Seattle to Portland, July 14th. Fifteen cyclists peddled 204 miles over two days to raise $25,587 for the Cascade AIDS Project.Ride4CAP is in its 2nd year of raising funds and its first year as a supported cycling team.
“CAP has been looking to add another way folks can get involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” said Michael Kaplan, CAP’s Executive Director and an HIV-positive man. “Portlanders are known for their penchant for cycling, and this allows us to enter the foray of rides as a first effort and eventually create our own ride. We want to ensure on this ride that all know CAP is here to help with testing and linkage to care. Everyone has a status, everyone needs to know theirs. Funds raised here will help us to help others.”
Laura Bancroft refueled for the ride.
The sign says it all!
Riders included: William Patton, David Duncan, William Motter, Laura Bancroft, Benjamin Gerritz, Joseph Sedillo, Jackie Yerby, Sarah Freeman, Robert Lusk, Maje Anderson, Charli Krause, Edwin Kietzman, and Luis Torres.
At no other time has there been more hope for ending the HIV epidemic than today. Funds are the major barrier to making the disease a thing of the past. As reported on National Public Radio on July 12, 2012, the May 2011 National Institutes of Health (NIH) study suggests there is hope for an end to HIV’s spread if people (1) know their HIV status by getting tested regularly, and (2) access care if diagnosed positive. The study is available here: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2011/Pages/HPTN052.aspx.
“I believe it is my duty to ride,” said Benjamin Gerritz, avid cyclist and an HIV-positive man. “I love to ride; I have been blessed with good health because of the excellent medical care I receive and the life I have chosen to live. I am honored to ride with my fellow Ride4CAPers.”
Sponsors for the team included Nike,Central Drug and KINK FM. The team used the Cascade Bicycle Club’s ride as their vehicle for spreading the message of HIV/AIDS prevention and stigma reduction as well as a fund raising tool. The ride started at the University of Washington Campus in Seattle, ended its first day, July 14th, in Chehalis, Washington and picked up on the 15th to end at Holladay Park in Northeast Portland.
About Cascade AIDS Project Incorporated in 1985, Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is the oldest and largest AIDS Service Organization in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our mission is to prevent HIV infections, support and empower people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS, and eliminate HIV/AIDS-related stigma. With a staff of more than 50, and a volunteer corps that includes over 700 individuals providing more than 29,000 hours of service each year, CAP manages a diverse array of programs and an annual budget of $4.9 million. Fifteen percent of CAP’s staff are individuals living with HIV, 25% identify from communities of color, and 30% are bilingual. Our programs serve the broad and diverse set of communities impacted by HIV, from community-specific programs focused on teens, Latinos, the gay community, individuals and families living with HIV, to the thousands of individuals throughout the state who seek education though our AIDS/STD hotline each year. A committed 16-member volunteer Board of Directors provides strategic guidance and oversight to ensure CAP accomplishes its mission and continues to operate with integrity and transparency. www.cascadeaids.org.
Here’s some June nonprofit news from Milwaukie… Advantis Credit Union and Friends of the Children announced a new college scholarship program for Portland’s vulnerable youth. On hand for the presentation of the check were: Duncan Campbell, Founder and Co-Chair of Friends of the Children, Terri Sorensen, Executive Director, Wendy Edwards, VP of Marketing & Human Resources, and Misti Rooney, Community Relations Officer.
Friends of the Children, a non-profit organization that provides Portland’s most vulnerable children with intensive and long-term mentoring throughout their K-12 school years, has been growing roots in Portland area schools since 1993. Now, with the help of Advantis’ $20,000 GROW Scholarship Fund, the non-profit organization can help more youth achieve their dream of a college education.
Advantis Credit Union’s donation of $20,000 will grant scholarships to support education and vocational training to at-risk kids. The scholarships will range from $1,000 – $5,000 per student. Scholarship recipients are also eligible to apply for a summer internship at Advantis Credit Union, lending a hand to their career pathway.
“Friends of the Children provide an excellent avenue for us to reach children who really need our help getting to college,” says Wendy Edwards, Vice President of Marketing & Human Resources for Advantis. “Their mission to help youth with barriers to achievement become successful adults is an ideal fit with the goals of our GROW Scholarship Program.”
The GROW College Scholarship Program is a new addition to Advantis’ GROW Community Fund. Through GROW, which awarded $51,000 to eight local organizations in December, Advantis facilitates the enhancement and improvement of life in local communities one project at a time through programs that assist the underprivileged, at-risk children, enhancement of community spaces, education, and the arts.
