Thomas Edison High School Brilliance Benefit Raises $230,000

Portland, March 8th, 2014. Thomas Edison High School hosted 320 guests at the Governor Hotel for the carnival themed Brilliance Benefit auction and dinner. Shannon and Jeff Gianola of KOIN News enjoy the silent auction before Jeff takes over as emcee for the evening. Guests heard from sophomore Nazle Taylor and Board Vice Chair Roger Krage about the importance of Thomas Edison High School. The event generated over $230,000 in revenue to support financial aid, technology, and professional development at the school. Thomas Edison, the only high school in Oregon and southwest Washington dedicated to students with complex learning differences. (photo credit, Andie Petkus Photography)

Student Volunteers at the benefit.

Board Chair Sandra McDonough and Vice Chair Roger Krage.

Charles Wilhoite, Mary Fellows, and John Russell enjoy the silent auction.

Director Patrick Maguire thanks our fabulous co-chairs Paula Jacobson and Anne Stein-Gray.

Jean Rystrom accompanies her son as he makes his way around the silent auction on his stilts.

About 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.