Park Academy Raises $389,000 at Sold Out Benefit Featuring Henry Winkler

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.

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