Portland, OR. Nicole Brown and her son Brantley shared their story and the help they received from B.U.L.L. Session during the charity’s 2018 auction. B.U.L.L.(Business, Union and Labor Leaders) hosts one of the Northwest’s largest charity events to benefit one of the community’s most valuable assets: children.
The nonprofit’s annual fundraiser in September included an auction at the Portland Art Museum and a golf tournament at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club. Money raised was handed out on November 14th. Since its inception in 1991, the B.U.L.L. has raised over $6.5 million. Charity recipients for 2018 included: Albertina Kerr’s Crisis Psychiatric Care Unit, Gales Creek Camp Foundation, March of Dimes, Shriners Hospital for Children – Portland, Swindells Resource Center of Providence Child Center, and Wheel to Walk Foundation.
Checks, including one signifying the $6.1 total raised since 1991, were presented at a reception held at the offices of the National Electrical Contractors Association.
Fundraisers also included “Spring Break” at Topgolf in Hillsboro, Oregon, in May.
At the annual auction, Jim McKune made a special donation on behalf of the Union Contractors Group.
Representing PacWest Communications were Dan Cushing, Bill Cross, Chris West, and Nate Eggers.
Winners from the North Course morning golf tournament were Joe Mollusky, Colin Moar, Jeff Lage, not pictured; Todd Predmore of Skanska.
From B.U.L.L. Session:
Board of Directors for B.U.L.L. Session, a 501(c)(3) organization:
Tim Gauthier, President – Oregon Columbia Chapter NECA, Mark Daskalos, Secretary/Treasurer – Charter Mechanical, Jim Brady, Arctic Sheet Metal Company, Dave Johnston – IBEW Local 48, Jason Kaufman – US Bank, David Kreifels – Laurelhurst Market, Jim Link – SKANSKA, John Mohlis – Retired, Jim Moss – Retired, James Anderson – UOE Local 701,
Albertina Kerr’s Children’s Crisis Psychiatric Care Facility provides short-term residential care and 24-hour access to mental health professionals for children experiencing urgent mental health crises. Through the Crisis Psychiatric Care program, Albertina Kerr works to stabilize children in crisis, provide effective mental health treatment, and ultimately return the child safely to their home or a less intensive level of care.
Program Results
Through a comprehensive set of interventions, the Children’s Crisis Psychiatric Care Program works quickly to achieve outcomes that have an immediate effect on the lives of those served. The program’s intensive, one-on-one work with children and families increases the likelihood:
Children in crisis quickly stabilize and return safely and successfully to the community.
Children learn skills to stay safe, preserve relationships, and be successful at home and school.
The adults in the child’s life are supported in understanding, planning for and meeting the child’s needs and feel connected to and supported by their community.
Support of the B.U.L.L. Session is vital to Albertina Kerr’s work. The generous donation helps to raise critical funds and awareness for children, families in need.
Kids come to Gales Creek Camp in many different states of physical and mental health. The stress and anxiety of having a lifelong, life-threatening disease–one that relentlessly demands attention, singles them out, and tries every day to limit their potential–is universal for anyone living with autoimmune diabetes. Before they can get up in the morning and be a kid, before they can walk outside and breath in a new day, before they can think about who they want to be, they have to grab their medical devices, their needles, and their vials–and they have to make sure they will live another day.
Camp is a place of true belonging for kids who often feel fragile and isolated. Many are uncertain about what they can actually accomplish. At GCC we show them all the ways they are not limited, while helping them cope with the one very serious way they are.
Too many babies are born too soon. Premature birth is a serious problem that threatens the lives of about 400,000 babies each year in the United States and 15 million globally. That’s why we’re funding new research to find the causes of premature birth and develop ways to prevent it. Throughout our organization’s history, March of Dimes has tackled complex health issues facing moms, babies and families – and solved them. We aim to make premature birth our next breakthrough and ensure that every baby has a fighting chance.
