Better Together, a regional backbone organization and nonprofit focused on cradle-to-career outcomes, will host its first-ever Better Together Summit on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Ridgeview High School in Redmond. The Summit marks the nonprofit’s 10-year anniversary and invites community members to join in celebrating a decade of collaboration, impact, and community building—and look ahead to shape the future of education and opportunity in Central Oregon.
The high-energy, solutions-focused event is open to the public and free to attend. Community members from all sectors—education, business, government, nonprofits, and beyond—are invited to help co-create the next decade of opportunity for Central Oregon’s 67,000+ children and youth.
“This Summit is about recognizing the power of community,” said Gabriela Peden, Executive Director of Better Together. “It’s a chance to honor what we’ve collectively built over the past 10 years and to imagine what’s possible when we continue to collaborate—across sectors, across systems—for the next generation. Because we can do better if we do it together.”
Event Highlights Include:
- Welcome Address: An overview of how Better Together catalyzes alignment and action across Central Oregon
- Panel Discussion: A live oral history of collective impact efforts from local changemakers
- Lunch: Free lunch thanks to our generous sponsors
- Breakout Sessions: Solutions-focused conversations on four emerging regional priorities
- Celebration & Social Hour: Community-building and socializing to close the day—attendees are invited to continue the celebration at The Annex Sports Bar behind General Duffy’s Waterhole, 4:30–7 p.m.
More than 170 regional leaders have already RSVP’d to attend the Summit, and local sponsors have donated more than $15,000 to help make the event free and inclusive. Current sponsors include First Interstate Bank, Early Learning Hub of Central Oregon, Central Oregon Community College, St. Charles Health System, Kirby Nagelhout Construction, Latino Community Association, Oregon Community Foundation, Bend Park and Recreation District, and others.
Event Details:
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 Ridgeview High School, Redmond 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Social at The Annex Sports Bar beginning at 4:30 p.m. RSVP here: bettertogethercentraloregon.org/2025-summit
The Summit is designed for anyone who wants to build a stronger, more connected Central Oregon, including educators, parents, community advocates, and professionals across all industries.
Want to Support the Work?
Sponsorships are still being accepted and include marketing benefits and public recognition. Interested partners can explore sponsorship levels and sign up at bettertogethercentraloregon.org/2025-summit.
