LET'S FEATURE - Phagans' Cosmetology School

Phagans' Cosmetology School is a small family business that has been educating students in the cosmetology arts and sciences since 1953. When I asked them what encourages students to attend their schools they replied with:

"Our vision is to be known as the best cosmetology college for improving the self confidence of our guests, students, and employees. We know our student body well and believe in offering them an opportunity through hard work, education and dedication to reach their full potential. We are incredibly passionate about the professional beauty industry and what it has to offer our students, graduates and team members. We offer extremely affordable beauty services to tens of thousands of our community members each year, many of whom cannot afford the same services if they were to go to a salon. In or student salons, we offer services to the public that provide a great experience in personalized hair and beauty care. We have incredible prices that give you a fantastic value. Our students have been highly trained and are closely supervised by licensed professional educators. We offer discounts to senior citizens, free haircuts to members of the military and to any school aged child that cannot afford to get one otherwise. We participate in cut-a-thons, community fundraisers and charity events. We have raised over $100,000 for National Missing & Exploited Children and the Susan G. Komen Foundation."

Phagans' was inspired to contribute to the auction because they are very active in the public school systems here in Bend. They actively participate in the high school career fairs and seminars by conducting on-site school visits for those schools and students that are interested. They also regularly support fundraisers for class year books, school sports, and boy and girl scout activities. They feel it is important to play a part in supporting the youth in the community as well as different charities in the area. The Growing Dreams Auction fits right in with their passion for the community!

Phagans' is located on the corner of 27th Avenue and Medical Center Drive in Bend. To find out more information on their colleges, you can visit the website of their 6 colleges at Phagans' Schools and be sure to find them on Facebook to learn more about their events and promotions. Their appointment line is open at 8:30 am and their student salon service hours are 9:00am to 5:30pm Monday through Friday.

Thank you, Phagans', for helping us Grow our Dreams this year at Ponderosa!!!

LET'S FEATURE - Deschutes Pediatric Dentistry

Deschutes Pediatric Dentistry is a practice solely focused on the children in our community! I have to share with you what they provided me about their wonderful practice. Being new to Bend myself, I have to tell you, this information has certainly sold me on their office and we will be making a visit to them very soon! This is what they have to say about Deschutes Pediatric Dentistry... (not to mention, how adorable is this family??)

"Our practice has been in business in Bend for 7 wonderful years in May. We continue to be the most trusted pediatric dental office in Oregon by providing service and treatment based on each individual patient’s needs and expectations. Consistently exceeding our patients and parents expectations is part of our standard of care. We are the leading source of information and education for our mothers and doctors of the community.  Deschutes Pediatric Dentistry maintains a schedule that is efficient and productive, minimizing stress for everyone. We see people on time and provide excellent service consistently. Most of our staff has children and we would like to help out our future generation in any way possible.  We would also like to help Ponderosa Elementary grow, as they are the newest school in Bend. Dr. Steve and Dr. Stephanie love living and playing in beautiful Central Oregon with their twins Mason & Lucy. In the last year their family has grown with an addition of triplets, Conner, Cooper, and Lily. Please visit our website, Deschutes Pediatric Dentistry, for more information about our office and great tips on brushing and flossing."

Thank you, Deschutes Pediatric Dentistry - for helping Ponderosa Elementary grow our dreams this year! We appreciate your continued support!

LET'S FEATURE - Bend Dermatology - DermaSpa

This post is for all of you Mommas out there at Ponderosa! One thing we never stop to do is take care of ourselves! So, the procurement committee made sure we took care of that! Our friends at Bend Dermatology have services that pamper and care for those Mommas that don't take care of themselves! Read further and learn about Bend Dermatology and DermaSpa!

Bend Dermatology has been serving our community for over nearly 30 years. They are a full service dermatology clinic right here in Bend that offers state of the art aesthetic skin care and cosmetic procedures. With the addition of their MOHS Surgery Center in 2001 and the DermaSpa Skin Center in 2007, they are a full state of the art center able to serve all your skin care needs.

Their clients keep coming back due to their caring providers and their dedication to the community and its future. Bend Dermatology was very pleased to donate to Ponderosa Elementary to help us grow our dreams!

