Portland, OR. The Bridlemile Foundation 60th Diamond Anniversary Gala & Auction on March 17th raised over $93,000 to support the elementary school. Auction co-chair Lindsay Warner, posed for a phto with auctioneer Matthew Di Loreto and co-chair KaDo Gorman. The Bridlemile Foundation is led by parent volunteers who raise money to allow administrators to hire additional staff to enhance and diversify academic programs at the southwest Portland school. Bridlemile Elementary opened its doors on September 4, 1958. This 2017-2018 school year marks the diamond anniversary 60th school year for the facility. (Photo credit, Jason DeSomer)
Principle Brad Pearson discussing the history of the school.
Paula and John O’Neil
Jen Moylan, Derik Vowels, Amanda Vowels and Mark Moylan
Cakes were donated by Baker and Spice. Malka Jewelers generously donated diamond earrings.
The Bridlemile community at the 60th Diamond Anniversary Gala & Auction.
From Bridlemile Foundation:
Bridlemile Elementary opened its doors on September 4, 1958. This 2017-2018 school year marks the diamond anniversary for Bridlemile—the 60th school year for the facility. Please help the Bridlemile Foundation and all of the Bridlemile community celebrate our school throughout this special school year.
The Bridlemile Foundation is a not-for-profit fundraising organization dedicated to maintaining Bridlemile’s ability to provide an excellent elementary education for its students.
The Bridlemile Foundation raises funds from families and community partners to provide resources to the school to increase staffing in order to enrich learning and preserve a comprehensive educational experience.
The Bridlemile Foundation is made up of the following volunteers:
Portland, OR. Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) celebrated its 6th Annual Cherry Blossom Gala on Saturday, April 7th at Castaway Portland. The benefit brought together 250 people including Michell Hay, President and CEO of The CHP Group and Hong Jin, DAOM, LAc, in support of OCOM’s mission to transform health care. This year’s theme, “The House of Good Fortune,” inspired the crowd with a variety of experiences including a lively 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 full of unforgettable experiences. During the dinner program, the college honored extraordinary faculty member Joe Coletto, ND, LAc, for his 33 years of teaching and inspiring students. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Janet LaRosa, Joe Coletto, ND, LAc
Mona Searles, NP, LAc
Juliet Moran of Open Eye Art getting her hair “sparkled” by Serafaery
Sam Chase, Metro Councilor
Calligraphy by Jiyu Yang of the Wisdom Arts Academy
Skip Lee and Ann Marie Lee
Steve and Wendy Shain with Brad Malsin
Mona Searles, NP, LAc and Sarah Small, LPC with past OCOM Board Chair Peter Martin, LAc
Liz March, DAOM, LAc and Shannon Chawla, LAc
Helen Ying, Metro Councilor and Jeffrey Weih, PA, LAc
Liz Burns and Dan Saltzman, Commissioner, City of Portland
Holden Leung, Executive Director, Asian Health & Services Center and Dr. Anita Chan (Mrs. Erik Szeto) and Dr. Erik Szeto, Founder and Board Chair, Asian Health & Services Center and Cathy Chinn, Secretary, Board Trustee, OCOM and Evelyn Rosling, Principal Broker, Park Place Real Estate
Bill McCrae OCOM Interim President and Cindy McEnroe and Joe Coletto, ND, LAC and Jan McCrae
Charles Elder, MD, MPH and Brad Malsin both whom serve on the OCOM Board of Trustess
Audrey DeMott and Karen Williams, Chair of OCOM’s Board of Trustees and Brad Malsin of Beam Development
Merri Compton and Barbara Klinger
Masa Yamaguchi with three members of the OCOM Board of Trustees: Leah Yamaguchi, LAc and Brad Malsin and Dustin Klinger
From Oregon College of Oriental Medicine:
The gala event was made possible by the incredible support from our sponsors, who include: American Acupuncture Council, Beam Development, Columbia Bank, Heritage Bank, Kaiser Permanente, Miller Nash Graham & Dunn, NW Natural, Oregon Reproductive Medicine, The CHP Group, Thede Culpepper Moore Munro & Silliman LLP, and US Bank.
The mission of Oregon College of Oriental Medicine 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.
In support of this mission, the college values:
Excellence – OCOM staff, faculty and students strive to set standards for and perform at the highest professional levels academically, clinically, and in the research program.