We help families cope with the challenges of having a critically ill newborn, whether due to prematurity or a birth defect. We work with women to reduce the known risk factors that lead to preterm birth and proceeds from the B.U.L.L. Session Events helps March of Dimes in Oregon and SW Washington improve the quality of maternity care and high-risk pediatric care for all pregnant women and newborns.
Shriners Hospitals for Children — Portland celebrates more than 93 years of providing compassionate healthcare for the children throughout the Pacific Northwest. The Portland hospital is dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty care, conducting innovative research, and offering outstanding healthcare teaching programs.
The Portland Shriners Hospital focuses on a wide range of pediatric orthopedic conditions, from fractures to rare diseases and syndromes. Services include inpatient and outpatient surgery; physical, occupational and speech therapy; orthotics and prosthetics; outpatient clinics; low radiation EOS Imaging System and a motion analysis center. All services are provided in a family-centered environment, regardless of the families’ ability to pay.
With donations from the B.U.L.L. Session, we can continue our mission of providing expert care to children.
Learning your child has special needs, developmental delays or disabilities is life changing, isolating and scary. Where do I go from here? What do I do next? Located at Providence Child Center and Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Swindells Resource Center supports parents and caregivers of these children.
The kind and compassionate staff at Swindells know firsthand what parents and caregivers are going through. Parents gain the knowledge and confidence they need to be the best advocates for their child. Thanks to your support, we can provide free resources, information and education to communities throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. Through our vast lending library, educational events, support services, parenting classes and referral guidance, we connect families, caregivers and others to information and training.
In 2016, we made more than 29,720 points of contact, 903 care notebooks were distributed, and 2,579 people attended one of the 43 speaker events offered at little or no cost thanks to the overwhelming generosity of donors like you.
Because of you, we can serve the most vulnerable in our community.
Joaquin is a darling 3 year old born with numerous physical delays and needs assistance with standing and walking. With so many global delays, Joaquin needed help to increase his muscle tone, coordination and strengthen his hips and legs. Wheel to Walk purchased this $1,200 gait trainer for him. This device has been incredible to help provide him with independence, increase strength in his legs and he is on his way to be able to walk on his own someday.
It is children like Joaquin that Wheel to Walk continues to help, and thanks to B.U.L.L. Session Charity Events, we are able to purchase life improving equipment for children with disabilities when they are unable to obtain them through insurance. Examples of items we provide are therapy bikes, gait trainers, shower chairs, adaptive strollers, adaptive car seats, wheelchairs and modifications, communication devices, patient lifts, and cranial helmets, just to name a few.
Wheel to Walk Foundation strongly believes that no child with a disability should go without essential equipment that could improve the quality of their life and help them thrive.
The 2019 auction will be September 9, 2019 at the Portland Art Museum.
Portland, OR. Area pet owners gathered for a special memorial service and candle lighting ceremony to honor beloved animal companions at the Service of Remembrance. The free annual event, hosted by the DoveLewis Pet Loss Support Program and Dignified Pet Services, pays tribute to the connection community members share with companion animals. The service was held on December 6th at The Old Church on SW 11th Ave., in Portland.
“The holidays can be an emotional time for families who have experienced the loss of a pet – regardless of when that loss occurred,” said Enid Traisman, DoveLewis Pet Loss Support Program director and certified grief counselor. “It’s our hope that this event provides attendees with a sense of comfort and reminds us all that the human-animal bond is truly remarkable.”
Community members heard inspirational stories from Traisman and pet owner Mark Harwood. They lit candles to honor pets, and listened to a musical performance by Ian McDonald and Brick and Mindy Street. Therapy dogs from the DoveLewis Portland Area Canine Therapy Teams were also on hand to provide comfort.
DoveLewis Mission:
DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital, in association with the regional veterinary community, provides 24-hour emergency and critical care, education and community outreach. Our highly-skilled professionals are dedicated to:
-Improving the condition of animals needing emergency and critical care.