“Thanks to Advantis and the GROW Scholarship fund, we can offer a college education to well-deserving but under-financed students. This opportunity will make a tremendous difference for these kids who have come from challenging circumstances and are on the way to turning their lives around,” says Terri Sorensen, executive director, Friends of the Children.
Unique among mentoring organizations, Friends of the Children selects the most highly vulnerable children in kindergarten. They match each child with a professional mentor who will stay with them as they journey through twelve years of school. This one-on-one, consistent and stable mentor/child relationship has proven successful at creating positive futures for youth.
Friends of the Children targets David Douglas, Reynolds, and Portland Public Schools with the highest number of youth living in poverty. They use evidence-based risk factors, including the amount of parental support the child has, the stability of their home life and their ability to adjust and perform in school to select children for their program. Because of the mentor’s steady guidance and support through a child’s elementary, middle school and high school years, there’s hope that the student will not only be the first in their family to graduate high school but they’ll want to continue on to college as well.
About Advantis
Advantis Credit Union, with over $905 million in assets, is one of Oregon’s largest member-owned not-for-profit, financial cooperatives with over 48,000 members and five branches in the Portland metro area. Advantis is one of the oldest credit unions in Oregon, serving the Portland metro area for over 84 years. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works or is a member of an organization in Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Hood River, Lane, Linn, and Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington, or Yamhill counties in Oregon and anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in the state of Washington.
Lake Oswego, May 12th. The 36th annual Lake Oswego Lake Run is took place under sunny blue skies. The race is organized and presented by the Lake Oswego Women’s Club, and proceeds benefit Portland area women’s and children’s charities. (Photo Credit, Tracey Freeman Photography.)
The Lake Oswego Women's Club and Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation present the 36th Annual Lake Run: A fundraiser for needy women and children in the Portland area.
It's a challenging, scenic loop through beautiful residential areas with views of Oswego Lake.
The event is a family affair for the The Barbas
Diana del Garbino was the volunteer coordinator for the event and says 1,105 runners registered for the 5K or 12K races.
Winner of the 12K event was Scott Pinske of Hillsboro with a time of 0:41:06. Allie Gruner of Portland was top overall female runner for the 12K with a time of 0:49:32.
ABOUT THE LAKE OSWEGO WOMEN’S CLUB: Following many years of active and charitable service in The Lake Oswego community, the members of Lake Oswego Women’s Club were incorporated on October 23, 1996, as a non-profit organization. Our members are dedicated to bringing the women of Lake Oswego into closer unity and to promote the civic, cultural, educational and social welfare of the greater surrounding metro area. Since 1991 LOJWC has donated over $1.5 million dollars to non-profit organizations in the city of Portland and the tri-county area it encompasses. P.O. Box 1434, Lake Oswego, OR 97034 – Website – http://www.lowomensclub.org/
Portland, May 5th. The Multnomah Athletic Club was decked out for a fun Fiesta benefiting Neighborhood House. The nonprofit supports educational and social assistance programs serving low-income children, families and seniors across the Portland metro area. (Photo Credit, Heather Zinger/Zinger Photography) The St. John Ballet Folklorico, a program offered in partnership with Neighborhood House’s SUN Community School at George Middle School, brought the evening some flare!
Neighborhood House Board Members Jane Packard, Beth Blenz-Clucas, Pam Field and Linda Gerber get festive at Neighborhood House's annual dinner/auction.
Board Member Tom Doherty, with wife Kristin, was on hand representing event sponsor Welch Allyn.
Guests Lonnie Mayer, Beth Stanton and Libby Scholz joined the "Comunidad de Caring" at Fiesta Locale on May 5.
Local Mariachi star Edna Vasquez' performance brought the Cinco de Mayo festivities to life.
Our programs help low-income, recent-immigrant and other vulnerable people overcome challenges so they can achieve success, stability and independence.
Portland, February 23rd. Some of Portland’s top chefs were ladling out delicious soup to benefit Transition Projects. Soup for the Soul raises money to help provide flexible financial assistance to move people from homelessness to housing. Former Portland mayor Bud Clark, who is a member of Transition Projects board of directors, was all smiles at the benefit. Each year, Transition Projects helps more than 500 people end their homelessness. The event was at Urban Studio, located in the heart of the Pearl District.
