Portland, OR. Portland Opera announced programming for the company’s 56th season, which will open on October 25, 2019 and will include Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. The season was announced to supporters at the opera’s annual “BIG NIGHT” celebration on May 11th. Music Director George Manahan lead the Portland Opera chorus, orchestra, resident artists, and guest soloists in an evening which featured works by Verdi, Bizet, Mozart, and more.
Fans enjoyed the red carpet treatment.
The season 2019/20 will launch with one of the most powerful operas of all time, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, starring internationally acclaimed soprano Hiromi Omura in the title role. In February, the company will present An American Quartet: Four One-Act Operas in an intimate evening in the Hampton Opera Center’s black box theatre. These one-acts feature Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Telephone, Samuel Barber’s A Hand of Bridge, Douglas Moore’s Gallantry, and Lee Hoiby’s Bon Appétit! The season will continue with a rare presentation of Vivaldi’s operaBajazet in March, which will be a special collaboration with the Portland Baroque Orchestra. In the spring, Portland Opera will present its annual Big Night concert and Leoncavallo’s verismo masterpiece, Pagliacci. The 2019/20 season will close with the Portland Opera premiere of Jake Heggie’s familial drama, Three Decembers.
“The 2019/20 season is a celebration of the art of opera,” says General Director Christopher Mattaliano. “This season gives us the opportunity to explore works spanning four different centuries, from Bajazet, which premiered in 1735, to Three Decembers which premiered in 2008. We cannot wait to bring our audiences on this journey with us.”
From Portland Opera:
Portland Opera 2019/20 Season
Madama Butterfly – Giacomo Puccini
Four performances: October 25, 27m, 31, November 2, 2019 Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay Street Sung in Italian with English captions.
Cio-Cio-San Hiromi Omura Pinkerton Luis Chapa
Suzuki Nina Yoshida
Sharpless Troy Cook
Goro Karl Marx Reyes
Yamadori André Chiang
Bonze Peixin Chen
Kate Pinkerton Camille Sherman
Conductor George Manahan
Director E. Loren Meeker
This unforgettable drama tells the story of a young wife and mother named Cio-Cio-San, in Nagasaki, Japan, in 1904. She waits for the return of her beloved B.F. Pinkerton, a lieutenant in the United States Navy. When his ship comes in, her dreams for the future meet his – with tragic and heartbreaking results.
Classic sets and costumes honor tradition in this production. Internationally acclaimed Japanese soprano Hiromi Omura makes her U.S. debut as our heroine.
“An idealistic, Japanese girl in the early 1900s falls for a brash, entitled American soldier whose actions turn her love into a story ending in exploitation, betrayal, and abandonment,” says stage director E. Loren Meeker. “Puccini’s masterpiece Madama Butterfly forces American audiences to consider our history, culture, and the unknown victims of our past foreign policy. Our goal within a traditional setting is to honor Japanese culture through insightful storytelling and modern characterization. This creates an environment where we can examine the harsh realities of our past in an effort to learn from our mistakes at global, national, and personal levels.”
An American Quartet: Four One-Act Operas The Telephone – Gian Carlo Menotti
A Hand of Bridge – Samuel Barber
Gallantry – Douglas Moore
Bon Appétit! – Lee Hoiby
Five performances: February 7, 9m, 11, 13, 15, 2020
The Gregory K. and Mary Chomenko Hinckley Studio Theatre at the Hampton Opera Center, 211 SE Caruthers Street
Sung in English with English captions.
Julia Child Angela Niederloh
Announcer, Sally Camille Sherman
Ben, David, Doctor Gregg Geoffrey Schellenberg
Lucy, Geraldine, Lola Markham Emilie Faiella
Bill, Donald Hopewell Ricardo Garcia
Conductor Nicholas Fox
Director Allison Narver
Visit our black box theatre for an intimate evening of four American one-act operas. In The Telephone, constant calling interrupts a young man’s intentions. In A Hand of Bridge, four card players share their fears, hopes, and frustrations. InGallantry, we witness a television soap-opera (complete with a live soap commercial); and in Bon Appétit! we’ll savor the words of Julia Child in a transcript of how to bake the perfect French chocolate cake. Complimentary chocolate cake will be served after the performance!
