Portland, OR. The annual YMCA Good Friday Breakfast at the Oregon Convention Center drew over 950 business and community leaders from the Portland and Vancouver metro area. Supporters gathered to recognize and celebrate the significance of Good Friday and a shared Christian heritage. The event was centered on prayer, encouragement and reflection. At the event Mark Burris, Chief Operations Officer at the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette, Kaytie Fiedler, Executive Director at Open Arms International; John O’Leary, Keynote Speaker; and Mike Burkesmith; Good Friday Breakfast Co-Chair posed for a photo. (Photo credit, Sam Cox)
Keynote Speaker John O’Leary, Former Governor John Kitzhaber and YMCA of Columbia-Willamette COO Mark Burris
“The YMCA shared a video highlighting its programs for kids, families and adults of all ages, their Chaplains and the Y’s Christian Principles of love, respect, honesty, responsibility and service.”
Here’s the video link.
Booths were available to sponsors, including Founder and Gold Sponsor Open Arms International
Event founder, Open Arms International, helped make the breakfast possible and Kaytie Fielder from Open Arms International was the emcee for the breakfast. Kevin Palau provided the invocation at the April 19th event. After a breakfast of Salmon Croquettes Co-Chairs Mike Burkesmith and Mark Burris, Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette took the stage to thank sponsors and guests.
The YMCA shared a video highlighting its programs for kids, families and adults of all ages, their Chaplains and the Y’s Christian Principles of love, respect, honesty, responsibility and service.
Keynote Speaker John O’Leary shared his story of triumph and his beliefs on how you choose the path to walk in your life. At the age of nine, after a massive explosion in his home, he was given a one percent chance to live, and fought extraordinary odds to survive. Organizers say John was engaging, entertaining, humble, thought-provoking while sharing his strong, selfless commitment to Jesus Christ. He also encouraged attendees to take the message of Good Friday out into their communities. Forty-five minutes after he started speaking the audience responded with a standing ovation signaling their connection to John and to the spirit of Good Friday. The breakfast wrapped up with Dorcas Brown leading the room in a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace.
Portland, OR. The Rose Festival Kick-Off Party presented by Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon was a rooftop affair at the Hoxton Hotel on 4th and Burnside. It was also a time to introduce the 2019 PGE/SOLVE Starlight Parade Grand Marshal – Mr. David Bailey AKA ‘Mr. Bailey’ as the students at Lincoln High School called him for 50 years. Lincoln is celebrating 150 years and the Festival honoring the school by featuring its most popular teacher. Now retired, David Bailey posed for a photo with former student Ashley Coates who is New Business Associate at Artslandia. (Photo credit, Vern Uyetake)
At the event on May 1st, organizers unveiled the latest Rose Festival art; souvenir poster, exclusive wine label and seasonal pin.
Rose Festival CEO Jeff Curtis & KPTV General Manager Adrienne Roark
Greg Lint Oak Knoll President & Teri Bowles-Atherton President
Jeff Curtis & Andrew Over, Regional VP of Cambia Regence
The Starlight Parade is Saturday, June 1, 2019 starting at 8:30 p.m. It will be televised on KPTV 12, starting at 9:00 p.m.
The Portland Rose Festival Foundation is a non-profit that serves families and individuals with programs and events that promote the arts, education and volunteerism. More information at: http://www.rosefestival.org/support/donate
Here’s a schedule of all the upcoming 2019 Rose Festival events:
Portland, OR. Youth Music Project (YMP) held its third annual benefit, “With A Little Help From Our Friends” at the World of Speed Motorsports Museum on April 13th. At the event, Sue Reinhart, Kirsten Reinhart, Sally Bany (YMP Founder), Mary Jaeger, Rachael Sneddon, and Angie Galimanis took time to jam in front of a vintage VW bus. Over 200 guests heard from guest of honor Dave Dahl’s and enjoyed a heartfelt musical performance with his band The Killer Granddaddies. YMP youth rocked the socks off guests as well and in total, the evening grossed over $200,000. (Photo credit, Tammy Moscato Photography and Ariel Dunn)
All money raised at the benefit supports YMP’s Tuition Assistance Program which allows 40% of enrollments to be free of charge, because the nonprofit believes all children should have access to a quality music education.
