Join us for the 2025 HopeBuilder Lunch, Habitat’s signature benefit, featuring keynote speaker Natosha Reid Rice, a transformational leader, attorney, global equity and inclusion strategist, and minister. You’ll enjoy a complimentary lunch, hear inspiring stories from a homeowner and learn about Habitat’s continued work to help build a Portland region where everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home. It’s also an opportunity to support our $500,000 fundraising goal. Gather your friends and coworkers and host a table for this inspiring social event. Individual reservations are also available.
The event is free to the public, but reservations are required.
Meet Our Speakers
Natosha Reid Rice
Keynote Speaker
Natosha Reid Rice is a celebrated transformational speaker, attorney, global equity and inclusion strategist, and minister. As an internationally recognized leader and workshop facilitator for corporations and nonprofits, Natosha speaks to the power of authentic leadership, community empowerment, and race and gender justice. She currently serves as Vice President of Global Housing Opportunities and Mission Engagement for Habitat for Humanity International.
Steve Messinetti
President & CEO, Habitat for Humanity Portland Region
Steve Messinetti began his 31-year Habitat for Humanity career working at Habitat’s international headquarters in Georgia. Since taking the helm of Habitat Portland Region in 2004 as President and CEO, the organization has grown to become a region-wide leader in affordable homeownership development and tripled the number of people it serves annually over the past five years. Steve is also an active member of numerous local housing committees and is on the board of Habitat for Humanity Oregon.
Christine Pitawanich
Emcee
Christine Pitawanich is an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist at KGW News. She anchors the 5 pm and 6 pm newscasts, as well as “The Good Stuff” at 7 pm. Before stepping into her anchor role, she was a reporter for more than a decade, having received her master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Syracuse University in New York.
Parking and Riding Options
The Oregon Convention Center provides a limited number of spaces in their underground parking garage. The rate to park is $15 (credit and debit cards only) and can be accessed via NE Lloyd Street and First Avenue. In addition, there is street parking with coin operated meters nearby. The OCC is easily accessible by public transportation. The Portland Streetcar Central Loop and TriMet Bus Line #6 both stop right outside the center on NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The Blue, Red and Green MAX light rail lines all stop at the OCC at the intersection of NE MLK Jr. Boulevard and Holladay Street.
If you are unable to join us, and still want to support Habitat, donate here.
For questions about the event, contact Marci Bifone at marci.bifone@habitatportlandregion.org
For questions about sponsorships, contact Tor Ostrom at tor.ostrom@habitatportlandregion.org
Become an Event Sponsor
Sponsorships for the 2025 Lunch are available now on a first come, first served basis. Join Habitat at this fun and popular event. Sponsorship packages are available at several levels and include premium event privileges for you and your guests. Click here to learn more or contact Tor Ostrom at 503.502.3472.
2025 Event Sponsors
Platinum
Gold
Silver
Bronze
AKS Engineering & Forestry
Fidelity National Title
Radler White Parks & Alexander
Supporting
Point Forward Wealth Advisors
Walsh Construction
Date and Time
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
12:00 pm —1:00 pm PST
Registration and coffee at 11:15 am
Location
Oregon Convention Center
777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Portland, OR 97232
Accommodations
We will provide various accommodations at the event to ensure accessibility, including, closed-captioned videos, wheelchair accessibility, accessible parking, and venue entry. Additionally, the venue is conveniently located near public transportation.
Photography Notice
By attending, you consent to be photographed and potentially featured in Habitat for Humanity Portland Region social media and marketing materials.
Sick Policy
Your health is important to us. If you’re feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms, we kindly request that you stay home and notify us of your cancellation. At the event, we will be providing hand sanitizer and masks for those who wish to use them. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our event safe for everyone.
Contact
For questions about the event, contact Marci Bifone (Email)
For questions about sponsorship, contact Tor Ostrom (Email)