Good food, great company and a clear purpose

The ARC Christmas Dinner and Auction stand as a reminder that impact can extend far beyond a single night, reaching veterans who rely on organizations like Fort Kennedy for hope, support and a path forward.

The annual Associated Roofing Contractors of Oregon and Southwest Washington (ARC) Christmas Dinner and Auction once again delivered an evening that blended community with meaningful impact, bringing together industry partners for a night of networking and giving back. Guests mingled over cocktails while bidding on silent auction items, then gathered for dinner and presentations before turning their attention to the live auction, which sparked enthusiastic participation. Together, these moments reflected the spirit of the event: a shared commitment to making a tangible difference while strengthening relationships within the community. 

At the heart of the evening was support for Fort Kennedy, a nonprofit dedicated to serving homeless and at-risk veterans. Over the past three years, the ARC Christmas Dinner and Auction has raised more than $90,000 for Fort Kennedy, providing critical funding for programs that support veterans as they work toward stability and independence. In addition to financial contributions, ARC attendees donated more than 30 coats and pairs of gloves to veterans in need this year thanks to the hands-on commitment behind the fundraising efforts. Tina Kennedy, Fort Kennedy’s executive director, shared the organization’s mission and reach, noting that they’ve helped more than 10,000 veterans over the last decade. 

Among those in attendance was Alex Tolle, marketing manager of The Coffee Shops™ and a member of ARC. Reflecting on the evening, Alex shared how meaningful the experience was: “This event is always so inspiring,” she said. “Seeing the industry come together to support nonprofits like Fort Kennedy really matters. The work they do for veterans is critical and being able to play even a small role in helping them continue that work is incredibly important.” 

The gathering of ARC members and industry leaders is a testament to the collective commitment behind the fundraiser, highlighting how shared values and local action can create a lasting impact for organizations like Fort Kennedy and the veterans they serve.