Confession: I’m not really sure what Stand for Children is. I had to look up what the organization does. Here’s what I found…

Since 1999, Stand for Children has helped more than one million Oregon children by winning 51 victories – leveraging more than $1.3 billion for schools and other children’s programs and achieving several important policy reforms. Every dollar invested in Stand for Children has delivered $164 in public funding for children’s programs in Oregon – a remarkable return on investment.

Charles Lewis knows that, though—and he’s stoked that he picked up their sole endorsement in the race for city council open seat #1.

From Lewis’ statement, announcing the endorsement:

Stand for Children cited Lewis’ understanding of “the complexity of keeping Portland affordable and the critical balance needed between business, family friendly neighborhoods and vibrant schools.”…

Stand for Children’s endorsement is coveted by candidates across Oregon. They have a highly motivated and mobile membership base whose volunteer efforts have proven to be crucial in deciding a number of close races. They have also played a vital role in scoring key legislative victories for children’s causes including preserving over $200 million in funding for schools and helping to pass the Portland Children’s Initiative.

Lewis said he was “proud to earn Stand’s support” and thanked them for the work they did in helping establish the Portland Children’s Investment Fund, which has helped programs like Ethos bring after school programs to thousands of children. “What Stand for Children was able to accomplish in passing the Portland Children’s Investment Fund has allowed Ethos to provide a music education to thousands of students in North and Northeast Portland” said Lewis. I look forward to working with Stand and continuing to get results for children and families on the City Council.”

After the cut, check out pics I took when I stopped by Lewis’ campaign headquarters on NE Killingsworth. I popped in to check out progress on the rehab they’re doing on the formerly boarded up building, and caught the installation of the last window.