Leadership – OCOM leads Chinese medicine education in the United States by developing outstanding programs of education, clinic, research, outreach and collaboration. OCOM leads by working to enhance social justice through its commitment to inclusive and diverse access to education and health care.
Healing – OCOM staff, faculty and students, consistent with the principles of Chinese medicine, understand health to be harmony and balance in Body, Mind and Spirit, and attempt to live these principles by embodying compassion, humility, passion and synergy in their daily lives and work.
Innovation – OCOM staff, faculty and students use inquiry and discovery to support their individual creativity and inventiveness in the continuous improvement of the college and its clinical, academic and research programs.
Community – OCOM staff, faculty and students work together in a learning community that maintains traditions built upon supportive relationships, trust, heart, humor, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Service – OCOM provides the highest levels of effective, efficient and practical service to its students and the public.
Portland, OR. Thousands of local volunteers rolled up their sleeves to clean up trash and restore natural habitat in places like Cannon Beach on Saturday April 21st. Still more are expected to join in when the 48th annual Earth Day is officially commemorated, on Sunday April 22nd. The local nonprofit environmental organization, SOLVE has lead clean up efforts for the past 27 years and organizers say over that time more than 112,000 local volunteers have removed over 15 million pounds of litter and invasive plants from illegal dumpsites, neighborhoods, and natural areas as part of this global event.
You can still get involved with one of many Earth Day opportunities like “Pick up the Pearl” on Sunday, April 22nd from 12pm-5pm. Another option is trail beautification in Scappoose, or planting native species in Oregon City. Below is a list of some SOLVE volunteer options for Earth Day:
If you need inspiration, here’s a look at some of the good work done by volunteers on Saturay, April 21st.
Work is done at Willow Creek by Five Oaks-Triple Creek Neighbors and helpers from Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District.
Trimming branches at Willow Creek
Cleaning up in Forest Park
The big crew at Cannon Beach
The Beaverton Earth Day Mulching Event with Genentech and Beaverton City Government
The Beaverton Earth Day Mulching Event with Genentech and Beaverton City Government
South Waterfront volunteers receive instructions
Friends of Riverplace are busy
Friends of Riverplace haul trash away.
SOLVE expects to gather 47,000 pounds of trash thanks to the Earth Day 2018 efforts of over 5,000 local people.
From SOLVE:
Our Mission Is Simple.
SOLVE is a statewide, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to bring Oregonians together toimprove 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.
Portland, OR. Over 500 supporters came out to support the annual Our House Portland gala. The sold out event raised over $460,000. Auction co-chair Tracy Curtis posed for a photo with Emcee Poison Waters and fellow co-chair Lisa Watson at the February 24th benefit.The Our House Gala “GLITTER” was a Disco themed event. Our House provides healthcare, housing, and other vital services to low-income people living with HIV. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Kate Cary with Executive Director Mary Rita Hurley and Joe Morris
Our House Board Member and Supporter Andrew Tweedie holds up his bid card.
Board of Directors Chair Bob Speltz supports the cause.
Stephen Cassell, with Mayor Ted Wheeler & Katrina Wheeler
Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, with volunteer Marcia Lovell and Director of Volunteers Kathryn Siebert.
From Our House:
Our House has been part of the Portland community since 1988. Our services have expanded but our commitment to people living with HIV has remained the same. HIV is a complex and challenging disease that can often be overwhelming. The Our House team of expert clinicians works with people with HIV who are having difficulty managing independent living. They tailor services for each individual that defines what “living well” means to them.
Over the years we have expanded services that now range from regular in-home visits by clinical staff to 24-hour residential skilled nursing services. As the health of a resident or client improves or declines, we are able to continue to provide services within our continuum of care.
Our programs and services include: Our House, Neighborhood Housing & Care Program, Esther’s Pantry and Tod’s Corner.
Our House maintains an inclusive community where values, experiences and identities are accepted, where respect for differences is shared and where questions, dialogue and education are encouraged.
Non-discrimination – It is the policy of Our House not to discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, age, sensory, mental, or physical ability, heritage, ancestry, national origin, political ideology, religion, or creed. This policy includes, but is not limited to, hiring, firing, layoffs, promotions, wages, training, disciplinary action, or any other terms, privileges, condition, or benefits of employment as well as non-discrimination in the providing of any services or activities of the organization.
Our House is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Portland, Oregon (USA).