“We are thrilled to welcome our audience to our home at the Hampton Opera Center for these four one-acts,” says General Director Christopher Mattaliano. “The expertly compact composition of each of these pieces is truly delightful. They are filled with character, expression, and wit. Together, they give us an operatic peek into a slice of American life.”
Bajazet – Antonio Vivaldi
Five performances: March 20, 22m, 24, 26, 28, 2020
Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway Avenue
Sung in Italian with English captions.
Bajazet Daniel Mobbs
Asteria Camille Sherman
Tamerlano Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen
Irene Avery Amereau
Andronico John Marzano
Idaspe Kathleen Kim
Conductor Erin Helyard
Director Chas Rader-Shieber
Scenic & Costume Designer Michael Olich
Bajazet, Emperor of the Turks, has been captured. His daughter, Asteria, plans to kill her father’s captor, Tamerlano, who also wishes to marry her. Irene, a princess who loves Tamerlano, discovers the murder plot and intervenes. Andronico, an ally of Tamerlano, is in love with Asteria. Honor, forgiveness, and duty shine brightly in this muscular tale of conflict, love, and conquerors.
Portland Opera is thrilled to collaborate with Portland Baroque Orchestra to present the American professional premiere of Vivaldi’s rarely performed Baroque masterpiece from 1735. Australian conductor Erin Helyard makes his U.S. debut with a cast featuring contralto Avery Amereau and countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen.
“Even as the walls seem to be crumbling around them, the characters of Bajazet live in a musical world of unparalleled beauty,” says stage director Chas Rader-Shieber. “As one culture is dismissed and destroyed by another, with a kind of cruelty that is both frightening and yet familiar, the personal and emotional lives of those in power are given a careful kind of examination by Vivaldi. Emotion at its most potent, power at its most dangerous, and music at its greatest expression of pure theatricality are at the center of this amazing, tragic, and moving opera.”
Big Night, A Special Concert
May 9, 2020 Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay Street
Sung in various languages with English captions.
For the annual Big Night concert, Portland Opera’s chorus and orchestra are joined by international guest soloists and the Portland Opera Resident Artists for an evening of beautiful music.
This performance will feature tenor Fabio Armiliato, bass-baritone Daniel Mobbs, among other guest stars, as well as the 2019/20 Portland Opera Resident Artists, and the Portland Opera Orchestra and Chorus, led by Music DirectorGeorge Manahan. General Director Christopher Mattaliano will be the host of the evening.
Pagliacci – Ruggero Leoncavallo
Four performances: June 5, 7m, 11, 13, 2020
Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay Street
Sung in Italian with English captions.
Canio Fabio Armiliato
Nedda Vanessa Isiguen
Tonio Michael Chioldi
Silvio Will Liverman
Conductor George Manahan
Director Christopher Mattaliano
Based on a real story from a newspaper clipping in the late nineteenth century, Leoncavallo’s “Clowns” tells the story of a travelling troupe of entertainers who perform for an Italian village. They present a show that becomes increasingly parallel to their actual tumultuous lives—resulting in blurred lines between comedy, tragedy, reality, and performance.
Maestro George Manahan and General Director Christopher Mattaliano team up to bring Portland Opera’s nostalgic production, set in the 1940s, back to the stage. Renowned Italian tenor Fabio Armiliato makes his Portland Opera debut, joined by soprano Vanessa Isiguen and baritones Will Liverman and Michael Chioldi.
“Pagliacci is the quintessential verismo opera,” says stage director Christopher Mattaliano. “It’s entertaining, dramatic, and a fantastic option for a first-time opera-goer.”
Three Decembers– Jake Heggie
Five performances: July 17, 19m, 22, 23, 25 2020
Newmark Theatre
Sung in English with English captions.
Beatrice Caitlin Lynch
Maddie Susannah Mars
Charlie Geoffrey Schellenberg
Conductor Nicholas Fox
Director Alan Paul
A heartwarming and bittersweet family portrait comes into focus over the course of three Decembers in 1986, 1996, and 2006. Madeline (a Broadway actress) and her adult children face the challenges of secrets, resentment, and reconciliation in this illuminating story about the very real complexities of being a family.