Terry Sprague, owner LUXE Christie’s and Patti Warner, owner Patti’s Fine Jewelry
Dave Dahl and his band, The Killer Granddaddies
Rachael Lenzini, Designer Tony Iyke, and Special Guest Dave Dahl
YMP Youth Francesca and Executive Director, Travis Magrane
The event was presented by Davidson Benefits Planning.
From Youth Music Project:
We believe that every student deserves access to inspiring, engaging and encouraging music education. Led by our talented and supportive family of educators, YMP students can sign-up for Group Music classes or Private Music Lessons in Guitar, Drums, Bass, Violin, Piano, Ukulele, Vocal, and Rock Bands for kids, teens and adults. We also provide Preschool Music and Art Classes geared toward ages 1-4 years.
Portland, OR. The Oregon Convention Center was filled with enthusiastic supporters at the 31st Annual Auction benefiting St. Mary’s Academy. Teri Bowles-Atherton ’93 and Karis Stoudamire-Phillips ’94 were among the guests at the April 13th benefit. (Photo credit, Greg Kozawa)
Chandra and Erik Wahrgren
Eric, Nellie and Anna ’22 Hester
Emily Niedermeyer Becker ’86, Virginia Mathews, Molly Mathews Bjorklund ’85, Marilyn Brown Whitaker and Mary Whitaker ’16
Mayanna Pogson, Erika George, Francesca Sims, Nellie Hester, Lucy Bosworth, Mary Lou Green
Toward the end of the evening, St. Mary’s Academy President, Christina Friedhoff, proudly announced the silent and live auction event met the goal of one million dollars. “There is no doubt that each girl who walks through the doors of St. Mary’s Academy is capable of contributing something unique and powerful to positively impact our world, and the continued support helps ensure each of these young leaders has the education and tools they need to thrive throughout this journey,” said Emily Niedermeyer Becker ’86, Vice President for Development at St. Mary’s Academy.
This year’s auction was titled “In Full Bloom”, and with the assistance of five-foot silk flowers and spring-colored LED lit trees near the stage, guests could soak in the feeling of spring’s arrival and the theme surrounding this year’s event.
The auction, again emceed by KGW News Anchor, Cathy Marshall, featured items to pique the interest of many people including a golf trip to Ireland, local getaways across Oregon, hosted private dinner parties and concerts featuring big names such as the Backstreet Boys and Ariana Grande, to name a few.
While the night consisted of paddle raising for a cause, highlights included the video premiere of “Our Moment to Shine”, a montage featuring St. Mary’s Academy alumnae who have succeeded as leaders in their field and built a name for themselves within their industry.
“From day one, you’re given the opportunity to speak up and be challenging and be challenged.,” Karis Stoudamire-Phillips ’94, SMA Board Member and Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Moda Health in Portland, Oregon states in the video. She goes on to recognize the unique experience the all-girl Catholic high school provides, “They understand the role you can have as a woman, the decisions you can make and the positions you can hold. SMA’s supportive environment really propelled me in my life”, Karis adds.
The video was followed by Bids for Kids speaker, Teri Bowles-Atherton ’93, President for the Rose Festival’s board of directors. Her speech was followed by the highly anticipated Bids for Kids paddle raise. Bids for Kids is an opportunity for auction guests to contribute to the school’s tuition assistance program.
“It was the empowerment and the ability to go in front of people, speak and share ideas and concepts, and just that confidence that St. Mary’s Academy instilled, that’s carried with me throughout life then and now while serving on the Rose Festival’s board as President,” said Teri.
The auction is St. Mary’s largest annual fundraising event with proceeds benefiting every student in meaningful ways.