Portland, OR. The Portland Opera’s Big Night Concert featured a full orchestra, chorus, and guest artists from the 2018 season performing some of opera’s greatest hits. Arias from Verdi, Mozart, Rossini, and Bizet filled the Keller Auditorium during the April 14th kick-off celebration. Opera supporters like Laura Salerno-Owens and Portland Opera Ambassador Board Member David Salerno-Owens walked the red carpet to the music of live pianist Phil Mandel. (Photo credit, Trace Downen)
Portland Opera Board Member Dr. Dolores and Dr. Fernando Leon with their granddaughters Quinn and Carling at the 2018 Big Night Concert. Photo by Trace Downen.
Portland Opera Board Member Robert Ball and Grant Jones at the 2018 Big Night Concert. Photo by Garrett Downen.
Joe and Holly Mueller at the 2018 Big Night Concert. Photo by Trace Downen.
Baritone Stephen Powell and tenor Barry Banks after the Big Night Concert. Photo by Trace Downen.
Big Night 2018 attracted music lovers of all ages.
Portland Opera’s Big Night Concert filled the Keller.
Eight featured artists took the stage for the Big Night Concert. Photo by Cory Weaver/Portland Opera.
Grand opera returns to Portland this spring, with a traditional production of Verdi’s Rigoletto. Powerhouse baritone Stephen Powell is the jester cursed with a father’s anguish in this enduring masterpiece from 1851.
Lyricism and legend converge with the devil in this timeless and new vision of Gounod’s epic, infused with the visual art of John Frame. Rising international opera star Angel Blue makes her Portland Opera debut as Marguerite to Jonathan Boyd’s Faust.
Join us for a storybook tale about true love and generosity of spirit, directed by Christopher Mattaliano. This new production of Rossini’s classic opera will glitter as brightly as Cinderella’s royal ball gown.
Revisit one of the oldest stories ever told in this mythological journey to the underworld. With thousands of role petals, a full chorus, and a ballet, we’ll witness the transformative power of love and music and Gluck’s celebrated opera.
More information on the Portland Opera website: www.portlandopera.org
Portland, OR. CASA for Children of Multnomah, Washington, and Columbia Counties hosted its 27th Annual CASA Auction: Singing in the Rain at the Portland Art Museum on April 6th. Auction Chair and CASA Volunteer Anna Maria Savinar had a chance to visit with The Honorable Judge Nan Waller. The evening’s presenting sponsor was Fred Meyer, and the event raised more than $780,000 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 highest grossing auction to date, and its largest single source of fundraising revenue. (Photo credit, Julie Court Jacob)
CASA Board Vice President and Governance Chair Tom Savinar, and Auction Chair and CASA volunteer Anna Maria Savinar.
Oregon Governor Kate Brown with CASA Board Member Trey Slinkard.
CASA Executive Director Betsy Stark Miller, and CASA Board President Bill Gardner.
Oregon Governor Kate Brown addresses the audience.
The auction achieved its most successful year to-date with support from generous donors like Fred Meyer— the event’s Presenting Sponsor, and the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund— the event’s lead Challenge Match Sponsor. The audience was comprised of over 500 guests, including: Governor Kate Brown, former Multnomah County Presiding Judge Nan Waller, leaders from Portland’s corporate and philanthropic communities, CASA volunteers, CASA’s Board of Directors, and CASA’s Ambassador Board.
The honorary guests were a foster family who shared their story of adopting two biological siblings and the critical role the children’s CASA played in making the adoption possible. The foster parents expressed their gratitude to the children’s CASA volunteer who worked tirelessly for six years to help finalize the adoption. This touching story encouraged the evening’s guests to raise their paddles during the special appeal, which raised over $271,000. CASA greatly appreciates the generosity of each attendee, and would also like to thank Sheila Hamilton and Kelly Russell, the emcee and Auctioneer for the evening; the event’s success could not have been possible without them.
All proceeds raised from the auction directly impact our 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.
If you are interested in learning more about how to become a CASA volunteer, upcoming trainings, or future fundraising events, please contact Anne Marie Johnson, Director of Development and Communications, at 503.988.4170 or [email protected].
Portland, OR. Led by Honorary Chair Wally Remmers of West Hills Land Development, Home Builders Foundation raised a record amount to help end homelessness. A welcome reception found supporters like Beverly & Tom Liesy visiting with Bill Hupfer and Ursla Burdda. The event, held on April 14th at The Nines Hotel in downtown Portland, raised a record $410,000 to help build and renovate shelters for those experiencing homelessness throughout the Portland metro area. (Photo credit, Aaron Courter Photography)
HBF Executive Director Brenda Ketah presents Honorary Chair Wally Remmers with an award recognizing his dedication and support of Home Builders Foundation.
