Portland, OR. Do you need a reason to get outside this winter? SOLVE has the answer. Organizers says, “Fresh air and camaraderie are included. Blisters and sweat are optional.” Last year nearly 30,000 people pitched in at more than 900 different SOLVE projects throughout Oregon. You can get involved by signing up at this link.
Over 300,000 pounds of trash was removed from parks, streets and other public places in 2018.
SOLVE not only removed tons of litter, volunteers also planted at least 14,000 native trees and shrubs.
Is your company looking for team building opportunities? There’s an “Out of Office, Into Nature program.” https://www.solveoregon.org/corporate-volunteering
From SOLVE:
Our Mission Is Simple.
SOLVE is a statewide, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to bring Oregonians together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship. We are dedicated to developing relationships among different groups, individuals, and businesses in pursuit of a common goal: to protect and preserve the places that make up our uniquely beautiful home. SOLVE mobilizes one of Oregon’s largest volunteer networks to clean up our beaches, parks, neighborhoods, and other natural spaces through litter cleanups, invasive plant removal, planting native trees and shrubs, and other environmental projects. We annually support nearly 30,000 volunteers in 900 projects throughout the state.
Originally called S.O.L.V. (Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism), SOLVE was founded by Governor Tom McCall and other community leaders in 1969 to address the need for community action in our ever-growing state.
Beaverton, OR. The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts has been awarded an Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) grant of $250,000. “The Oregon Community Foundation is excited to be part of the community giving toward the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts. The center will not only provide a place to celebrate the arts, but a versatile place to meet for the vibrant Washington County community,” said Kirby Dyess, OCF Board Chair.
The gift, which will support construction of the first performing arts center of its kind to be built in the Portland-metro in more than 30 years, is exclusive to contributions made by Washington County donors, and will be allotted in 10 matching $25,000 increments. The grant announced on December 26th is valid for gifts of $25,000 or greater, and the first $25,000 of each individual gift will be matched.
Nestled adjacent to The Round between SW Cedar Hills Boulevard and SW Hall Boulevard, the facility will include a 550-seat theater, art gallery, rehearsal, workshop and meeting space, lobby, outdoor plaza and parking structure. With innovative offerings in the performing arts – theater, music and dance – the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts will be a beacon for civic engagement, creative learning and greater social cohesion.
“Everyone who supports the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts shares in our belief that art is essential to our identity and ability to build community, attract visitors and drive progress,” said Lani Faith, executive director for the Beaverton Arts Foundation, the fundraising partner for the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts. “With this generous gift from our friends at the Oregon Community Foundation, we are not only closer to bringing our vision to life, but we also have the opportunity to further engage with our fellow Washington County neighbors.”
This summer, the Beaverton Arts Foundation announced a transformative pledge – made possible by Pat Reser, through the Reser Family Foundation – of $13 million to its new center for the arts, providing nearly one-third of the $46 million needed for the project. The pledge represents the largest single investment made-to-date by the Reser Family Foundation and largest single philanthropic gift to the arts in the Portland metro area to date.
The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts will feature:
A 550-seat theatre
A spacious lobby for receptions and other events
Outdoor plaza for art exhibits, community festivals and other events
Rehearsal, workshop and meeting space
Art gallery to feature regional and traveling exhibits
Adjacent public parking structure
This state-of-the-art, world-class multidisciplinary performing and visual arts center will serve as a catalyst for personal, cultural and economic growth, as well as increased civic pride and engagement. This vision truly has been built from the ground up; an intentional, cooperative effort between public/private project champions.
View a 360-degree rendering of The Center here. For more information on this matching opportunity, please contact Lani Faith at [email protected].
Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) puts donated money to work in Oregon – more than $100 million in grants and scholarships annually. Since 1973, OCF grantmaking, research, advocacy and community-advised solutions have helped individuals, families, businesses and organizations create charitable funds to improve lives for all Oregonians. Impactful giving – time, talent and resources from many – creates measurable change. For more information about OCF, please visit: www.oregoncf.org.
Seattle, WA. Here’s a look at a colorful fundraiser popular with people in the Emerald City. For 26 years fans have visited the Sheraton Seattle’s Annual Gingerbread Village benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The theme for this year’s celebration is Welcome to Whoville. Donations are collected for JDRF and more than 200,000 people are expected to visit the village before it closes on January 2nd.