-Strengthening the ties with, and extending the reach of, the veterinary community.
-Promoting the well-being of animals and the human-animal bond throughout the community.
Portland, OR. (Sponsored) It’s been a banner year for Girls Inc. The nonprofit launched programming in Seattle (after launching last year in SW Washington) and now covers much of the major metro areas in the Pacific Northwest. Girls Inc. has served nearly 3,000 girls by providing them with the holistic Girls Inc. experience, which shows them how to lead, how to thrive, and how to change the world.
Girls Inc. also launched its national #GirlsToo: Respect Starts Young campaign, to focus on girls’ experiences of sexual harassment and violence. You can support the organization by clicking here: DONATE NOW! You can also sign the #GirlsToo pledge at girlstoo.girlsinc.org.
This testimonial about the program demonstrates the power of Girls Inc. Emily and her sister Jocelyn shared their journey in a new film.
From Emily (and Jocelyn):
When I started going to Girls Inc. in 5th grade, I was so nervous I decided to bring my older sister with me. Jocelyn has always helped me find my voice, and because of Girls Inc.’s Produced By Her program last year, we were both able to find our voice more than ever before.
When we were young, we both experienced sexual violence. We had a story to tell, but didn’t know how to talk about what had happened to us. We didn’t grow up understanding that #GirlsToo experience sexual violence.
I wasn’t sure if I was strong enough to keep going. I wasn’t sure what healing from sexual violence was supposed to look like, and I was afraid that I might not be able to have a successful future because of the trauma I had experienced.
While making our film, I talked to survivors of sexual violence who a owned their own businesses or were doctors or lawyers. I started to envision a future for myself where I could be anything.
Because of the support of people like you who help make Girls Inc. programming possible, we are able to tell our story without fear. Now, I see a bright future for myself as an architect. Girls Inc. helped me learn to feel powerful, become stronger, and more free; that wouldn’t be possible without you.
That’s why I’m asking you to donate to Girls Inc. before the end of this year. I want girls throughout the Pacific Northwest to be able to become stronger and dream of a bigger future. You can inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold like Girls Inc. inspired me.
With you in our corner, we will thrive. Love, Emily (and Jocelyn)
You can ensure every single one of the 3,000 girls we serve are respected and valued, and can be the leaders we need. With you in their corner, everything is possible. You can support the organization by clicking here: DONATE NOW!
About Girls Inc.
Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. We make an impact in the communities we serve by equipping girls with the skills and confidence to access a bright and economically-independent future. By focusing on the whole girl from ages 6-18, we provide life-changing after school programs and experiences that help girls grow up to be healthy, educated, and independent. Our trained volunteer leaders, research-based curricula, and pro-girl environment provide girls with the tools, confidence, and support to realize their own power.
Portland, OR. A tiny three-year-old Chihuahua named Nelson set a milestone for the Oregon Humane Society today by becoming the 11,000th pet adopted in 2018. Nelson is going to a new home with the Grenfell family of North Portland where he will join two cockatiels and a bearded dragon. This is the earliest date that OHS achieved this milestone in the new shelter. This is the ninth year in a row that OHS has reached this milestone, and they are now setting 12,000 adoptions as the year-end goal.
Nelson, a dog transported to OHS from California, was in the shelter before the wildfires began and was moved out of the area to free up resources for displaced pets. “Each year, we set a goal of finding homes for 11,000 pets, and it warms my heart to know that we will be exceeding the goal this year. It’s wonderful to see people opening their hearts to shelter animals,” said Sharon Harmon, OHS President and CEO.
Nelson’s adopter Brittany Grenfell said she came in on Sunday and fell in love with Nelson when she saw him in his kennel. Nelson was made available for adoption this morning and Grenfell was first in line to adopt him today. “I knew that he would be adopted by someone else if I waited until the end of the day, I couldn’t take that chance.”
