Doernbecher Freestyle Auction Raises $2.4 Million
Six young patient-designers collaborated with Nike to create custom footwear for the annual Portland fundraiser.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The 22nd annual Doernbecher Freestyle Collection auction raised over $2.4 million to support Doernbecher Children's Hospital. Two patient-designers from Southwest Washington were among the six youth participants featured at the event.
Why it matters
The annual program provides vital funding for hospital operations while empowering young patients through collaborative design. Nominations for these participants are carefully selected by a joint committee of healthcare and corporate representatives.
The 22nd Freestyle collection raised over $2.4 million, significantly bolstered by the participation of six patient-designers. Each year, the program highlights the work of these six youths who are selected by a formal review committee.
The players
Charlye Cosgrove
A 15-year-old designer who founded the Cheering for Charlye Foundation after completing treatment for bone cancer.
Aurora Loss
An 11-year-old designer who participated in the program following her kidney transplant procedure.
Nike
A major athletic footwear and apparel corporation that partners with local children's hospitals for design collaborations.
Doernbecher Children's Hospital
A pediatric academic health center that utilizes the proceeds from the freestyle program to fund patient care and medical research.
The details
Clinicians at Doernbecher Children's Hospital nominate patients, who then partner with designers to create unique apparel and footwear. Participants this year included 15-year-old Charlye Cosgrove, who finished cancer treatment in 2025, and 11-year-old Aurora Loss, who underwent a kidney transplant in Seattle.
Timeline
June 11, 2025: Charlye Cosgrove completed her bone cancer treatment.
October 16, 2026: The annual auction event took place at the Portland Art Museum.
Market Landscape
This initiative follows the successful long-term model of the Doernbecher Freestyle Collection, which leverages corporate design expertise to drive significant charitable contributions. The program remains a pillar of regional corporate-nonprofit collaboration.
Residents and collectors can engage with the program by participating in the annual auction, which directly impacts the quality of specialized pediatric care available in the region. These events serve as a primary vehicle for public donations to benefit local hospital services.
The takeaway
The program demonstrates how high-profile design collaborations can effectively mobilize community resources for essential medical services. Interested supporters can look for annual nomination cycles at the hospital to learn about future participants.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts by visiting the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Columbian.
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