Oregon Community Foundation Receives $75 Million From Ann & Bill Swindells Charitable Trust

Oregon Community Foundation Receives $75 Million From Ann & Bill Swindells Charitable Trust

Portland, OR.  The state’s largest public charity announced it is the recipient of $75 million from the Ann & Bill Swindells Charitable Trust. The assets were bequeathed as part of the late Bill Swindells’ estate. The contribution will be added to Oregon Community Foundation’s existing endowment and will honor the Swindells’ vision and legacy of strengthening communities in Oregon through philanthropy.

The Oregon Community Foundation thanked the family in a written statement:

The Swindells family has a long tradition of charitable giving in Oregon. Bill Swindells’ father William Swindells, Sr., was the founder of forest products company Willamette Industries and co-founded OCF in 1973. From its early days with an initial gift of $63,000, Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) has grown in 45 years to more than $2 billion under management through 2,800 charitable funds.

Bill Swindells served on the Oregon Community Foundation board from 1983 to 1991 and helped lead the foundation’s growth. He and his wife Ann formed the Ann & Bill Swindells Charitable Trust in 2002. Other Swindells family members are involved with Oregon Community Foundation as donors, advisors and volunteers.

“This donation—one of the largest in Oregon Community Foundation history—represents the tremendous and lifelong commitment to Oregon of Bill and Ann Swindells, and the entire Swindells family,” said OCF President Max Williams. “Bill and Ann knew the value of investing in the success of all Oregonians, and we are committed to continuing that legacy at Oregon Community Foundation in the years to come.”

In a community foundation, donor funds are pooled under shared management to maximize community benefits and impacts. Though some donors request funds be used for specific purposes, the Swindells’ estate directs the fund administered by the Oregon Community Foundation Board, a diverse group of 14 volunteers, representing all areas of the state of Oregon, who govern the work of the Foundation.

“It was very important to my dad that his estate be transferred to Oregon Community Foundation as an unrestricted gift, for the use of the OCF Board on priorities they identify,” said William R. Swindells, Bill’s son. “As someone intimately involved with philanthropy, he understood the value of such flexibility as Oregon’s needs change.”

A strategic priority for Oregon Community Foundation is bridging the “opportunity gap”—decreasing inequities in access to education, health care, services and jobs, particularly for Oregon children born into poverty and children of color. Nearly half of all children born in Oregon are born into low-income families, and these children are less and less likely to reach the middle class. To combat the persistent gap in access to opportunity, Oregon Community Foundation deploys research, advocacy and grant-making to:

Strengthen neighborhoods and communities. This includes developing new affordable housing and preserving existing affordable housing; providing opportunities for economic mobility out of high poverty neighborhoods; and improving low-income Oregonians’ access to financial services.

Create economic security. This includes supporting paid family and medical leave, expanding the earned income tax credit and increasing subsidies for childcare for low-income families.

Expand access to education and jobs. This includes expanding apprenticeship programs; services for young people not currently in school or working; providing access to quality early childhood education and scholarships for disadvantaged students.

“Today, access to opportunity and a healthy, successful life can be predicted by the zip code into which you are born,” said Williams. “At OCF, we are on a mission to ensure that no matter where an Oregon child is born, they have the chance to achieve and thrive.”

Geishas From Japan Entertain in Portland Area

Geishas From Japan Entertain in Portland Area

Portland, OR. Portland Japanese Garden Board of Trustees President, Robert Zagunis and his wife, Deborah hosted three famous Japanese geishas for special luncheon at their Lake Oswego home. The benefit luncheon on September 4th, honored the authentic geishas from Kyoto, Japan. (Photo credit, Jonathan Ley)

Bee de Weese and Doug de Weese visit with a geisha in Lake Oswego.

The gathering in Lake Oswego begins at the Zagunis home where one geiko (Kyoto term for geisha) and two maiko (geisha in training) greet guests and posed for photographs.

A geisha is a woman highly trained in the arts of music, dance and entertainment. Geisha is Japanese for “person of art.” She spends many years learning to play various musical instruments, sing, dance and be the perfect hostess. Miehina, Kanako, and Konami performed, “Geisha: Unraveling the Art and Mystery” later that evening to a sold-out crowd at Portland Japanese Garden. The trio performed traditional dance and music, answered questions, and played classic geisha games with the public.

