Portland, OR. It has been an exciting year for PortlandSocietyPage.com. We’ve had over half a million page views since our launch and covered over 1,250 stories about local nonprofits. Those admirable organizations have raised millions of dollars for worthy beneficiaries. It’s our privilege to be the only nonprofit news resource for local charities and the supporters who love them!
Here’s the list of the top ten stories (in reverse order to build your suspense) on PortlandSocietyPage.com during 2016.
10. Power of the Purse Raises Money for Girls Inc.
Portland, OR. Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest hosted the organization’s 11th annual Power of the Purse fundraising gala at the Hilton. The event raised nearly $350,000 to provide programming that inspires girls ages 6-18 years old to be, “Strong, Smart, and Bold.” The audience cheered for Girls Inc. girl, Lana, and her team, designer Carol Risley, and entertainer Daria Eliuk.
9. Ovarian Cancer Alliance Honors Super Heroes
Portland, OR. The 4th annual “O-Vary Funny” dinner and auction drew over 200 guests. The sell-out crowd raised close to $60,000 for the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and SW Washington. Ovarian Cancer Survivor Mary Beebe was surrounded and supported by her fans. One highlight of the night included the introduction of the new “Trust Your Gut” ovarian cancer awareness campaign. This campaign, which will formally roll out in early 2017, features six local ovarian cancer survivors dressed and photographed as Super Heroes.
8. JDRF Hope Gala Raises Over $610,000 For Diabetes Research
Portland, OR. Over 450 guests attended the 21st Hope Gala at the Sentinel Hotel. Jordan Schnitzer was one of the presenters who helped honor Donald and Suzanne Krahmer with the “Living and Giving Award.” Leon Alzola, the President of the JDRF Board of Directors, was also on hand for the presentation. The event was chaired by Larry & Suzanne Mackin and raised over $610,000 to fund diabetes research. Each year at the Hope Gala, the JDRF Oregon/SW Washington Chapter presents the “Living and Giving Award” to individuals, or a company, who are outstanding philanthropists, not only to JDRF, but to our community at large. This honor recognizes those who stand out as exemplary leaders and who have set the standard for “giving back” in many ways.
7. Jay Leno hosts OHSU Panel Discussing the International Fight Against Cancer
Portland, OR. Nearly 300 donors and community leaders joined scientists from OHSU, and around the world, to celebrate the launch of a collaboration between the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and the British-based charity, Cancer Research UK. Jay Leno hosted the panel discussion featuring prominent leaders in the international fight against cancer. The event at the Sentinel Hotel preceded the three-day Sondland-Durant Early Detection of Cancer Conference presented by the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and Cancer Research UK.
6. Hearts & Hands Gala Raises Record-Breaking Amount for Families with Seriously Ill Children
Portland, OR. More than 450 people gathered at the Oregon Convention Center on September 17th to celebrate life’s silver linings at the annual Hearts & Hands Gala to support Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC) of Oregon and Southwest Washington. The event, which was presented by the John L. Scott Foundation, raised a record-breaking $615,000, making it the most successful fundraising event in RMHC’s history. Bob Speltz, Senior Director of Public Affairs at The Standard, accepted the 2016 Partner of Distinction award honoring Standard Insurance Company for its years of dedication. Bob was joined by Jessica Jarratt Miller, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities; David Payne, Vice President of Life and Disability Services at The Standard; and Cindy Luckman, Board Chair of Ronald McDonald House Charities.
5. Riverdale Diner en Blanc Raises Funds for School District
Portland, OR. Nearly 100 supporters of the Riverdale School District in white attire came together for a white party benefit. Ron and Jillian Cain, and Amber and Henry Hillman enjoyed the festivities. The Diner en Blanc, on October 1st, was a French-Euro White Party with cocktails, dinner, and dancing. The secret venue (Waverley Country Club) wasn’t disclosed until the night before.
4. Children’s Healing Art Project Celebrates With Sold Out Benefit
Portland, OR. A sold-out crowd of 300+ escaped to CHAPlandia: a celebration of art+healing benefiting the Children’s Healing Art Project at PureSpace. The fifth annual event on November 5th celebrated the 10th anniversary of Children’s Healing Art Project (CHAP). Long-time CHAP supporters Gila Lane, Kiva Lane and Paul Block enjoyed the photobooth. (Photo credit, Matt O’brien of mattophoto.com) The annual gala to support CHAP, netted $125,000. Portland-based author Cheryl Strayed served as emcee at the fundraising event featuring 17-year-old CHAP participant and cancer survivor Leslie P from Beaverton, OR.
3. Inaugural Oregon Polo Classic Raises Funds for Classic Wines Auction
West Linn, OR. The inaugural Oregon Polo Classic drew nearly 1,000 people to the Hidden Creek Polo Club in West Linn. The event was organized by the nonprofit which puts on the Classic Wines Auction. Polo club owner and player, Sean Keys, and his pony are favorites with guests. The weekend polo celebration, over July 23rd an 24th, raised $240,000 which will be distributed among the beneficiaries of the Classic Wines Auction. Those nonprofits include: the Boys and Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area, Doernbecher Children’s Foundation and the Classic Wines Auction legacy charity partners.
2. $3.2 Million Raised at 2015 Classic Wines Auction to Boost Local Charities
Portland, OR. The 31st Annual Classic Wines Auction (CWA) raised almost $3.2 million for charities in Portland and southwest Washington. Former New England Patriots Quarterback and Proprietor of Doubleback Winery, Drew Bledsoe, was bidding during the live auction. More than 875 people attended the event at the Oregon Convention Center. Fundraising from this year’s auction, and related events, benefit five charity partners dedicated to helping youth and families in the metro area: Metropolitan Family Service, New Avenues for Youth, Friends of the Children-Portland, YWCA Clark County and Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel.
1. Children’s Cancer Association’s ¡El Baile! Wonderball Joyfully Raises $1,300,000
Portland, OR. The Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) welcomed nearly 800 of their most passionate supporters on September 24th to the 16th annual Wonderball. Analia Earhart, CCA Board Member; Regina Ellis, CCA Founder and Chief Joy Officer; and Jani Iverson, VP, Stand for Children enjoyed the star-studded Havana-themed nightclub experience that raised more than $1.3 million to further CCA’s mission of delivering joy to seriously ill children and their families. Billed as ¡El Baile! (The Dance!), and presented by Regence BlueCross BlueShield, the evening celebrated the vibrant colors, sounds, flavors, and styles of 1950s Havana. (Photo credit, Megan Henson)
Well, there you have it, the top 10 Portland Society Page stories of the year. Society Page is a real community platform where you can make a difference. If you enjoy reading our positive news about the great things happening in our area, you can help and here’s how:
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We are excited to continue “Building Your Community” in 2017!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Elisa Klein, Editor
