Rowena Benefit Concert Set for Friday in TD; United Way Fire Relief Fund Launched
The devastation in Rowena is palpable as you can taste the ash and smoke that lingers on Highway 30 where the road is lined with destroyed homes and the carnage of burned vehicles and trailers. In many places, addresses no longer exist and home owners were far and few between in what seemed a ghost town this afternoon, June 26. It’s difficult to calculate the horror and loss as local families continue to uncover what was lost and what was saved.
By Tom Peterson
The Dalles, Ore., June 26, 2025 — As families impacted by the Rowena Fire begin to rebuild, the United Way of the Columbia Gorge has launched a dedicated relief fund and announced a community benefit concert to raise money for recovery efforts and support local nonprofits.
The Rowena Fire Relief Recovery Fund was created in response to widespread community concern about where to safely and effectively donate. Since the fire began on June 11, destroying 59 homes and damaging dozens more, many residents have been looking for a trustworthy and transparent place to send contributions.
Jeff Heater
“We are seeing families who have lost everything and are devastated by this tragedy,” said Jeff Heater, board president of United Way of the Columbia Gorge. “As always, this community steps up in a big way and asks, ‘How can we help?’ Every ticket purchased, every dollar raised, will make an immediate difference.”
The United Way of the Columbia Gorge emphasized that its administrative overhead remains on the low end of the typical range for nonprofit organizations. It’s last available 990 tax filing in 2023 shows admin. costs of 16%. The organization keeps costs down by not paying for office space and relying heavily on volunteers. Its only paid staff includes a part-time executive director and a part-time bookkeeper, who together work a combined 20 to 30 hours per week.
United Way leaders, including Executive Director Caroline Grew, are working with Wasco County officials and Mid-Columbia Community Action Council to ensure that donations will be swiftly distributed to those in need—for shelter, food, clothing, and other essentials. The fund is supported by 24 local businesses, from auto dealers to real estate offices and agricultural suppliers.
The fundraising effort continues this Friday, June 27, with a benefit concert at Bargeway Pub in The Dalles. Proceeds from the event will support the fire relief fund as well as other United Way programs that serve vulnerable populations in the Gorge. Buy Tickets Here.
Paul Blackburn and Caroline Grew caught doing good things in this file photo.
“It’s been a big two weeks,” said Grew. “We’ve got the Rowena account set up, the partnerships in place, and we’re using this event to both raise funds and bring the community together.”
Get ready for a high-energy summer concert fundraiser.
The event will feature a live performance by CJ Mickens Band, known for headlining the Hood to Coast Concert Series, as well as a live auction led by local professional auctioneer Shawn Wilkinson from Auction Sales Co.
Attendees can expect food, drinks, and a powerful display of community spirit, all aimed at raising funds for recovery and rebuilding.
Proceeds from the concert will also benefit 33 nonprofit partner organizations throughout the Columbia Gorge, providing essential services ranging from housing support and food assistance to mental health care and youth programming.
Sponsors
Sponsors of the fire relief campaign and concert include Underriner Ford, Underriner Nissan of The Dalles, Bargeway Pub, Les Schwab Tire Centers, Cody Cornett - Copper West Real Estate, Crestline Construction, Umpqua Bank, Mount Adams Fruit, Auction Sales Co., Backwoods Brewing Company, NW Natural, Oregon Equipment Co., JR Frakes from Edward Jones, Fun Country Powersports, Heater Orchards, Discover Rentals, G.S. Long Co., The Dalles Main Street, Kortge Wheat & Cattle Co., Optimist Printers, Skookum Outfitters, CCC News, and Nolan Hare Productions.
Special Recognition
Cynthia Kortge of The Dalles Main Street, a lifelong Wasco County resident and prolific volunteer, is leading the effort to coordinate the Fire Relief Committee. She is joined by fellow volunteers Nolan Hare, Matt and Angie Herriges, Suny Simon, Jana Hage, Allison Turner, Steve and Stacey Kane, Robin Denning, Tonya Brumley, Stephanie Krell, Nate Stice, Kelly Howsley-Glover, Carrie Pipinich, Andrew Danies, and many others committed to keeping fundraising efforts local for as long as the need persists.
