BRIGHTER FUTURES CELEBRATIONS

Help Us Build Brighter Futures One Story at a Time

Each May, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Trillium Family Services proudly presents the Brighter Futures Celebration Events series. In 2026, we invite you to join us on May 7th at The Loft at 8th Avenue for Every Story Lights a Brighter Future, a benefit supporting Trillium Family Services. Join emcee Dr. Robin Beavers to celebrate stories that matter and the children rewriting their futures.

Join us for events filled with inspiration, connection, and celebration.

Portland Dinner & Program

May 7, 2026
5:30 PM
The Loft at 8th Avenue
2010 SE 8th Ave, Portland, OR

Jay Ellis

Actor, Producer, Director, Writer, & Philanthropist

We are honored to welcome Jay Ellis as this year’s Mental Health Impact Award recipient and keynote speaker.

Jay Ellis uses storytelling to explore what it means to be human, on screen and off. Best known for his role as 'Lawrence' on HBO's Insecure and his performance in Top Gun: Maverick, Jay speaks openly about mental health, self-talk, and how the stories we tell ourselves shape our lives. His memoir, Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (Or Just Me)?, explores childhood identity, resilience, and the role of imagination in shaping who we become

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous sponsors for their invaluable support in making this year's Brighter Futures Celebrations in Portland and Corvallis a resounding success.
Their commitment to our mission is truly appreciated and contributes immensely to creating brighter futures for our communities.

Presenting Sponsors

Regenex logo with a blue cross and shield symbols.
The logo of the European Union, featuring a blue circle with a ring of yellow stars.

Stronger Communities Sponsors

CareOregon logo featuring an orange swirl above the company name in blue text.
The Standard logo on a blue flag background.

Legacy Sponsors

Text reading 'US Private Wealth Management' and 'U.S. Bank' in blue on a white background.

Brighter Futures Sponsors

Kaiser Permanente logo featuring three stylized human figures standing above a sunburst design.
SBH Legal logo with a blue and gray circular emblem and text
Alaska Airlines Horizon Air logo with blue text on a white background.

Community Partners

Abundance Wealth Advisors

Aprio Advisory Services

Mary Halsey Group

Mercer

PREVIOUS EVENTS IMAGES

A collage of 14 group photos of people at a celebration or party, taken against a light-colored curtain background. Some groups are holding drinks, posing playfully, or wearing costumes and accessories, indicating a festive atmosphere.
Group of six people sitting and standing around a banquet table at a formal event, smiling, with wine bottles, glasses, and floral centerpiece.
Conference or celebration event with round tables, people seated, and a large stage with a screen displaying 'Brighter Futures Celebration' in a spacious hall.
A large audience attending a presentation with a screen displaying the question, 'What does mental health mean to me?' with various neon outline illustrations of different activities and emotions.
Two women standing together indoors, smiling at the camera. One woman has long blonde hair and is wearing a black outfit. The other woman has light brown braids, glasses, and is wearing an orange shiny jacket with tattoos visible on her arm.
Three people smiling at a photo booth, holding paper mustache props on sticks, with a man in the center wearing glasses. The woman on the right holds a top hat prop.
A large, crowded event holding in a wooden barn with string lights, featuring a mix of people in semi-formal attire, some holding drinks, gathered around a large machine and buffet tables.
A group of six smiling people, including four women and two men, standing outdoors with a small brown and white pony in front of a banner that reads "Trilliance". The group is posing for a photo with a scenic background of greenery and mountains.
A large group of people seated at a formal event in a bright, modern indoor space with large windows showing greenery outside. The table is set with wine glasses, water bottles, and menus, with some centerpieces.
Guests at a formal social event standing and conversing around tables with wine glasses and dinnerware in a decorated venue with string lights.
People socializing outdoors on a patio with tables and chairs, overlooking a lush green landscape with cloudy skies.
Four women smiling at a social event, wearing elegant dresses, standing in a decorated indoor space with wooden chairs and tables, and string lights overhead.
Group of six adults standing together indoors, smiling, with city view behind them.
Four people are outdoors, smiling and talking at a social event, with a scenic view in the background.
Four older adults, two women and two men, are standing together indoors at a social event, holding drinks and smiling.
People attending a banquet in a large wooden hall, seated at round tables with plates of food, drinks, and flower centerpieces, while some hold numbered signs for an auction or event.
Group of six people dressed in semi-formal attire at a social event, holding drinks, standing indoors with wooden decor and string lights.
Five people at a celebration, holding funny props and smiling.
Group of six people, five women and one man, smiling and posing together indoors with a white curtain background.
Group of eight people at an outdoor event, smiling and holding wine glasses, with a green landscape and trees in the background.
A large conference or banquet hall filled with seated attendees watching a presentation on stage. The stage has a speaker at a podium and two large screens displaying her image. The room has high ceilings with modern light fixtures and large windows
Group of five people dressed in formal wear, smiling and holding glasses of red wine at a social gathering in a modern venue with brick walls and large windows.
Three people smiling, standing indoors in front of a black and beige background, each holding a potted orchid plant.
Two men in suits smiling and talking at a formal event in a well-lit room with modern decor.