Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Association Cancels 2021 Rose Festival Dragon Boat Race Season

Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Association Cancels 2021 Rose Festival Dragon Boat Race Season

Portland, OR. The Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Association (PKSCA) board has canceled the 2021 Rose Festival Dragon Boat Race season. Following the Covid-19 guidelines issued by Oregon Health Authority that large outdoor gathering activity is still not recommended under the current pandemic risk level assessment for the Portland Metro area. (The Dragon Boat Eye Dotting Ceremony seen above usually takes place on the last Saturday of March.)

“We are very hopeful that the risk of pandemic will be greatly improved with increasing level of vaccination coverage and continue observing the safety guidelines from the Health Authority,” says Chi-Chao Chen – President, PKSCA. “We are looking forward to a strong comeback of the Portland Rose Festival Dragon Boat Race season in 2022.”

In lieu of the Dragon Boat Eye Dotting Ceremony, PKSCA held a social distanced presentation, along with its key sponsor, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle.

Dignitaries from the Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Association and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle presented the Portland Rose Festival and Royal Rosarians with 80 personal pandemic care packs and 1,000 medical-grade masks.

The purpose of their visit was to donate 80 personal pandemic care packs and 1,000 medical-grade masks to the Portland Rose Festival Foundation and the Royal Rosarians. Members of the Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Association wanted to show their continuous support to the Portland Rose Festival event and the local community during the pandemic.

At the Dragon Boat Races 80 teams compete (including local, national, and international teams) with heats of four teams competing every nine minutes. These races are held on the Willamette River (near the Hawthorne Bridge), in boats graciously provided through the Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Association.

In the past, 80 teams have competed in the Dragon Boat Races (including local, national, and international teams) with heats of four teams competing every nine minutes. These races are held on the Willamette River (near the Hawthorne Bridge), in boats provided through the Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Association.

Popular programming like the Court and Porch Parade will continue this May & June, 2021. However, organizers say “Oregon isn’t quite ready yet for big outdoor events, and the health and safety of our community is still our top priority. The Rose Festival has been here for more than a century despite many challenges, and will be here when Oregon is ready for big outdoor events again as we start down the runway to the traditional Rose Festival in 2022.”

From the Rose Festival:

The Portland Rose Festival has inspired the public to gather and celebrate against a backdrop of historic external forces for the past 114 years. Hope Reigns as the 2021 Rose Festival demonstrates how our community can carry on traditions, honor diversity and celebrate unity. Although our streets will not be lined with friends and neighbors watching traditional events such as Grand Floral Parade, Starlight Parade, or Junior Parade, and Waterfront Park won’t be pulsating with carnival rides, concerts and corn dogs, Portlanders will continue to celebrate our floral heritage and community spirit by actively participating in the 2021 Porch Parade & Roses for Hope, and awaiting the ‘crowning moment’ of the new Rose Festival Queen.

Although Oregon is not quite ready for the return of big events in 2021, the Rose Festival is ready, and will be here to bring hope and joy this spring and summer, as we head down the runway to 2022!

 

 

 

 

Who:

Chi-Chao Chen – President, PKSCA

James Stahl – Treasurer, PKSCA

Daniel KC Chen – Director General, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle

Hsiao-Chu Wu – Director, Cultural Center, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle

David Todd – President, Portland Rose Festival Foundation

Jeff Curtis – CEO, Portland Rose Festival Foundation

Korrie Hoeckendorf – Prime Minister, Royal Rosarians

Dwight Terry – Lord High Chancellor, Royal Rosarians

Portland Children’s Museum Cites Coronavirus Shutdown as Cause for Permanent Closure

Portland Children’s Museum Cites Coronavirus Shutdown as Cause for Permanent Closure

Portland, OR. The Portland Children’s Museum will close its doors effective June 30, 2021. Board Chair  David Peterson released a statement. “It is with heavy hearts that we share a decision made on March 25, 2021 by the Board of Directors to permanently dissolve Portland Children’s Museum and Opal School, effective June 30, 2021. Due to the coronavirus and resulting shutdown for health and safety, the Museum experienced devastating attendance and revenue losses. The impacts from the pandemic have compounded a funding model that is largely reliant on paid admissions to an interactive museum. During the last year, leadership and the board considered a multitude of options, including the concept of a mobile museum and enhanced digital offerings.”