The village is set up in chronological order to tell the story of how the Grinch Stole Christmas. The five jumbo-sized gingerbread houses have a total of over 1,200 pounds of dough, 800 pounds of icing, 200 pounds of white chocolate, 250 pounds of almond paste and hundreds of pounds of candy.
First up in the display is Whoville Town and Mount Crumpit. Organizers say it took close to 8,000 hours to put together the stroll through the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss.
Next, it’s the Grinch’s Lair where he plots with his loyal dog Max.
The next gingerbread house the mischievous Grinch hard at work in his sleigh stealing Christmas. He drives the sleigh up Mount Crumpit.
Next is the presentation of the Whoville Christmas Celebration, with the Whos surrounded by the Christmas tree with their joy and love for Christmas.
Last is the depiction of the Whoville Feast, where Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, Max and the Whos of Whoville find their peace.
Viewing hours of Gingerbread Village through January 1st, are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sheraton Grand Seattle, 1400 6th Ave. Seattle 98101
From JDRF:
Nearly 24 million Americans have diabetes with a new case diagnosed every 30 seconds. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic, debilitating disease that usually strikes children and young adults, coming on suddenly and causing dependence on injected or pumped insulin for life. However, insulin is not a cure, nor does it prevent the constant threat of complications.
JDRF funds more T1D research than any other non profit in the world. The JDRF mission is to improve diabetes treatments and ultimately find a cure for T1D. Over 80% of JDRF expenditures goes directly to our mission.
Gingerbread Village Teams:
Team CallisonRTKL and Hargis, Chef Lee Baldyga, Nora Milad
Team 4D, Chef Jay Sardeson, Grace Pilo
Team Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties & Gelotte Hommas Drivdahl, Architecture, Chef David Mestl, Zane Alexander
Team MG2, Chef Joleen Anderson, Natalie Brogan
Team Bailly & Bailly, Chef John Armstrong, Olive Tolbert
Portland, OR. The Oregon Zoo’s walk-through winter wonderland of more than 1.6 million colored lights opened on November 21st and is attracting more visitors than ever. According to zoo officials, over the past five years, more than a million visitors have strolled through the forests of lighted trees, been dazzled by life-size illuminated animal silhouettes and ridden the light-bedecked zoo trains. “Attendance has been off the charts the past several years,” said Ivan Ratcliff, the zoo’s guest services manager. Advance purchase tickets run from $17.95 for adults to $12.95 for children. ZooLights is open through January 5th, 2019, but will be closed December 24th-25th. Full pricing and schedule can be found at this link:https://www.oregonzoo.org/zoolights
In addition to visiting elephants, mountain goats and other animals, you can ride the popular lighted train. There are local food carts, special warm drinks and live music.
For every remaining night of ZooLights, the zoo is offering a $5 admission discount for visitors who take TriMet (proof of ridership required). Ride and skip the parking lot! https://www.gettingtozoolights.com/
Here are some photos of what you’ll see:
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Save by not driving
Both new and existing LYFT users traveling to ZooLights can use the code ZOOLIGHTS18 and get 20 percent off their ride. Find out more.
ZooLights food and beverages
Guests will find local food carts, elephant ears, cocoa and hearty dinners at ZooLights, so come hungry! See the ZooLights menu.
Member discounts
In addition to free admission (except for Dec. 24 & 25 when ZooLights is closed), members receive 10% off Gift Shop and food purchases at zoo food locations. New this year, members enjoy DOUBLE DISCOUNT Mondays. Present your membership card at the Gift Shop for 20% off your purchases on Monday nights thoughout ZooLights. Learn more about zoo membership.
Zoo members receive a discount on ZooLights carousel and train tickets.
“The big rush at ZooLights is usually from 4 to 6 p.m.,” Ratcliff said. “If you come after that, you can avoid some of the crowds. This strategy only works if you’re taking MAX though. If you’re driving, I recommend getting here by 4 p.m. or sooner and allow an extra 30 minutes for traffic and parking. The main parking lot, and even the shuttle lots, fill up fast, especially on weekends.” Visitor can check real time on-site parking availability at gettingtozoolights.com/drive.
It’s not all about the train.
“A lot of people focus on the train, but really that’s just one part of the ZooLights experience,” Ratcliff said. “Around 90 percent of the lights are along the walking paths. I recommend scheduling your ride online before you visit — then you can stroll around the grounds and enjoy the lights until your appointed train time.”
