Megan Cornett, Author at Kendall Cares

Be Part of the Play: Kendall Bend Partners with Bend FC to Launch Bronco Raffle to Help Build New Turf Fields

Megan Cornett — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:54:04 +0000

Buy a Raffle Ticket, Build a Field, Enter (for a Chance) to Win a Bronco!

Kendall Central Oregon is proud to partner with Bend FC soccer to help create access for more youth sports programs to have a place to play through a Bronco Raffle to build two more turf fields at Pine Nursery Park. This week, Bend FC Youth Soccer Club officially launched the Bronco Raffle fundraiser at its annual club picnic, marking the beginning of an exciting community effort!

Families, players, coaches, and supporters gathered for the first public reveal of the raffle vehicle—a Ford Bronco Badlands purchased by Bend FC from Kendall. Wrapped with messages including “Be Part of the Play, Buy Your Ticket Today” and “Help Build the Future of Bend FC Soccer,” the Bronco serves as a rolling reminder of the impact this fundraiser can have on youth sports throughout our region.

While the project will benefit Bend FC’s growing soccer programs, the vision extends far beyond one organization. The additional turf fields will create more opportunities for youth sports of all kinds, helping local programs continue to grow while giving more kids access to safe, reliable places to play, practice, and compete.

To help make that vision a reality, Bend FC is selling raffle tickets for $50 each. One lucky winner will take home the Bronco, while every ticket sold moves the community one step closer to breaking ground on the new fields. The raffle winner will be announced in the fall of 2026.

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE

At the annual picnic, the Kendall team joined the festivities with the Kendall tent, prize wheel, and giveaways, helping celebrate the launch alongside players and families. The partnership won’t stop there. Throughout the coming months, Bend FC will join Kendall at several community events, including the Crooked River Roundup and the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo, providing additional opportunities for community members to learn about the project and purchase raffle tickets.

This fundraiser is about more than winning a vehicle. It’s about investing in the future of youth sports in Central Oregon. Every ticket purchased helps create opportunities for more young athletes to play, learn, compete, and build lifelong friendships through sports. We are honored to partner with Bend FC on this important initiative and encourage our community to help spread the word. Share the raffle with friends, family, coworkers, and fellow sports fans. After all, it only takes one ticket to win—and every ticket helps build the future!

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Kendall Bend Catwalk for a Cause Kicks off Furnishing a Home for a Neighbor in Need

Megan Cornett — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 21:50:22 +0000

Meet our 2026 Kendall Bend Hope Ambassadors!

The road to the 2026 Kendall Catwalk for a Cause officially began with a day dedicated to the heart of Furnish Hope’s mission: helping transform a house into a home.

Catwalk for a Cause brings together a group of passionate community members who commit to fundraising and spreading awareness for our 2026 beneficiary, Furnish Hope. Known as Hope Ambassadors, these individuals spend months championing the cause leading up to the annual event. This year, more than 20 Hope Ambassadors have pledged to support Furnish Hope through fundraising efforts that will continue until The Kendall Catwalk for a Cause event on October 24, 2026.

To kick off their journey, the ambassadors had the opportunity to experience firsthand the impact of Furnish Hope’s work. The group gathered at the Furnish Hope donation center, where they loaded a trailer with essential furnishings and household items for a neighbor in need. From a bed, sofa, and dining table to everyday comforts like a coffee pot and kitchen essentials, each item played a role in creating a welcoming and functional home. After loading the trailer, the group helped deliver the furnishings to the recipient’s apartment, bringing warmth, dignity, and comfort to a space that was previously empty. It was a powerful reminder that Furnish Hope’s mission extends far beyond furniture—it’s about creating stability, belonging, and hope.

Following the home furnishing project, the Hope Ambassadors gathered at the Kendall Bend Porsche Club to learn more about the fundraising campaign ahead and the important role they play in the success of Catwalk for a Cause. Over the coming months, they will work to raise funds, engage the community, and share stories that highlight the impact Furnish Hope has on local families and individuals.

Their efforts will culminate on October 24, when more than 300 community members will gather at Kendall Toyota of Bend for an evening of celebration, fundraising, and inspiration. Catwalk for a Cause is more than an event—it’s an opportunity for our community to come together in support of Furnish Hope’s mission and ensure that more neighbors in need have the resources to create a place they can truly call home.

We are incredibly grateful to our 2026 Hope Ambassadors for stepping forward to serve, advocate, and lead. We look forward to following their fundraising journeys over the coming months and celebrating the impact they create together.