David Peterson explained how opening the Museum’s doors to the public would result in an insurmountable financial deficit because of new cleaning protocols, state guidelines limiting capacity, and the need to refill 48 staff positions due to layoffs. “We’ve all experienced so many wonderful memories at the Museum with our loved ones, and we are forever grateful to the vibrant community of play that the Museum and Opal School have cultivated during these last 75 years.”

The Museum welcomed 4.8 million visitors during its 75 years and recently hosted more than 250,000 visitors each year—many of whom first visited as children decades ago and returned as parents or grandparents. Opal School served over 500 students and 10,000 educators, who in turn have reached one million children locally and globally.

Peterson added, “Portland Children’s Museum’s lasting impact will live on through the creativity of countless families, children, educators, artists, and musicians who called the Museum and Opal School their second home. This year marks the Museum’s 75th anniversary, Opal School’s 20th anniversary, and Washington Park’s 150th anniversary. While it’s heartbreaking to announce the closure during these milestones, we are heartened by what we achieved at the Museum and school throughout our history. We will be spending the next few months winding down the organization and, where possible, donating assets to mission-aligned nonprofits in the community.”

 

Vancouver’s Kuni Foundation Awards $13.2 Million to Oregon and Washington Nonprofits

Vancouver’s Kuni Foundation Awards $13.2 Million to Oregon and Washington Nonprofits

Vancouver, WA. The Kuni Foundation, of Vancouver, Washington is awarding 19 grants worth $13.2 million. The grants support dismantling disparities in cancer detection and treatment for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities and housing solutions for people experiencing intellectual disabilities.

The grants were awarded to a wide range of groups. Providence St. Vincent Medical Foundation, for instance, received $430,000 “to explore key drivers of disparities in breast cancer screenings by socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity.” And Oregon Health & Science University received $1.5 million “to accelerate the development of low-cost blood biopsies, which would increase access to early cancer detection for underserved communities.”

Wayne and Joan Kuni were known for their commitment to community service. Wayne Kuni founded Kuni Automotive, and over the years, the Vancouver, Washington-based company grew into a network of 15 automobile dealerships in Oregon, Washington, California, Colorado, and Kansas. The foundation was founded by Wayne and Joan Kuni.

Joan Kuni

Wayne Kuni

Joan E. Kuni died at age 88 in 2019. Her husband, Wayne Kuni, founded Vancouver-based Kuni Automotive in 1970 died from lung cancer in 2006. The foundation was the largest shareholder of Kuni Automotive and in 2016 created a $50 million fund for cancer and other medical research and to enhance the lives of developmentally disabled adults — causes that were close to the Kuni’s hearts. The fund has grown year by year since then.

There are an estimated 24,000 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) in the region who face housing insecurity now and in the coming years. Of those adults, 70% in Southwest Washington and 61% in Oregon live with family members, and one-quarter to half of those family members are aging parents who lack an affordable housing option for their children once they are no longer able to provide care.

“We’re excited to help advance the transformative work of these organizations and individuals,” said Angela Hult, President of the Kuni Foundation. “These projects reflect our commitment to supporting collaborative, pioneering approaches that propel equitable access to housing, cancer detection and treatment.”

From The Kuni Foundation:

Reducing Disparities, Improving Outcomes

Native Americans face profound barriers in accessing cancer screenings and treatment that can result in later stage diagnosis, increased complications, and life-limiting prognosis. A collaborative effort between UW Medicine and Washington State University received just over $1.4 million from the Foundation to work in tandem with tribal communities on culturally appropriate solutions to reduce barriers to cancer detection and treatment and improve outcomes. The research focused on early detection of endometrial cancer among Black women received $1.2 million in funding. Black women’s mortality resulting from endometrial cancer has worsened over the past 20 years, and they are more likely to have advanced-stage cancer when diagnosed.

