Central Oregon Strong: Kendall’s Catwalk for a Cause raises $356,000, including over $100,000 for Silver Rail

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – An extraordinary show of community generosity at Kendall’s Catwalk for a Cause on Saturday, October 24th, resulted in a fundraising total of $356,000 for hope in our community, including more than $100,000 raised to support Silver Rail Elementary following the recent tragedy.

During the event, guests exceeded the $50,000 fundraising goal during a paddle raise, contributing to Kendall Auto Group’s full $50,000 donation match to support victims, families, students, teachers, staff, and the school's immediate and ongoing needs, the auto group said in a news release Wednesday"

A portion of the funds will be dedicated to a scholarship fund in Megan Lambert’s honor, to continue her passion for ensuring youth athletes have the opportunity to participate in sports, regardless of financial circumstances.

Jim Muzynoski, Silver Rail PTO board member and father of a Silver Rail student, attended the event and courageously spoke on stage to share his personal experience and its profound impact on the Silver Rail community.

Muzynoski spoke about the importance of ensuring students, teachers, and staff have the resources, support, and sense of security they need moving forward. His message emphasized that the goal is to get the teachers, students, and staff back to Silver Rail Elementary in a safe way.

“Now is our chance to reclaim our school, and we do that by raising funds to make sure we get all the safety improvements we need to do and get all the help required for our students, teachers, and staff. All while honoring the lives lost and those forever impacted by this tragedy,” shared Muzynoski during the event.

Kendall Auto Group is working closely with Silver Rail PTO to identify priorities and ensure the funds are distributed where they can make the greatest impact.

The special paddle raise was part of a larger evening of fundraising and celebration benefiting Furnish Hope, a Central Oregon nonprofit dedicated to transforming empty houses into furnished homes for individuals and families in need.

In total, Kendall’s Catwalk for a Cause raised $356,000 for the Central Oregon community:

• $256,000 for Furnish Hope, supporting the renovation of its permanent home and its continued work furnishing homes for local families.
• $100,000 for Silver Rail Elementary, supporting victims, families, students,
• teachers, staff, school needs, and the intended scholarship fund honoring Megan Lambert.

Kendall Auto Group extends its deepest gratitude to the guests, donors, Hope
Ambassadors, Furnish Hope, Silver Rail PTO, and community members whose generosity
made this remarkable evening possible.