Miehina (geiko), who is pictured in the center in the green kimono, was born in Kyoto and is considered a “star” there. She is hired throughout Japan for her dancing and shamisen (three-stringed traditional instrument) music skills.

Portland Japanese Garden Board of Trustees President, Robert Zagunis plays traditional Japanese game with geisha.

The dance of the geisha is a subtle, stylized, and controlled form of dance. It is extremely disciplined, similar to t’ai chi. Every dance uses gestures to tell a story.

Portland Japanese Garden’s goal has been to offer intimate gatherings for first-hand interaction with geisha to learn more about their history and something of the geisha’s ethos beyond garments and accessories. The aim was to make all of the geisha events not only educational, but also cultural as well as artistic to bring out the best of what geisha culture and traditions have to offer our refined audience in Portland.

The Japan Foundation in Los Angeles, along with geisha expert Peter MacIntosh and Lucy Birmingham, approached Portland Japanese Garden with the idea of bringing the geisha from Kyoto to the United States, for a series of cultural events across the West Coast. For their inaugural program, the geishas are traveling from Portland to Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and Pasadena.

From the Portland Japanese Garden:

Portland Japanese Garden is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1963 as a place for cross-cultural understanding following World War II. Since opening year-round to visitors in 1967, Portland Japanese Garden has become a global destination for Japanese art, nature, and peace in Portland, Oregon. It is considered the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan and the foremost Japanese cultural organization in North America.

VISITOR INFORMATION

There are 12 acres with 8 gardens.

Address: 611 SW Kingston Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97205

Adult Admission: $18.95 

Website: japanesegarden.org 

 

Girl Scouts Luncheon Honors Community Leaders and Raises Record-Breaking $180,000 

Girl Scouts Luncheon Honors Community Leaders and Raises Record-Breaking $180,000 

Portland, OR. Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington presented its 2019 Marie Lamfrom Women of Distinction awards to Portland Police Chief Danielle Outlaw and Carmen Rubio, executive director of Latino Network. The women were honored during a luncheon at the Downtown Hilton on September 24th. The event raised a record-breaking $180,000 for girl leadership programming in Oregon and SW Washington. Outlaw and Rubio are being recognized for “demonstrating courageous leadership, serving as role models for girls and women, and working to make the world a better place,” according to the Girl Scouts. (Photo credit, Andrea Lonas)

Past and current honorees, Dr. Melody Rose, Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, Justice Adrienne Nelson, Governor Barbara Roberts, Barbara Alberty, Chief Danielle Outlaw, Carmen Rubio, Victoria Lara and DJ Wilson

“Chief Danielle Outlaw and Carmen Rubio exemplify just what Girl Scouts hopes to inspire in all girls: the courage to take action, make a difference and be the leaders our world requires. We’re pleased to recognize these extraordinary women,” said Karen Hill, chief executive officer for Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington. Past honorees of the award include Gov. Barbara Roberts, Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum and Oregon Supreme Court Judge Adrienne Nelson.

Harlan Levy, Andrew Tweedie, past board member Tracy Curtis, Hugh Harris, Jason Lim and Chabre Vickers

Cheryl Brendle, Patti Moller, Katherine Phillips, Francine Read and Board Member Jane Drew

Chief Wanner, Chief Burgard, Chief Morrisey and District Attorney Rod Underhill

“It is deeply humbling to be recognized as a role model for girls and young women by an organization that is helping build many of the leaders of tomorrow,” Outlaw said.
Outlaw was sworn in as Portland’s police chief on Oct. 2, 2017, becoming the first African American woman to lead the city police force, after spending 19 years with Oakland Police Department.
Rubio joined Latino Network as its executive director in 2009, working to advance the Latino community in education, leadership, and civic engagement in Oregon. During her tenure, the group’s staff has grown from less than 10 to 115, working out of three offices in Portland, Gresham, and Hillsboro.

Rubio said, “The values I carry for myself as a leader truly align with the mission of Girl Scouts – to lift up the confidence and courage of our young leaders so that they can help make our communities thrive.”
The award is named in honor of Marie Lamfrom, who served as a troop leader for a special needs troop at Shriners Hospitals in Portland for 35 years. She served on the Girl Scout council’s board of directors and received the highest award a Girl Scout adult can receive, the Thanks Badge. Lamfrom co-founded the company that would become Columbia Sportswear.

From Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington:

Who We Are

We’re 2.5 million strong—more than 1.7 million girls and 750,000 adults who believe in the power of every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ to change the world.

Our extraordinary journey began more than 100 years ago with the original G.I.R.L., Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low. On March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia, she organized the very first Girl Scout troop, and every year since, we’ve honored her vision and legacy, building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.

We’re the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. And with programs from coast to coast and across the globe, Girl Scouts offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. 

Learn more about our local council, Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington.
 

Our Mission

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
 

Maurice Lucas Foundation Gala Raises Record-Breaking $757,000

Maurice Lucas Foundation Gala Raises Record-Breaking $757,000

Portland, OR. A special celebration dinner and auction held at the Portland Hilton raised over $757,000 for the Maurice Lucas Foundation. The funds will support the foundation’s after-school programs for under-served students at Harriet Tubman Middle School and six high schools throughout the Portland area. A tradition at the gala is presenting the Maurice Lucas Enforcer Award. The recipient this year was the late Howard Hedinger, a philanthropist and friend of Maurice Lucas. His family members were on hand to accept the award. The award presentation photo included Bobby Gross, Bill Walton, Lionel Hollins, Zach Collins, Huston Hedinger, David Lucas, Barkley Hedinger and Hillary Hedinger. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Foundation Academy students ranging from Sixth Grade through college had a chance to have their photo taken with Executive Director David Lucas and High School Program Manager Karen Barker. (Photo by Naim Hasan)

David Lucas with his daughter, Nahla Lucas; mother Pam Lucas; his nephew, Lucas Tiefenthaler; and his brother, Maurice Lucas II. Photo by Andie Petkus.

The gala included over 600 attendees who participated in activities like a paddle raise, silent auction and live auction to raise record-breaking numbers for the Maurice Lucas Foundation. Maurice Lucas was the leading scorer on the 1977 NBA champion Portland Trail Blazers, and an advocate for young people. Following in his father’s footsteps, David Lucas continues to to be involved with the organization in his father’s memory.

The dinner also included students who have benefited from the foundation’s programs. “Our students are hungry for the future, and they stand on the shoulders of so many of you in the room tonight to be able to pursue their dreams,” said David.

Terry Stotts helps auctioneer Brett Richards raise funds at the Maurice Lucas Foundation gala. Photo by Andie Petkus.

Joe Wiser from title sponsor Whittier Trust tells the gala attendees about his long relationship with the Lucas family. Photo by Andie Petkus.

Following in his father’s footsteps, David Lucas served as the gala’s master of ceremonies. Photo by Andie Petkus.

Whittier Trust served as the gala’s lead sponsor. Other sponsors included the Portland Trail Blazers, Jordan Brand, Fred Meyer Jewelers, Mercedes Benz of Portland, Mercedes Benz of Beaverton, the Hedinger Family Foundation, Columbia Distributing, B&V Philanthropy, Darkhorse Entertainment, Loosen Bros.USA, Moda Health, North American Spirits and Wine Brokerage, Pivot and Marios.

From the Maurice Lucas Foundation:

Our mission: Teaching life lessons through education and sport.

Maurice cared immensely for the Portland community. He sought to empower youth by creating opportunity, especially where little existed. He was devoted to helping kids learn, achieve, and grow through sport, helping them build positive values. The Maurice Lucas Foundation is carrying on Maurice’s work by creating these opportunities for inner-city middle school students by providing a combination of education and activity-based after-school programs. Through positive interactions with program coaches, team members, and community role models, we help youth develop their cognitive, emotional, intellectual and social skills in a fun environment. Our youth programs develop personal and life skills, positive adult and peer relationships, and create a supportive environment of learning, mastery, teamwork, and autonomy.

 

Portland Opera’s Flora + Fauna Fall Ball Raises Over $1 Million

Portland Opera’s Flora + Fauna Fall Ball Raises Over $1 Million

Portland, OR. More than 350 supporters joined forces for Portland Opera’s Flora + Fauna Fall. The September 14th benefit, at the Sentinel Hotel featured a performance by Broadway star Sutton Foster. Portland Opera raised over $1 million dollars. Organizers say proceeds from the Flora + Fauna Fall Ball will strengthen Portland Opera’s ability to serve audiences throughout the region, by supporting operational costs as well as special programming and projects. (Photo credit, Garrett Downen)

Flora + Fauna Fall Ball Entertainment Sponsor Ellyn Bye and guests arrive at the Sentinel Hotel.
Photo by Garrett Downen/Portland Opera.