About the Oregon Zoo:
The Oregon Zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission of inspiring the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits, Oregon silverspot and Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies, Western pond turtles and Oregon spotted frogs. Other projects include studies on black rhinos, Asian elephants, polar bears and bats. The zoo relies in part on community support through donations to the Oregon Zoo Foundation to undertake these and many other animal welfare, education and sustainability programs. The zoo is located five minutes from downtown Portland, just off Highway 26 at exit 72. The zoo is also accessible by MAX light rail line. Visitors who travel to the zoo via MAX receive $1.50 off zoo admission. Find fare and route information online or by calling TriMet Customer Service at 503-238-RIDE (7433). General zoo admission is $10.50 (ages 12-64), $9 for seniors (65 and up), $7.50 for children (ages 3-11) and free for those 2 and younger; 25 cents of the admission price helps fund regional conservation projects through the zoo’s Future for Wildlife program. A parking fee of $4 per car is also required. Additional information is available by calling 503-226-1561.
Portland, OR. Humanitarian crises, natural disasters, donating to help alleviate human suffering (like Bill Gates, Sr. who visited the Naz Foundation’s care centre for HIV Positive children in New Delhi) the needs today as pressing as ever, but the way we give is evolving, according to Time Magazine. Editors pinpointed five ways charitable giving is likely to change in 2019. Thanks to tax law and technology, along with changing consciousness and shifting social mores, philanthropy experts say there are notable shifts afoot in where, when and how Americans open their wallets to charitable causes.
Here’s what Time says you can to expect in charitable giving trends in 2019:
Giving bigger donations, but less frequently
Charities and non-governmental organizations, or NGOs, are watching carefully to see if the doubling of the standard deduction under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 changes how — and how much — we give.
“Certainly, the NGOs are worried,” says Barbara Leopold, associate director of the Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. “There’s a great deal of worry about it on the receiving end.”
One potential change is that people could switch to giving every other or every third year instead of annually, a tactic called “bunching” that would let them itemize in their giving years to get the deduction, and take the standard deduction in other years. “At the higher level of giving, people who were giving in calculated ways — I think they’re keeping a closer watch on what effects the law will have,” Leopold says.
Using technology to mobilize support
If you feel like you’ve seen more notifications in your Facebook feed that someone is raising money for a good cause to celebrate a birthday or other milestone, you’re probably right. “We have seen a rise in crowdfunding and peer-to-peer funding,” says Una Osili, professor of economics and philanthropic studies at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
This growth is a confluence of two trends, she says: the desire of donors to personalize their giving, and advances in technology that make giving, or asking others to give on your behalf, as easy as typing up a heartfelt message and hitting “enter.”
Osili says the trifecta of how giving is traditionally framed — as gifts of “talent, treasure or time” — is getting a fourth leg. “Now, some people are adding ‘testimony’ to that, using social media to get the word out around a cause or get people mobilized around an issue.”
Growing clout of big donors (for better or worse)
“What I call ultra-philanthropy is going to continue to expand, as it has been over the last 10 years,” says Paul Schervish, professor emeritus and retired director of the Center on Wealth and Philanthropy at Boston College.
“We’re going to continue to find that the top one-half of 1% will be giving about 30% of all the charitable dollars,” he says. Exemplified by the publicized giving of moguls like Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and Michael Bloomberg, this trend has facilitated important advances in fields such as health care and higher education.
But there is a drawback in that funding is funneled to a smaller pool of recipients or causes. This, combined with the proliferation of charities at the grassroots level, may leave smaller non-profits feeling pinched, Schervish says. “Charities at these local levels are going to feel that they’re facing greater financial challenges in their fundraising, and the reason is that the number of charities continues to expand dramatically,” he says. “The total amount of dollars can be still given to local charities and so on, but they will be divided up more.”
Investing with a social conscience
Donors today increasingly see the appeal of putting their money into a firm or a fund that will give them a return while affirming their values or supporting a cause they believe in, Osili says. “Impact investing is the notion that you can make a difference by investing in a company that has a social mission,” she says. “The idea is that the toolbox is growing.”
Millennials in particular have shown an affinity for aligning themselves — whether as customers, employees or investors — with businesses that reflect their personal value system or beliefs.