Susannah Mars returns to Portland Opera in this new production directed by Alan Paul, Associate Artistic Director of the Shakespeare Theater Company in Washington, D.C.
“Three Decembers is a profound story about time, family, and art,” says stage director Alan Paul. “I love stories that span decades, and this opera explores the wounds, secrets, and dreams of a family over three Decembers in three different decades. It’s a juicy opera to direct, and I can’t wait to come back to Portland and bring it to life.”
Tickets and Information
Subscriptions for the 2019/20 season are on sale now. Single tickets for Madama Butterfly, An American Quartet, andBajazet will go on sale on August 16, 2019, and single tickets for the remainder of the season will go on sale on December 6, 2019. For more information, and to purchase tickets visit portlandopera.org, call Patron Services at 503-241-1802, or visit in person at the Hampton Opera Center, located at 211 SE Caruthers Street in Portland, Oregon. Patron Services hours are Monday through Friday, 10 AM – 5 PM. Portland Opera offers complimentary concierge services for all patrons. You can e-mail [email protected] for information about parking, attire, dining recommendations, and more.
Main stage operas are presented with projected English translations above the stage. Evening performances begin at 7:30 PM, and matinee performances begin at 2 PM. Late seating is not permitted.
We are proud to be able to offer many ways for community members to experience Portland Opera. Portland Opera is a participant in Arts for All—providing $5 tickets for Oregon Trail Card holders for operas at the Keller Auditorium and Newmark Theatre. These tickets can be purchased two weeks prior to each performance. We also offer a limited amount of free tickets to Multnomah County Library cardholders through the library’s Discover Pass program. Visit multcolib.org for more information.
Student tickets are $10 and are made available for every performance. Student tickets can be purchased up to two weeks prior to each performance. We are proud to also work with the Veteran Tickets Foundation (vettix.org) to share event tickets with U.S. Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families.
Portland Opera offers wheelchair accessible and companion seating for every performance throughout the season and offers assisted listening devices for productions at the Newmark Theatre and Keller Auditorium. Designated performances also include a live audio-description of the visual and physical events on-stage for patrons who are blind or have low vision. Please contact Patron Services for additional information.
Portland Opera appreciates the ongoing support of funders including The Collins Foundation, Meyer Memorial Trust, Oregon Arts Commission, Work for Art, the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, and The Regional Arts & Culture Council, including support from the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and the Arts Education & Access Fund.
About Portland Opera
Portland Opera exists to inspire, challenge, and uplift our audiences by creating productions of high artistic quality that celebrate the beauty and breadth of opera.
Since 1964, Portland Opera has contributed to the cultural, artistic, and economic landscape of the city and region that we love. We celebrate the beauty and breadth of the opera repertoire with performances that take place in the Keller Auditorium, Newmark Theatre, and the Gregory K. and Mary Chomenko Hinckley Studio Theatre at the Hampton Opera Center. The company is also a committed educational partner, touring fully staged operas to schools and community centers throughout Oregon and SW Washington region each year, in addition to a host of other efforts designed to make opera accessible for all.
Portland, OR. Due to overwhelming demand at DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency Hospital, and local area clinics, the DoveLewis Blood Bank is running critically low on several canine blood types. Superhero Calamity Jane (in the orange scarf) has been donating to the DoveLewis Blood Bank for five years and has donated 21 units. Her blood recently helped save the lives of a 3-year-old Australian shepherd suffering from rat bait poisoning and a 5-year-old pit bull with an autoimmune disorder. New volunteer canine blood donors are needed to continue the lifesaving efforts of the program. (Photo credit, Gia Goodrich)
A growing local pet population and active summer months have created a greater need for animal blood transfusions.
New volunteer canine donors are needed to meet the increased demand for blood products.
“Just one donation can help treat up to four animals,” said Ron Morgan, DoveLewis president and CEO. “We call our donors Superheroes because they are truly saving lives.” DoveLewis will treat more than 20,000 patients this year, and demand for blood transfusions increases during summer months due to a surge in patients during this time.