Soup's on!
The 2012 line-up included chef, Christopher Israel. GQ named Christopher’s Grüner one of the 10 best new restaurants in America. A 2011 James Beard nominee, Christopher has cooked at Zefiro and Saucebox.
Christopher Israel (executive chef, Grüner) Michelle Ganow-Jones, visits with Serena Cruz Walsh (member of the Transition Projects Board of Directors, former Multnomah County Commissioner)
Other talented chef’s who supported the event included:
Daniel Mondok. Daniel’s resume includes Genoa, Sel Gris and Foster Burger. He is opening a new restaurant at the Inn at Red Hills in Dundee, previously occupied by Farm to Fork.
Greg Samples. Greg is executive chef at Portland Prime, winner of Wine Spectator’s 2011 Award of Excellence. He has cooked in the Pacific Northwest for more than 20 years.
Amanda Ames of Chez Joly has worked at the prestigious El Bizcocho in San Diego. She placed in the Concours de Tartes aux Fruits competition.
Karen Pride and Brittney Galloway also whipped up some great soup. They’re co-creators of the healthy, inspired cuisine served at Prasad Café, located inside Yoga Pearl.
Soup for the Soul drew a crowd.
Hon. Jeff Cogen (chair, Multnomah County), Andy Carson (Fox 12)
Doreen Binder (executive director, Transition Projects), Dave Williams (president, Clean & Safe Board of Directors)
Our mission is to serve people’s needs as they transition from homelessness to housing. With four locations in Portland, Oregon, Transition Projects serves homeless single adults throughout the metropolitan area. The agency is a catalyst for helping people end their homelessness. The mission of Transition Projects is to serve people’s basic needs as they transition from homelessness to housing.
Portland, February 14th. It was a sweetheart of a fundraising drive. The Valentine’s Day for CCA appeal on 105.1 The Buzz and Fox 12 raised more than $466,000. Fox 12 Oregon’s Andy Carson and Pete Ferryman had a chance to visit with CCA fan Maile Heen and her sister Malia. The money raised will provide programs that deliver joy to critically ill children, teens and their family members. (Photo credit, Mercy McNab) Andy Lytle chaired the event for CCA.
The Buzz KRSK afternoon personalities Ted, Mitch and Daria helped with the annual event. CCA Founder and CEO Regina Ellis was also joined by Fox 12 Oregon personalities Kimberly Maus, Andy Carson, and Tony Martinez.
Community volunteers cheered on the 105.1 The Buzz and Fox 12 Oregon personalities, while answering phones and taking donations throughout the two-day annual fundraising event.
Portland’s own 105.1 The Buzz KRSK afternoon personalities Ted, Daria and Mitch encouraged radio listeners to get involved with the Children’s Cancer Association and make a difference in the lives of seriously ill children and teens in our community.
From CCA:
The Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) was established in loving memory of five-year-old Alexandra Ellis who courageously fought cancer for two and half years before she died on May 7, 1995. In the year of Alexandra’s death, CCA was born. Since then, CCA has worked to offer award-winning programs, along with information, advocacy and support that help enrich the quality of life for seriously ill children and their families. Our mission is to bring the joy of music, the magic of wishes, the power of information, and compassion to seriously ill children and their families.
Lake Oswego, December 8th. The Lake Oswego Women’s Club Holiday Home Tour featured five beautiful homes decorated for the holidays. Special entertainment was provided by Michael Allen Harrison, Soul’d Out, The LO Windjammers, Dickens Carolers and many more. Lake Oswego Women’s Club is an all volunteer philanthropy organization for women of all ages who are bound by a common mission to support their community. Kim Nelson, LOWC Vice President pointed out the details in the Marriott Dining Room.
Rhonda Webber-HHT Chair and Jeri Parrott-LOWC Member- in the Koshuba's amazing master closet
Laura Angel- LOWC HHT Committee member in the Koshuba's Kitchen
Wilsonville High School singing group "Soul'd Out" in the Koshuba's living room
From the Lake Oswego Women’s Club:
The Lake Oswego Women’s Club was started by a small, social group of local women with the desire to help others. Initially, these women sponsored bake sales and “Santa Visits” to raise money for charity. In 1974, they formed “Lake Oswego Junior Women’s Club” under the charter of the Federated Club of Women’s Volunteer Organizations. In 2011, our name was changed to Lake Oswego Women’s Club.