Originally scheduled to take place at the Portland Art Museum, the event venue was changed to the Sentinel Hotel just over a week prior to the event after part of the ceiling in the Art Museum’s Kridel Grand Ballroom collapsed.

Christine Richardson, Portland Opera’s Costume Director, and Ruth Poindexter, former Portland Opera Board of Directors member during the Welcome Reception of the Flora + Fauna Fall Ball. Photo by Garrett Downen/Portland Opera.

Flora + Fauna Fall Ball Entertainment Sponsor Dorothy Piacentini poses for photos with family and friends. Botanica Floral Design and Anthropologie designed an immersive lounge and portrait studio in the Sentinel’s Library. Gia Goodrich of VEV Studios directed and photographed portraits for guests.

Flora + Fauna Fall Ball co-chairs Bill Sweat and Donna Morris, proprietors of Winderlea Vineyard and Winery, pose in the Portrait Lounge. After the event, they released a thank you message. “On behalf of the board of directors and the Flora + Fauna Fall Ball gala committee, we are so grateful to everyone who came together to make this event such a success for Portland Opera.” Photo by Gia Goodrich.

Mistress of Ceremonies Poison Waters enlivens the festivities.

Guests bid on auction items during the Flora + Fauna Fall Ball.

Sue Dixon, Portland Opera’s interim general director, welcomes guests to the Flora + Fauna Fall Ball. Photo by Garrett Downen/Portland Opera.

“I am overwhelmed by the generosity of our community who came together to support Portland Opera as we embark on this next chapter,” said Sue Dixon, Portland Opera’s interim general director. “Portland’s civic pride was on display this weekend, as was the importance of opera to this community.”

Governor Kate Brown and First Gentleman Dan Little, Senator Elizabeth Steiner Hayward, and Brian Rogers, executive director of the Oregon Arts Commission, were among the honored guests. Platinum entertainment sponsors included: Joanne M. Lilley; Arlene Schnitzer and Jordan Schnitzer, Directors of The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation; Ellyn Bye and Dream Envision Foundation; and Dorothy Piacentini. Bill Sweat and Donna Morris, Proprietors of Winderlea Vineyard and Winery, served as co-chairs for the event, joined by committee members Sona Andrews, Kregg Arntson, Chris and Kathryn Hermann, Cameron Kurosu, Patricia Norris MD, Justine Thede Occhipinti, and Kathryn Wheeler.

From Portland Opera:

Portland Opera exists to inspire, challenge, and uplift our audiences by creating productions of high artistic quality that celebrate the beauty and breadth of opera.

Since 1964, Portland Opera has contributed to the cultural, artistic, and economic landscape of the city and region that we love. We celebrate the beauty and breadth of the opera repertoire with performances that take place in the Keller Auditorium, Newmark Theatre, and the Gregory K. and Mary Chomenko Hinckley Studio Theatre at the Hampton Opera Center. The company is also a committed educational partner, touring fully staged operas to schools and community centers throughout Oregon and SW Washington region each year, in addition to a host of other efforts designed to make opera accessible for all.

 

Lan Su Chinese Garden Sparkles Under the Moonlight

Lan Su Chinese Garden Sparkles Under the Moonlight

Portland, OR. Lan Su Chinese Garden supporters gathered in the authentic Ming Dynasty style garden for their “Under the Moonlight” gala. The September 7th benefit drew 75 people and raised over $60,000.  Guests enjoyed an intimate evening in the garden and a three-course dining experience with wine pairings.

Lisa James and Sunan Setboonsarng

Dr. Jason Wells raises his bid card.

This table was organized by garden supporter Christina Wilson.

Auction emcee Tracy Barry

All revenue from the event will be used to maintaining and improving the garden and the hundreds of cultural programs offered throughout the year.

From Lan Su Chinese Garden:

The mission of Lan Su Chinese Garden is to cultivate an oasis of tranquil beauty and harmony to inspire, engage and educate our global community in the appreciation of a richly authentic Chinese culture. 

Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of Portland’s greatest treasures and most interesting sites to see while visiting Portland. A result of a collaboration between the cities of Portland and Suzhou, our sister city in China’s Jiangsu province that’s famous for its beautiful Ming Dynasty gardens, Lan Su was built by Chinese artisans from Suzhou and is one the most authentic Chinese gardens outside of China. 

