Portland, OR. Footwear manufacturer KEEN has pledged to give out 100,000 pairs of its shoes and boots, “to the workers on the front lines and the families at home fighting through the COVID-19 crisis.” Company leaders released a statement which included this message: “While shoes may not be a priority for some at this moment, making shoes that help people get outside and get the job done is what KEEN does best. KEEN is working with fans to create a movement based on helping others,” the Portland, Ore.-based manufacturer stated.
Here are the company instructions for the giveaway:
The process is to receive free boots is nomination based, so just provide your email to keenfootwear.com; instructions and a verification code will be sent almost immediately. You’ll enter that code along the nominee’s email address and a personal note (optional). KEEN will then reach out to selected nominees to obtain information including mailing address, shoe size and type of shoe or boot desired.
“The Together We Can Help initiative is fundamentally about enabling people to take positive action and build connection in a time of increasing isolation. We believe allowing people to “pay it forward” by providing someone in their community with a free pair of shoes, will help build connection at a time of great need,” said Erik Burbank, KEEN Global GM Outdoor, Lifestyle, Kids.
The KEEN Utility line is highly regarded for boots that balance ergonomics, comfort and safety, and this is a fast and free way to thank any truck or van driver, warehouse worker, or first responders. Common features include waterproof membranes, no-slip soles and lightweight carbon-fiber toes. Several were highlighted at the first-ever Industrial Wearable Fashion Show held by sister brand Industry Week last year. There are dozens of options to choose from, most named after American cities. Here are a few the company said are ideal for drivers:
Flint II Work Boot
KEEN.ReGEN lightweight midsole for superior underfoot cushioning and shock absorption
Slip-resistant EH-rated rubber outsole
KEEN.Dry waterproof, breathable membrane
Asymmetrical steel and carbon safety toe
Antimicrobial lining
Models for men and women
Sport model also available
KEEN Utility Portland Medium Duty Work Boot
KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technology that flexes and folds with up to three times less torque than other work boots
Feels like wearing a sneaker, but as durable as an industrial workboot
Asymmetrical carbon-fiber safety toes
Antimicrobial lining
KEEN.KonnectFit heel-capture system offers a locked-in, securefit and feel.
Portland, OR. Just two days before its annual gala, Artists Repertory Theatre (ART) made the difficult decision to cancel its 2020 benefit scheduled for March 14th. The decision was based on Governor Kate Brown’s recommendations to suspend all large gatherings.
The nonprofit theatre company pivoted to a “virtual paddle raise,” and its community of supporters responded: 170+ donors gave more than $130,000 total, or an average gift of $760. Gifts ranged from $10 to $10,000 and also came from ART staff and artists, the broader community that supports theatre and the arts. Administrators expressed their gratitude for this, “amazing” outpouring of support.
It’s good news because Governor Brown’s executive order limiting gatherings of 25 or more people until at least mid-April, has also forced the nonprofit to postponed the final production of its current season. The theatre company will continue to follow developments in the coming weeks before announcing new performance dates.
Indecent by Paula Vogel was the last production staged. It was directed by Josh Hecht, choreographed by Adin Walker
From ART:
We are continuing to conduct business as our staff works remotely; don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions! Our Box Office window at Portland Center Stage has been temporarily closed, but staff can be reached at 503.241.1278 or at [email protected] and will return your call or email within 48 hours. Our administrative staff can be reached by email or phone (a full directory can be found here).
We’ve been hard at work in the past few months securing venues and creating a dynamic line-up of plays for our upcoming 2020/21 season, but we have made the decision to delay the announcement of our next season until there is more clarity as to when public assembly will once again be safe. We appreciate your patience and support as we use this time to stay flexible and responsive.
In response to rapidly shifting recommendations, all in-person classes and public events are postponed until restrictions on public assembly are lifted. If you are enrolled in a class, we will be in contact with you directly. We’re doing our best to move as much as we can to remote/video-conferencing; we hope you’ll partner with us in exploring these new ways to connect and learn together.
Thank you for staying engaged and supportive of Artists Rep. The effects of COVID-19 will be felt across the arts community. While every organization is facing unprecedented challenges, the livelihood of individual artists is at stake with every postponed or canceled performance. If you want to help provide financial assistance to members of the Portland-area theatre community facing a medical or personal emergency, Portland Area Theatre Alliance’s Valentine Fund is a resource; to support independent/freelance artists facing lost income, consider the PDX Artists Relief Fund. If you’d like to show your support directly to Artists Rep, you can do so by the link below our signatures.
All of us here at Artists Rep are grateful for your generous support. We will continue to monitor the ever-evolving situation. As we do so, we look forward to once again sharing stories that matter.