The large number of adoptions makes OHS one of the busiest shelters in the nation. OHS adopts more animals from its shelter on NE Columbia Blvd. than any other single shelter facility on the West Coast. This feat is especially remarkable because OHS never puts a time limit on how long a pet remains available for adoption and has a save rate that is among the highest in the nation.
The Oregon Humane Society is asking the public to open their hearts to the 114 dogs, cats, small animals and two horses who are also looking for a “Home for the Holidays” this December. For every animal in the shelter on December 1, OHS seeks to place them in a “Home for the Holidays” by December 31. Some of these pets have been awaiting adoption for just a few days; others have been waiting for weeks.
Portland, OR. The Oregon Humane Society celebrated 150 years of saving lives with a black-tie gala at the Oregon Historical Society on November 17th. 150th Gala Chair and Board member Nancy Tonkin-Zoucha, Nathan Zoucha and Barbara Baugnon, OHS VP of Marketing and Communications met a friendly puppy. A jazz trio serenaded guests as they arrived to enjoy cocktails and a peek into the past with the exhibit, “Pioneering Compassion: 150 Years at the Oregon Humane Society” displayed at the historical society. The evening concluded with a gourmet, three-course dinner; a look back at OHS’ accomplishments through the years; and an abundance of time with adoptable kitties and puppies. (Photo credit, Andrea Lonas)
Jack Loacker, Dolorosa Margulis, OHS Honorary Chair and Board Emeritus and Lynn Loacker, OHS Campaign Chair and Board member
Sharon Harmon, OHS President and Kerry Tymchuk, Executive Director of the Oregon Historical Society
OHS supporter Ellyn Bye and OHS Board member Betty Norrie with a sleeping puppy
Presenting Sponsor Scott Edward Architects, Lisa McClellan
From OHS:
OHS is the largest humane society in the Northwest, and adopts more animals from its Portland shelter than any other single-facility shelter on the West Coast. OHS puts no time limits on how long animals remain at the shelter—a pet stays available for adoption for as long as needed to find a loving home. If a pet in the care of OHS needs medical attention, the OHS veterinary hospital provides the pet with same level of care you would want your own pet to receive.
Founded in 1868 by noted humanitarian Thomas Lamb Eliot, OHS is the fourth-oldest humane society in the nation. Eliot initially established OHS to stop the neglect and abuse of draft animals. The mission expanded to include companion animals and, until 1933, orphaned children.
Community Services
OHS finds homes for more than 11,000 pets each year
The OHS medical team provides free and low-cost spay and neuter surgeries for thousands of pets owned by low-income families
OHS educators reach more than 12,000 youths and about 2,000 adults annually through humane education programs
The OHS Second Chance program brings more than 6,000 pets annually to OHS from other shelters around the region
In the state capitol, OHS is the driving force behind efforts to improve laws that protect animals and punish offenders
Funding
OHS receives no tax dollars
OHS does not receive any portion of dues or donations paid to national organizations
OHS is an Oregon nonprofit that relies on donations
OHS operates independently of any other shelter group
Financial information, including annual reports and audited statements, can be found here »
OHS Mission
To foster an environment of respect, responsibility and compassion for all animals through education, legislation and leadership. To care for the homeless, to defend the abused and to fight with unrelenting diligence for recognition of the integrity of all animals.
Is OHS a “No-kill” Shelter?
“No-kill” is typically defined as a shelter with at least a 90% save rate. The OHS save rate is 98%, certainly fitting the definition. However, OHS does not refer to itself as a “no-kill” shelter because the term does little to help the public understand the decisions a shelter must make in caring for pets.