Eric & Jennifer Post pose with HBF Board Member Mike Harn and his wife Brianna
HBF Vice President Darci Fredricks holds her bid card up for VIP tickets to Jackson Browne this summer at Edgefield, courtesy of NW Natural
Ben & Stefanie Friberg celebrate on stage after winning the Standard TV & Appliance Golden Ticket drawing.
Led by Honorary Chair Wally Remmers, owner of West Hills Land Development, this year’s Building Hope Gala & Auction was supported by leaders in the home building industry, including Metropolitan Land Group, Polygon Northwest, DR Horton, Emerio Design, Everett Custom Homes, West Hills Homes NW, Parr Lumber, and many more. Other philanthropic leaders such as Tim Boyle of Columbia Sportswear, Jeff and Linda Hargens of Northwest Earthmovers Inc., Randy and Naquel VanLant of Macadam Floor & Design, and Bob and Peggy Berwick of IWP also supported Home Builders Foundation with significant contributions to the event.
The Building Hope Gala & Auction drew a record 450 attendees to The Nines Hotel for a night of fundraising. Attendees had the opportunity to bid packages that included trips to Italy, Hawaii, Canada, and California, as well as unique experiences such as a duck hunt at Wally Remmers’ private duck club, a sunset cruise aboard a luxury yacht, and courtside section tickets to a Trailblazer game.
Home Builders Foundation highlighted its partnership with the Good Neighbor Center, a shelter for homeless families with children in Tigard, during its special appeal. Home Builders Foundation recruited Mountainwood Homes to serve as the Builder Captain for this small project which added a three hundred square foot addition to the existing shelter, which is now used exclusively for children’s programming. Home Builders Foundation raised an incredible $114,000 during the special appeal thanks to the support of attendees as well as donors who were not in attendance.
Funds raised at the Building Hope Gala & Auction benefit Home Builders Foundation, a Portland-based nonprofit that builds and remodels shelters for those experiencing homelessness in the Portland metro area. Home Builders Foundation focuses on building and renovating shelters for those who are most vulnerable when homeless, including families with children, youth, and domestic violence survivors. Home Builders Foundation completes shelter builds and renovations by leveraging donations from companies in the home building industry and providing cash grants to shelter providers to complete projects.
This year’s Home Builders Foundation shelter projects include the completion of the Dorothy Lemelson House and New Meadows Program, which will provide supportive housing for at-risk youth aging out of foster care. Home Builders Foundation will also partner with Just Compassion of East Washington County to remodel a facility that will host a day services center for adults experiencing homelessness. Community of Hope, a shelter for homeless single parent families, will also receive assistance with renovations, courtesy of Home Builders Foundation.
Home Builders Foundation would like to say a special thank you to Wally Remmers and his team for the incredible leadership and support provided to the event. Home Builders Foundation would also like to thank all of the attendees, donors, volunteers, and the 2018 Auction Committee for their contributions to the event.
Home Builders Foundation would like to recognize all of the companies that sponsored this year’s Building Hope Gala & Auction: Standard TV & Appliance, ProBuild-Builders FirstSource, Performance Insulation, Everett Custom Homes, West Hills Homes NW, Northwest Earthmovers Inc., Milgard Windows, NW Natural, ARA Newmark, Sussman Shank LLP, OrePac, California Closets, Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo, First American Title, Lakeside Lumber, Montgomery & Graham, Bank of America, Medallion Industries, Kaiser Permanente, Clean It Up Mark!, Umpqua Bank, TerraFirma Foundation Systems, Far West Credit Services, Community Newspapers, Overhead Door Company of Portland, and LifeSYTLest. Table sponsored included: Anlon Construction, Bank of the West, Directors Mortgage, IWP, New American Funding, Parr Lumber, Professional Women in Building Council, Rodda Paint, Stafford Land Company, The Management Trust – Northwest, and Tiffany Home Design.
The Home Builders Foundation, established in 1997, is the charity of choice for the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland. Their mission is to build transitional shelter for families and individuals experiencing homelessness in our community and provide construction related educational opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the home building industry. Visit www.BuildHopePDX.org for more info.
About Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland
The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland (HBAMP) is the leading voice for the residential building industry, representing more than 1,200 builders, remodelers and industry professionals. HBAMP is the most nationally awarded HBA in the country, the fastest growing and the fifth largest overall. Since 1942, HBAMP has worked on behalf of the industry to promote diverse, affordable housing options to area residents. The HBAMP produces and manages many outstanding programs and tours in the Portland area, including: The premier NW Natural Street of Dreams, the Tour of Remodeled Homes, the Fall and Spring Portland Home & Garden Shows and the Ultimate Open House. For more information, visit www.hbapdx.org.
Portland, OR. The Northwest Catholic Counseling Center (NCC) hosted its annual spring fundraiser at the Lagunitas Community Brewing Room. Nearly 160 of NCC’s friends, both new and old, gathered for the NCC Community Block Party in NE Portland on April 6th. “All fun, no fuss” was the theme of the night. NCC Development Assistant, Ellie Benjamin; NCC Therapist, Tod Fiste; NCC Co-Founder and Therapist Sr. Barbara Kennedy joined with guests who enjoyed beer, local wines, and food from two local food trucks. The fun atmosphere created a spirit of camaraderie, all of which was rooted in a powerful purpose: raising money to provide mental health care to anyone in need, regardless of ability to pay. (Photo credit, Cynthia Ryan and Martin Salinsky)
Guests from St. Mary’s Cathedral enjoying appetizers and beer.
NCC therapist, Alan Rutherford, delivering food from the Koi Fusion and PDX Sliders food trucks.
NCC Executive Director, Erin Peters, and Event Speaker, Mary Tobin, announcing the raffle prize winners.
Guests heard from Mary Tobin, the mother of a former client of the Center. Mary’s son came to NCC as a young child, when he first started experiencing symptoms of anxiety. As Mary told her son’s story, she relayed the impact the Center had, not just on her son, but on their entire family. Through counseling, Mary’s son learned how to manage living with anxiety and depression. He is now a thriving college student and a vocal mental health advocate.
As highlighted by Mary, what sets The Northwest Catholic Counseling Center apart from other organizations is its commitment to individuals who are without insurance or with limited financial resources. In its 32 years, NCC has never turned anyone away because of an inability to pay. Some clients pay as low as $5 per session.
Offering quality, affordable counseling services would not be possible without the generosity of NCC supporters. From sponsors, such as Alpha Media, Magnacorp, and Glen and Monet Rubin, to hundreds of individual donors, the event raised nearly $50,000. Every dollar will go directly to cover the costs of counseling for those who have previously and unjustly been denied access to mental health services.
From Northwest Catholic Counseling:
Our Mission
The Northwest Catholic Counseling Center supports and strengthens our community by providing professional mental health services to all, regardless of faith or finances.
Our Vision
All people, regardless of social, economic or religious circumstances, have access to professional mental health counseling. The community recognizes the importance of good mental health and value of accessible mental health care, understanding that appropriate counseling and medication management leads to positive social outcomes: healthier relationships, more stable families, more effective parenting, decreased domestic violence, more productive employees, decreased criminal activity, and wiser use of financial resources.
The Northwest Catholic Counseling Center commits its professional, creative, and fiscal resources to the compassionate care of each person it encounters. The non-profit agency serves a wide variety of people and has a special commitment to women and children, who bear the greatest weight of the dual burdens of poverty and mental health issues. Staff members employ a broad range of therapeutic models and tools, all focused on the healing and well-being of clients. The organization draws support from a broad cross-section of community partners, including clients, care-providers, organizations, and individual supporters. While always keeping client care at the forefront, the organization utilizes a successful business model and sound fiscal policies, ensuring its ability to always provide mental health care for those requesting it.
Our Values – We believe in:
Justice – receiving health care as a basic right
Compassion – nurturing hope and healing
Collaboration – partnering with clients, the community and our staff
Excellence – assuring the highest level of care for all
Portland, OR. Morrison Child & Family Services hosted its 5th Annual Silver Linings Luncheon at the Sentinel Hotel in downtown Portland. More than 350 friends of Morrison came together to donate $82,590 in support of Morrison’s groundbreaking programs to treat children and families coping with the effects of adversity and trauma. Matching donations were made by Al and Nancy Jubitz. The March 14th benefit had the largest turnout yet for the nonprofit. Guests included supporters from Slalom Consulting including: Alex Runyan, Arash Saffarzadeh, Elizabeth Cushing, Sam Berger, Kory Kimball, Jeremiah Cathcart, Melissa Bielagus, and Abigail Hoyer. (Photo credit, Tom Cook)
350 guests learn more about Morrison’s SAGE program, which helps youth survivors of commercial sexual exploitation.
