Portland, OR. Oregon Zoo staff and community members are mourning the sudden loss of Lily, the youngest of the zoo elephant family, one day before her sixth birthday. Despite efforts by veterinarians and care staff to save her, Lily died Thursday, November 29th from endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV), a rapidly progressing and often fatal disease to which calves are particularly susceptible. “I can’t imagine a more devastating loss for this zoo family and our community,” said Dr. Don Moore, zoo director. “Lily was the darling of the zoo. She was loved by everyone from her elephant family to the people who cared for her every day to her thousands of fans. Our staff did everything they could and fought to save her until the very end. Everyone is in mourning here. It is just heartbreaking.” You might remember, the zoo solicited the public’s help naming the Asian elephant calf. The zoo received more than 50,000 votes on its website, says Kim Smith, zoo director, along with emails, phone calls and posts on Facebook.
This is a video marking Lily’s last birthday:
And some photos of her journey:
In 2013, Asian elephant mom Rose-tu and Lily get a bath from keepers in the elephant barn at the Oregon Zoo. (photo credit, Michael Durham)
One Month Old Lily.
In 2013 Lily, tipped the scales at more than a 1,000 pounds, not quite 10 months after her birth. Photo by Michael Durham, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.
Keepers say Lily, enjoyed carrots, apples and leaves pulled from branches — just like mom. Photo by Michael Durham, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.
Two-month-old Lily chomps on some branches with the rest of the Oregon Zoo elephant herd. Photo by Michael Durham, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.
Lily plays in the sand back yard of the Oregon Zoo’s Asian elephant habitat. Photo by Michael Durham, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.
The zoo closed all day Friday, including during the scheduled evening ZooLights, then reopened on Saturday.
EEHV is known to be present in almost all Asian elephants, both in wild populations as well as those cared for by humans. Often, it remains latent, causing mild or no symptoms, but for reasons unknown it can sometimes come out of latency and cause disease. Once the disease becomes active in calves, it is usually fatal, often causing death within few days even with intensive treatment. For this reason, the zoo routinely sends blood samples to the Smithsonian’s National Elephant Herpesvirus Laboratory.
On Wednesday, blood sample analyses from the Smithsonian’s lab revealed the virus was active in Lily at very low levels. At that time, Lily showed no known clinical signs of disease. However, the next morning, Lily began to exhibit lethargy and a disinterest in food prompting veterinary staff to begin immediate treatment with fluids and antiviral medication. She also was given a transfusion. Despite these efforts, the disease proved too much for her.
Currently there is no vaccination against EEHV. In 1999, scientists at the Smithsonian and Johns Hopkins University developed a blood test that can detect the virus when it becomes active. Unfortunately, once the virus is active, there is usually very little time to treat an elephant.
The virus affects wild elephants as well, although it is harder to identify and diagnose, and its occurrence in range countries is overshadowed by much more serious threats such as poaching, habitat loss and human-elephant conflict. Scientists have confirmed around 60 EEHV deaths among elephants in Asian range countries over the past decade.
Scientists believe most, if not all, Asian elephants in the world carry some form of EEHV — an ancient virus that has evolved along with elephants for millions of years.
For the past 16 years, the Oregon Zoo has been contributing funding and blood samples from all its elephants to the Smithsonian lab, as part of a collaborative international effort to find a vaccine or effective treatment for EEHV, which is the leading cause of death in Asian elephants under the age of 8 in North America.
“It’s very difficult to study the virus in wild elephants,” Dr. Moore said. “But zoos can monitor their elephant herds closely and obtain samples of blood and other fluids. Right now, that’s our best hope of developing a vaccine.”
About the Oregon Zoo:
The 64-acre Oregon Zoo is located in Portland, a city and surrounding metropolitan area of more than 1.5 million people. Attendance in 2015 was more than 1.5 million.
Oregon Zoo facts and numbers
The zoo’s annual operating budget is derived from a tax base through Metro, the Portland-area regional government that is the zoo’s governing body, plus zoo admissions, concessions, contributions, special promotions, the Oregon Zoo Foundation and grants.
The zoo has five major exhibit areas: Great Northwest, Fragile Forests, Asia, Pacific Shores and Africa. Within these large areas are 23 specialized exhibits.
Animals of the Oregon Zoo
2,697 individual animals represent 215 species or subspecies of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates*
19 endangered species and 9 threatened species live at the zoo.*
The zoo is active in 63 Species Survival Plans.*
Plants of the Oregon Zoo
Native plants of the Pacific Northwest’s temperate rainforests have been cultivated to create naturalistic exhibits, pathways and vistas within the zoo.
More than 1,000 species of exotic plants thrive in the zoo’s botanical gardens, including firebird heliconia, pelican flower and ground orchid. Some are harvested and given to the animals as browse.
*Zoo animal data as of December 31, 2015. Second line references Endangered Species Act endangered and threatened species list.
Portland, OR. Giving Tuesday is November 27th. It’s celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Whether it’s some of your time, a donation, gift or the power of your voice in your local community, now is the time!
Portland Children’s Museum serves kids and and families.
Here’s a list of links to the websites of Portland Area Nonprofits:
Have we missed your favorite? Let us know. You can also check out Charity Navigator. It’s America’s largest, independent charity evaluator. It publishes ratings for more than 9,000 of the nation’s most well-known organizations.
You can use its Discover feature to quickly find a highly-rated charity that aligns with your philanthropic interests. Charity Navigator encourage donors to consider charities that receive an overall score of 3- or 4-stars. These charities have proven their commitment to financial health and accountability and transparency.
Local charities like Meals on Wheels People have received the highest rating from Charity Navigator.
Oregon Food Bank volunteers packed more than 100,000 pounds of food for the Martin Luther King Jr. day of service.