Schervish adds that donors today are looking for places that let their money do double duty. “There’s more venture philanthropy, where there is the infusion of funds for for-profit activities or non-for-profit activities that have a social outcome as one of the major consequences,” he says. “We’re going to continue to see people choosing business approaches or commercial approaches for what they deem to be important social needs.”
Making transparency a key determinant
“Women and donors of diverse backgrounds are taking more of a leadership role in the sector of philanthropy,” Osili says. One key outcome is that donors today are more proactive about asking about where their money is going and what it’s being used to do. “There’s been a lot of momentum around transparency,” Osili says.
Leopold adds that donor due diligence is a key trend driving how people contribute today. Dovetailing with the trend of donors — especially young adults — wanting more personal involvement with their chosen causes, she observes that givers are willing to do the legwork and investigate a charity’s governance policies and how donor funds are utilized, while an increasing array of online resources give them the tools they need to achieve this.
“They will take the effort to look into the place they’re giving to,” she says. “It may be looking at tax documents, looking up 990s at the Foundation Center website or just asking hard questions of people making decisions.”
Portland, OR. Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la! The Pittock Mansion has been decorated every winter for nearly a half-century. Each year the grand staircase is festooned with red and green ribbons. This year, for “A Pittock Mansion Christmas” the theme is Hobbies and Pastimes. The exhibit is on view through December 31st (closed Christmas). Museum hours are 10am-4pm and tickets for adults are $12. From opera to knitting to beekeeping, the display highlights some familiar and not-so-familiar hobbies and pastimes. See the Mansion in a whole new light as volunteer decorators creatively transform rooms into a holiday extravaganza.
“Our annual holiday event is always popular. We love seeing new and returning visitors come up and experience something different and amazing, while still being able to engage the history of the Mansion as well,” Executive Director Marta Bones states. “We are so grateful to the many volunteers who help us make this event such a success.”
The West Bedroom decorated in the theme of Family Game Night, Circa 1914 by Sabrina Lang Stoffregen in partnership with the Portland Children’s Museum. The West Wing was home to Lucy and Edward Gantenbein, and their children, Rhoda, Georgiana, and Peter.
From Pittock Mansion:
Parking is limited and visitors are encouraged to use a ride share service. Pittock Mansion is a historic house museum in Portland, Oregon operated by Pittock Mansion Society in collaboration with Portland Parks & Recreation.
Pittock Mansion Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The mission of the Pittock Mansion Society is to inspire understanding and stewardship of Portland history through Pittock Mansion, its collections, and programs.
Portland, OR. Q Center is celebrating 15 years of serving the community so the nonprofit took time to honor people who helped the organization grow. At the Q Center annual brunch, “SHINE: 15 Years of Q Center,” supporters donated over $134,000. The December 9th benefit also featured a cabaret show. At the event, former Co-Executive Director Justin Pabalate, Executive Director Cameron Whitten, and Nick Bernier posed for a photo. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus) The mission of Q Center is to provide safe spaces, community building and empowerment for the positive transformation of LGBTQ2SIA+ communities and allies in the Pacific Northwest.
Q Center Constellation Award honorees, Nancy Haque (North Star), Bob Speltz (Supernova), Emcee Joaquin Lopez, Board Chair Darion Demartez Jones, Shaley Howard (Quasar) and Katie Cox (Rising Sun)
Gold-glitter shoes worn by SHINE honorary Co-chair Eddy Morales
Terry Bean and Bill Dickey
Approximately 500 people attended the benefit.
From Q Center:
As the largest LGBTQ community center in the Pacific Northwest, Q Center proudly serves the LGBTQ2SIA+ communities of Portland Metro and Southwest Washington. Our drop-in and event space on North Mississippi Avenue is a frequent first stop for new arrivals in Portland, and for longtime residents who are newly out or questioning their sexual or gender identity. Q Center also serves as an information hub for friends, partners, community, and family members of LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals. We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach and seek out ways to share resources with other nonprofits and public institutions locally and statewide.
What We Do:
Q Center provides community-based support for LGBTQ2SIA+ community members seeking connection and resources. Our core programs:
LGBTQ Senior Community: *eRa*–Encouraging Respect for Aging is Q Center’s drop-in program for LGBTQ seniors. With membership of over 200, activities include meal sharing, peer support, creative groups, community education, and social events.
