Blue Heron

What started as a group of women on the sidelines of their daughters’ softball game talking about volunteering for charities, making connections with their community and developing leadership skills in their girls -- blossomed into a group that now serves over 20 philanthropies throughout the Portland, Oregon area.

Founding President Cheri Tolar learned of an organization that serves others while strengthening the mother-daughter relationship. She knew this was the organization for her. Unfortunately, the chapters in her area were full. So she invited a few of her friends to meet after a softball game to discuss starting up their own chapter. Before she knew it, 25 friends had said yes and Blue Heron was formed. That first year the chapter expanded from one class to three and has continued to grow ever since. In April 2008, Blue Heron welcomed their 6^th class into the group and now boasts a membership of families from seven surrounding towns.

The very first members decided their focus would be on helping others. The group still plans playful activities such as swing dancing, self-defense classes and a spring tea, but the chapter’s mission is volunteering in the community.

Blue Heron members and their chosen philanthropies have now developed strong friendships. The members often act as a swat team coming to an event with 50 to 100 members and running every aspect of the activity. The members have set-up at charity events, served food to thousands of event participants, cleaned-up the grounds after charity fundraisers and then packed up the trucks at the close of the evening. Many of the organizations have claimed the hundreds of thousands of dollars raised was because of the direct involvement of Blue Heron. And because the chapter is in Portland, Oregon much of the volunteering takes place in the rain.

Nothing develops friendships like working side by side helping those who are in need. The mothers and daughters in this chapter have many opportunities to spend time with each other while offering assistance to others. Some poignant moments for Blue Heron members have been holding hands while visiting Alzheimer’s patients, giving love to animals that are living in shelters waiting for a home, and delivering meals and gifts to struggling families at Christmas time.

The Blue Heron mothers and daughters are also strengthening their friendships with each other. Through serving others be it delivering meals to seniors or stuffing food boxes, the mother and daughter are joined in a common goal. The conversations on the way home from an event are often as memorable as the event itself. Friendships are sometimes challenging between teens and their moms, but NCL has helped bridge the generational gap and has allowed our members special moments.

The softball ladies are still a part of Blue Heron, but the friendship circles have expanded to include so many people. A person often joins the group with one friend, but soon develops many new friendships. The chapter provides opportunities for our members to build friendships in our group, strengthen friendships with our daughters and most importantly allows us to be a good friend to those who need a helping hand.