News from Dougy Center, May 2023 Newsletter

News from Dougy Center, May 2023

Upcoming Events

26th Annual Porsche Boxster Raffle Drawing

May 12, 2023

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Reflection Benefit & Auction

May 12, 2023

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presented by

Webinar: It's Complicated: Death, Grief, and Estranged Relationships

June 8, 2023

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2023 International Summer Institute

July 24-28, 2023

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Webinar: Becoming Grief-Informed: Foundations of Grief Education

September 7, 2023

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Vote for Dougy Center through your Target app now to June 30!

Tips for acknowledging Mother's Day

Like many holidays throughout the year, Mother’s Day can spark a multitude of emotions, especially when you’re grieving.

If you’re concerned about the approach of Mother’s Day, or want to support someone who is grieving, here are some suggestions to consider:

Remember the lead up can often be the hardest part. Be sure to build in time and activities that are comforting and supportive for at least a week before the holiday.

Come up with a plan, even if that plan is to do nothing. If you choose to acknowledge the day, consider doing something that connects you with the person and what they meant to you.

With children, it’s helpful to talk with them ahead of time about what they would like to do or not do.

Children may also have to navigate Mother’s Day activities at school. Check in with teachers ahead of time to find out what is planned and include your children in a discussion about what would work best for them.

Let children know that it’s okay to want to celebrate and equally okay to not want to.

Be prepared for other people. There will be friends and family who reach out and those who don’t. Consider letting people know ahead of time what kinds of messages and texts feel supportive (and which ones don’t).

Social media will likely be a flurry of posts all about the day, including memories of past years. Consider taking a social media break or choose ahead of time what you want to post.

Plan something for yourself. Think through what environment you want to be in, knowing that you are likely to run into families celebrating the day.

In the end, how you approach Mother’s Day is as unique as grief and your relationship with the person who died. Let yourself be creative in figuring out what works and allow yourself to change your mind at the last minute.

Find more here.

Join us online or in person for Reflection, May 12

Dougy Center's largest fundraising event of the year, the Reflection Benefit & Auction presented by KinderCare Learning Companies, is coming May 12! Funds raised through Reflection allow us to provide grief support programs and resources for families completely free of charge.

Join our generous community in supporting families before and after a death through Reflection! Here's how:

Online Auction: Explore and bid on amazing art created by Dougy Center participants, exciting gift baskets, and other unique items on our online auction. The online auction opens on Monday, May 8. Find it here.

Online Event: Enjoy Reflection from the comfort of your own home! The fun starts at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 12, and you can join us through dougy.org.

In-Person Event: If you are in the Portland area we would love to see you at the in-person Reflection, Friday, May 12 at the Portland Art Museum! The event includes a social hour, dinner, and the fabulous live auction featuring one-of-a-kind trips to Bali, New York, Scottsdale and more; fine wines; and a beautiful diamond ring from Larry Packouz and Larry & Co. Purchase tickets for the in-person event here now through May 8.

A huge thank you to Reflection Co-Chairs, Amanda Carlson and Vanessa Valencia; all of our generous sponsors including KinderCare Learning Companies; and our amazing volunteers, participant artists, and generous supporters who make this event possible.

We look forward to celebrating with you on May 12!

Dougy Center kids enjoy art and community through Camp Samantha

Camp Samantha, a new partnership between Dougy Center, Christina and Clay Foutch, and the Samantha Invitational, brings kids and teens in Dougy Center’s grief support program together for a three-day art camp.

The first Camp Samantha was held during Spring Break and 50 Dougy Center youth took part. Together, they had the opportunity to express themselves creatively through art and music sessions, and many of their art pieces will be featured at the Reflection Benefit & Auction in-person and online.

Camp Samantha is made possible by the annual Samantha Invitational Golf Tournament, held each year in Pleasanton, California to honor the memory of Samantha Foutch, who was the victim of a tragic homicide just before her tenth birthday. Christina, Clay, and others who love Samantha remember and honor her by helping other children who are grieving to express themselves through art, music, and other creative outlets.

Thank you to Christina and Clay Foutch for their generous support of Dougy Center!

dougy.org · [email protected] · 503.775.5683