UW Medicine researchers also received grants for efforts that include the creation of the world’s first Cancer and Transplant Clinic and National Collaborative Bioregistry and the advance of glioblastoma research, one of the most fatal and hard to treat brain tumors.

“These transformational grants recognize the strength of cancer research and collaborations across UW Medicine,” said Paul G. Ramsey, MD, Chief Executive Officer of UW Medicine. “Many of these grants support bold projects aimed at reducing health disparities in underserved populations. We are truly grateful to the Kuni Foundation for their significant partnership and advocacy for a healthier and more just future.”

Providence St. Vincent Medical Foundation received $430,000 to explore key drivers of disparities in breast cancer screenings by socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity. The intent is to drive health policy and systems change to create more equitable health outcomes. In the long-term, these changes will lead to higher rates of mammography screening, especially among communities experiencing disparities, leading to earlier treatment and increased survival.

Oregon Health & Science University received $1.5 million to accelerate the development of low-cost blood biopsies, which would increase access to early cancer detection for underserved communities. The Knight Scholars Program received $1 million to expand to schools in Portland and Eastern Oregon that have a high percentage of students from Hispanic, Native American and Black communities and to bolster peer-to-peer mentoring opportunities. The program offers high school students whose communities are underrepresented in cancer research, health care and public health the opportunity to explore cancer research careers.

Expanding Housing Access

Ten nonprofits advancing a diverse range of urban and rural housing solutions for the I/DD community also received funding. According to a recent study cited in Psychology Today, 30 to 40 percent of people experiencing homelessness also experience a cognitive challenge, and many have never been professionally diagnosed. A $230,000 grant to Seattle-based Ryther will advance community outreach and accessibility to screenings, mental health services and public benefits, transitioning individuals experiencing both I/DD and homelessness to stable housing.

A $250,000 grant to Northwest Housing Alternatives will support the due diligence necessary for the development of an inclusive, affordable housing effort in Portland while a grant to FCC Homes provides emergency funding to find stable housing for displaced adults. When the Port of Centralia declared eminent domain over the land owned by Alderhouse, a Washington home for adults experiencing I/DD, FCC Homes stepped in to help the long-time residents find alternative housing. Horizon Project, Inc. received $850,000 to expand rural housing options in Hermiston and Pendleton.

“Actively listening to the voices of people and service providers in both rural and urban areas, the Kuni Foundation is flexible in its partnerships, helping dreams become reality,” said Terri Silvas, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of The Horizon Project. “The Foundation’s support has been a catalyst for helping our organization enhance inclusion and quality of life for people experiencing I/DD in rural eastern Oregon.”

The following organizations received grants:

Alpha Supported Living Service, Bothell, WA: I/DD Home Renovation,

Community Vision, Portland, OR: Expanding Inclusive and Independent Housing,

Edwards Center, Beaverton, OR: I/DD Home Renovation,

FFC Homes, Centralia, WA: Relocation for Displaced Alderhouse Residents,

Horizon Project, Inc., Milton-Freewater, OR: New Rural Housing Development,

Life Enrichment Options, Seattle, WA: New Housing,

Northwest Housing Alternatives, Portland, OR: Apartments at Grace Commons,

Ryther, Seattle, WA: Pathways to Stability for IDD People Experiencing Homelessness,

Stephen’s Place, Vancouver, WA: General Operating Support for I/DD Housing,

Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR: SMARRT/Low-Cost Blood Biopsies,

Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR: Knight Scholars Program: Expansion to Promote a More Diverse Cancer Research Workforce,