Much more than just a beautiful botanical garden, Lan Su is a creative wonder — a powerfully inspiring experience based on a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition that melds art, architecture, design and nature in perfect harmony.

Once inside the garden’s walls, you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled through time to another era in a faraway world. Lan Su is a window into Chinese culture, history and way of thinking. Ever changing, Lan Su always has something new to offer — by the minute, by the hour, and with the seasons. Enter the wonderland.

Our Name

The garden’s name represents this relationship: sounds from both Portland and Suzhou are combined to form Lan Su. “Lan” (蘭) is also the Chinese word for “Orchid” and “Su” (蘇) is the word for “Arise” or “Awaken,” so the garden’s name can also be interpreted poetically as “Garden of Awakening Orchids.” (蘭蘇園) 

Nursingale’s 6th Annual “Together for Good” Gala Raises $122,000

Nursingale’s 6th Annual “Together for Good” Gala Raises $122,000

Portland, OR. The 6th annual Together for Good Gala supported Nursingale’s mission of providing in-home, skilled nursing care to families with medically fragile children. Emcee, KGW’s Art Edwards interviewed family members of a Nursingale client named Annie, including her younger siblings Daphne and Isaac, and their mom Katie. The August 17th benefit was held at the downtown Hilton, with 225 people in attendance. Nursingale raised over $122,000 which will help medically fragile children and young adults receive in-home, family-centered care with an emphasis on keeping families together. Guests at the gala enjoyed a wine reception, silent and live auctions, appeal, dessert dash and dancing to Patrick Lamb and his band. (Photo credit, Andrea Lomas)

Kristy Blizzard, Patti Sadowski, Nursingale’s Executive Director, and Doug Blizzard share a moment visiting about their daughter Stephanie who was featured in the evening’s video presentation.

People line up to enjoy the selection of dessert dash treats.

Patti Sadowski, Nursingale’s executive director, congratulates nurse Mae Jordan, on winning the raffle prize of a weekend in Friday Harbor.

Nursingale is the only non-profit provider of home-based skilled nursing care for medically fragile children and young adults in Oregon. Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses are under the direct written orders of the client’s physician. Nursingale coordinates with families to be the leaders of the care team.

Here is a video with more information about why nurses may enjoy a career with the Nursingale program:

From Nursingale: 

Co-Founding Board Chair, Chris Thomas’s son Eric had been receiving nursing care at home for more than 20 years. During that time they had worked with many different home-nursing agencies, some of which had closed. In 2005, frustrated, because she wanted her son cared for not only the right way, but for the right reasons, she and her family decided to support the formation of the only non-profit organization in Oregon providing in-home nursing care to medically fragile children. Today Nursingale continues to thrive, making it possible for children to remain with their families, go to school and participate in their communities. The success of Nursingale can be attributed to our employees’ knowledge, skill, and commitment to providing outstanding client care. With the never-ending dedication and support from our nursing staff, we have created an organization committed to providing service we can all be proud of.

FALL PREVIEW: Diamonds & Denim Theme Will Sparkle at INCIGHT Gala

FALL PREVIEW: Diamonds & Denim Theme Will Sparkle at INCIGHT Gala

Portland, OR. The INCIGHT Gala is coming up on Saturday, October 5th at the Sentinel Hotel. Diamonds and Denim is the theme, so organizers encourage guests to feel comfortable wearing gala attire from both ends of the spectrum. They promise, “a night of luxury and purpose that includes cocktails, games, raffles, fine dining, and a live auction.” Their mantra: be a diamond in a rhinestone world!

Here’s a link for more information, or to get your tickets www.incight.org/gala
The mission of INCIGHT is to unlock the potential of people through employment, education, and independence. INCIGHT serves individuals living with barriers, people with disabilities, single parents, veterans, welfare recipients, and those involved with the justice system. Here are some photos from last year’s gala which was circus-themed:

Johnna Wells of Benefit Auctions 360 livens the room with exclusive auction packages.

There were plenty of on theme snacks, including popcorn!

Cheers to signature cocktails (The Barnum and The Bailey)

INCIGHT doesn’t just throw a fundraiser… they put on a show!

