Every summer, we get to do one of our favorite things: gather with the volunteers who make this work possible and say thank you. On a sunny afternoon at Willamette Park, volunteers from our construction sites and ReStores filled the picnic shelter. People played cornhole, shared sandwiches and sweets, and enjoyed a perfect summer day — cool breeze and all.
During the celebration, we were proud to honor three volunteers with the Brauner Circle of Volunteer Excellence Award, our highest volunteer recognition. It’s named for Ed and Ellen Brauner, whose legacy of leadership, humility, and dedication continues to inspire this community.
Each recipient has given 2,000 or more hours to Habitat and received an engraved hammer to mark that milestone.
Joni Portmann — Construction Core volunteer
Joni has been volunteering on Habitat construction sites since well before 2020, and her presence across several Northeast Portland neighborhoods, most recently Myrtlewood Way, is something new and experienced volunteers alike have come to count on. She has a particular gift for helping newer volunteers feel confident, connected and welcomed into the work. We were sorry Joni couldn’t join us at the picnic this year, and we look forward to delivering her engraved hammer to her personally.
John Tawney — Beaverton ReStore volunteer
John has been a fixture at the Beaverton ReStore for six years. He volunteers multiple days a week and brings a quiet, steady energy that the whole team feels. Whether he’s helping a customer find what they need, welcoming a new volunteer, or loading up a large donation, John is always looking for where he can make the biggest difference. He is, simply put, the heart of the team.
Ray Williamson — Beaverton ReStore Metal Recycling volunteer
Ray joined the Beaverton ReStore in 2021 with Habitat experience already under his belt and a desire to put down roots in a new community. He found his place in the Metal Recycling program and never looked back. Ray’s passion for the work — turning donated materials into revenue that builds homes — is exactly the spirit the Brauner Award was made to recognize.
Behind every home we build and every ReStore donation we process, there are people who show up consistently and generously. Week after week, year after year — mentoring new volunteers, organizing donations, swinging hammers, and changing lives.
To John, Ray, Joni, and every volunteer who gave their time to Habitat this year — thank you!
Inspired to make an impact? Start your volunteer journey! Learn more and register today.