Today, the mission statement of LOWC is “To bring closer the women of Lake Oswego and to promote through their common interests the civic, cultural, educational, and social welfare of the community.” Over the years, our focus has shifted from bake sales and “santa visits” to larger events which allow us to raise funds to donate to Portland-area nonprofit organizations. ALL of our funds go to local non-profits, the majority of which support needy women and children
We have two major events which serve as our main source of funding – The LOWC Holiday Home Tour and The Lake Oswego Lake Run. All of the funds we raise from these events or other donations are given local charities or other philanthropic needs in our area. All Lake Oswego Women’s Club member social events are paid for internally. Therefore, if you’re a member and you want to attend our holiday party, then you’ll need to buy a ticket for the event. The ticket price covers the cost of the venue, as well as food and beverages.
We need active volunteers to manage our events. Our club can have up to 125 active & provisional (first year) members, and women of all ages who live in Lake Oswego or neighboring communities are encouraged to contact Macey Lempert at [email protected] to learn more about membership. We typically meet once per month, and our meetings are open to those interested in learning more about our organization.
Projects supported by the club include:
Children’s Center (our #1 funded charity) – child abuse assessment center
Dinner & a Movie – provides mentoring and counseling for homeless youth
Abby’s Closet – provides free formal gowns to low income women for prom or
other special events
Albertina Kerr – supports those with mental health & developmental
disabilities
Bradley Angle House – domestic violence shelter
Human Solutions – helps low-income and homeless families rebuild their lives
and gain self-sufficiency
William Temple House – provides counseling, social services and pastoral
care for low-income individuals & families
Lake Oswego Parks & Rec – kids scholarship fund for parks &
recreation classes
Portland, December 3rd. It was a festive scene inside the main hall at Madeline Parish in NE Portland, where nearly 50 volunteers sorted and wrapped gifts to fill 235 gift bags. Volunteers gathered for the Metropolitian Famly Service Holiday Cheer; it’s an event to create gift bags for seniors and people with disabilities. Volunteers will deliver the gift bags to isolated older adults and people with disabilities through the end of the year.
Metropolitan Family Service staff volunteered their time at this year’s Holiday Cheer event. From left, Abby Becic Wood, Deborah Shimkus and Monica Wirtz.
Metropolitan Family Service is also planning a Holiday Toy Store for local families in need. Organizers are looking for gifts of new toys, games, children’s books and movies to help kids of all ages have a happy holiday season. The organization is asking for donations by December 19th. The Toy Store accepts new, unwrapped toys at the Metropolitan Family Service office, located at 1808 SE Belmont Street, Portland, Oregon 97214. Organizers are especially looking for gifts that teens would appreciate. During the week of December 19-23, parents from low income families are able to select a gift for each of their children. For more information about the Holiday Toy Store, please contact Jarrine Shaw at 503.232.0007, ext. 107.
Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator Deborah Shimkus greeted volunteers at the Metropolitan Family Service Holiday Cheer event and Linda Kepford (right) MFS Volunteer and Holiday Cheer’s supreme shopper organized this year’s volunteer effort along with Marcy Hughes (left) program coordinator.
For over 60 years, Metropolitan Family Service has played a vital role in the lives of children, families, and older adults. It provides services at 88 sites, including 57 schools. Metropolitan Family Service makes connections that strengthen the lives of 33,000 individuals and families each year. Metropolitan Family Service’s 1,800 skilled and caring volunteers contribute 129,000 hours in the tri-county area, a value to the community of $2.2 million.
Metropolitan Family Service’s Holiday Cheer is supported by Bank of America Employee Matching Contribution Program, Josh Reynolds, Linda Kepford, Lisa Blasen, Marcia Blasen, Starbucks Coffee, Cindy Yablok, Diane Burnworth, the Employees of Kraft-Nabisco, Bonnie Kiltow, Nancy Turner, and National Charity League – Portland Chapter.
Holiday Toy Store is supported by Adidas, Hawthorne Wellness, IBM, Mercy Corps International and Metro Parent Magazine. For more information on this event, contact Pat Kaczmarek, Marketing & Communications Manager, at 503.232.0007, ext. 170 or [email protected], or visit www.metfamily.org.
Year-End update: “Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success.” The unknown author of this quote must know something about an organization driven by an important mission. Thanks to the horse sense, persistence and the flaming enthusiasm of athletes, volunteers, donors, staff, and Board of Directors, Special Olympics Oregon had an exciting year of success!