From INCIGHT:

INCIGHT is relentless in building sustainable villages, networks, and resources to help all people reach their unlimited potential. Through a variety of strategic programs and services focused on education, employment, and independence the results include less homelessness, less need for welfare, fewer incarcerations, fewer suicides and fewer disabilities.

For the gala on October 5th, doors open at 5:00 p.m. The dinner & live auction begin at 6:30 p.m.
You can purchase tickets at www.incight.org/gala

Editor’s note: Fall Preview is a PortlandSocietyPage.com feature and is sponsored content.

Providence Heart Institute Black & White Ball Raises $745,000

Providence Heart Institute Black & White Ball Raises $745,000

Portland, OR. It was an exciting night on the pitch for Providence Heart Institute Black and White Ball. For the second year in a row, the event was held right on the soccer field at Providence Park. Thorns goalkeeper and Team USA member Adrianna Franch offered up her soccer cleats to the highest bidder. The benefit raised over $745,000 for to help future heart transplant patients and their families.

The Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns FC worked in partnership to help present the benefit.

Greg Burpee, Steven Klein, and Sarah Burpee

Jim and Kelley Dulcich

Fans had a chance to pose with Timber Joey

Steven Klein, Wendy Hill, Dave Hill, member of St. Vincent Council of Trustees Greg Specht, Phil Taggart, Karla Hansen, Sean Brennecke, Madelyn Engel, Anne Hicks, and Brendan Murphy

If you were unable to join us last night but are still interested in supporting Providence Heart Institute, you can make a donation here.

The Providence Heart Institute is the leading provider of cardiovascular care in Oregon committed to making a positive difference in every life we touch. 

We offer a full range of subspecialty services that allow us to deliver comprehensive, innovative and personalized care.

SEMpdx Rooftop Party Offers Networking and Charitable Giving

SEMpdx Rooftop Party Offers Networking and Charitable Giving

Portland, OR.  SEMpdx held its annual Rooftop Party in Portland’s Pearl District at the On Deck Sports Bar & Grill. It’s the eleventh year for the networking event. The SEMpdx Board of Directors took time for a photo. Leaders include: Ryan Campbell, Scott Hendison, Kevin Getch, Anna Madill (back row) Tony Svoboda, Trish Carey, Garrett Browne, Robert Frost, Todd Mintz, Sarah Hinds, and Ashley Kennedy. Every year, the nonprofit Search Engine Marketing Organization selects a charity to support and this year, it’s Girls Inc., an organization encouraging girls to be “strong, smart, and bold.” The benefits of becoming a SEMpdx Charity of Choice include: recognition at events, pro-bono digital marketing services, and up to a $5,000 donation.

During the Rooftop Party on August 1st, members try their hand at the giant Connect 4 game.

One of the founders of SEMpdx, Kent Lewis, talks with members. Lewis is also the President of Anvil Media.

Rooftop sponsors included: AMA PDX, Logical Position, Oregon State University’s Professional and Continuing Education, The Portland Business Alliance, Webfor, and Smartz.

From SEMpdx:

SEMpdx was founded in 2006, because we felt that there was a lot of veteran talent here in PDX, but we weren’t really recognized for it because we were all so busy working that we weren’t self-promoting. We also knew that the business community in Portland was coming around to SEM, but didn’t really know about the level of talent here in PDX. This led to our rather simple mission “put search on the map in Portland, and Portland on the map in search”. In other words – to get PDX recognized in the national SEM community, and raise awareness for search marketing in PDX. We got the group together when Scott Orth & Blu Drobushevich approached me (Kent Lewis) after SMX Seattle in 2006 and suggested we create our own industry association in Portland. Initially, I (Ben Lloyd) was hesitant, and wasn’t sure we had critical mass in the area. That said, after a brief debate, we agreed to run it by folks we knew and trusted in the industry. A month or two later, we scheduled a meeting with a dozen or so local SEM professionals. Everyone at that meeting was on board (literally, everyone become an initial board member). I sold the initial sponsorship (Site9) that gave us the funding and moved SearchFest from IPN (Stan Davis & I created the initial events in 2005) to SEMpdx and we were on our way. Ben Lloyd helped us incorporate through his father’s firm and we started formalizing articles, bylaws, processes, mission, vision, and so on. Scott Hendison worked on the blog and website, Tracy Chapman started organizing, and Todd Mintz started blogging. The rest is history! There was a great deal of hard work & details by the board, which was critical and appreciated. The group then started putting on monthly educational events.