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Inspire Luncheon Raises $150,000 for YWCA of Greater Portland

Yassi Irajapanah, Board Chair and Susan Stoltenberg, Executive Director of the YWCA of greater Portland enjoying the 2018 Inspire Luncheon. Yassi served as the Chair of the 2018 Inspire Lunch committee.

Portland, OR. The YWCA of Greater Portland entertained over 350 guests at its 26th Annual Inspire Luncheon on April 24th. The luncheon, presented by Fred Meyer raised over $150,000 to support the critical services the YWCA of Portland provides to members of our community. Yassi Irajapana who chaired the event, is also the Board Chair and Susan Stoltenberg, is the Executive Director of the YWCA of greater Portland. (Photo credit, Jim Garrison and Au Nguyen)

Stephanie Magoulas, YWCA Board Member, Michelle Thomas, Fred Meyer Loyalty Analyst, Trent Quadros, Kroger Technology Manager, Courtney Hadfield, Kroger Executive Assistant. Stephanie Magoulas and Michelle Thomas both served on the 2018 Inspire Lunch committee bringing their many talents and passion for the mission of the YWCA to their committee work.

YWCA Board Member Julie Auflick of Fred Meyer welcomed guests on behalf of presenting sponsor: Fred Meyer, she was “assisted” by the cats of Imago Theatre.

This year’s event featured “A keynote without words.” In the words of YWCA’s executive director, Susan Stoltenberg, “Typically, the YWCA invites a keynote speaker from out of town to elevate our awareness and arouse us to act. But we think the year’s already done that to many of us! So this year we’re keeping our investment local, and inviting Imago Theatre to engage, inspire and delight us with a Keynote Without Words!”

YWCA board member, Julia Markley, Laura Stepp and board member Kristine Koneck made new friends with more characters from Imago Theatre.

Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, board member Julia Markley, Phil Dollar, and Mamak Tabrizian who is the Senior Services Program Director for the YWCA of Greater Portland.

About the YWCA of Greater Portland

The YWCA of Greater Portland is the local affiliate of one of the oldest and largest women’s organizations in the nation. The organization has been an active part of the Portland community for over 110 years, providing services to women, children, and families, from all walks of life—regardless of their age, race, or income level. The YWCA of Greater Portland’s mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The YWCA’s services span five key areas: domestic violence services, incarcerated mothers and their children, senior services, social justice, and youth services.

Please visit ywcapdx.org for more information about the work the YWCA does in our community!

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.