Kendall Auto Group Raises Funds for Bend School

A recent charity event successfully generated over $100,000 to support student needs at Silver Rail Elementary.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Philanthropy

A brass bell and wooden pencils resting on a rustic wooden table in a forest setting. — Kendall Auto Group raised over $100,000 for the Silver Rail Elementary Support Fund to address student needs and establish a memorial scholarship. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Kendall Auto Group raised more than $100,000 for the Silver Rail Elementary Support Fund during a recent fundraising event. The initiative includes plans to establish a scholarship in memory of Megan Lambert.

Why it matters

The funding is intended to address the immediate and ongoing needs of the student body at Silver Rail Elementary. By securing these resources, the school can better support its local community through targeted educational and financial assistance.

The fundraising effort secured over $100,000 for Silver Rail Elementary and $356,000 for Furnish Hope. A $50,000 matching commitment was provided by corporate partners to bolster the final total.

The players

Kendall Auto Group

This automotive dealership group operates across multiple states and frequently participates in regional philanthropic initiatives.

Silver Rail Elementary

This is a public elementary school located in Bend that serves the local student population.

Megan Lambert

The funds will support a future scholarship established in her name to honor her legacy.

Furnish Hope

This non-profit organization provides furniture and household goods to individuals and families transitioning into stable housing.

The details

The event featured a paddle raise that significantly boosted donations toward the school support fund. Multiple local entities, including On Point Community Credit Union, Foundation for Affordable Housing, and Saxons Fine Jewelers, supported the initiative through a collective matching commitment.

October 28, 2026: The official article reporting the fundraising totals was published.

Market Landscape

This initiative reflects a growing trend of regional dealership groups moving beyond traditional vehicle sales to become hubs for local charitable impact. By aligning with non-profits, these businesses effectively consolidate their community brand presence against smaller local retailers.

Local families and staff at Silver Rail Elementary will see the direct benefits of these funds as they are applied to immediate classroom and student needs. Residents in Bend can expect these resources to provide tangible support for educational programs throughout the coming school year.

The takeaway

Community-driven fundraising events demonstrate how localized corporate partnerships can rapidly address institutional funding gaps. Establishing consistent channels for donation matching helps ensure that small-scale contributions have a larger impact on local schools.