Portland, May 16th. State Senator Betsy Johnson and other civic leaders were honored at the Global Business Awards Luncheon. The evet organizer, former Hilton executive Serge D’Rovencourt, earned high marks from Special Olympics Oregon athletes like Jen Darris. Other awards were given to Dick Alexander, Clayton Hering, Dr. Cheryl Roberts and Dr. Herbert Semler.
Global Business Luncheon
Best-selling author and philanthropist Gerry Frank emceed the luncheon, which recognized Oregon’s outstanding individuals in international business and honored the legacy of past civic and business leaders. State Treasurer Ted Wheeler accepted a memorial tribute on behalf of his father, Samuel C. Wheeler. Other tributes memorialized C. M. “Mort” Bishop, Jr., John Perry Bledsoe, Roger S. Meier, Warne H. Nunn, Carol Brooks Rawlinson, Stanley M. Samuels, Harold J. Schnitzer and U.S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield.
Ken and Joan Austin, Herb Semler, M.D. and Gerry Frank,
The luncheon was held at the Portland Hilton and Tower and featured special guests Ken and Joan Austin, founders of A-dec, Inc., and Kerry Tymchuk, Executive Director of the Oregon Historical Society and Board Chair of Special Olympics Oregon.
“The Global Business Awards has become a tradition where some of Oregon’s truly great individuals are honored. Special Olympics Oregon is very thankful to benefit from this luncheon, and will use any and all donations to further our mission of providing training for life for children and adults with intellectual disability and serving the largest disability population in the state,” said Mr. Tymchuk.
Portland Center Stage is constantly hosting events to recognize and thank some of its generous sponsors. Here’s a look at a few from this past year! Ted and Julie Vigeland joined hundreds of others who celebrated in style at Portland Center Stage’s 2011 Annual Gala. (Photo credit, Joni Shimabukuro)
Now in its 24th season, Portland Center Stage (Chris Coleman, Artistic Director) is the largest producing theater in Portland. Established in 1988 as an offshoot of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, PCS became an independent theater in 1994 and has been under the leadership of Artistic Director Chris Coleman since May 2000. Portland Center Stage’s home since Fall 2006 — the Gerding Theater at the Armory — is the first historic rehabilitation on the National Historic Register, and the first performing arts venue, to achieve a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Platinum rating. PCS also offers a variety of education and outreach programs for curious minds from six to 106, including discussions, classes, workshops and partnerships with organizations throughout the Portland metro area.
Artistic Director Chris Coleman welcomes sponsors Ellyn Bye and Cindy Potter, during the Opening Night Dinner in May 2011
Every year, PCS pulls out all the stops for their Annual Gala. In 2011, the theme was “It’s a Mod, Mod, Mod, Mod World”, an homage to the 60’s and all its psychedelic glory. The Gala is a celebration of what PCS has accomplished in the past year, and a way to build energy and enthusiasm for the year to come. Tickets begin at $350, and guests are treated to food, dancing, entertainment and a live auction. Next year’s gala is already in the works, with a theme that recognizes the Blues and its Southern roots, and ties in nicely with their last show of the season It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues. PCS knows how to throw a party, which means next year’s Blues Gala will be an event you won’t want to miss.
The Armory was transformed into a 60's party. Guests danced the night away on the glowing dance floor.
Guests enjoyed a live auction in the Gerding Theater. Auctioned items ranged from a weekend in Oregon wine country, to a luxurious week in beautiful Kauai. Frank Piacentini was an enthusiastic bidder.
Shoshana Bean wow'ed guests with her performance at the Annual Gala.
2011 was a year of great theater and patron appreciation at Portland Center Stage. To thank their generous sponsors, PCS invites them to Opening Night Dinners – a private party with a catered dinner in their beautiful Armory, followed by the show. Here are some photos from this years Opening Night Dinner before the premiere of One Night WIth Janis Joplin in May 2011.
The Armory's Mezzanine is transformed into a scene straight from the production "One Night With Janis Joplin" with tie-dye place mats and flower center pieces. Catering was done by Art of Catering.
