Pendleton Foundation Trust

The transformation of the Historic Rivoli Theater continues.

For 15 years, the Historic Rivoli Performing Arts Center Restoration Coalition has been working to restore one of Pendleton's most treasured landmarks. Since 2010, the Coalition has raised more than $2 million and completed significant restoration milestones, including structural stabilization, façade restoration, asbestos removal, foundation work, and the completion of Phase 1 construction.

Pendleton Foundation Trust recently awarded a grant to support the next phase of the project. Funding will help install the structural steel needed to prepare the building for future HVAC systems, concrete flooring, and other key improvements as restoration moves forward.

Every phase brings the Rivoli one step closer to becoming a premier destination for arts, entertainment, education, and community events in Pendleton. The project also continues to support the local economy by creating work for local contractors and attracting additional investment into Pendleton.

We're excited to be part of preserving this historic landmark and helping create a vibrant community gathering place for future generations.

Investing in Pendleton, together.

Photo 1: Construction progress inside the Historic Rivoli Theater as restoration efforts continue toward the next phase of redevelopment.

Photo 2 & 3: Renderings of the finished Rivoli Theater.

Recovery happens one day, one step, and one supportive environment at a time.

Since 1960, the Eastern Oregon Alcoholism Foundation (EOAF) has helped individuals and families in our community overcome substance use challenges and build healthier, more stable futures. Through residential treatment, recovery housing, parenting programs, and other services, EOAF provides vital support to people in our on their recovery journey.

Pendleton Foundation Trust recently awarded a grant to replace worn classroom and dining room furniture at EOAF's residential treatment facility. While tables and chairs may seem like a small detail, these spaces are used every day for client education, group discussions, and shared meals. The new furniture will help create a more functional, comfortable and welcoming environment where clients can focus on recovery with dignity and respect.

We are proud to support organizations that strengthen lives and build a healthier community for all.

Investing in Pendleton, together.

For more than 60 years, the Pendleton Aquatic Center has been a place for recreation, swim lessons, competition, and community connection. Today, it remains the only functioning public pool facility in Pendleton. With no year-round indoor pool in the community, the Pendleton High School swim team now travels 45 miles each way to Boardman to train and compete.

Pendleton Foundation Trust recently awarded a grant to the City of Pendleton Parks & Recreation Department to support a comprehensive assessment of the aging Aquatic Center pools. The study will help determine the condition and future lifespan of the 64-year-old 50-meter pool and guide long-term planning for aquatic recreation in Pendleton.

This important first step will help guide future decisions about preserving and improving aquatic recreation in Pendleton, including the possibility of future renovations or the development of a year-round indoor aquatic facility.

Investing in community spaces today helps ensure they continue serving Pendleton families for generations to come.

Founded in 2016 by Jan and Matt Terjeson after the tragic loss of their son, Cason, Cason's Place: Grief Support for Children and Families of Eastern Oregon provides compassionate peer grief support for children and families throughout Eastern Oregon who are navigating the loss of a loved one. Modeled after The Dougy Center in Portland, Cason’s Place offers a safe and supportive environment where families can find connection, understanding, and hope during difficult times.

This spring, Pendleton Foundation Trust awarded Cason’s Place a grant to support critical improvements to the organization’s property. The funding will help protect the property from future damage and costly repairs, allowing Cason’s Place to continue focusing its resources on serving children and families in our region.

Together, we’re investing in Pendleton.

📸 Pictured: Jan and Matt Terjeson at the 2017 ribbon cutting celebration for Cason’s Place.

Congratulations to June Reynolds and Savaya Cree Medicine Minthorn, recipients of the 2026 Ole Groupe Memorial Scholarship!

Managed by Pendleton Foundation Trust, the Ole Groupe Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1995 in memory of Ole Groupe, a Pendleton High School student whose life was cut short in a tragic mountain climbing accident on Mount Hood. Ole's love of agriculture, animals, the outdoors, and adventure continues to inspire young people through this lasting legacy.

The scholarship helps Pendleton High School FFA members attend the FFA Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., a premier leadership experience where students strengthen their communication and leadership skills, connect with FFA members from across the country, and explore future opportunities in agriculture.

This summer, June and Savaya will represent Pendleton FFA while participating in this transformative program, carrying forward the values of leadership, service, and passion for agriculture that Ole embodied.

