Ribsy Makes His Mark in Celebration of Imagination

A very special doghouse created for Ribsy, a sweet pooch brought to life by Portland author Beverly Cleary, is on display as part of Storybook Playhouses, a benefit for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, July 24-Aug. 14 at Bridgeport Village in Tigard.

In addition to Ribsy’s doghouse are five storybook-themed children’s playhouses, two of which will presented to two lucky raffle winners; the others will be given to area nonprofits to raffle in support of their own efforts. 

The Playhouses event features numerous special activities, including guest readers bringing storybooks to life, character visits, games, songs and crafts, tours of the Enchanted Playhouse Village (including Ribsy’s fabulous doghouse!) 11-6 daily; admission children $2, adults free. The campaign will culminate with a Storybook Ball, where guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite storybook characters. The event host, Ribsy, hopes all his four-legged friends will turn out to join the fun. 

All pooches and their people of all ages are invited to visit and explore the playhouses and Ribsy’s extraordinary abode. He’s got his own special water bowl, the porch where he loves to sun myself, and a little doggie door so he can come and go as he pleases. About the display, raffle, and upcoming ball, Ribsy says, “It’s going to be pawsitively awesome!” 

Awesome too is the fact that Ribsy’s house is on the block. Visitors can buy raffle tickets, and the lucky winner will get to take Ribsy’s storybook doghouse home for their very own. Best of all, funds from the raffle will support life saving community services provided by The Pongo Fund Pet Food Bank, Oregon’s only singularly dedicated pet food charitable resource.

Local architects, builders, interior designers, landscapers and scores of community volunteers came together to construct and decorate these whimsical storybook cottages. Playhouses range 8-12 feet high, have Dutch doors, working windows, and lush kid-inspired interiors. Visitors can explore the playhouses and vote for their favorite. Two will be awarded to lucky raffle winners, and the remaining playhouses will be given to local charities. Proceeds benefit Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Click for more details.