We are also appreciative of Vibrant Table Catering & Events, who manages the venue we were planning to use. While food had already been purchased for the event, VT donated as much as possible to Urban Gleaners, a Portland non-profit that helps connect communities in need with surplus food. It has been moving to witness the many ways businesses and individuals alike are striving to support each other.
Portland, OR. The Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers about fake charities trying to capitalize on the generosity of donors. When major health events, like the Coronavirus, happen some thieves use names that sound like real charities to cheat supporters out of their money. Therefore, It pays to research organizations before giving. Money lost to bogus charities means fewer donations to help those in need. The Federal Trade Commission has some advice about nonprofit organizations at this link. It also specifies that you should never buy a gift card or use a wire transfer to donate.
The Federal Trade Commission also warned of other scams like the following:
Undelivered goods: Online sellers claim they have in-demand products, like cleaning, household, and health and medical supplies. You place an order, but you never get your shipment. Anyone can set up shop online under almost any name — including scammers.
What to do: Check out the seller by searching online for the person or company’s name, phone number and email address, plus words like “review,” “complaint” or “scam.” If everything checks out, pay by credit card and keep a record of your transaction. If you’re concerned about the pricing of products in your area, contact your state consumer protection officials. For a complete list of state Attorneys General, visit naag.org.
Fake emails, texts and phishing: Scammers use fake emails or texts to get you to share valuable personal information — like account numbers, Social Security numbers, or your login IDs and passwords. They use your information to steal your money, your identity, or both. They also use phishing emails to get access to your computer or network. If you click on a link, they can install ransomware or other programs that can lock you out of your data. Scammers often use familiar company names or pretend to be someone you know. Here’s a real-world example of a scam where phishers pretend to be the World Health Organization (WHO).
A fake email has the logo of the World Health Organization on it. (Sophos Ltd.)
Other scammers have used real information to infect computers with malware. For example, malicious websites used the real Johns Hopkins University interactive dashboard of Coronavirus infections and deaths to spread password-stealing malware.
What to do: Protect your computer by keeping your software up to date and by using security software, your cell phone by setting software to update automatically, your accounts by using multi-factor authentication, and your data by backing it up.
Robocalls: Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam Coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes.
What to do:Hang up. Don’t press any numbers. The recording might say that pressing a number will let you speak to a live operator or remove you from their call list, but it might lead to more robocalls, instead.
Misinformation and rumors: Scammers, and sometimes well-meaning people, share information that hasn’t been verified.
What to do: Before you pass on any messages, and certainly before you pay someone or share your personal information, do some fact-checking by contacting trusted sources. For information related to the Coronavirus, visit What the U.S. Government is Doing. There you’ll find links to federal, state and local government agencies.
Want more information on the latest scams we’re seeing? Sign up for consumer alerts. If you come across any scams or suspicious claims, report them to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
Portland, OR. The Portland Art Museum and Northwest Film Center are currently closed and staff members are working remotely. Administrators are committed to bringing art and film to supporters and they’re offering links and resources to keep people engaged. There are many free online opportunities for enrichment.
There are learning opportunities for homebound kids: Check out the Poster Project, a series of teaching resources featuring 30 artworks from across the Museum’s collection, each including information about the artist as well as activities created by educators.
Stay tuned for more online resources and upcoming programs.
The Portland Art Museum & Northwest Film Center reached out to supporters with this message:
You are some of our most dedicated, engaged, and enthusiastic supporters. We want you to know that your generosity does not go unnoticed and that we are mindful of the impact our closure has on your experience. Many of you have already donated back your admission tickets or renewed your membership. We are extremely grateful to our community as these gifts ensure the longevity and health of the Museum and Film Center during this difficult time.
We also want to reassure members of both the Portland Art Museum and Northwest Film Center that we will be offering extensions on expiration dates to make sure that you don’t lose any time with us while we are closed. This change will be made electronically so that once we reopen your extension will be reflected at the admissions desk or box office. More details will be communicated soon, but in the meantime, stay safe.
The truth is, arts organizations—and artists—across our city and state need your support now more than ever. With your help, the Museum and Film Center will play a role in our community’s healing and restoration.
Lake Oswego, OR. It’s time for the people to speak. The Arts Council of Lake Oswego is marking its 20th anniversary and holding its annual People’s Choice contest to pick a new sculpture for the “Gallery Without Walls.” Four sculptures are on-loan, including “Unrestrained Force” created by Breezy Anderson, pictured above. The sculptures are all are in the running to become a permanent part of the City of Lake Oswego collection.
Voting is open and anyone who lives or works in Lake Oswego can cast a vote. Online voting will end at 5 p.m., May 31st, and mailed ballots must also be postmarked by May 31st. The winner will be announced in early June. In addition, the winning artist and sculpture will be honored at the Gallery Without Walls Celebration held September 12th at the Windward in the heart of downtown Lake Oswego.