The Boeing Company was honored with Morrison’s Goldman Award for the company’s over 30 years of support for Morrison programs through event sponsorship and grants. The Goldman Award is given in memory of Muriel and Marvin Goldman for their lifetime commitment to improving the lives of children in Oregon.
Boeing employees Ryan Azorr, Deanna Haley, and Bill Foster accept Morrison’s Goldman Award.
This year’s keynote speaker was local attorney, victims’ advocate, and policy adviser Joel Shapiro. Joel has extensive sex trafficking policy experience, including serving as Chief Counsel to U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, where he crafted the first federal legislation focused on child sex trafficking, as a policy adviser to Multnomah County Commissioner Diane McKeel, and as the lobbyist for the “Kids Are Not For Sale in Oregon Coalition.” Joel presently represents victims of sex trafficking and other crimes in civil litigation. Joel also serves on the Oregon Department of Justice’s Trafficking Intervention Advisory Committee and continues to advocate on behalf of sex trafficking victims at the Oregon Legislature.
Keynote speaker, Joel Shapiro, and Drew Henrie-McWilliams, Morrison’s CEO.
Table decorations featured art from youth in the SAGE program.
Morrison’s newest video, featuring the SAGE Youth Residential Program, also premiered at the luncheon.
Since 1947, Morrison Child & Family Services has delivered specialized services to children, from birth through age 18, and families coping with abuse, neglect, domestic violence, drug and alcohol addiction, and other harmful stress factors. Morrison’s Silver Linings Luncheon is a unique opportunity for business and community leaders to learn more about the positive and necessary impact Morrison has on our community. This event is much more than a fundraiser; it is an opportunity for guests to create stronger alliances with companies, business people and community leaders dedicated to restoring childhood, rebuilding families, and renewing hope.
Portland, OR. Giving to organizations like United Way has always been a great way to support causes about which you’re passionate, with the added bonus of earning a tax deduction.
Charity Navigator, one of the largest independent charity evaluating services, is offering some simple last minute reminders as your making out your 2017 tax forms. Here’s what you need to know to maximize your tax breaks:
Donations must be tax-deductible.
Not all donations are tax-deductible! To qualify as a tax-deductible contribution, the gift must be made to a charity that has been designated as a 501(c)(3) organization by the IRS. And, you can’t receive anything in return for your gift.
So, what does this really mean?
Organizations that receive a 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS are typically service providers and are not involved in political or lobbying activities. For example, a contribution to your local animal shelter that is involved in rescuing pets, providing them shelter, and finding them new homes would be tax-deductible. However, a gift to your favorite political candidate’s campaign would not be.
Did you attend a gala or dinner fundraiser this year like the Portland Art Museum’s 125th Anniversary gala? The cost of your meal (what the organization pays for the venue and your dinner) is not tax-deductible, however, anything in excess of that cost may be. Contact the organization to find out. (Andrea Lonas Photography)
Donations must be made in the calendar year.
For this tax year, this means your contributions must have been made between January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2017. If you’re one of the many people who wait until the last week of December to make their donations, make sure your receipts are all properly dated for the 2017 calendar year.
Donations must be properly receipted.
It’s important to hold onto all of your donation receipts. This will help you keep track of all of your charitable giving when it comes time to file your taxes, and provide you with records of your gifts if you were to be audited.
It is important that your donation receipts include language stating the date the gift was made, the amount of the gift, how the gift was made (cash, stock, in-kind, etc.), and that no goods or services were received in exchange for your gift.
Donations must be in excess of the standard deduction.
Under the 2017 tax code, individuals receive a standard deduction of $6,350, and couples receive a standard deduction of $12,700. For charitable contributions to count toward increasing your deduction they must be in excess of the standard deduction. A tax prep service or your accountant will recommend itemizing your deduction if it exceeds the amount of the standard deduction. They will use your donation receipts to properly deduct your charitable contributions.
For even more tips and information, check out these additional resources at Charity Navigator:
For specific questions about filing your taxes, deducting charitable contributions, or planning for future charitable giving, it is always best to seek the opinion of a professional accountant or financial adviser.
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