Each year, the DoveLewis Blood Bank provides enough blood and plasma for more than 700 transfusions throughout Oregon and the United States. Transfusions are typically required during surgeries, for animals with immune deficiency disorders, and for animals suffering from traumas.
Canine blood donors must meet a few basic requirements, including:
1-6 years old
55+ pounds
Healthy and current on vaccines
Gentle disposition
The donation process is quick, easy and painless for both the canine donor and the owner. DoveLewis asks volunteers to commit to giving blood for two years (four to six donations per year). Donors also receive a variety of medical benefits.
From DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital:
DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital, established in 1973 and based in Portland, Oregon, is the only nonprofit, 24-hour emergency and intensive care unit in the region. With 45 years of service to the community, DoveLewis has treated more than 600,000 animals. DoveLewis also has seven donor-supported community programs that serve animals in need and the animal-loving community. For more information, please visit dovelewis.org.
Lake Oswego, OR. The Oregon Nurses Foundation board chair, RN Kathleen Sims, helped honor Teri Mills as Oregon Nurse of the Year. The nurse activist and public health advocate was honored on April 28th at the Crowne Plaza in Lake Osewego. The Oregon Nurses Foundation brunch drew over 75 people. It celebrated nurses and raised $26,000 to help advance the nursing profession and open nursing careers to underserved populations.
Caitlin Reed, RN, Oregon Nurses Association board treasurer
Guest speaker Wanda Montalvo, PhD, RN, the Executive Director of Jonas Nursing and Veterans Healthcare at Columbia University
Elizabeth McPhee, RN, nominated Teri Mills for the Oregon Nurse of the Year award
Teri Mills, the 2019 Oregon Nurse of the Year, has had a career that spans more than four decades, demonstrating nursing excellence in teaching, mentoring and advocacy. Foundation members say she consistently works to increase the visibility of the nursing profession from testifying in front of lawmakers to writing op-eds for national publications.
“Our work is not finished,” said Mills, “there is a great need for a National Nurse for Public Health. America is our patient. Nurses are and have always been the trusted credible messengers.”
The Oregon Nurses Foundation’s Oregon Nurse of the Year Award recognizes an Oregon registered nurse who is a trailblazer in the care of patients and families and who advances the profession through their practice and community involvement. “Nursing means so much to me. I knew at four years old that this was my calling. I’m humbled by this special recognition, especially since it comes from my peers.”
The United States has four million registered nurses. Every year National Nurses Week begins on May 6 and ends May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.
Oregon’s growing and aging population is increasing the need for health care services. While demand for services is increasing, the supply of nurses is shrinking. “The Oregon Nurses Foundation wants to make a significant impact in the lives of students,” said the Foundation’s Development Director Judith Woodruff. “We are kicking off a campaign to raise $100,000, which will allow us to award larger scholarships in 2020.” Special thanks to event sponsors OHSU School of Nursing, Jonas Philanthropies, University of Portland School of Nursing, Nurse Practitioners of Oregon, Constituent Association 1, Portland Nursery and California Casualty.
Portland, OR. Promenade Portland, Assistance League® of Greater Portland’s signature fundraiser, was a sell-out event and and grossed $134,000. The benefit was held at the Multnomah Athletic Club on April 29th. Emcee Poison Waters, Fundraising VP Nancy Duran and Event Chairs, Leslie Anton and Tuni Garrigues posed for a photo at the 3rd annual luncheon/fashion show. Promenade Portland featured fashions from local boutiques including: Co Co and Toulouse, Monique’s Boutique, Paloma Clothing, Pig’ments Boutique, Rachelle M. Rustic House of Fashion, Switch Shoes and Clothing and Assistance League Thrift Store. Members of Assistance League modeled the clothing. (Photo credit, Brubaker Photography)
Sherry Linder receiving Community Service Award from Philanthropic VP, Patty Funes
Josh Oller receiving Operation School Bell Award from Philanthropic VP, Patty Funes
Two awards were presented as part of the events program. Josh Oller of Silver Lining Jewelry was the recipient of the Operation School Bell® Award. For more than a decade, Silver Lining has been a supporter of Assistance League and Operation School Bell by donating fine jewelry each year that we have auctioned at our major fundraisers. Assistance League is grateful to Josh Oller and Silver Lining for their consistent reliable support. Also awarded was the Community Service Award presented to Sherry Linder, of Seams to Fit. This award is given to an outstanding individual or group that has continuously given to our local communities. Sherry’s contributions over the years have significantly impacted Assistance League Thrift Store, and have touched all its philanthropies.