Portland, OR. Drawing a record 450 guests, Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare’s 2019 Transformation Gala raised nearly a quarter million dollars in support of the nonprofit’s whole health care and outreach services. Attendance was the highest in the Gala’s three-year history, growing by 100 supporters over last year. Lisa Oyler, Chiki Nussbaumer, Gayathrai Ramprasad, Toc Soneoulay-Gillespie and Tamara Pedrojetti were among the hundreds who enjoyed the night. Highlights of the April 4th benefit included the announcement of new grants from Cambia Health Foundation, Wells Fargo Foundation, US Bank Foundation, Pacific Power Foundation, and OnPoint Credit Union, as well as new gifts and sponsorships. Cascadia provides mental health services, addiction recovery support, primary care, wellness programs, permanent housing solutions and affordable housing to people of all ages. (Photo credit, Mario Gallucci)
The event was emceed by mixed media artist and Bend’s 2019 Creative Laureate MOsley WOtta, with music performance by celebrated singer-songwriter Tasha Miller.
Lauren Macbeth, Gina and Adam Davis
Gayathri and Bangalore Ramprasad
Jim Hlava, John Duke, and Derald Walker
Portland Police Chief Danielle Outlaw
Jonathan Eames, Heather Jeffries, and Eric Sevos
Kay Toran, Michelle Farrakhan, and Andi Potter
Katy Robinson, guest, Janice Jacobs, Kendall Hansen, Jerry Robinson
Natalie Williams, Sarah and Dawn Coleman, Pari Mazhar and Katherine Moore
Rico Bocala and Roger Willoughby
Tracy and Kellie VavRosky and Lisa Shamek
Todd and Chiki Nussbaumer with Amelia Wilcox and Jim Mol
Joni and Ron Hartmann, Gala guest, Mark Stevenson, and Kathy Swift
Jerry and Katy Robinson, guest, Paul Giger and Lauren Crow
Toc Soneoulay-Gillespie, Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, Michelle Farrakhan
Andrew Colas, Alex Colas, Aneshka Dickson, Marc-Daniel Domond and members of the Colas Family
Andrew Colas and Alex Colas with Members of the Colas Family
Michael Seale, Laura Cohen and Jeffrey Eisen
Jeff Heatherington and Chief Danielle Outlaw
Hermann Colas, Jr, Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, Derald Walker
Deniz Conger, Kregg Arntson, Melissa Appleyard
Arvie Smith and Julie Kern-Smith
Lisa Farley, Sandra Wilborn, Beth Burns and Nathan Engkjer
(seated) Tracy VavRosky, Lisa Shamek, Bradley Scott Christie, Becky Paris Christie, Amador Bustos, Rosalie Bustos, (standing) Kellie VavRosky, Emily VavRosky
(seated) Van Do, Todd Nussbaumer, Chiki Nussbaumer, Cabre Vickers, Andrew Tweedie, Brice Terrible, Kassie Auler (standing Lisa Oyler and Adam Auler)
(seated) Laurie Chern, Jeff Marotta, Robin Boyce, Janice Jacobs, Susie Richardson, and Michael Phillips, (standing) Neil Falk, Janet MacDonnell, Darian Minkunas , and Dan Johnson
Amelia Wilcox and Jim Mol
“Our work at Cascadia is about people – supporting each other and helping people experience transformative care to improve their health and quality of life,” said President and CEO Dr. Derald Walker. “What makes this event so dynamic is that the minute you walk in, it’s all about community – people coming together to fuel support around our shared goals to provide life-changing whole health care, more affordable housing, and improving our region’s quality of life for people of all ages.”
The Gala presented three Culture of Caring Awards recognizing contributions and leadership in strengthening our community’s social, physical, cultural and emotional well-being. Hermann Colas, Jr, Founder and Chair of Colas Construction, was honored for his achievements in promoting greater awareness and importance of affordable housing, revitalizing neighborhoods, and building healthy, vibrant communities. Portland Police Bureau Chief Danielle Outlaw was honored for her work in building community relations and civic engagement. Beth Burns, executive director of p:ear, was honored for building community through the arts. The awards honor the legacy of the late Reverend Dr. John and Mrs. Yvonne Garlington’s dedication and commitment to community that Cascadia embodies in its mission.
The evening was filled with great music, food, and art and hosted at the Peter Corvallis Productions warehouse in North Portland. Gala guests included Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meieran, Oregon Representative Rob Nosse, Portland City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, members of Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury’s office, staff from Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler’s office, and a lead representative of US Senator Ron Wyden’s office who shared a special letter from the Senator in support of Cascadia’s service to the community.
