Our Organization

The Bend-Belluno sister city partnership creates opportunities to learn from each other in the areas of economic development, education, social, youth and cultural projects plus adult exchanges. The success of our Belluno and Bend Sister City relationship is built upon a mutual interest in sharing our community and learning about our matched community through individual relationships, exchanges, projects and time spent between our residents of “Bella Bend and Beautiful Belluno”.

While we just five years in our partnership in the linking our citizens and our business, governmental, cultural, and academic communities we are enjoying the early friendships and understanding gained in cross cultural experiences of common interests as varied as masters swimming, volunteer efforts, classroom projects and of course hiking and enjoy a glass of Deschutes Brewery Mirror Pond Pale Ale and Belluno’s famous Paova cheese and L’antica Quercia Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco.

The sister city experience is open to any citizens of our communities and we would invite Bend residents, business owners, teachers and former residents of Belluno area to join in this international project. There is no requirement that you speak Italian just an interest to participate in this international experience. Whether young, retired, working or unfamiliar with the Italian culture, or just interested in learning about Belluno you are welcome to join in.

How is the organization funded?

The short answer is: we are not funded at all through any city, county or state government. We have received donations for our plaque and to support our student exchanges from community citizens. However, Kathy Eckman has established a nonprofit [501(c)(3) Bend Sister Cities Foundation. This foundation can accept donations designated specifically for our Bend-Belluno international projects.

If you want more information about our organization please email us at info@bendbelluno.org.