Impact NW’s Annual ‘Power of One’ Luncheon Most Successful to Date

Debi Saltzman, Ted Gilbert, Isabel Saltzman-Cordon, and Molly Mink Liston

Portland, OR. Impact NW’s Annual Power of One Luncheon was held on February 28th and drew over 400 supporters including Debi Saltzman, Ted Gilbert, Isabel Saltzman-Cordon, and Molly Mink Liston. This pivotal event gathers individuals, businesses, and organizations to share inspiring stories of transformation and recognize champions of change. This year’s event was the most successful ever, raising over $85,000. Supporters came together to invest in Impact NW’s critical programs and reinforced their commitment to building a prosperous and sustainable future for all. (Photo credit, Jim Garrison – PDX Event Photography)

Jerome Smith, a US Army Veteran, received a special award from KGW’s Laural Porter. Impact NW honored the US Army & Air Force veteran and single dad for his perseverance after a series of unexpected life events left him homelessness. Jerome’s persistence allowed him to move with his five children into transitional housing in East Portland and grow his career in tech support.

Also honored at the luncheon honored the Impact Kit Committee, a group that helped launch a unique initiative to create resource kits for homeless Portlanders and provide funding to support Impact NW’s long-term efforts to break the cycle of homelessness.

Emily Barrett of AWS Elemental (center) accepts the Power of One Award on behalf of the Impact Kits Committee. The award was presented by Bob Cook, from Bank of America, and Laural Porter from KGW News.

Front row: Sarah Burns, Kristin Kilshaw, Lisa Steenson, Michelle Gallardo, and Tanya Beeler. Back row: Regina Wheeler, Kate Carmack, Mariya Arodzero, Valerie Thompson, and Dione Bledsoe.

Propeller staff at the Power of One Luncheon. Seated: Kasia Wood, Amber Ervin, Stefanie Galen, Amy Gee, Jennifer Birk, and Kerri Evans. Back row: Geoff Hendricks, Josh Mathis, and Amy Weeden.

Miles Ellenby, Robyn Tennenbaum, David Forman, Jeff Cogen, Kenny Rait, and Lisa Pellegrino

Yvonne McClain (Impact NW Board Member), Kim Bria, and Barry Hendrix (Impact NW Board Chair)

Luncheon sponsors, including presenting sponsor Bank of America, joined over 350 guests, raising over $80,000 to help Impact NW build key programming geared toward promoting a prosperous and sustainable future for families like Jerome’s.

From Impact NW:

Founded in 1966, Impact NW engages a community of support to help over 30,000 people facing poverty each year. Our comprehensive services span the greater Portland region and include: Housing & Safety Net Services provides low-income households with utility and housing assistance. Early Childhood Services helps young children and their families with parenting support and education. Youth & Family Services connects at-risk youth to enrichment opportunities, job training, and academic support. Seniors & Adults with Disabilities Services promotes independence through evaluation, care coordination, money management, and activities.

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.