The seventh annual ‘Friends of the Luau’ fundraising event is coming back to Central Oregon to support non-profit hospice services throughout the region, this time at a new location. The event will be held on June 27th from 12pm to 5pm at Centennial Park in downtown Redmond.
Friends of the Luau, an event open to the Central Oregon community, honors Laurel Richter, who passed over twenty years ago. Hosted by the Richter family and friends, the event’s goal is to support Central Oregonians facing a life-limiting illness while continuing to honor the memory of Laurel.
“This event holds special meaning in the hearts of those that knew Laurel. In her memory, we honor those that are in the battle with life-threatening illnesses and are trying to lessen the ill effects that they create. Our efforts to bring Laurel’s story from Boise, Idaho to Central Oregon and help our wonderful partner organizations along the way have been truly gratifying,” said Gary Richter, Co-founder of Friends of the Luau and Laurel’s Legacy.
Each year the Richter family and friends generously donate the proceeds of their Central Oregon event to Partners In Care and ClearPath Healthcare (formerly Hospice of Redmond). Both Partners In Care and ClearPath Healthcare are non-profit organizations supporting individuals across Central Oregon needing care for a serious or terminal illness.
“We are so thankful for the Richter family for their support! As a community based nonprofit hospice, we offer free programs besides hospice to Central Oregonians in need, and these dollars significantly impact our programs. ClearPath Healthcare has hosted a grief camp for children for the last 28 years called Camp Sunrise, and we offer a free non-medical case management program for anyone with a serious illness called Transitions. By supporting this special event, you are supporting your friends and neighbors. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” said Jane McGuire, Executive Director at ClearPath Healthcare.
“We appreciate the Richter family and friends for hosting this event now for the seventh year in Central Oregon,” said Morgan Sartin, Philanthropy Manager at Partners In Care. “Everyone comes together to support organizations with roots here, and both Partners In Care and ClearPath Healthcare have been serving Central Oregon with end-of-life care for over 45 years. This event makes a real difference to two non-profits supporting our community. At Partners In Care, donor funds support programs such as community bereavement, Transitions, and Hospice House, the only inpatient hospice hospital east of the Cascades.”
The event held at Centennial Park in Redmond is full of fun, festivities, live entertainment, and a tri-tip dinner. The event is free to attend, and a suggested donation of $35 goes to the overall fundraiser, which includes a tri-tip dinner, hosted beer and wine, raffle, live auction, and live music. Join us for an afternoon of community togetherness, carrying on the spirit of Laurel’s first backyard luau in 2001.
“We hope the community joins us in the fun and support of such a wonderful event for two impactful organizations!” said Richter.
To learn more or donate, visit www.friendsoftheluau.org
Event details:
- June 27, 2026, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Centennial Park: 446 SW 9th St, Redmond, OR 97756
- Includes Tri-tip Dinner, Hosted Beer & Wine, Raffle, Live Auction, Live Music
- Suggested donations: $35 per adult
This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.
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