You can stroll outside to see the nominated sculptures. Here are the four choices:
#1 Fortress by Vicki Lynn Wilson – made from cement, steel, and stoneware clay. The sculpture is located on A Avenue and 1st Street.
In an effort to further stem the spread of COVID-19, the Arts Council of Lake Oswego encourages the community to vote online this year at http://artscouncillo.org/peoples-choice-2020 or by clicking the VOTE NOW button below! Also, look for paper ballots inserted into the LO Review on April 30th, along with ads that readers are able to cut out and mail in. Plus, ACLO will have paper ballots available at their office located at 520 1st Street, Lake Oswego with a secured ballot box for returns, to comply with social distancing protocols.
Portland, OR. Edison High School students, faculty, and staff were joined by 300 guests at The Sentinel on March 7th for Edison High School’s “Brilliance Benefit.” The more than $325,000 raised will go toward financial aid, technology, and professional development. At the event, longtime Edison supporters, Emily and John Holmes Alex browse the silent auction with Ginny Blosser.
Winner of the Pat Karamanos Award, Mike Arthur (2nd from the left) and his family are joined by Jesuit Principal, Paul Hogan (1st on the left).
New Edison President Mike Schwab thanks event co-chairs, Karin and Terry O’Loughlin.
Edison Board Member Summer Widmer (center in yellow) enjoys the evening with her guests.
Sherry and Robert Millis enjoy their first auction as Edison parents.
Desiree Baldocchi and Kim Jacobson are ready to enjoy the evening.
Here’s a video about Edison:
From Edison:
Edison is the only high school in Oregon and southwest Washington dedicated to students with complex learning differences and currently enrolls 100 students.
Portland, OR. The Portland community came out in full force to support the American Heart Association’s Heart Ball which raised more than $800,000 for cardiovascular research. The Heart Ball raises funds for research and highlights the work being done locally, which includes ensuring the availability of healthy foods, safe places to get active, and affordable, quality care. Thousands of people die from cardiovascular disease every day, and we know that many of these deaths can be prevented. Funds raised at the Heart Ball support the AHA’s mission of helping people live healthy lives. At the event, Trey and Betsy Maust visited with Dr. Robert Quintos M.D. and his wife Shelby. (Photo credit, Kenton Waltz)
Josh Hoffman and Kerri Pickett-Hoffman and Nima and Nicole Darabi
Some Board Members of the American Heart Association, Oregon & SW Washington Michelle Weisenbach (Board Vice Chair), President, Oregon & SW Washington KeyBank Jamie Holmes, Director of Marketing, Programming and Creative, KPTV Fox 12 Oregon Nancy Moon-Eilers (Board Chair), Group Director Center Store, New Seasons Dick Clark, CEO, The Portland Clinic Nancy Long, Behavioral Coach, Exit to Next, LLC; Educational/Behavioral Consultant, Education Solutions, LLC Dana Bjarnason, PhD, RN, NE-BC (Board Vice President) Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer, OHSU Healthcare; Associate Dean, Clinical Affairs, OHSU School of Nursing Benjamin Prinzing, President, Kadalyst Health Partners
Heart Ball Chair, Edgar Aponte, CEO Rexel United Kingdom
Heart Ball Emcee, Elizabeth Dinh, News Anchor KPTV FOX 12 Oregon
Anthony Mulholland snaps a photo.
Leslie McCall, Executive Director, American Heart Association, Oregon & SW Washington and partner Kartik Nagappa
From American Heart Association:
Thanks to all our 2020 #PDXHeartBall attendees – from our corporate sponsors to our volunteers to our generous donors. We appreciate everyone in our amazing community joining us in the fight against heart disease and stroke.
We’re working to create a world free of heart disease and stroke – a world where everyone can live your healthiest life. We know that true health is influenced by the places you live, learn, play and pray. Our work in Oregon & SW Washington includes working with local industries to improve the health of workers, increasing access to healthy food in our community, teaming up with city and state leaders to promote health policies, and providing our kids with more opportunities to be active in school.
Portland, OR. If you’re planning on attending a spring gala, taking a benefit walk, or participating in any other nonprofit fundraiser, please check the nonprofit’s website before you head out. With Governor Kate Brown ordering no gatherings of more than 250 people in Oregon for four weeks because of the COVID-19 pandemic, most big spring events are on hold. (Photo above is from Human Solutions which provides shelter and/or housing to over 1,000 local families, including over 400 homeless children.)
“Nonprofits are getting crunched between two colliding forces: dramatically increased demand for their services and likely significant declines in resources – and from what we’re already hearing, it will get much worse before it gets better,” said National Council of Nonprofits President and CEO Tim Delaney. “People will be turning to nonprofits for all manner of assistance but nonprofits will be facing down canceled fundraising events, reduced staffing, fewer volunteers, and reductions in other giving because people will have less to give.”
