The press release below was sent to media outlets in the Gorge and the Portland-Vancouver metro area on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
HOOD RIVER, Ore., Sept. 16, 2025 – United Way of the Columbia Gorge (UWCG) and Friends of the Columbia Gorge (Friends) are proud to announce a new joint fundraising partnership to support families affected by the devastating Rowena and Burdoin Fires.
UWCG has established the Rowena Fire Relief Recovery Fund, a long-term support initiative designed to help those impacted rebuild their homes and their lives. While this fund is specifically named for the Rowena Fire, UWCG is also directing resources to support recovery from the Burdoin Fire in Washington.
Friends is joining this effort to tap into our strong base of members and supporters, ensuring that the generosity of our community directly aids families as they begin to rebuild their lives.
Key Wildfire Data:
- The Rowena Fire began on June 11, 2025, near Rowena and The Dalles, Oregon. It destroyed 56 residential homes and burned 3,700 acres of land.
- The Burdoin Fire ignited on July 18, 2025, near White Salmon, Washington. It destroyed 19 residential homes and scorched more than 10,000 acres of land.
UWCG will funnel 100% of the donations received through Friends directly to this recovery fund. Funds will be allocated to the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) for Oregon-based Rowena Fire recovery, and on-the-ground partnerships are currently being established for Burdoin Fire recovery on the Washington side. Partner organizations will serve as local case managers, ensuring resources reach the areas of greatest need.
“Although Friends is best known for preserving land, building trails, and protecting wildlife, it’s our responsibility to support the people and communities of the Gorge in their time of greatest need,” said Kevin Gorman, Executive Director of Friends of the Columbia Gorge. “We responded in a similar way following the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire to support Hood River Search and Rescue, and we hope our community will come together to have a similar impact this time.”
Donors can choose from three designations for their gift:
- Rowena Fire Recovery in Oregon
- Burdoin Fire Recovery in Washington
- Area of Greatest Need (flexible support across both states)
This partnership is designed to provide sustained support as Gorge communities recover and rebuild in the months and years ahead.
“Recovery from disasters like the Rowena and Burdoin Fires isn’t measured in weeks or months. It’s a long journey,” said Caroline Grew, Executive Director of United Way of the Columbia Gorge. “Thanks to this partnership with Friends and the generosity of people across Oregon and Washington, we’re helping to make sure families have the resources they need every step of the way.”
Notably, all administrative costs associated with processing and allocating funds have been covered by grants, meaning 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to helping those impacted by the wildfires.
How to Support the Relief Fund
- Visit gorgefriends.org/wildfirerecovery to contribute to the relief fund. 100% of your donation will go directly toward impacted residents.
- Spread the word to your networks to amplify support.
A launch video announcing the partnership is available as supplementary material to this release here.
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About Friends of the Columbia Gorge
Friends of the Columbia Gorge is a conservation organization with over 4,000 members dedicated to protecting, preserving, and stewarding the Columbia Gorge for future generations. Friends maintains an office in Portland, Oregon, as well as in two Gorge towns — Hood River, Oregon, and Washougal, Washington. Learn more at gorgefriends.org.
About United Way Columbia Gorge
United Way of the Columbia Gorge (UWCG) is a Hood River-based non-profit organization dedicated to supporting human service programs across Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Klickitat, and Skamania counties. UWCG delivers critical local support, spanning from food and safe shelter to services for seniors, youth development, and affordable housing, across the entire Columbia Gorge community. Learn more at unitedwaycolumbiagorge.org.
