed so far away to me, and I realized how much work and planning it must take throughout the year to organize their premiere fundraiser.

It was also the first time I had seen that sparkle since I met Brynn after the tragedy in 2013 that took her baby’s life.  A few years ago, I wrote a story about the auction when the event was still young and shadowed in sorrow, but seeing their enthusiastic plans for an evening in Wonderland with glorious decorations, dancing and dueling pianos, it seemed just the right time for a new, happier story about Raise For Rowyn.

The 2019 Dinner Auction held last weekend lived up to its promise.  It was magnificent in every detail and hugely successful, with more than 400 guests packing the house. As always, Rowyn took center stage alongside big screens projecting 243 stunning photos of her angel friends, who each have their own chapter in the story of Raise For Rowyn.  The night was as dazzling as Wonderland could be, splendidly decorated, with music, costumes, laughter and tons of cool auction items. Everything was perfect for a fun story about a really fun event.

Almost as soon as I arrived, the “fun” story unraveled when I ran right into a young lady I once knew as the little girl next door.  I last saw her nearly a decade ago when she was in the process of adopting children. Now a beautiful mother, she told me she came to the dinner auction because of the support she received from Raise For Rowyn when her own child passed away. I had no idea, and it was heartbreaking to hear.  Yet it was also heartwarming to see her there to support others, now giving back as so many Raise for Rowyn families do.  So instead, it seemed just the right time to tell the amazing story of the supporters behind this organization, even though there are no words that can truly capture their spirit of giving.

Each year, Raise For Rowyn families who have walked in the Johnson’s shoes return to the dinner auction to give back to their communities. Their strength and inspiration draw hundreds of volunteers to join in and lend a helping hand at this event and others throughout the year. Thousands more, even from around the world, have sent their support in donations of all kinds, large and small, each wanting to help in their own way.  Their gifts help ease the burden of funeral and mortuary expenses that families have to bear on top of losing their child. Together, in just a few years, these dedicated Raise For Rowyn supporters have helped hundreds of families across 20 states.

This year, the support from community members and local businesses was astounding.  Behind every cheering bidder at the auction was the untold story of so many caring people who so generously donated that stay in Ecuador, the trips to Florida and Hood River, personal services from spa treatments to therapeutic massages, catered parties, coffee, a kayak, BBQ’s, beef and beer, wine tours, chain saws, fine jewelry, lunch with the Sheriff, homemade jams, golfing, estate planning, fishing trips, sporting events, a DIY sign workshop and so much more.   My family won the “spring cleanup” package and it alone included gift cards from local businesses for every spring project, from beauty bark to top soil, seeds to plant, garden tools and gloves, a wheelbarrow, hummingbird trellis, tractor work and a new trailer!

The most touching scenes of the night were of the great many people among the lively bidders who chose to give without fanfare, quietly raising a number to make their donation in a silent transaction. Because you knew they were there to ensure that Raise For Rowyn would always be there to help more families.

Even as I was leaving the event, which was supported again this year by the Little Creak Casino, I passed rows of pick-up trucks and trailers and another small army of volunteers who were pitching in to clean up and load, haul and deliver auction items.

They all made me think of Brynn’s sparkle again.  As the seeds of healing took root, she could have taken a moment to catch hold of her own new destiny.  Instead, she stays by her Raise For Rowyn families and everyone who has joined her in keeping Rowyn’s memory and legacy alive. And now, the story of the enormous community support behind Raise For Rowyn is as remarkable and inspiring as her own.

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