Friends of the Children, a national nonprofit focused on mentoring children facing systemic challenges, has announced a three-year, $33 million gift from Gary and Christine Rood in support of its programming.

The gift, which will be awarded in the form of five debt-free commercial properties, includes $28 million to expand the organization’s mentoring services across the nation, with $5 million to be directly awarded to the southwest Washington chapter in the Roods’ home community. The remaining $5 million will establish a National Center of Excellence, to be located in the flagship building of the organization’s first chapter in Portland, Oregon, and named for its founder, Duncan Campbell, and his wife, Cindy. The organization pairs youth impacted by systemic inequities—including poverty, foster care and criminal justice system involvement, and other traumatic childhood experiences—with paid, professional mentors.

The Roods, who both came from limited opportunity and went on to build successful medical careers and businesses, had initially planned to include Friends of the Children—National as a legacy gift from their estate, but chose to make a gift now so they could see the impact in their lifetimes, citing recent gifts from MacKenzie Scott and Michael Jordan as their inspiration.

“Friends of the Children’s proven track record and long-term commitment to youth deserves not just recognition but continued and sustaining investment,” said Gary Rood, owner of Rood Investments in Vancouver, Washington. “We are deeply committed to giving generously now because so many children and families need support now more than ever. We also want to see the fruits of this gift within our lifetime. It will be an honor to witness how this gift may transform youth and their communities across the country in the next few years.”

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