As another way to thank their sponsors, Portland Center Stage invites them to On Stage Dinners held only once a year. This year’s dinner was held on stage of A Christmas Story, right in the middle of Ralphie’s living room. Lucky for these guests, Ralphie wasn’t in attendance with his Red Ryder B.B. Gun!
Guests were treated to food by Vibrant Table while dining on the Gerding Theater’s stage, surrounded by the beautiful sets from A Christmas Story.”
The choir from Kings Way Christian School from Vancouver, Washington entertained guests who attended the On Stage Dinner
The Choir entertained guests in the Gerding Theater during the “A Christmas Story” On Stage Dinner.
Cate Garrison and Roy Schreiber enjoy a catered dinner during the On Stage Dinner
If you would to donate to Portland Center Stage and participate in these great events click here to learn more about their donor opportunities!
This article was written by Portland Society Page contributor, Rebecca Ames.
Year-End update: “Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success.” The unknown author of this quote must know something about an organization driven by an important mission. Thanks to the horse sense, persistence and the flaming enthusiasm of athletes, volunteers, donors, staff, and Board of Directors, Special Olympics Oregon had an exciting year of success!
Special Olympics Oregon Summer State Games 2011
Special Olympics Oregon 2011
From Special Olympics Oregon:
Our number of individuals with intellectual disability served increased statewide by 17%.
Our grand Summer State Games returned after a two-year economy-triggered suspension.
Our 30 volunteer-driven Local Programs serving our participants year-round in every county stayed strong.
Our major fundraising events – The Governors’ Gold Awards, The Bite of Oregon, Polar Plunge – exceeded expected revenue.
Our quota of volunteer Special Olympics Oregon coaches increased from 35 newly-trained in 2010 to 227 in 2011.
Our number of great friends increased – more companies, individuals and organizations caught the vision of Special Olympics Oregon’s momentous impact on the lives of thousands with intellectual disabilities, their families and their communities. Over and over again, we heard those magnificent words: I want to help.
Special Olympics Oregon Polar Plunge 2011
Special Olympics Oregon Governors' Gold Awards 2011
More from Special Olympics Oregon:
To all of you, we say with full hearts, “Thank you.” You have helped in ways you may not even imagine. You have changed lives, changed hearts, changed the world. We are most grateful. Hear first hand from athletes and coaches what Special Olympics Oregon has meant to them this year:
What does Special Olympics Oregon mean to you?
Special Olympics Oregon (SOOR) has given my son a chance to be included and accepted just the way he is. They have provided priceless and endless resources for us as parents. Most importantly SOOR has filled our hearts with joy. My son has a chance to actually be on a team, playing a sport that he loves right at his own school! I am thankful for a way to fulfill his dreams and wishes! Thank you SOOR, without you it would not be possible! (Kristy Minor,Special Olympics Oregon Parent)
How did you get your start in Special Olympics Oregon?
I started participating in Special Olympics Oregon back in the 1992 softball season. It was one of the best moves that I ever made for myself. It has been 17 seasons that I have been a Special Olympics Oregon Athlete and I can tell you from personal experience that I have enjoyed each and every game that I have played over the years. I never think of just myself. It is very important to me that I get my teammates involved with the games that we all play as a team. We all win and lose as one team and NOT individual players. Playing games in all sports for Special Olympics Oregon is a lot of fun. I just never want it to end. (Nathan LaMarche,Special Olympics Oregon Athlete)
What has Special Olympics Oregon done for you this year?
Special Olympics is one of those rare and amazing opportunities to be a part of something bigger than myself. As a coach I get to look into each athlete and see endless possibilities that they may not even know they have. I can set goals and see the athletes far surpass them. As a parent of an athlete, I get to see my daughter make friends that are unconditionally loving and accepting. We all get to treat each other as precious, valuable, gifted and strong! There is always encouragement and recognition available to everyone. I have seen over the last 21 years so many lives changed for the better, and relationships built that last a lifetime. With every challenge is a miracle getting ready to happen! (Cindy Miguel,Special Olympics Oregon Coach)
Help us reach one more athlete this holiday season by contributing a tax-deductable gift to Special Olympics Oregon. Volunteer this year with Special Olympics Oregon and help us continue to serve the largest disability population in the state.
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