Giving Back and Spreading Joy.
One of the best things about living in Central Oregon is the opportunity to be a meaningful part of this community. Everywhere you turn, amazing people are doing beneficial work through a huge variety of organizations. At Bend Magazine, we are grateful to be a part of and to support many of these causes.
One of our favorite missions is the Bend JOY Project, spearheaded by local leader Noelle Fredland of the Old Mill District. The JOY Project kicked off a couple of years ago, spreading joy in big and little ways, including through public signage, share cards bearing messages of joy, and the encouragement of residents to commit a few random acts of kindness. The project makes a real difference every day, with a mission to bring joy in meaningful ways to keep our community happy, strong and vibrant. Check out Bend JOY Project at bendjoyproject.com.
Bend Magazine is also proud to present Bigstock Bend to the community each summer. This fundraiser for Oregon Adaptive Sports is an all-day music festival set on a ranch in Tumalo, but beyond that, it is a joyful event celebrating community, live music, great local foods and the opportunity to help others.
Bigstock Bend will take place August 10 of this year. We have a terrific lineup scheduled, including headliners Big Head Todd and the Monsters, along with the return of the Sleepless Truckers and newcomers The Freddy Jones Band. Tickets are going fast, and all net proceeds benefit Oregon Adaptive Sports and their efforts towards accessible adventure for all. Bigstock Bend needs volunteers, too—let us know if you’d like to help put on this amazing event this summer. See bendmagazine.com/bigstock-bend.
For opportunities to volunteer throughout the community, year-round, a great resource is Volunteer Central Oregon. This organization helps match would-be volunteers with appropriate organizations, pairing talent with need on a daily basis to better our community. Check out Volunteer Central Oregon at volunteercentraloregon.org.
Celebrating happiness, the community and people doing amazing things is what we strive to do with our company and with Bend Magazine each issue, and each season. This spring, we encourage you to find a way to spread some joy of your own. Give back to those who need help. Find a new way to share your talents with the community. Get involved and take action. We can’t wait to see what you do next.
Happy Spring!
– Ross & Heather Johnson