Portland’s Metropolitan Youth Symphony youth jazz ensemble also entertained Gala guests. Cascadia showcased a dynamic art installation by Portland Winter Light Festival artist Michael Taluc that symbolized transformation and hope with a sculptural, mobile that filled the space with light and movement.
About Cascadia:
Cascadia is the largest community-based behavioral health and substance use treatment services organization in the state of Oregon and is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC). More info at this link: https://www.cascadiabhc.org/
Portland, OR. The Oregon Symphony broke another record at Gala 2019: Landmark with $1.2 million raised on Saturday, April 13th at the Portland Art Museum. More than 400 guests, including 2019 Gala Honorary Chair Jordan Schnitzer, who posed with with Lois Schnitzer, honored the legacy of Arlene Schnitzer and the late Harold Schnitzer. Supporters celebrated the Symphony’s standing as a landmark organization in Oregon and nationally.
From right Gala Event Chair Dan Drinkward, Music Director Carlos Kalmar, with Event Chairs Rick Hinkes, and Tige Harris
This is the fifth consecutive year the Symphony has broken its fundraising record at the signature event.
Oregon Symphony’s 2019 Gala cocktail reception at Portland Art Museum’s Sunken Ballroom
Oregon Symphony President Scott Showalter presenting the 2019 Schnitzer Wonder Award to Dan Bosshardt, founder and manager of Mariachi Una Voz
Mariachi Una Voz performing with the Oregon Symphony at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in the annual pre-Gala Community Concert
Bidding in progress at the Oregon Symphony’s Gala 2019: Landmark
Oregon Symphony President Scott Showalter announcing the evening’s grand total
Oregon Symphony’s Principal Timpanist Jon Greeney leads student musicians in performance of Steve Reich’s Clapping Music
Native American group The Thunderbird Lodge Singers culminated the festivities
The evening began with the Symphony’s annual free community concert held at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. The program, titled Music of the Americas, was a tribute to the vast influence that Latin music has had on composers hailing from all three Americas.
Midway through the concert, the 2019 Schnitzer Wonder Award, created by Jordan Schnitzer in honor of his parents Harold and Arlene Schnitzer, was presented to Mariachi Una Voz, a group comprised of middle and high-school students from the Hillsboro School District. The award, accepted by the group’s manager Dan Bosshardt in both English and Spanish, includes a $10,000 contribution. Following the award presentation members of Mariachi Una Voz, dressed in traditional costume, filled the stage to perform two pieces with the orchestra and received a standing ovation from the capacity crowd.
Following the concert, gala guests walked across the South Park Blocks for a three-course formal dinner in the Portland Art Museum’s Kridel Ballroom. The room was decorated with floor-to-ceiling banners featuring line drawings of famous landmarks from North, South, and Central America by artist Amanda Iler Fuson.
As dinner began, Showalter shared many of the recent exciting Oregon Symphony achievements including its continued work in the community and the growth of its classical concert series next season. Principal Timpanist Jon Greeney then took the stage with four of his student musicians to present a work by Steve Reich called Clapping Music. This minimalist piece is performed entirely by individuals clapping hands in different rhythms and presented a “hands on” example of how easily everyone can engage with and connect through music.
The delight in the room at this performance was palpable as the bidding began for the Symphony’s most successful gala to date. Showalter expressed his gratitude to all the guests noting, “I thank you all for your incredible support. Your generosity, along with that of all of our annual donors, will make possible our commitment to the broadest and most diverse array of outreach programs in the state. I look forward to our future!”
Hillsboro, OR. Community Action hosted its yearly Kaleidoscope Gala at NW Events & Environments and raised $226,000. Kaleidoscope is an annual celebration of the inspiring stories of Community Action’s clients and the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year. On April 12th, 427 community leaders and supporters gathered to enjoy dinner, local wine, a live and a silent auction, Wild Card Raffle and other unique opportunities to support the nonprofit. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Renée Bruce, Executive Director of Community Action and Sabrina Ersland, Kaleidoscope Special Guest and former client of Community Action.
