Brilliance Benefit for Thomas A. Edison High School Raises over $200,000

Thomas A. Edison High School supporters Jeff and Sandy Jones and Anne and Mario Bisio enjoy the silent auction at the Brilliance Benefit

Portland, March 17th. Over 300 guests gathered at the Governor Hotel for Thomas A. Edison High School’s Brilliance Benefit. Supporters Jeff and Sandy Jones and Anne and Mario Bisio enjoyed the silent auction. All proceeds from the gala dinner and auction benefited Thomas A. Edison, the only high school in Oregon and southwest Washington dedicated to students with complex learning differences. (Photo Credit, Andie Petkus) The evening generated over $200,000 to support financial aid, technology, and professional development at the school.

Thomas A. Edison High School students Sophie Bottom and Michael Kilpatrick show their St. Patrick’s Day spirit while volunteering at the Brilliance Benefit.

A talented young bagpiper lead supporters into the ballroom for dinner

Thomas A. Edison High School parents William and Toni Kiefel chaired the Brilliance Benefit.

The silent auction featured lovely artwork

The Governor Hotel

Koleen Hall, Business Manager for Thomas A. Edison, and her husband, Jeff Hall, the Theatre Director at Jesuit High School and The Young People's Theatre Project

From Thomas Edison High School:

Thomas A. Edison is the only high school in Oregon and Southwest Washington dedicated to serving students with complex learning differences. Our work here is powerful and profound: helping every student reach his or her full potential.

As a small, private high school, Thomas A. Edison offers an individualized curriculum that meets each student’s special needs, and maximizes the ability to learn. We also provide the emotional support that builds confidence and maturity. By empowering students with learning differences to experience academic success and personal growth, Edison does more than prepare teens for the future. We change lives.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.