Audra Scott, Business Liaison with the Beaverton School District, spoke about the tireless volunteers and their impact of Assistance League’s Operation School Bell program on local families, “Along with the homeless and low income population, Assistance League helps to clothe, they also have come to the rescue of families who have experienced devastating house fires.”
From Assistance League of Greater Portland:
Assistance League of Greater Portland has been improving lives through community-based programs since 1965. Assistance League member volunteers provide five community service programs. The programs serve local families in need by providing new school clothing, enrichment activities for troubled youth, personal history books for foster and abused children, emergency clothing for assault victims and a scholarship program. In addition to grants, sponsorships and donations, funds are raised at Assistance League Thrift and Consignment Shops at 4000 SW 117th Avenue in Beaverton.
Portland, OR. Nearly 500 guests joined Portland State University for Wine and Roses 2019 – an annual fundraising gala in support of Vikings Athletics. Thanks to the generosity of guests and sponsors, the April 27th benefit generated more than $500,000, the majority of which will be used for student-athlete scholarships. Led by mascot Victor E. Viking, Vikings student-athletes kicked off the high-energy night in good spirits. (Photo credit, Megan Connelly)
PSU alum and former NFL quarterback Neil Lomax, ’81, unveils championship banners on stage at Wine and Roses 2019.
Viking Hall of Famer Neil Lomax, ’81, welcomed the audience and unveiled the new PSU championship banners which will be permanently installed in the rafters of the Viking Pavilion at the Peter W. Stott Center. Among them are nine retired jerseys, nine conference championship titles and two national championship titles.
“With these banners, we’re able to honor the people and teams who have helped build this amazing program in a new way,” said Neil Lomax. “This is our legacy, and we’re proud of it.”
Nearly 500 guests raised more than $500,000 in support of Vikings Athletics.
More than 200 student-athletes volunteered at the event, welcoming guests to the Viking Pavilion at the Peter W. Stott Center and sharing their stories of opportunity. Student-athlete Donte Robinson shared his story of achievement as a three-time Big Sky Conference Champion for PSU Men’s Track and Field. Freshman Desirae Hansen, whose game-winning shot delivered the Vikings’ first Big Sky tournament title since 2010, also shared her powerful PSU story.
PSU Athletics Director Valerie Cleary shows the audience what it means to be a Viking.
“Our student-athletes shine in all they do — in the classroom, in their sport, and in the community,” said Athletics Director Valerie Cleary. “Scholarships are critical to their success. Thank you to everyone who came out on Saturday to support these phenomenal young men and women.”
From PSU:
The night’s success comes thanks to presenting sponsor Jeff Eulberg of Evergreen Gavekal. Eulberg is a Viking Football alum and PSU Foundation Board Member whose leadership as a sponsor has helped to advance the university’s athletics program over the past six years. “My experiences as a student-athlete laid the groundwork for the success that I’ve found in recent years,” said Jeff Eulberg. “I’m proud to pay that forward by supporting a program that makes such an impact in the lives of student-athletes and in our city.” Additional thanks to event sponsors Peter and Julie Stott, Burns Brothers, Stewart Sokol & Larkin, Key Event Services, Les Schwab, Steve and Dolores Petruzelli and the many others who came together in support of Portland State Athletics.
Portland, OR. Community Warehouse’s Chair Affair on April 13th was held at the Sentinel Hotel. Executive Director Dunetchka Otero-Serrano, Founder Roz Babener, and Rich Nixon were on hand for the cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner and live auction. The annual gala was also an opportunity for supporters to spend time with other community members who see the furniture bank as an important offering in a time of need. (Photo credit, Michelle Radford-Brown, Justin Houk, Tom Healy)
Estela Sanchez and Pedro Flores, owners of La Cocina restaurant, were honored guests and featured speakers, sharing their story of friendship with Community Warehouse.