Special Olympics Oregon Summer State Games 2011
Special Olympics Oregon 2011
From Special Olympics Oregon:
Our number of individuals with intellectual disability served increased statewide by 17%.
Our grand Summer State Games returned after a two-year economy-triggered suspension.
Our 30 volunteer-driven Local Programs serving our participants year-round in every county stayed strong.
Our major fundraising events – The Governors’ Gold Awards, The Bite of Oregon, Polar Plunge – exceeded expected revenue.
Our quota of volunteer Special Olympics Oregon coaches increased from 35 newly-trained in 2010 to 227 in 2011.
Our number of great friends increased – more companies, individuals and organizations caught the vision of Special Olympics Oregon’s momentous impact on the lives of thousands with intellectual disabilities, their families and their communities. Over and over again, we heard those magnificent words: I want to help.
Special Olympics Oregon Polar Plunge 2011
Special Olympics Oregon Governors' Gold Awards 2011
More from Special Olympics Oregon:
To all of you, we say with full hearts, “Thank you.” You have helped in ways you may not even imagine. You have changed lives, changed hearts, changed the world. We are most grateful. Hear first hand from athletes and coaches what Special Olympics Oregon has meant to them this year:
What does Special Olympics Oregon mean to you?
Special Olympics Oregon (SOOR) has given my son a chance to be included and accepted just the way he is. They have provided priceless and endless resources for us as parents. Most importantly SOOR has filled our hearts with joy. My son has a chance to actually be on a team, playing a sport that he loves right at his own school! I am thankful for a way to fulfill his dreams and wishes! Thank you SOOR, without you it would not be possible! (Kristy Minor,Special Olympics Oregon Parent)
How did you get your start in Special Olympics Oregon?
I started participating in Special Olympics Oregon back in the 1992 softball season. It was one of the best moves that I ever made for myself. It has been 17 seasons that I have been a Special Olympics Oregon Athlete and I can tell you from personal experience that I have enjoyed each and every game that I have played over the years. I never think of just myself. It is very important to me that I get my teammates involved with the games that we all play as a team. We all win and lose as one team and NOT individual players. Playing games in all sports for Special Olympics Oregon is a lot of fun. I just never want it to end. (Nathan LaMarche,Special Olympics Oregon Athlete)
What has Special Olympics Oregon done for you this year?
Special Olympics is one of those rare and amazing opportunities to be a part of something bigger than myself. As a coach I get to look into each athlete and see endless possibilities that they may not even know they have. I can set goals and see the athletes far surpass them. As a parent of an athlete, I get to see my daughter make friends that are unconditionally loving and accepting. We all get to treat each other as precious, valuable, gifted and strong! There is always encouragement and recognition available to everyone. I have seen over the last 21 years so many lives changed for the better, and relationships built that last a lifetime. With every challenge is a miracle getting ready to happen! (Cindy Miguel,Special Olympics Oregon Coach)
Help us reach one more athlete this holiday season by contributing a tax-deductable gift to Special Olympics Oregon. Volunteer this year with Special Olympics Oregon and help us continue to serve the largest disability population in the state.
Vancouver, November 6th. Animal lovers united to raise money at their PINS FOR PETS Bowling Event at Allen Crosley Lanes in Vancouver. Their mission was to help the animals of the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society by offsetting high medical costs so that animals don’t face euthanization.
It was a family event
Raffles and door prizes added to the fun.
WCG Humane Society fulfills its mission almost entirely through the efforts of unpaid volunteers.
West Columbia Gorge Humane Society is a no-kill, independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit animal shelter established in 1994. Its programs and services are carried out by a mostly volunteer staff dedicated to caring for animals and finding loving homes for each one. It operates an extensive foster homes program, a cat shelter and a dog shelter located at the Port of Washougal, Washington, and a Trap-Neuter-Return program (TNR) for feral cats living in the local area.
Pins for Pets supporters
Volunteers say, "Our community events and fund raisers increase awareness of homeless pets in our area, attract community support, and raise program funds."
Animal Lovers came out in force to support this great cause
Clark, Skamania, and Multnomah County residents place thousands of calls for help to the shelters each year. Staff and volunteers respond to every one, offering advice and assistance with pet problems with the goal of helping keep the animals with their current owners. If a person must give up his/her pet, the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society takes in the animal as long as it has staff and space available.
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