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Kendall (The Golden Retriever) Wraps up an Unforgettable Reading Program at Crooked River Elementary

Megan Cornett — Tue, 26 May 2026 23:50:34 +0000

Paws, Pages, & Progress at the 2026 Kendall Reading Program!

For the fourth year in a row, Kendall Cares was honored to return to Crooked River Elementary in Prineville for the 2026 Kendall Reading Program with Mrs. Robirts’ 1st grade class. Over the course of eight weeks, students participated in a special reading and writing journey centered around creativity, confidence, and a very special classroom visitor—Kendall the Golden Retriever.

Each Friday, Kendall visited the classroom to listen as students read the stories they had written throughout the week. From imaginative adventures, including what could go wrong if you wish upon a star or what you could do with superpowers, the class shared their work aloud with Kendall by their side, building both literacy skills and confidence with every page.

On the first day of the program, each student received their own Kendall Reading Buddy: a plush Golden Retriever to keep them company while Kendall wasn’t in the classroom. Throughout the program, students earned special accessories for their reading buddies by completing their weekly reading and writing goals. Their puppies were outfitted over time with collars, bowls, t-shirts, superhero capes (because they are Super Readers!), and more. Watching each Kendall Reading Buddy grow alongside the students’ progress became one of the most fun and meaningful parts of the program.

One especially memorable week included the book Poof Find Floof by Slumberkins, which students read with Kendall in class before bringing home to share with their families and siblings.

By the end of the eight weeks, the growth in Mrs. Robirts’ class was incredible. We saw tremendous improvement in reading fluency, writing, handwriting, and storytelling detail. Most of all, we watched students become more confident in expressing themselves and excited to share their ideas.

To celebrate the final day, the class gathered for an ice cream party and one last visit with Kendall. She also brought each student a special goodbye gift: two plush hearts. Each child received one heart, while Kendall “kept” the other, a reminder that even though her classroom visits have ended, they’ll always be connected heart to heart.

This year’s 1st grade class was exceptionally creative, thoughtful, and bright, and it was a joy for the Kendall Cares team to be a part of their progress over the eight weeks. Kendall Auto Group is grateful to Mrs. Robirts and Crooked River Elementary for welcoming this program into their classroom for the fourth year, and we look forward to continuing this special tradition for years to come!

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Kendall Central Oregon Sponsors & Competes in 2026 Pole Pedal Paddle!

Megan Cornett — Mon, 18 May 2026 16:49:27 +0000

Pace, Pedal, Paddle!

The 50th Anniversary of the Pole Pedal Paddle proved to be an unforgettable one with a new race course, crazy weather conditions, and incredible competition! Kendall Central Oregon was a proud Major Sponsor of the event and thrilled to have five teams take on the challenge. The Pole Pedal Paddle, turned into Pace, Pedal, Paddle with additional running legs, is Mt. Bachelor Education Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser to support youth athletes in Central Oregon.

Race day started at Mt. Bachelor, where the staff & volunteers worked tirelessly to clear the running and bike courses due to unexpected snowfall overnight. Despite some chilly wind and enough snow to question delayed start times, the Mt. Bachelor team got the course all cleared for the 1500 competitors who participated in this year’s event. At the mountain, teams, individuals, and pairs completed a mountain run with significant elevation gain, a fun run with challenging terrain, and transitioned to the 20-mile bike finishing at the Athletic Club of Bend. From there, participants completed a 5-mile run along the river trail before jumping into a kayak or paddle board. A half mile sprint brought competitors to the finish line, where their efforts were celebrated at the vendor expo area.

We are beyond proud of our five teams that participated in the business category, each with four to six racers on each team that completed different legs of the race. A special shoutout to our Toyota (“Kaizen”) team that placed 2nd in the Business Category and brought home the infamous PPP mugs! A huge congratulations to our other four teams for rocking the race and giving their all on the course: The Six Rings, Prestige Worldwide, Quick Finishers, and the Young & Breathless.

On behalf of Kendall Auto Group, thank you to MBSEF, Mt. Bachelor, and the hundreds of volunteers that made the 50th Pole Pedal Paddle a huge success! We can’t wait to start training for next year, snow or not, see you there!

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Kendall Toyota of Bend Kicks off Oregon Adaptive Sports & The Kelly Brush Foundation 5th Annual Turns & Berms Event!

Megan Cornett — Fri, 08 May 2026 22:45:49 +0000

BBQ, Berms, Boats & Beyond!

Kendall Toyota of Bend was proud to host a special BBQ to kick off the 5th Annual Turns & Berms weekend alongside Oregon Adaptive Sports and Kelly Brush Foundation.

