On Friday, June 13th over 800 people gathered in the Salem Convention Center to connect with friends and colleagues, and to hear stories of community leaders who are passionate about Salem/Keizer becoming the healthiest community in Oregon, truly the city of Shalom. Our theme for Fancy Friday 2025 was Connection, and our prayer was that the stories we shared informed, inspired and invited people to become more connected with our community. We all have a part to play, and we do our best work when we are connected.
We highlighted the Peace Walk Salem movement which takes place in East Salem, West Salem, Downtown, and the Highland Neighborhood. These walks are part of the Community Violence Reduction Initiative, a partnership with the City of Salem, the Salem Police Department, and engaged community members.
We also shared the story of how Court Street Christian Church navigated some challenges with grace and clarity. They are now emerging with a healthy sense of connection with the church community and their neighborhood as they become the people God needs them to be for this season.
We are so grateful to those who chose to support the ministry and work of Salem Leadership Foundation. Nearly $200,000 in donations and annual commitments were raised at Fancy Friday! If you gave, thank you so much! If you have yet to give and would like to, there is a response card on the back of this page. You can either mail in your donation, or you can scan the QR code which goes directly to our secure Fancy Friday giving page.
Because of your generosity SLF can continue to build connections in neighborhoods and capacity in nonprofits.
Grace and Peace,
Kyle Dickinson