Sabrina, a former client of our Head Start program at Coffee Creek, was featured in the event. She shared her story of personal transformation to a captivated audience of 437 people. Determined to give her daughter a better life, Sabrina’s experience with Community Action’sHead Start program at Coffee Creek gave her a newfound purpose, embarking on a journey that has created change for her family and the community she serves. “If there was not a Community Action Head Start opportunity, I don’t think I would have the bond that I have with my daughter and I would have never found my place and my passion for what I want to do for the rest of my life.”
Thank you Fred Johnson and to our friends at Heritage Bank for your Presenting Sponsorship
Mike Scott, Hillsboro School District Superintendent Kaleidoscope Emcee
Tom Hughes, former Metro President and Hillsboro Mayor and newest Community Action Board Emeritus member was honored at the benefit.
Renée Bruce, Executive Director of Community Action
Paddles raised high during the Live Auction
The event included recognition of former Metro President and Hillsboro Mayor Tom Hughes as Community Action’s newest Emeritus Board Member.
Over $226,000 was raised at Kaleidoscope which will directly support Community Action’s programs and services dedicated to assisting local families to find a path out of poverty.
From Community Action:
Community Action would like to extend a special thanks to Kaleidoscope’s Presenting Sponsor, Heritage Bank, for their incredible support. Thank you also to all the sponsors, generous donors and volunteers who made the event a success. We are truly honored to have your help in making Washington County a place where everyone has a chance to thrive.
Portland, OR. Dogs of all sizes, ages and breeds are invited to apply for the 2019 Portland Rose Festival Canine Court. Six dogs will be honored as the official Canine Court, including two lucky dogs to be crowned the king and queen. All six dogs will be invited to ride on, or walk with, a float at the Rose Festival Starlight Parade on June 1st. There’s an entry fee of $50, so the contest is a fundraiser for the Oregon Humane Society.
A panel of representatives from the Oregon Humane Society, LexiDog, 105.1 The Buzz and the Heathman Hotel will pick 20 canine finalists to participate in the Canine Coronation Ceremony at the Heathman Hotel, 6-9 p.m., Wednesday, May 22. During this event, the Canine Court will be chosen. Winners will receive prizes worth up to $1,500.
OHS first partnered with the Rose Festival in 2018 when a dog named Diesel, pictured above, became the first canine Grand Marshal of the Grand Floral Parade.
“The community really embraced this unique way to celebrate our love for our pets,” says Sharon Harmon, OHS President and CEO. “We are grateful to the Rose Festival for the opportunity to include our canine friends in the Starlight Parade this year.”
West Linn, OR. Willamette Falls Trust supporters gathered on April 10th to celebrate $7 million in new gifts from two philanthropic families to help with plans to provide access to the falls and revitalize the area. Connie Ballmer, wife of former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, and the co-founder of Ballmer Group, has donated $5 million toward the Riverwalk. The Ann and Bill Swindells Charitable Trust has donated $2 million; the Trust is focused on improving the quality of life for Oregonians, and seeks to sustain the state’s cultural, scientific and historical endeavors.
Connie Ballmer grew up in Oregon City and worked at the Crown Zellerbach mill on the west side of Willamette Falls as a college student.
Board Chair and Campaign Cabinet Co-Chair Alice Norris sharing Willamette Falls Trust’s fundraising news
Trust Board member Joe Buck experiencing a virtual reality tour of the former Blue Heron paper mill and out to the Willamette Falls overlook
The announcement celebration, on April 10th, took place at the Tumwater Vineyard & Barrel House in West Linn.
The Willamette Falls Riverwalk is a public/private partnership, with government and nonprofit organizations working together to bring the project to life. Willamette Falls Trust works alongside the Willamette Falls Legacy Project, a four-government effort comprised of Oregon City, Clackamas County, Metro and the State of Oregon.
The current plans for the Willamette Falls Riverwalk include repurposing one of the former mill buildings into a three-story structure which will provide visitors with an overlook of the falls and Willamette River, restored habitat and gathering spaces as well as historic and cultural interpretation of the site.