Some shelters that use the term “no-kill” admit only the healthiest of pets and do not face the challenge of treating and rehabilitating ill animals. A county shelter, on the other hand, must accept every pet that comes to its door, including pets who are severely ill or dangerously aggressive. At OHS, about half of the pets admitted meet the nationally recognized standard of “healthy.” The remaining pets require medical and/or behavior treatment, sometimes for weeks or months. We are committed, however, to providing the same standard of care for pets at our shelter that an owner would want for their personal pet. We never put time limits on how long pets remain available for adoption and we never euthanize pets for space reasons.
We believe the public is better served by looking at a shelter’s admission policy and overall treatment record, rather than relying on a vague term such as “no-kill.”
Facilities
Video (above): Take the Two-Minute Tour
OHS is located in NE Portland, with a state-of-the-art animal shelter, veterinary hospital, and behavior facility. OHS has been in its current location at 1067 NE Columbia Blvd. since 1918, but is now in its third-generation shelter building.
The current 46,000 sq. foot shelter opened in 2000 and can care for 92 small animals, 120 cats and 120 dogs. The shelter features outdoor exercise areas and an extensive dog path through a wooded wetland. Visitors to the 10-acre campus will find an award-winning rose garden and the oldest pet cemetery west of the Mississippi (which hosts the grave of Bobbi of Silverton, a national sensation in the 1920s). There is also an education hall for classroom instruction, an live camera in the surgical center.
In 2007, OHS opened the adjoining 22,000 sq. foot Animal Medical Learning Center, consisting of the Holman Medical Center plus a behavior center that provides classes for the public. The medical center includes three surgical suites, on-site radiology, a pharmacy and multiple recovery rooms. in 2017, the 100,000th spay/neuter surgery was completed at the medical center.
Staff and Volunteers
OHS has nearly 200 full-time employees who are aided by approximately 2,800 volunteers. We are governed by a 22-member Board of Directors. Sharon Harmon is the OHS President and Chief Executive Officer. She has served in that capacity since 1998.
Portland, OR. Last year more than 1.4 million Oregon residents volunteered, according to a new government report by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The estimated economic value of all of their hours is $4.2 billion. Many, like members of “Team Target,” get involved during the MLK day of service. Oregon follows Utah, at #1, and Minnesota, at #2, in the volunteer rankings.
Here are the highlights of the new study:
1,448,752 volunteers contribute 177.7 million hours of service
43.2% of residents volunteer, ranking them 3rd among states
Volunteer service worth an estimated $4.2 billion
98.9% of residents regularly talk or spend time with friends and family
61.9% of residents do favors for neighbors
32.7% of residents do something positive for the neighborhood
43.1% of residents participate in local groups or organizations
62.2% of residents donate $25 or more to charity
The graph below shows the types of volunteer opportunities people engaged in and their respective popularity.
It is no wonder Oregon had 1.4 million volunteers last year when there are so many different nonprofits from which to choose.
The Dulal Family worked on their new home alongside the volunteers from Habitat for Humanity.
It takes a lot of volunteers from the Human Access Project to manage boaters at the Big Float.
Community volunteers sew blankets for children in need at Binky Patrol. (Photo by Tracy Preston.)
This was a project for the MLK Weekend of Service with NW Natural at The Children’s Book Bank where volunteers cleaned hundreds of books that will be distributed to youth in our community.
Volunteers were out planting at Barrow Meadows in Beaverton, Oregon.
Thorns FC’s Mallory Weber was working alongside community volunteers in Timber Jim’s garden in Tualatin. (Photo: Eric Cech-Portland Timbers)
Andrea Lauer (left) and her team of CCA volunteers were busy their entire telethon shift taking in donations.
Over the past 30 years more than 130,000, SOLVE volunteers have helped with the Spring Oregon Beach Cleanup and removed an estimated 1.9 million pounds of litter from Oregon’s beaches.
Levé volunteers helped out at the Girls Inc. “Rappel for Her” fundraiser.
All Classical Portland and arts partners, Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Portland Piano International, Portland Youth Philharmonic, Portland Symphonic Choir, Oregon Symphony Orchestra, and Portland Baroque Orchestra volunteered at the Oregon Food Bank with Olson & Jones Construction to kick-off the second annual Music Feeds Fundraiser.