Providence St. Vincent Medical Foundation, Portland, OR: Enhancing Health Equity by Understanding Key Drivers of Disparities in Breast Cancer Screening,

UW Medicine, Seattle, WA: Translating Single Cell Analysis into Actionable Therapeutic Strategies for Glioblastoma,

UW Medicine, Seattle, WA: Discovery Omics for Targeted Treatment for Orphan Brain Cancers,

UW Medicine, Seattle, WA: Reevaluation of TVUS to Improve Early Detection of Endometrial Cancer Among Black Women,

UW Medicine, Seattle, WA: Comprehensive Cancer & Transplant Consult Clinic and National Collaborative Bioregistry,

UW Medicine, Seattle, WA: Developing the Basis for Precision Modification of Gut Microbiome to Improve Cancer Immunotherapy,

UW Medicine, Seattle, WA: Increasing Native Radiation Oncology Access: Disparities and Solutions,

UW Medicine, Seattle, WA: Uncovering the Progression from Clonal Hematopoiesis to Leukemia,

Based in Vancouver, Washington, the Kuni Foundation fuels the power of human potential by investing in scientists advancing cancer research and efforts that accelerate the inclusion of people who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn more at www.kunifoundation.org or via Twitter at @KuniFoundation.

De La Salle North Catholic High School Nearing $26 Million Goal for New Campus

De La Salle North Catholic High School Nearing $26 Million Goal for New Campus

Portland, OR. Administrators at De La Salle North Catholic High School (DLSNC) say their new school campus is on budget and on time. They broke ground in July 2020 and will open to students in the Fall of 2021, as planned, including the new gymnasium pictured above. The new campus will have room for up to 350 students—significantly more than the 280 currently attending. 
School president, Oscar Leong says, “We have raised 96% of our $26 million project goal. Over 200 individuals, foundations, and corporations have contributed to the future of Knight Nation. Our time at North Fenwick Avenue is coming to an end, and we will soon be in our new location at St. Charles Parish in Northeast Portland. Plans for the new campus include state-of-the-art science labs, a visual arts center, a vibrant courtyard, and our very own gym for our award-winning student-athletes.”

The school is still actively fundraising to fill the gymnasium, classrooms, and hallways with the furniture and equipment.

Students helped break ground for the new campus at St. Charles Parish in July of 2020.

Students at De La Salle North Catholic High School attend class four days per week and work for a local company one day each week as part of the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP). The CWSP provides work experience, business contacts, and helps offset the cost to educate them.

The school is getting ready for an annual Changing Destinies Luncheon 2021 which will be virtual this year. Apr 22nd 2021 at 12:00 PM PDT. Click here for a link to the event.

Students pictured before the pandemic.

Here’s a look at some of the facilities under construction:

Trusses being installed in the new gymnasium.

The new counseling center.

Inside of the new commons.

Physics lab in the new Science Wing.

Information about the fundraising drive:

Below is a list of donors:

Knights Circle Donors

Mary & Tim Boyle,

Clark Family,

Epping Family Foundation,

Thomas W. Holman Jr. Memorial Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation,

Cyndy & Edward Maletis,

Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund,

M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust,

Colleen & Werner Nistler,

James and Shirley Rippey Family Foundation,

Sause Bros.,

Silver Family Foundation,

Joseph E. Weston Public Foundation,

 

Lead Gift Donors

Anonymous (4)

Lisa & Tom Brenneke

Cristo Rey Network

Enderby Foundation

Leslie & Mark Ganz

Mary & Frank Gill

Lynda & Bill Glavin Jr.

Grand + Benedicts

Kelly & Bob Hale

Joseph & Elizabeth Hoffart Charitable Foundation

Frederick D. & Gail Y. Jubitz Foundation

Chuck Kaady

Michael Keiser, President of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort

Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation

Market Express

Harry A. Merlo Foundation

Miller Family Foundation

Carolyn & Terry Murphy

Cathy & Mark Myers

OnPoint Community Credit Union

Phillips Family Foundation

Don V. Romanaggi, M.D.