Affinity Groups: Q Center’s Affinity Groups program supports more than 30 peer-led groups meeting weekly and monthly in our community space. Activities include peer-based support for coming out, recovery, resource sharing, social connection, & organizing for social change.
Information & Referral: Our reception desk is staffed seven days a week by kind and knowledgeable volunteers who assist community members seeking LGBTQ2SIA+ community resources locally and statewide. We offer email, phone, and drop-in referrals.
Fiscal Sponsorships: Q Center is a fiscal sponsor and community incubator for smaller nonprofits whose aims complement our mission, vision, and values.
Portland, OR. Pacific University paid tribute to the generosity of alumni and friends, recognizing its most dedicated donors and the most successful philanthropic year in school history at its annual Celebration of Giving. Pacific University College of Business dean Jim Goodrich visited with Pacific trustee Tim Schauermann ’66 and trustees chair Jerry Yoshida ’73 during the university’s annual Celebration of Giving event on November 29th. (Photo credit, Robbie Bourland from Pacific University)
Donors committed a fiscal year record $12.4 million in 2017-2018, the first year of the public phase of Lead On: The Campaign for Tomorrow at Pacific University. To date, Pacific has secured more than $50 million in gifts and pledges toward the campaign’s $80 million goal to strengthen its endowment, develop and enhance learning environments, and invest in innovation for tomorrow.
Pacific University President Lesley Hallick (right) inducts Hillsboro residents Sunny Iboshi ’67 (left) and Bob Iboshi (’63) into the university’s President’s Circle during Pacific’s 2018 Celebration of Giving held Nov. 29. The President’s Circle recognizes donors who have given $100,000 or more to the university.
Pacific University President Lesley Hallick (right) inducts Professor Emeritus Byron Steiger and Dianne Steiger ’79 into the university’s 1849 Society during Pacific’s 2018 Celebration of Giving.
Pacific University professor and alumna Jaye Cee Whitehead ’00 shares her personal journey during the university’s annual Celebration of Giving.
Pacific University President Lesley Hallick (right) inducts Hillsboro resident Fay Littlefield into the university’s President’s Circle during Pacific’s 2018 Celebration of Giving. The President’s Circle recognizes donors who have given $100,000 or more to the university.
“Your generosity not only creates the future for Pacific, it also transforms the lives of students today,” said Vice President Cassie Warman.
Among them, students like keynote speaker, associate dean, sociology professor and Pacific alumna Jaye Cee Whitehead.
Whitehead, a 2000 sociology major who was the first in her rural Wyoming family to attend college, went on to earn a doctorate and return to teach at her alma mater.
“Pacific changed the trajectory of not only my life, but of my entire family line — generations to come,” she said. “My partner — who was also a first-generation student at Pacific — and I have two little Boxer children. Because of the opportunities we had at Pacific, our kids have a completely different landscape of opportunity.”
She explained that 25 percent of current Pacific students are, like her, the first in their families to go to college, and that Pacific launches more students into the middle- and upper-middle class than any of its regional peers.
“My story is the story of Pacific — and it is centrally about social mobility and community responsibility,” she said. “I personally thank you for your support, which makes this launching pad and community of care possible.”
Those recognized included nine new inductees to the university’s President’s Circle (honoring individuals and organizations who have committed a cumulative $100,000 or more) and one new inductee to the 1849 Society (honoring those who have committed a cumulative $1 million or more)
Professor Emeritus Byron Steiger and wife Dianne ’79 are the newest members of the 1849 Society. He taught sociology at Pacific for 34 years, and the Steigers have since created a scholarship for Pacific sociology majors who plan to pursue graduate studies, as well as the foundation for an endowment that will give financial support to first-year Pacific faculty members.
New members of the President’s Circle include:
Albertsons Companies (Boise, Idaho) | A major supporter of Pacific’s School of Pharmacy, Albertsons sponsors many school events and the Albertsons-Safeway Pharmacy Scholarship has supported 29 Pacific students since 2009.
Julie Berglund Baker and Doug Baker (Carlsbad, Calif.) | Julie Berglund Baker serves on the Pacific Board of Trustees, and the couple has supported Boxer athletics, the College of Optometry and the establishment of Pacific’s College of Business.
Essilor of America (Dallas, Texas) | The company has been strong supporters of Pacific’s College of Optometry for almost two decades, where they created the Essilor Optical Technology Lab and recently supported the renovation of Jefferson Hall.
Robert ’63 and Sunny ’67 Iboshi (Hillsboro) | This alumni couple has supported a wide range of Pacific initiatives for more than four decades, including the Pacific Excellence Fund, Boxer Athletics and an endowed scholarship for students from Hawai’i.
Dr. Peter and Judy Kohler (Beaverton) | Peter Kohler serves on the Pacific Board of Trustees, and the couple’s philanthropic support includes the Kohler Endowment for Undergraduate Research to support the pursuit of undergraduate student research at Pacific through scholarships, stipends, travel support and equipment.
Fay Littlefield (Hillsboro) | The mother of a College of Optometry alumna and faculty member, Littlefield created an endowed scholarship for rural optometry students, as well as an award for public health outreach in the college.
Chuck and Connie Quinn (Clovis, Calif.) | The parents of a Pacific student funded the resurfacing of the baseball facility’s infield with a synthetic turf to expland competition opportunities for student-athletes and community teams.
Dwight Taylor ’29 (Washington, D.C.) | The late Mr. Taylor’s children facilitated a gift to Pacific from his estate to create the Dwight D. Taylor Endowed Scholarship, awarded to students who have demonstrated academic excellence and financial need.
Gordon Zimmerman (McMinnville) | A longtime friend of Pacific’s music and history programs, the late Mr. Zimmerman left a bequest to create two scholarships, one for students of each department.
In an evening rife with gratitude, Pacific also highlighted the transformational impact that generosity is already making on the university’s students, programs and communities by unveiling five donor-funded learning environments:
The EyeSmile Outreach Program | Through a generous $1 million gift from an anonymous donor, Pacific established the EyeSmile Outreach Program to maximize mobile healthcare provided by the College of Optometry and School of Dental Hygiene Studies. The gift built two new state-of-the-art mobile clinics and also funded the creation of a new clinic coordinator position to run the program and coordinate the care.
The Brim Family Outdoor Learning Center | A gift from Trustee Evie Brim funded the construction of this outdoor classroom in the Pacific University Early Learning Community. The ELC serves children ages 3 through 8 and offers an environment for future teachers to study best practices in early childhood education, including nature- and place-based learning.
The Essilor Classroom & Weberling Classroom | As part of the renovation of Jefferson Hall and the Pacific EyeClinic Forest Grove, donors Essilor and Doug ’72, OD ‘74 & Eileen Weberling each funded extensive upgrades to classrooms serving College of Optometry students.
Baseball Infield Synthetic Turf | Through a significant gift from parents Chuck and Connie Quinn, the infield of the university’s baseball facility received a major upgrade with the addition of synthetic turf.
From Pacific University:
Pacific University is a small, but diverse learning community, where students thrive in a personal academic environment. Tracing its roots to 1849, when it was chartered as a school for orphans of the Oregon Trail, Pacific has long been devoted to making a difference in the world. Today, students study in a unique combination of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in the liberal arts and sciences, business, education, health professions and optometry. Located in Oregon, Pacific serves a diverse population of more than 3,900 students, with campuses in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Eugene and Woodburn. At Pacific University, students and faculty develop close, nurturing relationships that provide an extraordinary educational experience.
Portland, OR. The Standard Insurance Company’s charitable foundation announced five grants, totaling $65,000, to local nonprofits. The Dougy Center was awarded $10,000. It’s a national nonprofit that started in Portland where children, teens and young adults and their families grieving a death can share their experiences.
The grant will enable Dougy Center to print and distribute copies of a Teen Grief Journal and an After a Death activity book for children ages 5-12.
“These grants will help individuals and families facing challenges enhance their self-sufficiency, education and employment opportunities,” said Greg Ness, president of The Standard Charitable Foundation and chairman, president and CEO of The Standard. “These grants will help individuals and families facing challenges enhance their self-sufficiency, education and employment opportunities.”
BedMart’s Leah Breen and Transition Projects Staff Member.
$25,000 was awarded to Transition Projects to expand its outreach and service navigation to people sleeping unsheltered in Downtown Portland. A Mobile Engagement team provides street-level support through engagement and relationship building to successfully connect people to shelter, health and wellness services and housing.
Financial Beginnings Oregon: $10,000 was awarded to Financial Beginnings Oregon toward their three core educational programs for youth and adults, aimed at providing personal financial management skills.
Shadow Project: $10,000 was awarded to Portland, Oregon-based Shadow Project to build capacity allowing the organization to expand its reading coaching initiative for children with disabilities to nine public schools.
United Way of Jackson County: $10,000 was awarded to the United Way of Jackson County to purchase and renovate a permanent home in downtown Medford, Oregon. The space will be used for community groups to gather and collaborate on key social issues including education, homelessness, housing and addiction.
The foundation’s giving, which recently passed $1.5 million in grants, is separate from the corporate giving of The Standard. Since 2007, The Standard Charitable Foundation, The Standard and its employees and retirees have contributed more than $35 million in grants and social investments. To learn more about The Standard Charitable Foundation, please visit www.standard.com/foundation.
About The Standard Charitable Foundation:
The Standard Charitable Foundation is the charitable foundation of The Standard. Founded in 2006, the foundation’s mission is to make a positive difference in communities by supporting community development, education, disability and health organizations. While the foundation has a broad goal of making a positive difference in communities, it places special emphasis on helping individuals and families who have experienced a loss or setback such as a major disability or the loss of a loved one. Since 2007, The Standard, its employees and retirees and The Standard Charitable Foundation have contributed more than $35 million in grants and social investments.
About The Standard:
The Standard is a family of companies dedicated to helping you achieve financial well-being and peace of mind. In business since 1906, we are a leading provider of financial protection products and services for employers and individuals. Our products include group and individual disability insurance, group life, dental and vision insurance, voluntary (employee-paid) benefits, absence management services, and retirement plans and annuities for employers and individuals. For more information about The Standard, visit www.standard.com or follow us onFacebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.
Portland, OR. The 36th annual Providence Festival of Trees wrapped up after four days of holiday fun and 20,000 visitors enjoying the most impressive and uniquely decorated trees in the festival’s history.
It was also a year of record-breaking fundraising for Providence Children’s Health. Between the tree auction and ticket sales, the festival raised $1,610,000 for newborn services. The money will fund research in delayed umbilical cord clamping – a study being done by Providence researchers to boost infant brain development. Funds will help Providence Beginnings – a program for underserved and at-risk pregnant women. Proceeds will also help clinical teams in rural communities get help with high-risk deliveries through Providence telemedicine.
The People’s Choice Award for the public show was Tree-Ranosaurus Rex Sponsor: CIDA Inc./ LKA Fundraising & Communications
The designers were Lynne Sheppard, Connie Poppy and Jim Sheppard.
The fundraiser kicked off with a auction on November 29th.
Dave Salesky of KATU broadcasting the weather live from the Festival floor.
Archbishop Sample visits with friends to kick off the Christmas season.
Over 850 people were in attendance.
Patrick Lamb Band performs with Derrick McDuffy and Kingdom Sound.
Guests enjoy a photo op among the beautiful trees.
Tree Name: Twilight at Timberline Sponsor: The Kendall Family Designers: Leslie Radke, Sandy Miller, Martin Stone, Carol Nielsen and Judy Han
Tree Name: Natale Italiano Sportivo Sponsor: Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo Designers: Nicole Schatz, Judi Smith, Rawlen Smith and Chuck Stevens
Tree Name: Who? Who’s coming to town? Sponsor: iHeart Media Designers: Sandy Miller, Shelly Hamann, Mark Johnson, family and friends
Tree Name: Home Sweet Home Sponsor: Northwest Society of Interior Designers Designers: Gayle Standage, Terrance Mason, Susie Buchanan, Judy Cusack, Brittany Kurtz, Kaitlyn Danna, Jared Hermann, and Mark Tracy
From Providence:
Many thanks to the donors, community partners and local businesses who generously provided financial support and in-kind gifts – and to the hundreds of volunteers who worked long hours to create the festival’s magic and help local children make special holiday memories.
NONPROFIT BENEFIT TICKET GIVEAWAYS!
Sign up for our free weekly highlights for the chance to win two tickets terrific nonprofit events! If you "like" us on facebook, or sign up for our weekly news highlights, you'll be entered to win! Sign up today!
Look for another ticket giveaway soon! Are you a nonprofit looking to bolster your publicity with facebook and tweets? Email us and we'll run a contest with tickets to your event! [email protected]
