More than 100 people attended the Jewish Business Network fund-raising event in Vancouver with the goal of 'Creating Hope' for children of the Good Family Orphanage in Odessa, Ukraine, as well as for children of local families in need.

Nearly $18,000 was raised at the Feb. 24 event at the Hilton Vancouver through sponsors, a silent auction and sale of 50 art pieces made by the orphan children. Bidders had the option of purchasing the paintings for either $54, $108 or $216 to sponsor the artists for three to 12 months of activities.

The event was organized by the JBN in Vancouver. The JBN helps meet the educational and societal demands of a growing Jewish population of Clark County and initiates programs to shape a vibrant and united community. Additionally, the JBN takes part in global projects where the local community creates hope in the world of those less fortunate.

"It was our first event on such a scale—kosher catered, at the Hilton, drinks, live music, comedy entertainment," said Rabbi Shmulik Greenberg, of Chabad of Clark County, which convened the JBN last year. "Our goal is to do such on a yearly basis, with hope that it'll grow in number and in funds raised."

The event was attended by Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard, Clark County auditor Greg Kimsey (each of whom donated a lunch meeting for the auction), Jewish Federation of Greater Portland Executive Vice President Charles Schiffman, and many community business leaders.

For more information on Vancouver's JBN, call 360-576-8184.