This gathering marked the beginning of an inspiring weekend dedicated to creating outdoor experiences for athletes with disabilities. While Turns & Berms is traditionally a three-day event centered around skiing and mountain biking, this year’s low snowpack brought an exciting twist, featuring mountain biking, boating, and a full lineup of Central Oregon adventures.

More than 25 athletes and a dedicated group of volunteers, over 40 individuals in total, traveled from across the US, including Boise, Vermont, Portland, and right here in Central Oregon, to be part of this experience. Some were returning participants, while others were stepping into Turns & Berms for the very first time.

To welcome everyone, we opened up the delivery bay at Kendall Toyota of Bend, letting the sunshine in and creating a space for connection & planning for the weekend. Guests enjoyed a classic BBQ dinner of burgers and hotdogs, picked up their commemorative camp shirts for the weekend, and spent time getting to know one another. One of the most meaningful parts of the evening was hearing directly from the athletes—learning about their journeys, their excitement for the weekend ahead, and the impact of programs like this.

The weekend doesn’t stop at the trails and water. Participants will also enjoy a trivia night and a private screening at Regal Old Mill of “The Best Day Ever,” featuring Turns & Berms organizer Greg Durso of the Kelly Brush Foundation.

As an annual partner of Oregon Adaptive Sports, Kendall Toyota of Bend is honored to support their mission in multiple ways, including the use of a Toyota Tundra to transport essential adaptive equipment and sponsorship of the First Turns First Berms program, which provides free introductory experiences for new athletes.

It was a privilege to host this incredible group and help kick off what promises to be an unforgettable weekend. We wish all the athletes and volunteers the BEST WEEKEND EVER as they hit the trails, the water, and everything Central Oregon has to offer.

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Kendall Bend Partners with Three Peaks Performance: Bingo Night Raises Over $11,500 for Youth Athletes!

Megan Cornett — Wed, 06 May 2026 20:57:17 +0000

BINGO FOR BUCKETS!

Kendall Auto Group was proud to host a memorable Bingo Night in support of Three Peaks Performance and thanks to an incredible turnout from our community. The evening raised over $11,500 for youth athlete scholarships. The funds raised will go directly toward scholarship opportunities, helping ensure that more youth athletes have access to training, development, and the chance to grow both on and off the court.

Guests enjoyed dinner and drinks before diving into five lively rounds of bingo, where excitement (and a little friendly competition) filled the room. Participants had the opportunity to win prizes after each round from generous donations from our community, including gift cards to local restaurants and more! A silent auction added to the momentum, with golf, self-care packages, and travel experiences to bid on.

One of the most special parts of the evening was the presence of the players themselves. Several athletes from Three Peaks Performance volunteered throughout the event, greeting guests, helping run activities, and bringing the Three Peaks Performance culture to life. Seeing these young athletes step up and give back was a powerful reminder of who nights like these impact the most.

We are grateful to everyone who attended, donated, and supported this event. From the volunteers to the guests to our partners at Three Peaks Performance, it was a night that truly showcased the importance of making sports accessible, fun, and memorable.

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Kendall Central Oregon Hosts Cars & Coffee!

Megan Cornett — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:28:48 +0000

From Classics to Customs: The Central Oregon Car Community Had It All

Kendall Auto Group was proud to host Cars & Coffee on April 25th, 2026—thank you to everyone who came out and made it such a great morning. From classics to modern builds, we loved seeing the incredible variety of vehicles on display. No matter the make, model, or year, the passion for cars was on full display.

From eye-catching custom paint jobs to impressive accessory build-outs and timeless classics, there was something for everyone to appreciate. There was also something for everyone to take home with them, from a guest who brought an impressive collection of hot wheels to the prizes given at the Kendall Cares tent. And of course, a big thank you to Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck for keeping the coffee flowing throughout the event.

We’re grateful for such an awesome community of enthusiasts and can’t wait to do it again soon! Look out for information on social media as we plan to host the next Cars & Coffee pop-up as we enter warmer summer months!

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Kendall Central Oregon Partners with Furnish Hope, Slumberkins: $365k Raised and a First Look at What’s Ahead

Megan Cornett — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:05:08 +0000

A Night of Hope at Furnish Hope’s CHAIRitable Fundraiser!

Kendall Auto Group had the honor of partnering with Furnish Hope for their annual CHAIRitable fundraiser, an inspiring evening that raised over $365,000 in support of families in our community. It was also a milestone moment, as guests stepped inside Furnish Hope’s new building for the very first time, offering a glimpse into the future of the organization’s impact. We are incredibly proud to support Furnish Hope and their mission, and this year’s event gave us the opportunity to bring that partnership to life in a new way.

