Portland, OR. The American Heart Association’s 2023 Heart Ball at the Hyatt Regency brought together hundreds of people and raised a record $1,026,607. Funds raised will support the work of the American Heart Association Heart of Oregon & SW Washington to fight heart disease and stroke with a specific focus on addressing high blood pressure, CPR education, nutrition security, tobacco, and the youth vaping crisis.
One in four Oregon residents is diagnosed with hypertension, the leading cause of cardiovascular disease and stroke. “Whether it’s teaching CPR in the community, providing education and awareness of heart disease or funding research for treatments, the American Heart Association is devoted to fighting cardiovascular disease. I am delighted to support this cause and celebrate the achievements of the Heart of Oregon & SW Washington campaign,” said Mason Evans, President & CEO, JH Kelly.
The Heart Ball was a culmination of the Heart of Oregon & SW Washington, a year-round campaign focused on engaging community leaders in making a significant impact on health equity and the mission of the American Heart Association. The ball marks a moment to reflect, honor and celebrate the progress made toward equitable health through the determination, dedication, and passion of all community members who support the campaign. A highlight of the evening featured the story of 8-year-old Will Rasay, a heart hero. Will is thriving today because of the research funded by the American Heart Association. Will and his family were special guests of honor.
These members of the Executive Leadership Team gave their time and resources to help make an extraordinary impact in saving lives: Mason Evans, JH Kelly president and CEO; Brian Johnston, Dallas Glass CEO; Travis Baker, Andersen Construction president and COO; Shon DeVries, Propel Insurance sales executive; Tom Larkin, Sokol Larkin partner; Nima Darabi, Hoffman Construction vice president; Tim Loy, Mallory Safety & Supply president; Eric Grasberger, Stoel Rives member; Josh Condon, Howard S Wright project executive; Cynthia Cameron, HUB International employee benefits vice president; Julian Allen, McKinstry Oregon construction business development; Steve Fein, Moss Adams regional managing partner.
“The Heart of Oregon & SW Washington campaign is one of the American Heart Association’s largest generators of funds for research and education about cardiovascular disease and stroke. The success of Heart Ball ensures that tremendous breakthroughs continue to happen,” said Nick Brodnicki, American Heart Association executive director for Oregon and southwest Washington. “Thank you to all of our advocates, volunteers and sponsors for championing equitable health and bold solutions for a world of longer, healthier lives in Oregon and southwest Washington.”
The Heart of Oregon & SW Washington campaign and the Heart Ball support the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, which aims to reduce barriers to healthcare access and quality. The American Heart Association is the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all. For more information on how to support the Association visit heart.org/oregon. The Heart of Oregon & SW Washington Heart Ball was sponsored by JH Kelly, Hoffman Construction Company, OHSU Health, UA290/PMCA. A full list of sponsors can be seen at pdxheartball.heart.org.
About the American Heart Association:
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us onheart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Portland, OR. The fifth annual Indigenous Culture Day on May 6th drew a crowd. Friends of Tryon Creek hosted the free event to help bring its Tryon Land Acknowledgement to life. The event is a celebration of the reclamation of traditional lands for Indigenous Peoples that provides an accurate cultural experience for the whole community. The free, all-ages event offered the chance to listen and learn from Indigenous educators in the culturally rich land now known as Tryon Creek State Natural Area.
The event has gained popularity over its five-year history.
Visitors were able to take visit the Nature Center classroom and walk the trails to see first-hand the traditional life ways of Northwest Tribes. Indigenous leaders and educators shared cordage making, carving, basketry, first foods, and storytelling.
From Friends of Tryon Creek:
This is Tryon Land Acknowledgement Welcome to the land now known as Tryon Creek State Natural Area, a 665-acre day-use area located between SW Portland’s metropolitan area and the city of Lake Oswego.
It is important to ground ourselves and acknowledge the people whose land we are utilizing; the Clackamas Chinook, the Wasco-Wishram, the Willamette Tumwater, the Multnomah, and other Chinookan peoples, as well as the TualatinKalapuya, the Cayuse, the Molalla and other tribes and bands of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. It is important to acknowledge the original inhabitants of the land now known as Tryon Creek State Natural Area, and to recognize that we are here because of the sacrifices that were forced upon them. We also remember that we are guests of this land and must do our best to honor the original peoples, through authentic cultural narratives and continued stewardship of the water, the land, and the plants that make up this forest community. To follow acknowledgment with action, Friends of Tryon Creek use our resources to prioritize partnerships with Indigenous tribes, tribal governments, and inter-tribal organizations
San Francisco, CA. Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) hosted its annual Canine Heroes Gala on October 29th. This year the event took place at The Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco where 400 people attended and raised $725,000 to support the nonprofit organization’s life-changing mission.
President and CEO of GDB, Chris Benninger, provides updates on the nonprofit’s plans, by reflecting on the last 80 years, and topped the evening off by emceeing as several GDB puppies were delivered.
All of GDB’s services are free to clients and the organization receives no government funding, which makes events like the Canine Heroes Gala such pivotal fundraisers. Guests enjoyed dinner and fine wine while Theresa Stern, VP of Interdisciplinary Client Services and Engagement with Guide Dog Wills, guided them through an inspirational program featuring keynote speaker Aria Loberti, client and actor in the upcoming Netflix adaptation of the acclaimed novel All the Light We Cannot See.
The work of the organization is done on its Boring, Oregon campus as well as its San Rafael, CA campus.
From Guide Dogs for the Blind:
Guide Dogs for the Blind is a passionate community that prepares highly qualified guide dogs to empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired to move through the world more safely and confidently. GDB not only improves mobility for its clients, but it also furthers inclusion and advocates for policy reforms that change how the world views blindness.
Portland, OR. All Hands Raised Party with a Purpose (#PWAP23), hosted 500+ business, community, and education leaders to help improve all students’ success inside and outside of school. Featuring Latina winner of NBC’s Stand-Up for Diversity Showcase, Gina Brillon, the night featured a heartfelt opportunity to rub elbows with other champions of racial equity. Above are supporters Jordan Elliot (Board member), Chloe Elliot, Tamara Brown (Board member), Dr. Mark Gabriel. The event was held on February 16th at the Moda Center. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Gael Jackson, Hanna Isrealsson, Kim Cortes-Martinez, Michael Bliatout, Elaina Oomen
About All Hands Raised:
All Hands Raised works on the ground with school community site teams in several key work areas – engaging a team of community members (often including culturally-specific partners, school staff, and industry partners) as equals. These teams use current school-level metrics to identify root causes, test practices and drive change. Together, the team moves toward the heart of the matter, digging into social and emotional challenges and building bridges through critical transition points in students’ educational journeys. Successes and failures are shared with the entire school, across our school districts and throughout the community. The total integration of partners as equals is an essential strategy to ensure equitable changes in policies and systems – this is how we build to large-scale change.
Portland, OR. 250 guests celebrated 21 years of De La Salle North Catholic at its new campus. The benefit on October 21st raised $645,000 for financial aid at the school. Guests included Mal McAninch, Gretchen Johnson, Janeen McAninch, Mary Boyle, and Tom Doyle. (Photo credit, Andrea Lonas)
Attendees toured the school’s new campus at 4300 NE Killingsworth Street in Portland. They had a chance to wander through the hallways, socialize in the Commons, and then raise their paddles in the Michael Kelley Gymnasium. The theme for the benefit was “There’s No Place Like Our New Home.”
Lilianna Fierro-Davis ’17 was honored at the event for her “Full Circle Story” of how De La Salle and its innovative Corporate Work Study Program launched her career. Here’s a video about her journey:
In addition, Kelly Hale of RBC Wealth Management was honored with the 2022 Cassin Award for Commitment to Mission. The video below details her contributions.
From DeLaSalleNorthCatholicHighSchool:
If you weren’t able to join us you can still support the Fall Benefit Dinner & Auction by donating at the link here!
DeLaSalleNorthCatholicHighSchool serves a racially diverse community of capable, interested, and motivated college-bound students, primarily from North and Northeast Portland who would not otherwise have access to reliable college preparatory education.
4300 NE Killingsworth Street, Portland, OR 97218Phone: 503.285.9385
Portland, OR. It’s the most wonderful time of year and Christmas Ships Parade boat captains are getting ready to set sail for the 68th annual event. Organizers say, “We’re busy testing the lights, updating the displays, and polishing our boats, all to get ready to shine for you!” There are new boat displays and participants are bringing back old favorites. All fleet members are enthusiastic volunteers, paying all their own expenses, to put on the colorful show. The Christmas Ship Parades take place on both the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. We’ve got the schedule below.
The boats, 14 to 65 feet long, are brightly decorated for the holiday season. Up to 60-holiday boats are expected to make up the two fleets.
The privately-owned vessels come from Portland, Vancouver, McMinnville, Salem and Hood River areas. Some of the ship’s owners have been part of the Christmas tradition for more than 40 years.
The traditional Christmas Ship Parade features brilliantly decorated boats on the Willamette and Columbia rivers.
There are some new displays, and participants are bringing back old favorites as well. All fleet members are enthusiastic volunteers, paying all their own expenses, and ready to put on a show.
Below are links to downloadable Parade Schedules. Additionally, there’s a complete list of the schedule with live links for more information.
Portland, OR. “Staying in the Game” was the theme of INCIGHT’s virtual gala, which raised $125,000. KATU Sports Director Joe Becker and news anchor Steve Dunn (far right) helped INCIGHT co-founder Scott Hatley, and cameraman Judd Girard kick off the benefit. Founders say, “INCIGHT is dedicated to changing hearts and minds, leveraging obstacles, and unlocking the potential for those with disabilities through education, employment, and independence programs.”
Hosted by Dan Friess and local TV personality Natali Marmion, in a Ted Lasso-inspired locker room, the INCIGHT gala had close to 180 supporters tune in on October 8th.
Attendees Michael Langley, Eve Miller, and Elisabeth Rosenast enjoy their tailgate party along with Mitch Blatt who was on the phone, zooming in from Montana.
Julie Resk, Jill Kraemer and Mair Blatt prepping for their INCIGHT tailgater party
All Tailgate Party Hosts received an INCIGHT branded tote bag filled with food and fun to share at their INCIGHT Tailgate Party.
From INCIGHT:
The night featured reports in the field from local schools, INCIGHT’s area Safeway store in Lake Grove, Hood to Coast’s “Mother of all Relays” event in Seaside, Oregon, The Partners Group Throwdown: Cornhole for a Cause event at Hillsboro Stadium and The Moda Center.
“Staying in the Game” is a great metaphor for sports, and more importantly, life. It’s why INCIGHT selected this sports-oriented statement as the theme of this year’s fundraising Gala. The team continues to compete in the game in spite of significant barriers and challenges, just as people with disabilities leverage obstacles in their own life to unlock their greatest potential. Coaching through their own set of challenges, INCIGHT established a new game plan, developing a new vision, mission, and values. They believe this plan gives them the best chance of winning and being successful. They don’t want their clients’ potential locked up. They want to change hearts and minds and break stigma when that’s what’s needed.
The event shared stories of programmatic success, chronicled a unique international partnership with Variety Children’s Charities in Canada around a special adaptive sport for youth, and highlighted two longtime organization supporters and the strategic partnership with Hood-to-Coast Relay.
The partnership with Variety Children’s would not have been possible without the support of Ashley Campion and the Johnson Charitable Trust. We could not have held this event without the generosity of our presenting sponsor, the Safeway Foundation. Other sponsors for our event include OnPoint Community Credit Union, Family Business Advisors, MODA Health, PacMet, Cascade Wealth Advisors and Educational Excellence. The event livestream can still be watched by visiting www.incight.org/gala. INCIGHT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has been Unlocking the Potential of People experiencing disabilities for more than 18 years. INCIGHT’s vision “MOVING THE WORLD: Expecting Great Contributions with People Experiencing Disabilities”. INCIGHT’s services have influenced thousands of students, job seekers, educators, parents, employers and community members. The INCIGHT mission is one that invites and challenges everyone to think, feel and behave with more equity and expectancy.
Portland, OR. Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest (BBBS) raised $475,000 at its “Impact of a Connection” gala. After a two-year Covid-prompted hiatus, the benefit was held at The Redd on Salmon Street on September 22nd. It raised funds to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that supporters say help to ignite the power and promise of youth. At the event, Nick Kristof, New York Times Columnist, and Artis Stevens, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters America posed for a photo together. (Photo credit, Adam Levy)
Artis Stevens, President, and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters America
Beach Pace, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest
Lindsey Murphy, event emcee, and Alumni Little Sister
Owa Odighizuwa, Former NFL Player and Alumni of Little Brother, and Artis Stevens, President, and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters America
From Big Brothers Big Sisters:
The sun shined bright as guests arrived to enjoy the cocktail hour, packed with entertainment featuring saxophonist Eldon “T” Jones, Finn the Magician, a 360 photo booth, and delicious cocktails from Tito’s Handmade Vodka. We were joined by a special guest speaker, Artis Stevens, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, who gave a moving speech about the importance of mentorship in the lives of youth. Alumni Little, Lindsey Murphy, celebrated her 30th year in contact with her Big Sister, Melissa, a science teacher that inspired her to start her wildly popular Youtube show, the FabLab.
The night concluded with a celebration of the 2022 Bigs and Littles of the year highlighting the matches of Big Brother Gus and Little Brother Jason and Big Sister Monica and Little Sister Jeni who took the stage to accept their awards. As a community, we were able to raise a record-breaking $475,000 in support of our one-to-one mentoring programs here in Portland and SW Washington. One of the best parts of the night happened among all the staff and event volunteers after the event when, Beach Pace, BBBSCNW CEO, rallied everyone together to take a moment to take pride in all the work we had all put into this event.
A sincere thank you to everyone who made this event a beautiful success. It takes a village, and we are so glad you are a member of our village. Our sincerest appreciation goes out to our 2022 Gala Committee led by co-chairs Suzy Alexander, and Lee Lenker. A BIG thank you to our Presenting Sponsors Twenty Four 7 and Concentrix Catalyst, our Ignite Sponsors The Standard, OnPoint Community Credit Union, Nike, M Financial Group, Cambia Health Solutions, Anderson Construction, our Inspire Sponsors KPMG, Moss Adams, Comcast, Baird, General Sheet Metal, Hillsboro Hops, M Science, Sheldon Warmington & Janel Warmington and Table Sponsors @ACME, Advantis Credit Union, Brown & Brown Insurance. Barran Liebman LLP, Natasha Elhaj-Hedinger, Kaiser Permanente, Moda Health, North Highland, owamagbe odighizuwa, Pacific West Bank, Parker, Smith & Feek, TM Rippey Consulting Engineers and Xenium HR!
Portland, OR. Community members gathered at the Oregon Convention Center for The ALS Association‘s Together for ALS Gala. Over 450 attendees joined the organization’s first “in-person” gala event since 2019. ‘Together for ALS’ raised $360,000 to support families living with ALS in Oregon and SW Washington. Stuart and Michelle Faris, seen above, attended the September 24th benefit to honor Malcolm Fylan. (Photo credit, Randy Boverman)
Keynote speaker Mary Porter from Parkdale, Oregon was welcomed by the emcee for the evening Valerie Hurst, a reporter, and anchor for KATU-TV.
ALS Association Executive Lance Christian with State Treasurer Tobias Read and his wife Heidi Read
Jeff and Natalie Newgard of Peak Consulting sponsored the event and welcomed guests.
DeeAnn Little and Barb Deeming enjoyed the night in memory of Randy Cadonau
There’s a video from Oregon and SW Washington Chapter of The ALS Association. (Editor’s note: the video features my unfailingly positive uncle, David Judd. He’s still going strong!)
From the Oregon and SW Washington Chapter:
The Oregon and SW Washington Chapter of The ALS Association provides support and resources for people living with ALS, their families, and caregivers living in the State of Oregon and the six counties of Southwest Washington.
Rockaway Beach, OR. Rules for this race include, “no running alongside, throwing treats or toys, or creating a trail of bacon bits!” It was the 15th Annual Firecracker Wiener Nationals in Rockaway Beach. Organizers say the July 4th event drew more people and raised more donations for the Tillamook Animal Shelter than in previous years. Held in Sea View City Park, the races featured 8 heats and over 50 wiener dogs running their little legs down the course. One participant named Stella, seen above was cheered on at the starting gate by volunteer, Isabel Klein.
Chad Carter and Eli Newell organize and emcee the races. They say, “Our first priority is fun, and our other first priority is raising money for a good cause.”
The dachshund, also known as the wiener dog, is a short-legged, long-bodied, hound-type dog breed. The dog may be smooth-haired, wire-haired, or long-haired. Registration for each dog was a suggested $5 donation.
Rules include: Dogs may be tossed at the starting line, but they must touch the course at least once before the finish line. No “full court” dog tossing.
A long-haired dachshund named Moe was the big winner of the 2022 race.
Here’s more information about the races:
It’s simple. You just have to show up at the races from Noon to 1pm and Register your dog at the Registration Tent.
Please help us get started on time by registering as close to Noon as you can.
After that, your dog will be assigned a heat in our tournament. Then it’s up to your dog’s giant heart and his tiny little legs.
We’ll keep racing until one dog is crowned the Firecracker Grand Champion.
There is a suggested donation of $5 for race registration.
Non-Wiener Dogs:
We don’t do a tournament for non-wieners. But bring your drag basset or nitro-powered labrador to compete in one of our “All Dog” races. It’s just for fun, but the sight of a dozen yorkies barelling toward the finish line is its own reward.
Other than that, the process is the same. Register at the Registration Tent on the day of the event. Registration is open from Noon to 1pm.
There is a suggested donation of $5 for race registration.
The Rules
Our first priority is fun, and our other first priority is raising money for a good cause. But a sense of fair play goes a long way toward everyone having a great afternoon. With that in mind, we just have a few simple rules.
Have fun.
Don’t ruin anyone else’s fun.
Nothing on or over the course except the dogs themselves.That means no running alongside, throwing treats or toys, or creating a trail of bacon bits.
If it looks like a dachshund, it’s a dachshund.If your dog looks like a short german shepherd or a dachshund with a pug face, we will gladly register you in the all-breed race. That being said, please let us pet your dachshund with a pug face.
Dogs may be tossed at the starting line, but they must touch the course at least once before the finish line.No “full court” dog tossing.
When in doubt, talk to us.If something happens that makes the event less than fun, tell the emcees as soon as possible. We’ll try our best to make it right.
DID YOU MISS OUT ON GETTING YOUR FIRECRACKER WIENER NATIONAL GEAR THIS YEAR?
Great News! We’re now selling merchandise year-round. And as always, all profits go to the TIllamook Animal Shelter and help support their vital work.
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