Mark and Cathy Myers, of SSOE.
Dirk Fournier, Dunetchka Otero-Serrano, and Jody Stahancyk
Auctioneer Dale Johannes helps Golden Ticket Winner Dorothy Barnum make a selection from the live auction packages.
Jessica Thompson, of Oregon Walks
Bid cards raised! Dunetchka Otero-Serrano and Brandi Tuck, of Portland Homeless Family Solutions
Organizers say, “Our region only has one furniture bank to provide essential items for people and families whose homes—and lives—are transformed by the generous offerings of our community. Neighbors helping neighbors, turning houses into homes.”
From Community Warehouse:
Community Warehouse is a nonprofit furniture bank that connects essential furniture and household items to 7,800 individuals, including 3,553 children, every year. Through partnerships with over 200 social service agencies, the Warehouse helps 60 households each week in our Portland and Tualatin locations, and keeps 500+ tons of goods out of landfills each year. Together, we put used goods to good use every day as we help our neighbors in need. Chair Affair is the Warehouse’s major annual fundraiser. All proceeds from the event directly support Community Warehouse. Learn more at communitywarehouse.org
Portland, OR. Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) celebrated its 7th Annual Cherry Blossom Gala on Saturday, April 6th at Castaway Portland, raising $77,000 to support the college’s students, low-income patients and affordable clinics. The college honored OCOM patient Dr. Aart Lovenstein (pictured with Molly Frye) and his healing journey through acupuncture and compassionate care. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
The benefit brought together 200 people to illuminate health and healing, including new college President, Sherri Green, PhD, OCOM co-founder Eric Stephens, DAOM, LAc and Chair of the Old Town Chinatown Community Association, Helen Ying.
Laura Bueermann and Eric Stephens, DAOM, LAc ’05
DR. Bradley “Brad” Malsin, MD, OCOM Board Member
OCOM President Sherri L. Green, PhD
Emcee Jamie Greenhut ’21 and Auctioneer Dale Johannes
Peter Martin, MAcOM, LAc ’92
Eager Bidders Raise Their Paddles
This year’s theme, “The Night of 1000 Lanterns” inspired the crowd with a variety of experiences including a cocktail reception, Chinese-inspired dinner, live Chinese music, a “Sparkle Lounge” with free Swarovski ear crystals, Chinese calligraphy, “Laughing Buddha” photo booth, and silent and live auctions.
From OCOM:
Founded in 1983, OCOM is a single-purpose professional graduate school that offers first professional and postgraduate degree programs in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. OCOM’s mission is to transform health care by educating highly skilled and compassionate practitioners, providing exemplary patient care, and engaging in innovative research within a community of service and healing. Our 1,400 graduates practice, teach and research Chinese medicine in 50 states and across the globe, and have provided an estimated 10 million treatments over the past 36 years. OCOM’s campus and main clinic inhabit a LEED Gold certified facility in historic Old Town Chinatown.
To experience OCOM health care services for yourself call OCOM’s Patient Services Team at 503-445-0951. Additional information about the program is available on our website: ocom.edu
Portland, OR. CASA for Children of Multnomah, Washington, and Columbia Counties hosted its 28th Annual Auction: Here Comes the Sun, at the Portland Art Museum on April 5th. The evening’s presenting sponsor was Fred Meyer, and the event raised more than $701,000 in support of CASA’s mission to advocate for the rights, safety, and well-being of abused and neglected children who are under the protection of the courts. This is CASA’s largest single source of fundraising revenue. (Photo credit, Colson Griffith)
Auctioneer Dale Johannes gets the crowd bidding.
Kiersten & her CASA, Cindy, share their story with guests.
The honorary guests included a young woman named Kiersten and her CASA Cindy. Cindy provided support and guidance to Kiersten during her tumultuous pre-teen years through her successful adoption as a teenager, and beyond as she graduated from PSU. This touching story moved the evening’s guests to raise their paddles during the special appeal, which raised over $310,000.
