Portland, October 18th. The 2012 A Gathering of Good raised nearly $240,000 to support Metropolitan Family Service and the thousands of children, families and older adults who participate in its programs. Duncan Wyse, President of the Oregon Business Council accepted the Provocateur Award for his extraordinary efforts to build a cohesive strategy for strengthening our economy. He’s pictured with Dick Reiten, Former Board Chair of Northwest Natural Gas Company; Judy Strand, CEO of Metropolitan Family Service; Donna Edwards, Board Chair of Metropolitan Family Service; and Carla Piluso, Master of Ceremony. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus) The theme of the fourth annual A Gathering of Good – the signature benefit for Metropolitan Family Service – was Creating a Prosperous Economy Together. Nearly 300 guests were in attendance.
The guests enjoyed a roof-raising choral performance by the Gresham High School honor choir, The Overtones.
At this year’s A Gathering of Good, a dynamic group of thought leaders discussed innovation and growth in our local economy. Judy Strand, CEO of Metropolitan Family Service joins panelists (from left) Tamara Lundgren, President and CEO of Schnitzer Steel; Luis Machuca, CEO of Kryptiq; Dr. Wim Wiewel, President of Portland State University; and Jeff Harvey, President and CEO of Burgerville.
Topics included identifying risks Oregon and SW Washington need to take to promote a more innovative and vital region overall; re-energizing our education system to create lifelong learners and a capable and skilled workforce; and ways businesses, government, education and nonprofits can work together to create tangible social change and economic prosperity.
The raise the paddle resonated with supporters.
Duncan Wyse, President of Oregon Business Council, was awarded this year’s Provocateur Award for his work in building a strong business environment in Oregon. Shown from left to right: Dick Reiten; Judy Strand, CEO of Metropolitan Family Service; Duncan Wyse, President of Oregon Business Council, and his wife Aileen Wyse.
A Gathering of Good is the culmination of a year long discussion series organized by Metropolitan Family Service. The agog discussion series is designed to promote face-to-face conversation, civic engagement and social change. Discussions are privately hosted and revolve around a theme focusing on a significant community issue that affects everyone.
Over the last four years, Metropolitan Family Service has organized 48 agog discussions, enlisted 100 topic experts to moderate them, and engaged 700 community members. The convergence of corporate, private, public and social sectors that agog discussions bring together has stimulated Metropolitan Family Service in crafting a new paradigm in social service delivery.
Currently, Metropolitan Family Service is working on several initiatives as they relate to workforce readiness and economic development in the community. The organization’s programs include financial education courses for parents; working with youth and families in 25 low income school communities to strengthen academic success and interpersonal skills; involvement with STEM industries to bring business and education together, and supporting people throughout the lifespan to build strength in all stages of life. Collectively, Metropolitan Family Service’s work contributes to and supports a vibrant economy.
Portland, September 16th. The Oregon Humane Society’s 6th Annual Ride for the Paws Event drew nearly 200 motorcyclists and raised over $5,000 to help sheltered animals. The event was a 150-mile ride and included a pancake breakfast at Cycle Specialties in NE Portland, a barbecue lunch at Bob Lanphere’s Motorcycles in Beaverton, and an ice cream social at OHS, where the ride ended.
Human Society Riders at 2012 Ride for Paws
Dr. Kirk Miller, veterinarian at the OHS animal hosptial, was on the ride.
Goggles and helmets are on for the ride!
Dave Salesky, KATU weatherman, joined the ride and was a guest speaker.
About Oregon Humane Society: Established in 1868, OHS is the largest and oldest humane society in the Pacific Northwest. We are not affiliated with any other humane society and we rely entirely on private donations for everything we do. Last year OHS found homes for more than 11,500 animals, including 3,000 animals that came from other shelters around the state.
The video above explains the work of the Oregon Humane Society.
Story submitted by Rebecca Ramach from the Oregon Humane Society
Special Olympics Oregon is gearing up for the big state games this weekend and also saying thanks to supporters who helped make them possible.
Ryan Avery from Special Olympics Oregon tells Portland Society Page…
The Plunge Was A HUGE SUCCESS — Thanks To More Than 3,100 Plungers !
Wow. Talk about turning Conventional Wisdom on its head. We were told that in 2012 charitable organizations are expecting stalling participation rates and shrinking contributions. But not for Polar Plunge Oregon. We actually saw the number of plungers go up (again!), the number of teams go up (again!) and the amount raised is expected to equal last year’s record-breaking level (!!!).
” It’s difficult to find the words to fully express our gratitude to plungers like you who got out there and worked harder than ever to recruit your teams and then raise funds. Not to mention the fact that all your work got you dunked in freezing cold water.” Allison Ellermeier, VP of Development at Special Olympics Oregon said. “Ask any one of our athletes and he or she will tell you: Thank you for making Special Olympics Oregon possible for me.”
Tony with Loving On Portland did a great video report from the Portland Plunge. He talked to team leaders, coaches, plungers and really captured the excitement of the event. Watch the video.
Portland, June 29th. Amidst a competitive field of adorable and talented dogs, two were crowned Portland’s Next TopDog Models. Moby, the white standard poodle who won in the large dog category, sports “elegantly goofy Rasta-poodle dreadlocks.” (Photo Credit, Leslie Zemenek) He’s helping to Keep Portland Weird with his unique style and energy. The sixth annual “Portland’s Next TopDog Model” at Hotel Monaco, on S.W. Washington is a benefit for the Oregon Humane Society and drew a sellout crowd of over 200 people cheering on their favorite dogs.
Here’s a snapshot from the fun event!
Andy Carson emceed this quirky contest. Honored judges were Mitch Elliott, Sheryl Stewart, Helen Raptis, Kimberly Maus, and Betty Norrie. From the 24 finalists, the celebrity panel of six judges also selected Dexter, a 10-year-old Dachshund/terrier-mix and Oregon Humane society alumnus, as the winner of the small dog category (Dexter is pictured at top left).
The finalists, chosen from more than 200 applications, were judged on style, personality, and runway attitude as they strutted along the “dogwalk” at the Hotel Monaco.
Each dog also had to answer a series of lifestyle questions. Dexter, a handsome Dachshund/terrier mix with endless love for his toys, goes by the motto, “Keep calm and carry a tennis ball.” Dexter is determined to enjoy an active lifestyle throughout his golden years. Dexter appeared at the 2011 TopDog Model event, not as a competitor, but as an adoptable dog visiting from OHS. Dexter’s now-forever-family saw him at the event and adopted him shortly after, making this TopDog a double success story.
The event raised an estimated $7,000 for the animals at OHS.
The event was sponsored by LexiDog Boutique & Social Club and the Hotel Monaco.
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