OCOM Gala Raises Funds for Acupuncture Access and Education

Aart Lovenstein and Molly Frye

Portland, OR. Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) celebrated its 7th Annual Cherry Blossom Gala on Saturday, April 6th at Castaway Portland, raising $77,000 to support the college’s students, low-income patients and affordable clinics. The college honored OCOM patient Dr. Aart Lovenstein (pictured with Molly Frye) and his healing journey through acupuncture and compassionate care. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

The benefit brought together 200 people to illuminate health and healing, including new college President, Sherri Green, PhD, OCOM co-founder Eric Stephens, DAOM, LAc and Chair of the Old Town Chinatown Community Association, Helen Ying.

Laura Bueermann and Eric Stephens, DAOM, LAc ’05

DR. Bradley “Brad” Malsin, MD, OCOM Board Member

OCOM President Sherri L. Green, PhD

Emcee Jamie Greenhut ’21 and Auctioneer Dale Johannes

Peter Martin, MAcOM, LAc ’92

Eager Bidders Raise Their Paddles

This year’s theme, “The Night of 1000 Lanterns” inspired the crowd with a variety of experiences including a cocktail reception, Chinese-inspired dinner, live Chinese music, a “Sparkle Lounge” with free Swarovski ear crystals, Chinese calligraphy, “Laughing Buddha” photo booth, and silent and live auctions.

From OCOM:

Founded in 1983, OCOM is a single-purpose professional graduate school that offers first professional and postgraduate degree programs in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. OCOM’s mission is to transform health care by educating highly skilled and compassionate practitioners, providing exemplary patient care, and engaging in innovative research within a community of service and healing. Our 1,400 graduates practice, teach and research Chinese medicine in 50 states and across the globe, and have provided an estimated 10 million treatments over the past 36 years. OCOM’s campus and main clinic inhabit a LEED Gold certified facility in historic Old Town Chinatown.

To experience OCOM health care services for yourself call OCOM’s Patient Services Team at 503-445-0951. Additional information about the program is available on our website: ocom.edu

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.