Carolyn & Peter Shea

Barbara & Steve Spence

Swigert Warren Foundation

Walker Family Foundation

Sherie Weisenberg & Mark Simmons

Sue & Dan White

Robin & Michael Yonker

Angela & Brad Zenger

 

Major Gift Campaign Donors

Anonymous (2)

Leslie & Robert Bentley
William K. Blount Family Fund of Oregon Community Foundation

Joan & John Bollier
Nancy & Bruce Bolton

Cheryl & John Bradley

Julie & David Brands Family

Brownor Enterprises Inc. Charitable Remainder Trust
Nancy & Andy Bryant

Cindy & Duncan Campbell
Katherine Christensen
Adrienne & Milton Coleman

Julie & Chris Copp

Katherine & Clifford Dias
Jim Dovenberg
Eileen & Bruce Drake
Jackie & Curtis Dunckley
Nancy & Richard Green
Evan Marnix Guillaume Foundation

Gay & David Jacobsen

Johnson Charitable Trust
Lech Kaiel ’05
Laurie & Mike Kelley

Rosa & Oscar Leong
John Maletis

Mackenzie

Thanne & Steve Moore

David Nemarnik
Nike Employee Matching Gift Program

Patti & Ed O’Mara
Pamela & Bernie Pliska
Suzanne & Jim Price
Robert D. and Maria H. Randall Charitable Trust

Beth & Brent Rempe

Kathleen & Russell Rottiers

Sanctuary for Sacred Arts
Liz & Chris Sarles

Anthony Schapker

Sharon & Joe Schlechter
Ione & Don Spear Family
MJ Steen & Frank Langfitt III
Rob Stuart
Swigert Foundation
Sarah & Joseph Tennant
Claudia & Graciani Valderrama

Frances and John Von Schlegell
Summer & DJ Widmer

Anna Youngren

Generous Campaign Donors
Anonymous (9)
Mary & Dick Adkisson
Sarah & Drew Anderson
Hannah Andrews
Jane & Phil Argento
Morgan Armstrong & Keegan Davis
Shannon & Jim Armstrong
Jeff Baffaro
Maggie Baird
Barbara Banner
Hilary Barr
Ashley ’05 & Giovanni ’05 Battles
Kailee Bean ’06
Jeremy Benedict ’05
Beverly & Stephen Bookin
Mary Lea ’05 & Devin Bordelon
Anne Broyles & Larry Peacock
Joanne Bruno
Amy Carl & Stephen Hamilton
Mark Christensen
Michael Coon
Killian Czuba ’06
Ashleigh & Christo de Villiers
Diana Dominguez
Energy Trust of Oregon
Dina Erickson
Kris & Tim Evens
Molly & Nick Fandel
Michael Fantazia ’06
FFA Architecture and Interiors
Joan Flora
Elza Foley
Janice & John Frater
Jonna Frater ’06
Chana Frederick
Christina & Daniel Friedhoff
Francesca Gambetti
Kortney Garrison & Andy Poundstone
Sr. Sara Goggin
Holly Grennan
Chrissy Gross
Susan Happ & Chris Shine
Kelley & Pat Harrington
Frances & Robert Heffernan
Rachel Henry ’13
Ruth Henry ’15
Steven Hickcox
Bryana Hoffman
Zac Horne ’05
Jean and Russell Hutchison
Interface Engineering
Jan & Peter Jacobsen
Chantina Johnson
Luke Johnson ’05
Nancy & Robert Jordan
Joseph Alemany Community
Monique Karimu
Claudia Kay
Melanie Kermin
Konell Construction & Demolition
Linda & Egbert Kunrath
Nancy & Steve Lagozzino
Chelsea Lambert
Macey Laurick
Evan Leadem
Corliss Lee
Senka Lenn
Mary & Stuart Levy
Daniel J. Lower ’05
Ann & Chuck Macfarlane
Kevin Machia
Mary & Joseph Magnano
Matt Mardesich
Lise-Marie & Scott Massey
Mary McConnel
Judy McDermott
Jim McGregor
Sarah McManus
Herbert Medina
Rachel Mendoza
Kendra Miller
Barbara Mills
Mary Monnat & Steven Slater
Missi & Tim Morgan
Dawn Myers
Anne Myrthue
Julie & Rick Nelson
Annie Nguyen ’06
Thomas O’Donnell
Eileen O’Neill Odum
Zaida Pacheco de Silva
Marissa Pasaye-Elias ’20
Trinity Peacock-Broyles
Leslie Porter & Lee Lower
Kyle Pounder ’06
Jamie & Matt Powell
Julia Reisemann
Ruth Richard
Ellen Richardson
Monique Richmire
Rose Rustin
Heidi Schmitz
Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity
The Skanner Foundation
Michiko Slick
Kelly & Blake St. Onge
Josh Stellmon
Matthew Sundby ’05
Meghan Thivierge & Tim Wiginton
Karen Thomas & Jack Bird
Lauren Thompson
Blair Townsend
Mary Valeant & Charles Paternoster
C. Joseph Vanhaverbeke
Brendan Vo ’06
John Vyhlidal
Caitlin & Stanley Walker
Christine Wang
Emily Witt
Martha & Gerry Wyrsch
Margaret & David Zeps

