Portland, OR. Henry Winkler was the featured speaker at a benefit for Park Academy. The sold out event on June 16th, was the second annual gala for the academy which offers programs for students with learning differences; it drew nearly 300 supporters. Henry Winkler, who posed with sponsors Debbie Lanphere, and Bob Lanphere, Jr., spoke about his struggle with dyslexia and how it shaped him. The benefit raised $389,000 for the Park Academy Scholarship Fund, which ensures all students have an equal opportunity to receive the education they need in order to be successful.
Heather Killough, Piper Park, and Ray Park.
The Park Academy Board of Directors surprises Paula Kinney, past Head of School, with a scholarship fund in her name.
Guests commented on how Henry Winkler’s challenges were similar to the lives of many Park Academy students. Students were inspired by his success and encouragement. Winkler told the kids they were, “Brilliant and smart.” Organizers say Winkler’s kindness and generosity left a mark on the school.
About Park Academy:
History
Park Academy is a small non-profit private school founded by Piper Park, a parent who wanted to give other students the opportunity that her son received by attending a school that addressed his dyslexic challenge. Ms. Park’s dream became a reality when she opened the doors of Park Academy in September 2005.
Mission
Park Academy empowers students with diverse learning challenges to reach their highest potential of giftedness while excelling academically and becoming responsible citizens and community leaders.
Who We Serve
Park Academy is a college preparatory school for students challenged with dyslexia and other language related learning differences. Our extraordinarily committed staff offers educational support to students whose needs have not been met in a traditional school setting.
Students come from all over the Portland metropolitan area and represent a variety of skills and learning profiles. The reading curriculum is developed around research-based, multisensory methodologies. These instructional approaches address students’ learning differences through auditory, visual, and kinesthetic modalities.
Organizers thanked their supporters and sponsors including:
Presenting Sponsor
The Lanphere Family of Dealerships and The Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association
Lead Sponsors
Lucky Limousine / Heather Killough
Park Foundation
Corporate Sponsors
Tom Boothe
KeyBank
Piper Park
West Coast Event Productions
Patron Sponsors
The Cheng Family Foundation
Concordia University
Harnish Properties
Meduri Farms
Mengis Capital Management
Portland Japanese Garden
Real Benefits Group
Trillium Family Services
Youth Music Project
