THE GORGE — As 2025 comes to a close, The Next Door Inc. (TNDI) has announced its Philanthropists of the Year.
With so many people stepping up to support and care for others, we’ve decided to award three recipients this year: Molly Fauth in Hood River County, Pray Electric of Wasco County, and donors who wish to remain anonymous from Klickitat County. This recognition celebrates their exceptional generosity, deep commitment to community involvement, and significant philanthropic impact on TNDI and the people we serve.
About Molly Fauth
A long-time supporter of The Next Door, Molly has served as a Family Physician at One Community Health (OCH), formerly La Clinica, for the past 20 years after relocating to the Gorge. Her work at OCH focuses heavily on prevention and breaking negative cycles that affect families and communities, efforts that mirror those at TNDI. She first learned about the organization through her work as a provider, specifically TNDI’s home visiting program, and became a monthly donor many years ago after attending a Stories of Hope event.
Turning 50 this year inspired Molly to not only celebrate her milestone birthday but also the last two decades of connection and community. Rather than plan a traditional party, Molly hosted a birthday celebration that gave back to those in need. Using a platform that combined an evite with fundraising capabilities, she encouraged her guests to support causes that strengthen the community, including The Next Door, Mid-Columbia Community Action Council, Adopt-a-Dog, Columbia Gorge Food Bank, or one of their choosing, in lieu of birthday gifts. In doing so, Molly made it easy for her friends and family to contribute to organizations whose mission they believed in and showed them that there are many meaningful opportunities to step up and support the community.
“Giving is very accessible at whatever your ability is,” says Molly. “The challenges we face around us can seem overwhelming, but if we approach them little by little, every amount helps. Even if it’s not a dollar amount, one small act — whatever you can do that day — makes a difference for others.”
“And it makes a difference for you, too,” she adds. “Feeling like you’re a part of something bigger and that connectedness is really important for your own physical and mental health.”
We are so grateful for Molly and are inspired by her ingenuity in creating a birthday fundraiser to benefit the community, her selflessness in choosing to put others first on her special day, and her infectious passion for serving others. Her dedication is a powerful reminder that meaningful change starts with caring, creative action, and a generous heart.
About Pray Electric
Larry and Mandelynn Pray, owners of the family-run company Pray Electric, have long felt a deep connection to Wasco County where they grew up and raised their children. In 2023, their passion for supporting the community and giving back in meaningful ways led them to The Next Door after purchasing a Nightmare Before Christmas-themed Christmas Tree at the Festival of Trees gala and donating it to TNDI’s Kelly Avenue School.
Inspired by the work of The Next Door and the accomplishments of students in the therapeutic schooling program, the Prays were eager to support Kelly Ave in other ways. They reached out to Anna Gatton, a teacher at the alternative school, to learn more about the students’ needs and discover how they could make the greatest impact. Gift cards for students quickly became the perfect solution.
For the past two years, the Prays have generously donated gift cards to our youth who are filled with gratitude to receive them as a Christmas gift. While some use the gift card to treat themselves, others choose to spread holiday cheer by buying gifts for their families, too, an opportunity they wouldn’t have the means for otherwise.
“We weren’t always in a position to give monetarily,” reflects Mandelynn. “Sometimes giving looked like volunteering or donating in other ways. We’re grateful to be a part of a community that is well known for supporting each other and coming together in tough times.”
It’s incredible to see local businesses stepping up to support our organization and our community in ways beyond what we could have imagined, and we are deeply thankful for the example that the Prays set in caring for others and teaching our students about the spirit of giving. Their generosity, thoughtfulness, and commitment to supporting youth in our programs are a true gift to us all.
The Next Door Inc. (TNDI), founded in 1971, is the largest social service agency in the Gorge, serving over 13,000 people annually in a seven-county region across Oregon and Washington. With over 35 programs, TNDI supports and empowers children and families, striving to fulfill our mission of opening doors to new possibilities by strengthening children and families and improving communities. For more information, visit nextdoorinc.org.
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