Thank you, Bend Dermatology, for your generous donation, and for helping the children of Ponderosa Elementary!

LET'S FEATURE - Smith Martial Arts

WOW! Where to begin! Jimmy Smith of Smith Martial Arts is a HUGE supporter of our auction and thank you just isn't enough!!! When we contacted Jimmy, he not only wanted to help out with the auction, he knew we were trying to kick off our Facebook promotion - he volunteered to assist us with that as well! so Jimmy - THANK YOU! What you have done for us is awesome - and what you do for the community is even better! You empower people to do more - to BE more!

When I contacted Jimmy, I asked him some questions about Smith Martial Arts, and below is the feedback both from Jimmy and even better - direct feedback from his students! I can tell you, I am empowered to go and check out his studio myself!

Smith Martial Arts has only been in business here in Bend for three years but they are growing very rapidly! I asked Jimmy what makes his studio unique in the community? "Martial arts is growing even more then ever especially MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). We train a wide range of people from kids ages 6 to 12 and then teens to adults including people with special needs. It is a fun atmosphere to train and with a very diverse styles martial arts that we work on every week at the same time you get in amazing shape with our 10 minute warm up which consistence body weight exercises, calisthenics, isometrics, and plyo-metrics. Smith Martial arts was founded on the premise that all self defense arts are good you just have to adjust them to your unique style and that spontaneity in training is essential, so that your body and mind train themselves to react automatically. We also focus on the psychological factor of fear and overcoming fear with self confidence, focus and coordination."

I wanted to know what students love about Smith Martial Arts and what keeps them coming back? "Here is some testimonial that I received from people that train at Smith Martial arts: Meets at our level from beginning to advance , Outstanding workout that is geared towards real fighting but I feel very safe while I train Smith Martial arts, Practical application we have a good time and get in great shape,  Fitness quality of training instructor has awesome outlook on life with a positive encouraging attitude, Great training partners that help us and coach Smith is dedicated to his fighters, I have more confidence when I go out with my family and I am staying in shape I wish I would have done this 30 years ago I am 64 years old and I trust what Jimmy is teaching, He pushes the limits of our workouts in positive way and we never know what he has up his sleeve, We where amazed at simplicity of his self defense course that I hired him to come and teach  my staff, and they where so excited to share what they have learned to there families, He has taught me to be more aware of my surroundings  using the environment to get away from an attacker."

Jimmy was so inspired to help at Ponderosa and I wanted to know why?  "I want to grow my business and since I don't have the funds at the moment to donate I can give my experience and knowledge show people what martial arts has done for me.  I feel that this is something that everybody should have no matter what age. The kids are our future and it is help them gain there knowledge and there own personal experience."

Jimmy looks forward to the opportunity for students to come to class weather to train or watch and ask any questions and to see if it is a good fit for them. He offers a new student special of $65 for the first month. It comes with a private lesson by coach Smith, Unlimited classes and a free Smith martial arts T-Shirt. go and check out Smith Martial Arts! You will not be disappointed!!!

Thanks again Jimmy!!! Ponderosa Elementary REALLY appreciates you!

LET'S FEATURE - Oregon Spirit Distillers

Kathy and Brad Irwin, are generous business owners right here in Bend, Oregon, donating to the auction for a second year! When I called and spoke with Brad, he was so excited to help and support our school - I couldn't wait to get to know more about their business!

Oregon Spirit Distillers is committed to complete sustainability right here in Bend. They are constantly focused on using local products whenever possible. They are currently using 85% sourced grain, and Brad was very proud to state that they are so close to being at 100%! Brad also explain to me that they produce their own mash, ferment it, and distill it themselves.You will find a family business committed to the community and committed to providing you with the finest spirits in town. I encourage you to peruse their website - the concoctions they suggest with their spirits look delicious and you will want to explore some of their choices soon!


Thanks again, Kathy and Brad! We appreciate parents and business owners such as yourselves - and your code on your website couldn't have said it better:

Live each day with courage

Take pride in your work

Always finish what you start

Do what has to be done

Be tough, but fair

When you make a promise, keep it

Work hard for the brand

Talk less and say more

Remember some things aren’t for sale

Know where to draw the line