If you’re interested in volunteering and need a place to start, Hands On Greater Portland has lots of opportunities.
Hands On Greater Portland Mission:
Everyone can do something for the community. At Hands On Greater Portland, we develop this potential in volunteers. We connect them with opportunities to feed the hungry, teach our children, house the homeless, restore our environment and meet other important community needs.
Portland, OR. The second annual #MyRCH Gala raised more than $420,000 for Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel. About 400 guests gathered at the Hilton Portland Downtown to celebrate the hospital’s kids, while raising funds for its programs. Randall Children’s Hospital Foundation trustee Tommy Bookman with his wife, Kirsten join in the October 26th celebration. “We believe the patient experience extends beyond the child to include the child’s whole family and support network,” said Bronwyn Houston, president of Randall Children’s Hospital. “And, we are so thankful for the collective support from our community that helps us provide exceptional care every day.” (Photo credit, James Colhoff, Jr. – Dodge & Burn Studios)
Front row: Maureen Bradley, Kathryn Correia, Steve Correia, Bronwyn Houston, president of Randall Children’s Hospital, and Tyler Houston. Back row: John Bradley, Vickie Grieshaber, Joe Grieshaber (president of the presenting sponsor Fred Meyer), Carlene Sonnenberg, Brian Sonnenberg (RCHF trustee)
The Copacabana theme was set with “Carmen Miranda” offering welcome cocktails to guests
Marica Randall with her family and guests
Guest visit the Art Therapy station to learn how artistic activities support healing and coping.
Highlights of the evening included a story by grateful patient Jayden Moore, who was hospitalized for an entire year following an automobile accident when she was 9 years old. Her care touched almost every department at Randall Children’s Hospital—from the Intensive Care Unit and neurosurgery team, to burn and wound care, as well as multiple therapists and Child Life specialists. “Randall Children’s Hospital is like my family,” said Jayden, who is now 14 years old. “I almost died…the doctors and nurses helped me, so I could live…they helped me be who I am today.”
Guests were treated to demonstrations of hi-tech devices like the vein finder, which helps locate veins for easier IV access; the KIDS Team – an expert mobile ICU for critically ill children; art therapy projects, therapeutic tools and toys by the pediatric rehabilitation and development team and a visit from Tona, the CARES Northwest facility dog.
From Randall Children’s Hospital:
Randall Children’s Hospital is a regional leader in the care of babies, children and teens — blending the finest in medical services with family-friendly spaces and patient care procedures to reduce stress on patients and their families. To learn more about supporting any of Legacy Health’s hospitals or programs, call the Legacy Health Office of Philanthropy at 503-415-4700 or visit www.legacyhealth.org/giving.
Portland, OR. Oregon Zoo staff and community members are mourning the sudden loss of Lily, the youngest of the zoo elephant family, one day before her sixth birthday. Despite efforts by veterinarians and care staff to save her, Lily died Thursday, November 29th from endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV), a rapidly progressing and often fatal disease to which calves are particularly susceptible. “I can’t imagine a more devastating loss for this zoo family and our community,” said Dr. Don Moore, zoo director. “Lily was the darling of the zoo. She was loved by everyone from her elephant family to the people who cared for her every day to her thousands of fans. Our staff did everything they could and fought to save her until the very end. Everyone is in mourning here. It is just heartbreaking.” You might remember, the zoo solicited the public’s help naming the Asian elephant calf. The zoo received more than 50,000 votes on its website, says Kim Smith, zoo director, along with emails, phone calls and posts on Facebook.
This is a video marking Lily’s last birthday:
And some photos of her journey:
In 2013, Asian elephant mom Rose-tu and Lily get a bath from keepers in the elephant barn at the Oregon Zoo. (photo credit, Michael Durham)
One Month Old Lily.