Pictured are Dr. John Groupe with scholarship recipients June Reynolds and Savaya Cree Medicine Minthorn.

The best kind of mail!

More than $100,000 in Pendleton Foundation Trust grants are on their way to projects that strengthen our community.

Congratulations to Maura McShane, recipient of the 2026 Pendleton Alumni Scholarship.

Established in 2023 at Pendleton Foundation Trust by a former Pendleton High School alum, the Pendleton Alumni Scholarship supports PHS graduates pursuing higher education at accredited colleges, community colleges, and technical schools. The scholarship awards $2,500 per year, renewable for up to four years, for a total potential award of $10,000.

Maura will attend Pacific University, where she plans to study biology on a pre-med track. Her goal is to attend medical school and eventually become a general physician or pediatrician. She hopes to one day open her own medical practice while also offering pro-bono care to individuals and families in need.

Driven by a desire to help others, Maura’s commitment to service has already been evident throughout her high school years. She participated in leadership, choir, National Honor Society, CommuniCare Club, athletics, and numerous volunteer activities that supported children, families, and local nonprofits throughout the Pendleton community.

In Leadership Class, Maura helped lead initiatives including Coats for Kids, canned food drives, and staff appreciation events. Through CommuniCare Club, she participated in youth-led grantmaking efforts supporting local nonprofits. She also served as a counselor for Pendleton Parks & Recreation programs and Outdoor School, volunteered at Magic Years Daycare, and participated in National Honor Society community service projects.

Maura reflects the spirit of the Pendleton Alumni Scholarship through her academic achievements and commitment to serving others.

Katelyn Boatman is one of two recipients of the 2026 Pendleton Foundation Trust–Dudek Scholarship.

Katelyn will attend Oregon State University, where she plans to study aerospace or mechanical engineering. Her long-term goal is to work in the automotive or aeronautical industry, with aspirations of helping design high-performance aircraft or race cars, including Formula 1 or Rally vehicles.

At Pendleton High School, Katelyn demonstrated leadership and a strong work ethic both in and out of the classroom. She participated in softball and basketball all four years, serving as team captain in both sports. She also participated in Culture Club, tennis, Link Crew, and community service activities, while balancing summer construction and renovation work.

Katelyn earned recognition for academic achievement, citizenship, athletics, and leadership, including the Citizenship Cup Award, OSAA Academic All-State honors, and a Greater Oregon League Softball Championship.

Established in 2019 through a generous gift from the estate of Clelan “Lee” and Luella “Lu” Dudek, the Dudek Scholarship supports Pendleton students pursuing higher education.
For more than 50 years, Lee and Lu owned and operated Lee’s Refrigeration Company, serving businesses throughout Pendleton. Two scholarships are awarded each year in the amount of $2,500, renewable for a second year, for a total award of $5,000 each.

Pendleton Foundation Trust is honored to invest in students like Katelyn, whose ambition and leadership have great promise.

Congratulations to Avery Brown, a recipient of the 2026 Pendleton Foundation Trust Dudek Scholarship.

Established in 2019 through a generous gift from the estate of Clelan “Lee” and Luella “Lu” Dudek, the Dudek Scholarship supports Pendleton students pursuing higher education. For more than 50 years, Lee and Lu owned and operated Lee’s Refrigeration Company, serving businesses throughout Pendleton. Two scholarships are awarded each year in the amount of $2,500, renewable for a second year, for a total award of $5,000 each.

Avery will attend The College of Idaho, where she plans to major in Political Economy while competing on the beach volleyball team. She has also been admitted to the Gibson Honors Program, where she will pursue advanced research opportunities focused on economics, public policy, and governance.

Avery hopes to use her education to better understand how legislation impacts communities and economic opportunity, with the long-term goal of contributing to public policy at the state or national level.

During her time at Pendleton High School, Avery distinguished herself as a leader both in academics and extracurricular activities. She served as ASB President, class president, assembly director, community service coordinator, and Link Crew leader, while also participating in National Honor Society, volleyball, tennis, track, and community service activities. She was recognized as Conference Player of the Year in volleyball in both 2024 and 2025, earned All-State honors, and received Pendleton High School’s Citizenship Cup Award.

Pendleton Foundation Trust is proud to support students like Avery whose leadership and vision for the future will continue to make a meaningful impact.