Bend artist Kimberley Yaeger turned her talent into a source of hope for the Silver Rail Elementary School community. After creating an original painting titled “With Love, Bend,” she offered limited‑edition prints for $100 each, with all proceeds directed to the school’s Parent‑Teacher Organization.
Funds earmarked for students and staff
The $9,000 raised will be used by the Silver Rail PTO to purchase essential resources for teachers, counselors, and families still coping with the aftermath of the recent tragedy that claimed four lives. The artwork itself features four birds, each representing one of the children lost, providing a visual tribute that resonates with the community.
Fundraiser event details
The fundraiser will take place on Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Shevlin Crossing Art Gallery, a local venue that frequently hosts community‑focused events. Attendees can view the original painting, purchase prints, and meet the artist. Yaeger hopes the gathering will not only raise money but also foster a sense of unity among Bend residents.
Community response
Parents, teachers, and local businesses have praised the initiative, noting that creative efforts like Yaeger’s help keep the memory of the lost children alive while providing tangible support for those still healing. The Silver Rail PTO has thanked donors and volunteers for their generosity, emphasizing that every contribution, large or small, makes a difference.
How to support
For those unable to attend the gallery event, prints remain available for purchase through the PTO’s online portal. Additional donations can be made directly to the Silver Rail PTO, which has pledged transparency in how the funds are allocated.
Yaeger’s project exemplifies how art can serve as both a memorial and a catalyst for community action, reinforcing Bend’s tradition of caring for its families and honoring its shared values.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