In 2013 Lily, tipped the scales at more than a 1,000 pounds, not quite 10 months after her birth. Photo by Michael Durham, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.
Keepers say Lily, enjoyed carrots, apples and leaves pulled from branches — just like mom. Photo by Michael Durham, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.
Two-month-old Lily chomps on some branches with the rest of the Oregon Zoo elephant herd. Photo by Michael Durham, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.
Lily plays in the sand back yard of the Oregon Zoo’s Asian elephant habitat. Photo by Michael Durham, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.
The zoo closed all day Friday, including during the scheduled evening ZooLights, then reopened on Saturday.
EEHV is known to be present in almost all Asian elephants, both in wild populations as well as those cared for by humans. Often, it remains latent, causing mild or no symptoms, but for reasons unknown it can sometimes come out of latency and cause disease. Once the disease becomes active in calves, it is usually fatal, often causing death within few days even with intensive treatment. For this reason, the zoo routinely sends blood samples to the Smithsonian’s National Elephant Herpesvirus Laboratory.
On Wednesday, blood sample analyses from the Smithsonian’s lab revealed the virus was active in Lily at very low levels. At that time, Lily showed no known clinical signs of disease. However, the next morning, Lily began to exhibit lethargy and a disinterest in food prompting veterinary staff to begin immediate treatment with fluids and antiviral medication. She also was given a transfusion. Despite these efforts, the disease proved too much for her.
Currently there is no vaccination against EEHV. In 1999, scientists at the Smithsonian and Johns Hopkins University developed a blood test that can detect the virus when it becomes active. Unfortunately, once the virus is active, there is usually very little time to treat an elephant.
The virus affects wild elephants as well, although it is harder to identify and diagnose, and its occurrence in range countries is overshadowed by much more serious threats such as poaching, habitat loss and human-elephant conflict. Scientists have confirmed around 60 EEHV deaths among elephants in Asian range countries over the past decade.
Scientists believe most, if not all, Asian elephants in the world carry some form of EEHV — an ancient virus that has evolved along with elephants for millions of years.
For the past 16 years, the Oregon Zoo has been contributing funding and blood samples from all its elephants to the Smithsonian lab, as part of a collaborative international effort to find a vaccine or effective treatment for EEHV, which is the leading cause of death in Asian elephants under the age of 8 in North America.
“It’s very difficult to study the virus in wild elephants,” Dr. Moore said. “But zoos can monitor their elephant herds closely and obtain samples of blood and other fluids. Right now, that’s our best hope of developing a vaccine.”
About the Oregon Zoo:
The 64-acre Oregon Zoo is located in Portland, a city and surrounding metropolitan area of more than 1.5 million people. Attendance in 2015 was more than 1.5 million.
Oregon Zoo facts and numbers
The zoo’s annual operating budget is derived from a tax base through Metro, the Portland-area regional government that is the zoo’s governing body, plus zoo admissions, concessions, contributions, special promotions, the Oregon Zoo Foundation and grants.
The zoo has five major exhibit areas: Great Northwest, Fragile Forests, Asia, Pacific Shores and Africa. Within these large areas are 23 specialized exhibits.
Animals of the Oregon Zoo
2,697 individual animals represent 215 species or subspecies of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates*
19 endangered species and 9 threatened species live at the zoo.*
The zoo is active in 63 Species Survival Plans.*
Plants of the Oregon Zoo
Native plants of the Pacific Northwest’s temperate rainforests have been cultivated to create naturalistic exhibits, pathways and vistas within the zoo.
More than 1,000 species of exotic plants thrive in the zoo’s botanical gardens, including firebird heliconia, pelican flower and ground orchid. Some are harvested and given to the animals as browse.
*Zoo animal data as of December 31, 2015. Second line references Endangered Species Act endangered and threatened species list.
Portland, OR. Giving Tuesday is November 27th. It’s celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Whether it’s some of your time, a donation, gift or the power of your voice in your local community, now is the time!