Re-Booted Nike Freestyle Auction to Benefit Doernbecher Raises Over $1.1 Million

Re-Booted Nike Freestyle Auction to Benefit Doernbecher Raises Over $1.1 Million

Portland, OR. Update: Nike and OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital put their annual benefit auction on hold last month when it was it was disrupted by troll bids. But the organizations were able to restart and all 17 pairs of the special-edition sneaker were successfully auctioned on eBay March 2nd – 7th. In total, the fund drive raised over $1.1 million. According to a collector’s company called Complex Sneakers, the shoes sold for an average of $33,239 per pair, with the highest selling for $52,900 and the lowest going for $22,523. It was a far cry from the over $2 million fraudulent early bid which shut down the auction.

“Without philanthropy like what we receive from Nike, its retailers and the Doernbecher Freestyle program, OHSU Doernbecher might not be able to open its doors to provide high-quality care to children across Oregon and the region,” says Dana Braner, M.D., FAAP, FCCM, Credit Unions for Kids chair and professor of pediatrics (critical care) in the OHSU School of Medicine and physical-in-chief for OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. “This support is vital. It not only saves lives today but will save and improve lives far into the future.”

Due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, instead of a range of shoes designed by children, Nike and Doernbecher settled on the “What The” themed Air Jordan 1. The special shoe was created using elements of Doernbecher Freestyle designs of the past. Unlike past years, the shoe wasn’t created for a wide release—instead, a very limited run of 17 pairs was produced.

“Featuring some of the most memorable elements from each of the program’s 14 previous Air Jordan sneaker designs, the exclusive Air Jordan 1 “What The” Doernbecher represents the teamwork, inspiration and creative spirit of the Doernbecher Freestyle program,” explained organizers.

Virtually Freestyle donor gifts, sponsorship and proceeds from an eBay auction – featuring 17 pairs of the coveted AJ 1 “What The” Doernbecher, and exclusive Doernbecher Freestyle apparel – raised more than $1.1 million to support OHSU Doernbecher. When coupled with a $1.8 million gift from Nike and its retail partners Shoe Palace, Sneaker Room and DTLR  from retail sales of the 2019 Doernbecher Freestyle collection, the cumulative total raised by the Doernbecher Freestyle program is now more than $30 million.

All funds raised benefit OHSU Doernbecher patients and staff in a variety of ways, from the delivery and discovery of advanced clinical treatment to emotional support and advocacy that helps to lift spirits and spread hope.

Below are photos of the specific details of the shoes: