Portland, OR. Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon (FCCO) has launched its annual Season’s Feedings Holiday Cat Food Drive. The food gathered during the drive goes to feral cat caregivers to help feed their feral cats and organizers say the need this year is greater than ever.
5,049 pounds of food were donated during the Season’s Feedings Cat Food Drive in 2019
This year the following local businesses are collecting between November 1st and December 31st. Supporters can also purchase food online to be shipped directly to FCCO.
Happy Tails – Milwaukie: 4370 SE King Rd, Ste. 250-260, Milwaukie. Offering 20% off all food purchased for donation!
ROAR: Due to Covid-19, ROAR has shifted to online-only, but is accepting food donations at their local pick-up site just off Alberta Street (request address) and cash donations toward food online.
*Sellwood Pet Supply: 8334 SE 17th Ave, Portland. *They are collecting cash donations toward food.
As a part of the Season’s Feedings cat food drive, the FCCO is offering free cat food through December and January to caregivers of feral cats that bring cats in to get spayed or neutered. FCCO offers a program to safely spay and neuter stray, feral, and barn cats at no cost or for a suggested donation of $40, and at a small price for pet cats. At the moment because of the Covid-19 pandemic, services are unavailable for pet cats for safety reasons, and appointments must be made to get cats spayed and neutered. All surgeries are done by licensed veterinarians at the FCCO’s South Portland clinic. Along with offering to spay and neuter cats, the organization also offers vaccinations, flea and ear mite treatment, and an eat-tip. FCCO also has a program called Kitten Caboose that works on finding kittens brought in homes to be adopted into.
Just a fraction of the food generously donated by Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon’s community.
This year the organization celebrated 25 years since its inception in 1995, and has spayed and neutered over 100,000 cats since then. Through the Kitten Caboose program, more than 1000 kittens have found homes.
From FCCO:
“Every cat deserves a little holiday gift this year, especially the outdoor feral and stray cats lucky enough to have someone looking after them. Many local businesses are participating in collecting food and generous individuals are purchasing food and donating directly to us.”
Hillsboro, OR. First Tech Federal Credit Union is awarding more than $419,000 in grants to 40 nonprofit organizations in Washington, Oregon, and California. In Oregon, First Tech awarded $195,500 to 17 community organizations. “Hunger isn’t just a lone empty belly; it’s a community-wide symptom of systemic barriers to employment, housing, healthcare, and more,” shared Susannah Morgan, Oregon Food Bank CEO. “With strong community support like the First Tech Innovation Grant, we can remove these barriers and help end hunger in our communities — especially among people of color and others who disproportionately experience poverty here in Oregon.”
Oregon First Tech employees also lend a hand in-person to help local organizations, like the Hillsboro Public Library.
Oregon First Tech Innovation Grant partners include:
Bienestar, Hillsboro; $5,000to support the COVID-19 Response Communications Project, implementing new and innovative technology solutions to quickly distribute reliable, bilingual information about COVID-19 to Bienestar residents.
Bradley Angle, Portland; $5,000to support the Survivor Assistance Fund, providing resources for domestic abuse survivors to obtain stable housing.
Clackamas Service Center Inc., Portland; $5,000to support the COVID-19 Responsive Community Nutrition program, addressing food insecurity with customized food boxes.
Clackamas Women’s Services, Oregon City; $4,000 to provide an innovative model of delivery for emergency shelter and support services for victims of domestic and sexual violence during COVID-19.
Coalition for Communities of Color, Portland; $5,000to support The Research Justice Institute, engaging with its culturally specific member organizations to co-construct a data justice strategy.
Community Action Organization, Hillsboro; $7,500 to provide emergency rent and utility assistance to protect low-income families that lost income due to evictions and homelessness during COVID-19.
Friends of the Children – Portland, Portland; $10,000to support the No Matter What Initiative, providing professional mentorship and essential relationships for 500+ youth over the next 12 months.
Growing Gardens, Portland; $5,000to support the Youth Grow and Home Gardens programs, ensuring that low-income families and children have access to healthy food and positive food resources during COVID-19.
Marion-Polk Food Share Inc., Salem; $7,000 to support the Nourishing Neighbors Through Food Distribution/Production Programs to increase access to healthy food for all people in Marion and Polk counties.
Oregon Food Bank Inc., Portland; $75,000 to support the Emerge Stronger Systems Change Project, a year-round civic engagement effort.
Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon, Portland;$5,000in general operating funds to expand food access during and after the pandemic.
Portland Homeless Family Solutions, Portland; $5,000 in general operating support of the 24-hour Family Village shelter for families with children.
Raphael House of Portland, Portland; $22,000to support the 2020 Virtual Gala, which helped raise funds for over 400 adults and children who rely on the Raphael House for shelter, housing, food and hygiene supplies, safety planning, financial aid, and more.
Store to Door, Portland; $5,000to Support A Week 2020, engaging community partners in a way that directly supports the clients and the grocery delivery service that meets their needs each week.
Urban Gleaners, Portland; $15,000to the 2021 Food Recovery to Fight Childhood Food Insecurity Initiative, fighting against childhood food insecurity by providing free and nutritious food to families.
Willamette West – Habitat for Humanity, Hillsboro; $10,000to support the 2021 Critical Home Repair Program, assisting homeowners in need of critical repairs that they cannot afford due to their income level.
With Love Oregon, Tigard;$5,000to the Retro Fitting Warehouse Space Initiative, as well as purchasing and distributing new mattresses to foster families.
Washington First Tech Innovation Grant Partners:
First Tech designated $101,000 in Washington to support community organizations; Washington First Tech Innovation Grant partners include:
Bellevue LifeSpring, Bellevue; $5,000to support Bellevue LifeSpring COVID-19 Food Response, providing Safeway vouchers for students who relied on free and reduced-price meals at school prior to the pandemic.
EastWest Food Rescue, Redmond; $12,500 to fund a cold storage trailer for perishable foods including dairy, meat, fruit, and frozen foods that help address food insecurity in local communities.
FareStart, Seattle; $5,000to support the Community Meals/Emergency Meals program, promoting food security for Seattle-area youth and adults during the COVID-19 crisis.
Food Lifeline, Seattle; $10,000to aid the Regional Food Equity Initiative, providing farm workers and indigenous people with access to more culturally appropriate foods through COVID-19 response emergency mobile food distributions.
Friends of the Children – Seattle, Seattle; $10,000to respond to food insecurity by delivering food and essential supplies to families in King County during COVID-19.
Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank, Issaquah; $3,500to youth programming, providing low barrier access to healthy, kid-friendly foods for students and families each week that school would normally be in session throughout the at-home learning phase.
Hopelink, Redmond; $10,000 to provide tools and resources for impoverished families to find financial stability.
Mary’s Place, Seattle; $5,000 to Popsicle Place, providing families with medically fragile children access to private rooms with 24-hour access, nutritious meals, supportive care coordination, and medical staff and volunteers.
Northwest Harvest, Seattle; $5,000to provide curbside service of pre-bagged groceries for more than 4,000 people per week via the SODO Community Market, as well as biweekly pantry services via the Mobile Food Bank.
Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission, Seattle;$10,000to provide for the urgent physical needs of homeless individuals, starting them on a path out of homelessness and into a healthy life.
The Pike Place Market Foundation, Seattle; $5,000 to the Market Foundation, addressing food security for Market-area and downtown families by providing access to a food bank, subsidized CSA, and reduced-price shopping programs.
West Seattle Food Bank, Seattle; $5,000to the Emergency Rent & Utility Assistance Program to prevent eviction and homelessness for 1,300 individuals, utilizing technology to increase capacity and accessibility.
YWCA Clark County, Vancouver; $15,000to offset the impact of the pandemic with general operating support and for capacity building efforts.
California First Tech Innovation Grant Partners:
First Tech designated $122,750 in California to support community organizations; California First Tech Innovation Grant partners include:
Center for Excellence in Nonprofits, Redwood City; $10,000to support the CEN Bay Area Capacity Building Initiative, aiding organizations that offer integral resources and training to communities hit hardest by the pandemic.
Friends of the Children – SF BAY AREA, San Francisco; $10,000to support the Innovative Access to Nutritional Resources Project, providing high-quality produce to local families who live in food deserts.
Placer Food Bank, Roseville; $10,000to provide technology upgrades, allowing for efficient and effective communication with volunteers, hunger-relief partners and donors.
Raphael House of San Francisco Inc., San Francisco; $14,000to fund the Residential Shelter and Bridge Services, providing families who are struggling with homelessness a safe, stable home where the entire family receives crucial support services to break the cycle of poverty and emerge from homelessness permanently.
Sacred Heart Community Service, San Jose; $5,000to the Building Equitable Food Systems project, providing low-income residents with the necessary materials to grow an organic garden in their home.
Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, San Jose; $40,000to aid 2020-2021 general operating support to feed families.
Amigos de Guadalupe Center for Justice and Empowerment, San Jose;$6,250to support the Safe Park Program, providing a safe place to sleep for people experiencing homelessness.
Southwest YMCA, San Jose;$6,250to support the Safe Park Program and emergency financial assistance for families experiencing homelessness due to the pandemic.
Valley Verde, San Jose; $15,000 to support community food systems through a combination of urban gardening and entrepreneurship to build healthier, more self-sufficient communities.
West Valley Community Service, San Jose;$6,250to support the Safe Park Program and emergency financial assistance to support families impacted most by the pandemic.
From First Tech Federal Credit Union:
ABOUT FIRST TECH FEDERAL CREDIT UNION’S COMMUNITY COMMITMENT First Tech Federal Credit Union is committed to supporting the next generation of leaders, thinkers and innovators. In 2019, First Tech provided $3.29 million in charitable giving and more than 30,000 employee volunteer hours to the community; directing dollars and time to nonprofit partners who provide programs and services to children and families in need. First Tech’s philanthropic focus areas include support for education (STEM, early childhood literacy, financial education and scholarships), research (Credit Union for Kids and Supportive Health Service) and innovation (food, safety and shelter). Visit www.firsttechfed.com/community to learn more about the ways First Tech pays it forward throughout the year.
ABOUT FIRST TECH FEDERAL CREDIT UNION First Tech Federal Credit Union is a $14+ billion institution headquartered in San Jose, California. It is the nation’s premier credit union serving the world’s leading technology-oriented companies and their employees, including HP Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Microsoft, Agilent, Intel, Cisco, Amazon, Nike, Intuit, Google, and more. First Tech is recognized as the industry catalyst for delivering effortless banking experiences to more than 620,000 members through its 39 branch locations, more than 5,600 CO-OP Shared Branch locations, 30,000 CO-OP Network ATMs, and online platforms. First Tech offers a full range of financial services, including traditional banking, online banking, mortgages, financial planning, various consumer loans, and insurance services. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender. For more information, visit www.firsttechfed.com.
Portland, OR. The Christmas Ships will be parading for fifteen nights this holiday season, December 4th through December 22nd (with just a couple of nights off). Organizers say, “We’re excited to continue the parade this year and offer some form of normalcy in such an abnormal time. Our lighted boat parade is an event that people can enjoy and view safely this holiday season. Even if you just catch a glimpse of us on the water while driving, we hope we brighten your evening.”
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 30 years.
Christmas Shipowners are getting ready to set sail for their 66th year as residents make plans to watch the colorful flotillas during the parade’s 2020 holiday season.
Organizers remind spectators to stay six feet apart, wear masks, and follow all other protocols to stay safe from the spread of COVID-19. “We are scheduled to parade 15 nights and there are many places along the parade routes to watch without crowding. Check our schedule and plan ahead. We want you to enjoy our parade in the best of health and well-being!”
The nonprofit is also looking for donations. The primary funding source is the waterfront business community. Many of these businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic and are not able to donate this year. Donations help to defray the cost of administering, maintaining and promoting the non-profit. Christmas Ships, Inc. is an all-volunteer organization. Here’s a link to the donate page: https://www.christmasships.org/make-a-donation
Below is the schedule for the Willamette Fleet:
(There are four nights where the ships don’t sail, so check the Columbia and Willamette River schedules. Due to COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings, there will be no “Meet & Greet” gatherings with the fleet.)
Route Details 7:00PM – The combined fleet (Columbia River and Willamette River Fleets) assemble heading upriver in front of Salty’s Restaurant, 38th/NE Marine Drive and turns at NE 42nd St[…]
Route Details 6:00 PM – The combined fleet (Columbia River and Willamette River Fleets) assembles in front of Port of Camas/Washougal and parades in the area for about an hour. The fleet[…]
Route Details 7:00PM – The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of Riverplace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland). The fleet will make their way upriver, past the Old Spaghetti Factory,[…]
Route Details 7:00PM – The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland) and travels upriver to the area of the Milwaukie Boat Ramp. At the boat[…]
Route Details 7:00PM – The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of Riverplace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland). The fleet will make their way upriver, past the Old Spaghetti Factory,[…]
Route Details 7:00PM – The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland) and travels upriver to the area of the Milwaukie Boat Ramp. At the boat[…]
Route Details 6:00PM – The combined fleet (Columbia River and Willamette River Fleets) assembles at the St. Helens City Docks and heads downriver to Columbia City, and weather/river[…]
Route Details 4:30PM – The combined fleet (Columbia River and Willamette River Fleets) meets in the afternoon at Coon Island and leave for Scappoose arriving approximately 5:00PM then[…]
Route Details 7:00PM – The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland) and travels upriver to the area of the Milwaukie Boat Ramp. At the boat[…]
Route Details 7:00PM – The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of Riverplace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland). The fleet will make their way upriver, past the Old Spaghetti Factory,[…]
Route Details 7:00PM – The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland) and travels upriver to the area of the Milwaukie Boat Ramp. At the boat[…]
Route Details 4:30PM – The combined fleet (Columbia River and Willamette River Fleets) will leave RiverPlace Marina headed to Lake Oswego, arriving about 6:00PM, subject to weather and[…]
Route Details 7:00PM – The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland) and travels upriver to the area of the Milwaukie Boat Ramp. At the boat[…]
Route Details 7:00PM – The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of Riverplace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland). The fleet will make their way upriver, past the Old Spaghetti Factory,[…]
Route Details 7:00PM – The combined fleet (Columbia River and Willamette River Fleets) assemble heading upriver in front of Salty’s Restaurant, 38th/NE Marine Drive and turns at NE 42nd St[…]
Route Details 6:00 PM – The combined fleet (Columbia River and Willamette River Fleets) assembles in front of Port of Camas/Washougal and parades in the area for about an hour. The fleet[…]
Unfortunately we will not be going in to Hayden Bay this season. The rest of our route on this night is not affected (Hayden Bay is just a small portion of our route). Between water levels and the added[…]
Route Details 7:00PM – Columbia Fleet assembles in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive. Tonight the fleet will remain the first hour in the area of the boat ramp, and[…]
Unfortunately we will not be going in to Hayden Bay this season. The rest of our route on this night is not affected (Hayden Bay is just a small portion of our route). Between water levels and the added[…]
Route Details 7:00PM – Columbia River Fleet assembles headed upriver in front of Salty’s Restaurant, 38th/NE Marine Drive and turns at NE 42nd St to head downriver to North Portland Harbor.[…]
Route Details 6:00PM – The combined fleet (Columbia River and Willamette River Fleets) assembles at the St. Helens City Docks and heads downriver to Columbia City, and weather/river[…]
Route Details 4:30PM – The combined fleet (Columbia River and Willamette River Fleets) meets in the afternoon at Coon Island and leave for Scappoose arriving approximately 5:00PM then[…]
Route Details 7:00PM – Columbia Fleet assembles in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive. Tonight the fleet will remain the first hour in the area of the boat ramp, and[…]
Unfortunately we will not be going in to Hayden Bay this season. The rest of our route on this night is not affected (Hayden Bay is just a small portion of our route). Between water levels and the added[…]
Route Details 7:00PM – Columbia Fleet assembles in front of James M Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and continues upriver to the I-205 Bridge area and Steamboat Landing. The fleet[…]
Route Details 4:30PM – The combined fleet (Columbia River and Willamette River Fleets) will leave RiverPlace Marina headed to Lake Oswego, arriving about 6:00PM, subject to weather and[…]
Unfortunately we will not be going in to Hayden Bay this season. The rest of our route on this night is not affected (Hayden Bay is just a small portion of our route). Between water levels and the added[…]
Route Details 7:00PM – Columbia River Fleet assembles headed upriver in front of Salty’s Restaurant, 38th/NE Marine Drive and turns at NE 42nd St to head downriver to North Portland Harbor.[…]
If you’ve never seen our parade before, you have many opportunities to see us. Figure out which river and night work best for you from our schedules: Columbia River Schedule -or- Willamette River Schedule. The schedule details for each night list some of the best viewing locations to see us. Sometimes that may be from a shoreline park or it may be from the warmth of a restaurant overlooking the river. On the Willamette, you always have the opportunity to see us from a dinner cruise. Make your reservations now, they book up fast!
How will you participate this year? As a spectator or as a Christmas Ships skipper? As long as you have a boat that can do at least 6 knots and have a desire to decorate it, we welcome anyone to join us. It’s a fulfilling experience that you won’t forget. Be warned, it is addictive! The commitment can be whatever you want it to be. Join us for one night or join us for all. To see some of the benefits, please visit: Benefits. To sign up, please visit: Sign Up.
Portland, OR. Jesuit High School held its first-ever online Financial Aid event to raise funds for financial aid. Head Coach of the Miami Heat Erik Spoelstra, was one of the featured speakers during livestream event. The Jesuit graduate is pictured above at a pre-pandemic meet and greet with students.
Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach Miami Heat
During the livestream event on November 19th, Spoelstra spoke about the importance of financial aid at the private Catholic school to support current and future students.
The online event raised $450,000 with more gifts promised by individuals and corporate matching programs in the coming weeks.
Stan Brock also recorded a greeting for fellow supporters. He’s a former NFL football player and Jesuit graduate.
Hosts for the event were Father Billy Biegler, S.J., and math teacher Laura Schick.
Jesuit Portland president Tom Arndorfer helped move the evening along and the fundraiser clocked in at less than one hour.
For the current school year, 351 deserving students and their families received over $3.7 million in assistance. This is a 12% increase from 2019-20. Your gift of any size is needed and appreciated by present and future Jesuit students.
Still hoping to donate? We are continuing to accept contributions to our financial aid fund. Click here for a link.
We are also incredibly grateful to our wonderful sponsors and donors, including the Challenge Gift Sponsors who joined together to match gifts up to $50,000. Special thanks to The Scott/Daniel Family, Renee James and Steve Cooney, Tricia and Patrick Heffernan
Our mission to educate young women and men is rooted in over four centuries of a Jesuit educational tradition defined by faith, community, and a commitment to serve the “Greater Glory of God.”
Portland, OR. You could find your next Christmas gift at the Arts Council of Lake Oswego Holiday Marketplace. It showcases work from over 30 local artists including fine art, wood, ceramics, jewelry, handmade gifts, ornaments, textiles, confections, accessories, and more. The Holiday Marketplace is open for in-person, online, and curbside pickup shopping from Nov 28 to Dec 30.
During the two-week freeze that started on Nov 18th by order of Oregon Gov Kate Brown, the Holiday Marketplace is able to still offer in-person shopping with a lowered capacity that is limited to ten people including employees.
“I think what’s great about it is that we still are able to offer some sort of in-person shopping experience and from artists who are local,” Executive Director, Nicole Nathan, said. “So, while it may look a little bit different, we’re still able to offer the same core [values] at the heart of what we do and support our artists while also supporting the artistic community in Lake Oswego.”
The 2019 Holiday Marketplace.
In its fourth year, the Holiday Marketplace is one of the only in-person local gatherings of artists for the Portland and Lake Oswego area. Purchases directly benefit the artists and community-enriching programming of the Arts Council and this year the Holiday Marketplace can be found at the ARTspace Gallery.
For those who would like to stay local and stay safe while shopping, an online option will be available for the first time due to COVID-19 coinciding with the opening day of the Holiday Marketplace on Nov 28. The online shopping platform won’t feature everything from the gallery, instead, a few pieces of work from this years’ artists will be available to browse.
Nathan believes that this will be a good option for those who either live far away or might be sheltering place, because of travel restrictions, since they might not be able to come by in person. The online Holiday Marketplace will be able to reach those from further afield and still be able to enjoy some work, by local artists, or artists who they love and have seen before.
Some of the artwork offered at the Holiday Marketplace last year.
With restrictions in place, the Holiday Marketplace will look different this year with fewer wearables such as clothing and textiles. Vendors will also be further spread out to adhere to the six-foot guidelines. With the few pieces of clothing that are offered those will be disinfected between each visitor among other extra precautions.
ARTspace Gallery is taking all the safety precautions for a safe visit including:
Face masks are required to visit
Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the gallery
Safe distance decals and public capacity are enforced
Sanitizing and cleaning after visitors
Contact-tracing – provide information where the public can check-in
Requesting people to stay home if not feeling well
According to Nathan, “We have an incredible number of artists who’ve been with us in past years and some new work as well. There’s some beautiful work, that you can get for yourself or your loved ones; It’s really in great support of not only our artists but helps support the arts council throughout the year.”
From the Arts Council of Lake Oswego website: The Arts Council of Lake Oswego works to ensure that arts are an integral part of life in our community, now and into the future.
Portland, OR. The fourth annual #myRCH event raised $250,000 for Randall Children’s Hospital. The theme for the October 23rd fundraiser was a virtual pajama party; it was moved from in-person to online to follow COVID-19 guidelines for physical distancing. Dale Johannes of Artisan Auctions and event coordinator Alyson Evans are pictured above in their PJs. The virtual event highlighted the work of Randall Children’s providers, patient testimonials, and a livestream raffle to celebrate the hospital’s courageous kids, while raising funds for its programs.
Donors heard the story of Leah Lopez, who made national headlines this year as one of the nation’s first kids diagnosed with the COVID-19-related illness, Multi-inflammatory Syndrome in Children. The experts at Randall Children’s collaborated on her lifesaving treatment. (Photo courtesy ABC News)
From Randall Children’s Hospital Foundation:
Gold sponsors this year included Gold + Arrow Salon, Ida P. Colver and Roger C. Ray, Violetta Office, Northwest Newborn Specialists/MEDNAX and PacificSource Health Plans.
Randall Children’s Hospital Foundation raises funds for the hospital, a regional leader in the care of babies, children and teens — blending the finest in medical services with family-friendly spaces.
Randall Children’s Hospital is part of Legacy Health – the area’s largest local, nonprofit health system.
To learn more about supporting Randall Children’s Hospital Foundation visit legacyhealthgiving.org.
Gresham, OR. Mount Hood Medical Foundation recently raised almost $60,000 at its annual golf tournament to support the expansion of cardiac services at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center. Jeff Ganz, pictured above, explains, “This tournament is great fun every year, and this year was no exception. We had to overcome COVID and then a smoked out valley, but in the end, we made it through and really enjoyed ourselves.” Ganz is a Trustee for the Mount Hood Medical Center Foundation and feels strongly about supporting its efforts. “The expansion of cardiac services at the hospital will be a great asset to our community.”
Players from 15 sponsor companies participated in The Drive Benefit Golf Tournament at Stone Creek Golf Club from September 1 through October 16. The format changed this year from a one-day tournament to a six-week event to follow safe COVID-19 guidelines for physical distancing.
This year’s Double Eagle Sponsor was Soderstrom Architects, a firm with a broad philanthropic mission: “Soderstrom believes in changing lives beyond architecture, through charitable giving. We give because we are committed to improving our community and making sure no one is left behind.”
Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center is in the midst of a three-year campaign to expand cardiac services, including two new cardiac catheterization suites for emergency care.
Funds from the tournament will support a separate $600,000 campaign for community education services, nutrition counseling, exercise equipment, and patient assistance.
From Mount Hood Medical Center Foundation:
Mount Hood Medical Center Foundation raises funds for Legacy Mount Hood, East Multnomah County’s full-service community hospital. Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center is part of Legacy Health – a nonprofit health system driven by a mission to improve the lives of those around us.
To learn more about supporting Mount Hood Medical Center Foundation, visit www.legacyhealth.org/giving
Portland, OR. “Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Resilience and Impact” is the theme for World AIDS Day. The annual commemoration is coming up on December 1st, but there will be no big in-person gatherings where supporters unite, as seen above. There will the first-ever nationwide AIDS Memorial Quilt display. Each year, sections of the AIDS Memorial Quilt travel to communities throughout the country for in-person displays. In 2020, it’s not possible due to Covid-19. Organizers explain, “While nothing can replace the beauty of seeing the Quilt in-person, our hope is that this first-ever, 50-state AIDS Memorial Quilt virtual exhibition, helps use the power and beauty of the Quilt to help our nation heal and remember during these difficult times.”
Each display is hosted by a Quiltmaker, community organization or business and includes touching narratives that connect each display to the lives memorialized and their work around HIV/AIDS. The exhibition is free to the public through March 31, 2021.
The National AIDS Memorial has worked together with Quilt partners from across the country to create this exhibition which includes digital images from thousands of hand-sewn Quilt panels, each visually telling the story of loved ones lost to AIDS.
Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is also marking World AIDS Day. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first-ever global health day. It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV transmission, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.
From Cascade AIDS Project:
2020 has been a year like no other due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our community has faced increased challenges in housing, mental health, food security, and access to healthcare. CAP has responded by providing emergency housing and rent assistance, telehealth services, food delivery, and virtual support groups.
Check out the video below that gives a great overview of the programs CAP offers and shows how your support of CAP directly impacts people’s lives.
While we have been able to provide much-needed relief to hundreds of Oregonians and Washingtonians throughout the pandemic, the need for these services has not diminished. Rather, there are still so many of our friends and neighbors who need access to compassionate healthcare and critical wraparound services. Because of that, we are asking for your help this World AIDS Day so we can continue providing these services, especially as the nights grow longer and colder and access to safe, dry, and warm housing is imperative. If you feel compelled, please consider making a gift to support these programs.
Portland, OR. For the first time, visitors who attend ZooLights will be able to enjoy a light display of 1.5 million bright lights, animated animals, and immersive tunnels of lights from their car. This experience has been designed to provide a safe way for the community to continue this holiday tradition. The Oregon Zoo is known for the ZooLights display, but the annual walk-through is suspended along with daytime operations from Nov. 18 to Dec. 2, due to a two-week freeze put in place by Oregon Gov. Kate Brown in hopes of slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Visitors drive through ZooLights from earlier this year in a test run-through.
The two-week freeze has taken effect in Oregon, but the state’s most populous county will see those restrictions for even longer. Gov. Brown issued the freeze for at least four weeks in Multnomah County.
Oregon Zoo’s ZooLights runs from Nov. 22nd, till Jan. 10th, with the exception of Dec. 25th. Tickets are available online and must be purchased in advance. Here’s a video about the drive-through ZooLights experience:
“Everything’s been a little different in 2020, and ZooLights is no exception,” explains zoo events manager Nikki Simmons. “Like most of this community, our biggest concern right now is protecting everyone’s health and safety. We’re just thankful we could come up with a good way for the community to enjoy this holiday tradition.”
A child and adult enjoy some of the ZooLights from a test run-through earlier this fall.
How it will work; visitors can purchase one ticket per vehicle and join a queue to check-in curbside then proceed to the drive-through entrance. The route will go through the widest paths of the zoo which includes some behind-the-scene areas around the outside of Elephant Lands taking approximately 30-40 minutes.
A map of the drive-through ZooLights.
To help ensure a safe experience for all, the following measures will be in place during this year’s ZooLights:
Timed ticketing/limited attendance: All guests, including members, must reserve their ZooLights tickets in advance via the zoo website. Tickets are only available up to one week in advance of the visit date.
Masks/face coverings: Drive-through guests do not need to wear masks while enjoying the lights from inside their vehicle. Masks are required, however, during check-in and other interactions with ZooLights staff.
From the Oregon Zoo website: The Oregon Zoo inspires the community to respect animals and take action on behalf of the natural world. We do this by creating engaging experiences and advancing the highest level of animal welfare, environmental literacy, and conservation science.
Portland, OR. For over 30 years, Christmas For Kids has helped with holiday shopping sprees for deserving kids hand-selected by their school counselors. Unfortunately, the annual volunteer event pictured above in 2019, won’t look the same this year. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, volunteers won’t be on hand to help with the shopping. Typically, students work with a Christmas for Kids shopper, and together they check off a Christmas list which usually includes things like needed clothes and coats. Volunteers are vital because they often augment allotted funds to help make wishlists complete.
A young girl, followed by her volunteer shopper, pushes her cart around while looking at plush animals during last year’s event.
Bill Wilson, a board member at Christmas For Kids, explains the decision to modify the event. “It’s kind of heartbreaking with COVID and then so many people losing their jobs or being furloughed or unemployed. The need is even greater this year than it has been in the past and it’s sad that we can’t have the event.”
According to Wilson, the nonprofit doesn’t want to risk spreading COVID-19, and that’s why volunteers must stay home. But organizers hope those generous individuals will make a contribution to the bottom line. Last year, the volunteer shoppers donated $15,000 to help complete shopping lists.
A child is fitted for a coat during last year’s event.
Christmas For Kids helps around 450-500 children each year and since 2004 the organization has helped over 9,800 kids. This year the list of worthy recipients is over 1,000. While volunteers won’t be present this year sponsors like superstore Fred Meyers, are promising to bring in additional staff and people to help on the day of the event. Items to expect this year include packaged clothing for girls and boys such as socks, underwear, fleece blankets, fleece coats, and fleece beanies. These packages will also include mystery merchandise from Columbia Sportswear Company.
Tigard Police attends and hands out teddy bears from the event last year.
Partnering with Fred Meyers has given the organization a substantial discount as well as discounts for items from Columbia. This allows the organization to maximize the amount they can give to the children.
With a larger goal of helping kids this Christmas, according to Wilson, the organization is going to be spending more money than they had anticipated due to the high need this year. To help with Christmas For Kids donations click here.
A combination of donated funds, donated items, and volunteer efforts keep overhead low; 95¢ of every $1.00 donated is spent on the children.
From Christmas For Kids website:
Christmas for Kids is a magical event where local Portland, Oregon Metro area kids are selected by their Title One School counselors, due to extreme need, to join a volunteer shopper to check off a Christmas wishlist. Our focus is to provide basic clothing needs for the child and their immediate siblings.
A combination of donated funds, donated items (coats, books, hygiene items, etc.), vastly reduced prices, and volunteer contributions create a unique situation in our organization where, on average, over 95¢ of every dollar donated is spent on the child on the day of the event.
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