Portland Children’s Museum serves kids and and families.
Here’s a list of links to the websites of Portland Area Nonprofits:
Have we missed your favorite? Let us know. You can also check out Charity Navigator. It’s America’s largest, independent charity evaluator. It publishes ratings for more than 9,000 of the nation’s most well-known organizations.
You can use its Discover feature to quickly find a highly-rated charity that aligns with your philanthropic interests. Charity Navigator encourage donors to consider charities that receive an overall score of 3- or 4-stars. These charities have proven their commitment to financial health and accountability and transparency.
Local charities like Meals on Wheels People have received the highest rating from Charity Navigator.
Oregon Food Bank volunteers packed more than 100,000 pounds of food for the Martin Luther King Jr. day of service.
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration.
One of the best ways to get involved is in your own community. #GivingTuesday also created a directory to help you find organizations, charities, events and more in your own community.
This November 27th, join the movement and give. It’s a simple idea. Whether you come together with your family, your community, your company or your organization, find a way to give back.
Portland, OR. Christmas Ship owners are getting ready to set sail for their 64th year as residents make plans to watch the colorful flotillas during the parade’s 2018 holiday season. The Christmas Ship Parade will launch Friday, November 30th, in North Portland Harbor. The parade will run for 15 nights through Thursday, December 20th. The flotilla has six nights off, so check the Columbia and Willamette River schedules.
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 schedule details for each night list some of the best viewing locations. 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 the ships from a dinner cruise. If you have boat that can run at a speed of at least 6 knots, and you decorate your watercraft, you’re welcome to join the Christmas Ships parade for one night or all nights. To see some of the benefits of joining the parade, visit: Benefits. To sign up, visit: Sign Up.
2018 Columbia & Willamette River Downloadable Parade Schedules:
The privately owned vessels come from Portland, Vancouver, McMinnville, Salem and Hood River areas. Some of the ships owners have been part of Christmas tradition for more than 30 years with many being part of the Christmas Ship fleet for over 20 years. Each skipper is responsible for their own expenses, including fuel and insurance for their vessels over the two weeks. This can run into the hundreds of dollars, which in itself is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm the Christmas Ship skippers bring to the organization, and the community. The organization accepts donations to help cover the cost of maintaining, managing and promoting the organization, but none of these donations go to the skippers, their crews, or their boats. Christmas Ships, Inc. is an all-volunteer organization, with no paid staff or officers, just a large group of friendly individual volunteers/skippers who give back to the community they love.
All of us from the Christmas Ship group urge your support to keep the Parade afloat. Your donation helps to sustain the parade that sails on the Columbiaand Willamette Rivers annually. Our lighted boats bring holiday spirit to thousands of viewers in the area and a showcase event for your customers and guests.
Our members pay all of their own expenses, from decorations to operating costs. It is a huge time commitment but we all enjoy the Parade season. Donated funds help to defray the cost of administering, maintaining and promoting our non-profit organization. Christmas Ships, Inc. is an all-volunteer organization, there are no paid staff, all donations are returned to the community through the continued existence of the Christmas Ship Parade.
This website is used extensively by our visitors to make reservations for restaurants to watch the Christmas Ship Parade and to plan home parties to view the fleet. Please consider sending your donation today.
We thank you in advance for your help in making this year’s Christmas Parade the best ever. We list our contributors on our Supporters page (unless you choose to remain anonymous).
Christmas Ships, Inc. is a tax exempt organization. EIN #93-1157902
Although we are a non-profit organization (with IRS 501(c)(4) status), we are not a charitable organization. Personal donations are most likely not tax deductible. Please check with your tax professional.
For those that don’t want to donate online (via Paypal), checks can be mailed to:
Christmas Ships, Inc PO Box 55331 Portland, OR 97238-55331
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]
Download the Columbia River Parade Schedule