From CASA:
CASA greatly appreciates the generosity of each attendee, and would also like to thank Anna Maria Savinar and Dale Johannes, the auction’s emcee and auctioneer. The event’s success would not have been possible without them.
All proceeds raised from the auction directly impact CASA for Children’s ability to serve more children with a CASA volunteer. A CASA passionately and tirelessly works to guide a child through the trauma of the court system. Oregon law gives CASAs unusual authority as a ‘party to the case’ so that they are able to ensure that the system does not ignore a child’s needs and that the judge has the information to act in the child’s best interests. A CASA is trained to work with judges, social workers, teachers, foster parents, and family members to guarantee that the safety and well-being of the child is front and center. This annual auction ensures the continuation of CASA’s advocacy work on behalf of our community’s foster children.
Portland, OR. The annual YMCA Good Friday Breakfast at the Oregon Convention Center drew over 950 business and community leaders from the Portland and Vancouver metro area. Supporters gathered to recognize and celebrate the significance of Good Friday and a shared Christian heritage. The event was centered on prayer, encouragement and reflection. At the event Mark Burris, Chief Operations Officer at the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette, Kaytie Fiedler, Executive Director at Open Arms International; John O’Leary, Keynote Speaker; and Mike Burkesmith; Good Friday Breakfast Co-Chair posed for a photo. (Photo credit, Sam Cox)
Keynote Speaker John O’Leary, Former Governor John Kitzhaber and YMCA of Columbia-Willamette COO Mark Burris
“The YMCA shared a video highlighting its programs for kids, families and adults of all ages, their Chaplains and the Y’s Christian Principles of love, respect, honesty, responsibility and service.”
Here’s the video link.
Booths were available to sponsors, including Founder and Gold Sponsor Open Arms International
Event founder, Open Arms International, helped make the breakfast possible and Kaytie Fielder from Open Arms International was the emcee for the breakfast. Kevin Palau provided the invocation at the April 19th event. After a breakfast of Salmon Croquettes Co-Chairs Mike Burkesmith and Mark Burris, Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette took the stage to thank sponsors and guests.
The YMCA shared a video highlighting its programs for kids, families and adults of all ages, their Chaplains and the Y’s Christian Principles of love, respect, honesty, responsibility and service.
Keynote Speaker John O’Leary shared his story of triumph and his beliefs on how you choose the path to walk in your life. At the age of nine, after a massive explosion in his home, he was given a one percent chance to live, and fought extraordinary odds to survive. Organizers say John was engaging, entertaining, humble, thought-provoking while sharing his strong, selfless commitment to Jesus Christ. He also encouraged attendees to take the message of Good Friday out into their communities. Forty-five minutes after he started speaking the audience responded with a standing ovation signaling their connection to John and to the spirit of Good Friday. The breakfast wrapped up with Dorcas Brown leading the room in a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace.
Portland, OR. The Rose Festival Kick-Off Party presented by Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon was a rooftop affair at the Hoxton Hotel on 4th and Burnside. It was also a time to introduce the 2019 PGE/SOLVE Starlight Parade Grand Marshal – Mr. David Bailey AKA ‘Mr. Bailey’ as the students at Lincoln High School called him for 50 years. Lincoln is celebrating 150 years and the Festival honoring the school by featuring its most popular teacher. Now retired, David Bailey posed for a photo with former student Ashley Coates who is New Business Associate at Artslandia. (Photo credit, Vern Uyetake)
At the event on May 1st, organizers unveiled the latest Rose Festival art; souvenir poster, exclusive wine label and seasonal pin.
Rose Festival CEO Jeff Curtis & KPTV General Manager Adrienne Roark
Greg Lint Oak Knoll President & Teri Bowles-Atherton President
Jeff Curtis & Andrew Over, Regional VP of Cambia Regence
The Starlight Parade is Saturday, June 1, 2019 starting at 8:30 p.m. It will be televised on KPTV 12, starting at 9:00 p.m.
The Portland Rose Festival Foundation is a non-profit that serves families and individuals with programs and events that promote the arts, education and volunteerism. More information at: http://www.rosefestival.org/support/donate
Here’s a schedule of all the upcoming 2019 Rose Festival events:
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