Virtually all local nonprofits are effected, like NW Dance Project. Administrators are reaching out with messages to supporters like this:
“NW Dance Project and most other arts organizations have no contingency budgets in the case of health emergencies like this. It is impossible to close any business without creating hardships for the organization, our cherished artists, and our small dedicated staff. Your support is critical as we navigate these challenges. For those willing to make a charitable contribution, please know that your gifts will help us get through this challenging time. Supportive, fully tax-deductible donations of support can be made on via the button below, our website, and HERE.”
Friends of the Children leaders made a similar appeal:
My message to you all is this – we need you more than ever! Our youth and families need us more than ever! Through this uncertainty, we are building community in different ways but with the same relentless focus on the core of our mission. No matter what, we will continue to serve the youth in our program with grit, hope, perseverance, and love! Click here to donate today and join us in our unrelenting support of our youth.
If you have a benefit that has been rescheduled or a nonprofit you regularly support consider reaching out to the organization to check in. This is an unprecedented and ever-changing community crisis and local nonprofits appreciate your continued understanding, patience, and support.
Portland, OR. Over 200 guests danced their way into the Roaring ’20s on February 29th at the Riverdale School District gala. The benefit at The Redd on Salmon included gaming, dinner, and a live auction which raised $181,000 to support the Riverdale Parent Teacher Club (PTC). Some funds are earmarked for improving the grade school and high school libraries. (Photo credit, Yah Yah Photography)
A glamorous carload of Riverdale Teachers
Tommy and Poppy Gregg
Heather Bogaty and her father, vintage car owner, Don Plumb
Sponsors at this table include Mina and Taft Strickland, PTC Treasurers Judy Chang and Jenny Ko, Aaron Chang, Andrew and Milana Gilligan, Ileana Esquival and Craig Arrowsmith
Auctioneer Matthew DiLorento entertains the crowd.
Mark Cooper and Jay Somera
The Golden Ticket winner was RGS Principal Joanna Tobin. Joanna and her family will be enjoying courtside seats at the Blazers game.
About Riverdale:
The Riverdale School District is an independent public school district. It was founded in 1888 and has always enjoyed widespread community interest, involvement and support. Today, Riverdale Grade School (PreK-8) and Riverdale High School (9-12) serve more than 600 families living in a residential, wooded area called Dunthorpe, located seven miles south of downtown Portland, Oregon, and adjacent to the city of Lake Oswego.
Portland, OR. The Northwest Academy hosted Club Cabaret, “The Mad Hatter’s Cocktail Party” at The Nines Hotel in downtown Portland. The event raised $295,000 for academic programs and student scholarships. Supporters at the February 29th benefit included Amy Hillman, Nicholas & Megan O’Toole, Todd McCoy & Tawnya Fox. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus) More than 200 guests came for the silent auction, cocktail party, an original musical performed by Northwest Academy students, and a live auction.
Students perform an original production called, “The Mad Hatter’s Cocktail Party.”
Educators say the Northwest Academy in downtown Portland strives to provide students with an enriching education consisting of developing their fine and performing arts skills, rather than implementing the arts only as a bonus to students education. Northwest Academy emphasizes the importance of the balance of academics and art fostering curiosity and creative thinking.
Mary Vinton Folberg, Chris Schuck, McKenzie Kerman, and Lauren Partington
Serena Schulz-Rodriguez, Sarah Santangelo, Chiharu Olsson, Lori & Peter Buss, James Olsson, Terence Barr, in back row: Marilyn Beach, Bronson & Marisa James
Zach Levow, Joe & Linda Rosinski, and Holly Levow
The Quest Foundation, along with a challenge match from Arlene Schnitzer and Jordan Schnitzer, contributed to programs and scholarships for the students.
From Northwest Academy:
Mission: Northwest Academy is committed to inspiring students to discover their intellectual and artistic voices in a creative and supportive atmosphere fueled by curiosity and constructive challenge. Vision: Northwest Academy will be recognized as a center of excellence in proficiency-based education, artfully blending academic instruction and experience. Graduates of the school will be innovative thinkers who chart their own futures and excel in a diverse global society. Core Values: Education in both academics and arts, results in a more complete and balanced individual who, while being productive, also leads an inspired and meaningful life, talented faculty, passionate about their subject areas, and the support of free and open inquiry motivates students’ interest in learning and creative thinking, student engagement, curiosity, and creative thinking expand when nurtured by accomplished and energetic faculty who promote participation and welcome debate, students thrive in an environment where both individuality and collaboration are encouraged and fostered, proficiency-based placement enhances students’ motivation and initiative while allowing a student to work through education at relatively accelerated or a more leisurely personal pace.
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]
