FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN’S SIGNATURE EVENT, Friend Raiser, presented by Key Bank, brought over 720 business and community leaders together to celebrate 20 years of Mentor Power! The inspiring event raised over $1.9 million. Friends of the Children provides Portland’s most vulnerable children a stable relationship with a professional mentor (called a Friend) for 12½ years—from kindergarten to high school graduation. 12½ years. No matter what.