St. Mary’s Academy’s 20th Anniversary Luncheon Raises Record $506,014

Portland, November 12th, 2013. St. Mary’s Academy’s 20th anniversary Food for Thought tuition assistance luncheon raised a record-breaking $506,014. The signature event at the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower and drew 725 attendees united in their passion for ensuring that a St. Mary’s education remains accessible to all young women.

Tom Fink, Bob Harold

Sue Alstadt, Sue Benson Henningsen ’87

Henry and Tracy Hooper

This year’s event revenue represented a 24 percent increase over the previous record of $407,000 set in 2003.

The event was co-chaired by alumnae Suzann Baricevic Murphy and Megan O’Donnell Murphy and emceed by KGW morning news anchor Brenda Braxton, also a current St. Mary’s Academy parent. This year’s keynote speaker was New York Times bestselling author Dr. Jane McGonigal and the student speaker was senior Ceirah McCauley, a tuition assistance recipient.

Mary Mathews Stevens ’80, Molly Mathews Bjorklund ’83, John Murphy, Christina Friedhoff, Megan O’Donnell Murphy ’89

Kimberly Cooper, Bob Harold, Priscilla Lewis

Sam Romanaggi, Louann Lynn, Dr. Donald Romanaggi

Food for Thought is St. Mary’s largest fundraiser in support of tuition assistance. Financial aid provided by St. Mary’s has increased more than 160 percent in the past decade. This year, 41 percent of students receive need-based aid, totaling nearly $1.4 million.”

1
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.

Recent Posts

Oregon Historical Society Hosts History Makers Gala

Portland, OR. The Oregon Historical Society’s (OHS) annual Oregon History Makers Awards & Dinner recognizes…

1 year ago

Lan Su Garden Kicks off November With Floral Design Competition

Portland, OR. Move over pumpkins, the Lan Su Chinese Garden is welcoming fall with its…

1 year ago

Local Arts Organizations are Gearing up for Fall

Portland, OR. Portland Opera has announced its 2023-2024 season, featuring a lineup of productions including…

1 year ago

18th Annual Changing Destinies Luncheon Raises $347,000

Portland, OR. The 18th annual Changing Destinies Luncheon was held in the Knight Nation's gym.…

1 year ago

OMSI 2023 Gala Raises Over $1 Million to Support Science Education

Portland, OR. The annual Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) Gala garnered significant support…

1 year ago

Assistance League of Greater Portland Raises Over $166,000 With Fashion Show

Portland, OR. After a three year covid hiatus, the Assistance League of Greater Portland's Promenade Portland…

1 year ago