Willamette Falls is America’s second-largest waterfall by volume. The Willamette Falls Riverwalk is a public/private partnership, with government and nonprofit organizations working together to bring the project to life. Willamette Falls Trust works alongside the Willamette Falls Legacy Project, a four-government effort comprised of Oregon City, Clackamas County, Metro and the State of Oregon.
“It’s as if someone put a roof on the Grand Canyon and kept it hidden away for all these years,” said Connie Ballmer about the Falls. “It’s time to lift the roof off Willamette Falls so that more Oregonians can experience this beautiful place. These kinds of projects don’t come along very often, so it’s an important moment for the region and state. I am delighted to lend support to Willamette Falls Trust and Oregon City’s beautiful waterfront.”
“These generous gifts buoy our efforts to complete the first phase of a world-class Riverwalk, demonstrating community and regional support of our plans to create a new experience at Willamette Falls that will give everyone new opportunities to explore the rich habitat, culture and history of this significant place,” said Alice Norris, Board Chair of Willamette Falls Trust.
Here’s a video about the donation from Connie Ballmer:
With a fundraising goal of $35 million for Phase One of the Riverwalk, $19.5 already contributed by the Willamette Falls Legacy Project partners, and this additional $7 million donated by individuals, the project has now raised more than 75% of the funds needed to meet the goal. A capital campaign to raise the remaining $8 million is currently underway.
Portland, OR. The seventh annual Heroes of the Heart Gala presented by Moda Health and The Adventist Health Foundation celebrated community heroes. Andrea Molloy, Debbie Russell, Carol Hart, Aubrey Fogg, Christen Kolberg served on the Gala Committee. This year the Foundation recognized Allie Roth, founder and president of With Love, Alison Hicks, Jason Hicks and Sabrina Prill, founders of the Chelsea Hicks Foundation and Deja Fitzwater, 2018 Pamplin Media Amazing Kid. Our heroes’ compassion and generosity make a difference in Portland and we are honored to recognize their dedication to our community. The sellout crowd was entertained by comedian Michael Jr. and MC Terry Johnsson. More than $200,000 was raised in support of Cancer Care at Adventist Health Portland.
Aaron Poole, Karen Poole, GJ Newmyer, Joyce Newmyer
Hospital President David Russell, Comedian Michael Jr., Debbie Russell
Krystal Moyers, Dr. Brian Moyers
From The Adventist Health Foundation:
Gala Sponsorships
Platinum Sponsor – $25,000
Premier seating for 20 (two tables)
Limo service to Gala for 4
Logo and link on AMC Foundation website
Logo recognition on all event materials
Private reception with speaker
Full page color ad with Premier placement in event program
Special introduction and recognition at Gala
Benefactor level foursome at annual golf tournament
Presenting Sponsor – $15,000
Premier seating for 20 (two tables)
Logo and link on AMC Foundation website
Logo recognition on all event materials
Private reception with speaker
Full page color ad with Premier placement in event program
Special introduction and recognition at Gala
Hero Sponsor – $10,000
Premier seating for 10 (one table)
Logo and link on AMC Foundation website
Logo recognition on all event materials
Private reception with speaker
Full page color ad with Premier placement in event program
Heart Sponsor – $5,000
Preferred seating for 10 (one table)
Logo and link on AMC Foundation website
Logo recognition on all event materials
Private reception with speaker
Benefactor Table – $2,500
Preferred seating for 10 (one table)
Logo recognition on all event materials
Private reception with speaker
Adventist Health Portland is part of Adventist Health, a faith-based, nonprofit integrated health system serving more than 80 communities on the West Coast and Hawaii. Founded on Seventh-day Adventist heritage and values, Adventist Health provides care in hospitals, clinics, home care agencies, hospice agencies and joint-venture retirement centers in both rural and urban communities. Our compassionate and talented team of 37,000 includes associates, medical staff physicians, allied health professionals and volunteers driven in pursuit of one mission: living God’s love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope. Together, we are transforming the American healthcare experience with an innovative, yet timeless, whole-person focus on physical, mental, spiritual and social healing.
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