A First Look at the Kendall Kids Corner

In collaboration with Slumberkins, Kendall introduced a preview of the Kendall Kids Corner—an upcoming space that will live within Furnish Hope’s new facility once the doors open for Furnish Hope families and the community. Designed to support children and families, this dedicated area will feature tools that foster comfort, connection, and emotional well-being.

At CHAIRitable, guests were able to experience a sneak peek of what’s to come, including Slumberkins plush toys, books, and emotional learning activities that will be part of the space full time. It’s a small corner with a big purpose: helping children feel safe, supported, and at home.

Welcome Home Bags: A Meaningful Start

Another highlight of the evening was the creation of “Welcome Home” bags, made possible by generous donor sponsorships. These bags will be given to families with children as Furnish Hope delivers furniture, adding an extra layer of care during a significant life transition.

Each bag includes a Slumberkins plush, a matching book, and a Heart-to-Heart kit, thoughtfully designed to support comfort and connection. Families will receive one of three Slumberkins characters, each with its own meaningful message:

Bigfoot – building self-esteem
Sloth – encouraging healthy routines
Fox – supporting families through change

On behalf of Kendall Cares, we extend a heartfelt thank you to the donors who sponsored the Welcome Home bags and helped bring this initiative to life. Your generosity will have a direct and lasting impact on local families.

Congratulations to Furnish Hope on an incredible evening and the successful launch of their new space. And a special thank you to Slumberkins for their partnership and shared commitment to supporting children and families in such a thoughtful way. We are excited for what’s ahead and proud to be part of a community that continues to show up, give back, and create meaningful change—together.

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Kendall Bend Celebrates Easter at the Ronald McDonald House Bend!

Megan Cornett — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:00:18 +0000

Hoppin’ into Easter at the Ronald McDonald House!

Kendall Auto Central Oregon had an egg-stra special time spreading Easter cheer at the Ronald McDonald House this season! Our Kendall team kicked things off by coming together to build festive Easter baskets filled with fun surprises and made with a whole lot of love. The baskets featured Slumberkins books and plush toys, egg-themed Play-Doh, Kendall basketball hoops, and so much more. With a little help (and inspiration) from the Easter Bunny, the Kendall Cares team carefully curated baskets that will support families in an impactful way, whether they are received by a child receiving medical care or their siblings that are traveling with them for support.

With baskets in hand, the team, along with a very special guest, the Kendall Easter Bunny, hopped over to the Ronald McDonald House to deliver them. Families currently staying there, as well as those who have previously stayed, were invited to join in the celebration. From sweet photo moments with the Easter Bunny to picking out their very own basket, it was a day full of smiles, laughter, and plenty of springtime cheer.

To make sure the joy reached even further, the remaining baskets were added to the Ronald McDonald House Hospitality Cart, bringing a little extra brightness to children receiving care in the Pediatrics and NICU units. This delivery was a beautiful reminder of how little moments of joy, support, and a lot of Easter spirit can go a long way. From all of us at Kendall Auto Group, we wish you a Hoppy Easter surrounded by your loved ones!

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Ford Building Together: Kendall Ford of Bend Honors Community Heroes!

Megan Cornett — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 23:36:33 +0000

Not all Heroes Wear Capes, but these people do!

At Kendall Central Oregon, we believe strong communities are built by the people who show up every single day to serve others. This month, we were proud to honor some of those individuals through our Ford Building Together initiative, centered around small acts of gratitude to say thank you for making our communities happier, healthier, and safer places to live! The initiative began with our Kendall Ford of Bend team coming together to assemble snack baskets, a simple but meaningful way to say thank you. From there, we delivered those baskets, and brought the capes, to two groups who make an incredible impact across Central Oregon.

Our first stop was the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, where deputies and staff work tirelessly to protect and serve our community. At this delivery, we brought treats, gratitude, and a donation to support their Shop with a Cop program. As a proud partner of this program, we are committed to helping them serve even more local kids and families in need. Shop with a Cop is about more than a holiday tradition — it’s about building relationships, trust, and lasting support within our community.

We also had the honor of delivering snack baskets to the healthcare workers at St. Charles. Our Kendall team visited the NICU, Pediatrics, Trauma, ER, and Cancer Center departments to thank the nurses and staff who care for our families during life’s most critical moments. Their compassion, resilience, and dedication do not go unnoticed, and this small act of gratitude was one way to recognize the incredible work they do every day!

Not all heroes wear capes, but our team is honored to know a few people who do. Whether they wear a badge, scrubs, or simply carry a heart for service, these Community Heroes help make Central Oregon stronger. We’re grateful for the opportunity to stand beside them and proud to continue building together.

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