Thank You for a Tremendous 2026 Auction
From left to right: DRA senior science team and 2026 River Champion Award winners: Larry Marxer, Steve Pribyl, Rick Hafele.
Sharing our Gratitude: DRA Executive Director Sarah Cloud
A sincere thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Annual Auction and Gathering. Your support — whether through attending, bidding, sponsoring, volunteering, or simply showing up for the river — is what powers this work. The Deschutes River Alliance exists because of this community. We truly could not do it without you.
Each year, I leave this event feeling both grateful and energized. There is something special about bringing together people who care so deeply about the lower Deschutes. I treasure the chance to reconnect with longtime friends of the river while also meeting new supporters who are stepping into this work for the first time. It reminds me that our commitment to protecting and restoring the river continues to grow stronger.
Bidders deliberate on online auction items.
Thank You for Standing With Us
One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was honoring Rick Hafele, Steve Pribyl, and Larry Marxer with our River Champions Award. Together, they have contributed more than 30,000 hours of expertise, advocacy, and leadership. Their dedication has shaped DRA’s trajectory and strengthened our impact in immeasurable ways. We are profoundly grateful for their service.
I’m deeply grateful to our staff, board, and volunteers, as well as our partner conservation organizations. Together, we have achieved extraordinary progress this past year. From the Governor directing DEQ to take a deeper look at critical issues, to Willamette Week publishing three investigative articles, to securing validation of our science from three independent consultants with direct ties to PGE — these milestones reflect collective effort. We accomplish this work together.
Thank you for standing with us. I hope to see you in Maupin May 29–31 for TroutFest.
For the Deschutes,
Sarah Cloud
All smiles on auction Saturday.
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