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration.
One of the best ways to get involved is in your own community. #GivingTuesday also created a directory to help you find organizations, charities, events and more in your own community.
This November 27th, join the movement and give. It’s a simple idea. Whether you come together with your family, your community, your company or your organization, find a way to give back.
Portland, OR. Christmas Ship owners are getting ready to set sail for their 64th year as residents make plans to watch the colorful flotillas during the parade’s 2018 holiday season. The Christmas Ship Parade will launch Friday, November 30th, in North Portland Harbor. The parade will run for 15 nights through Thursday, December 20th. The flotilla has six nights off, so check the Columbia and Willamette River schedules.
The boats, 14 to 65 feet long, are brightly decorated for the holiday season. Up to 60 holiday boats are expected to make up the two fleets. The schedule details for each night list some of the best viewing locations. Sometimes that may be from a shoreline park or it may be from the warmth of a restaurant overlooking the river. On the Willamette, you always have the opportunity to see the ships from a dinner cruise. If you have boat that can run at a speed of at least 6 knots, and you decorate your watercraft, you’re welcome to join the Christmas Ships parade for one night or all nights. To see some of the benefits of joining the parade, visit: Benefits. To sign up, visit: Sign Up.
2018 Columbia & Willamette River Downloadable Parade Schedules:
The privately owned vessels come from Portland, Vancouver, McMinnville, Salem and Hood River areas. Some of the ships owners have been part of Christmas tradition for more than 30 years with many being part of the Christmas Ship fleet for over 20 years. Each skipper is responsible for their own expenses, including fuel and insurance for their vessels over the two weeks. This can run into the hundreds of dollars, which in itself is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm the Christmas Ship skippers bring to the organization, and the community. The organization accepts donations to help cover the cost of maintaining, managing and promoting the organization, but none of these donations go to the skippers, their crews, or their boats. Christmas Ships, Inc. is an all-volunteer organization, with no paid staff or officers, just a large group of friendly individual volunteers/skippers who give back to the community they love.
All of us from the Christmas Ship group urge your support to keep the Parade afloat. Your donation helps to sustain the parade that sails on the Columbiaand Willamette Rivers annually. Our lighted boats bring holiday spirit to thousands of viewers in the area and a showcase event for your customers and guests.
Our members pay all of their own expenses, from decorations to operating costs. It is a huge time commitment but we all enjoy the Parade season. Donated funds help to defray the cost of administering, maintaining and promoting our non-profit organization. Christmas Ships, Inc. is an all-volunteer organization, there are no paid staff, all donations are returned to the community through the continued existence of the Christmas Ship Parade.
This website is used extensively by our visitors to make reservations for restaurants to watch the Christmas Ship Parade and to plan home parties to view the fleet. Please consider sending your donation today.
We thank you in advance for your help in making this year’s Christmas Parade the best ever. We list our contributors on our Supporters page (unless you choose to remain anonymous).
Christmas Ships, Inc. is a tax exempt organization. EIN #93-1157902
Although we are a non-profit organization (with IRS 501(c)(4) status), we are not a charitable organization. Personal donations are most likely not tax deductible. Please check with your tax professional.
For those that don’t want to donate online (via Paypal), checks can be mailed to:
Christmas Ships, Inc PO Box 55331 Portland, OR 97238-55331
Portland, OR. Design Museum Portland celebrated its fifth birthday with a sea of orange at the Jupiter NEXT space. Over 200 attendees, decked out in their most creative orange, gathered to celebrate Portland’s vibrant design community on November 1st. Attendees included Cassie Williams, Miranda Shum, Paulina Monroy and Talisa Shevavesh. The event raised over $30,000 for future programs.
The Design Museum has no permanent address. Design Museum Foundation a national nomadic network of design museums, producing exhibitions and events in places where people already go. Whether in a gallery, retail environment, public space, or on the web, nonprofit’s programming gives audiences new insights into the design process and the greater social, economic, and environmental contexts.
Shannon Ferrigno, McKenna Barnum, Miranda McCrory, and Laura Knapp
Kathryn Jarrell, Nina Narelle, Katie Augsburger, Yee Won Chong, Ryan Brown, Stephanie Gioia
Attendees enjoyed numerous interactive experiences, including a giant Lite Brite, provided by ACME.
A sponsor called Second Story provided shadow puppets that could be controlled with remote movement.
The lounge spaces were designed by Knoll Studios and the Jupiter NEXT.
From Design Museum:
Design Museum Portland would like to thank all of their guests, sponsors, donors, and volunteers who made the night possible! Get ready for Gala 6 in 2019!
If you want to help support Design Museum Portland’s future programming, please donate to the Annual Fund.
Visit us online and in Boston, MA; Portland, OR; and San Francisco, CA. Interested in having Design Museum Foundation come to you in your city? Let us know!
Portland, OR. Kinship House hosted its third annual Light the Way auction at the Lagunitas Community Room in Northeast Portland. Entertainment was provided by local bluegrass band, The Coffers, and local auctioneer Justin Timm served as an emcee. Executive Director, Natalie Wood, and Development Director, Dennise Kowalczyk served as emcees of the event as well. Kinship House was started in 1996 with a focus on early intervention and long-term successful outcomes for foster children in search of their forever home. (Photo credit, Dennise M. Kowalczyk)
Lagunitas Community Room – 3rd Annual Light the Way Auction
The nonprofit celebrated two Kinship House Heroes: Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meieran for her work advocating for those struggling with mental health issues and Deacon Charitable Foundation for its ongoing generosity as a significant supporter. Kinship House raised over $26,000 at the October 6th benefit in support at the gathering.
The Coffers – Local Bluegrass band provided entertainment
From Kinship House:
We are an outpatient mental healthcare provider for foster and adopted children in the Portland metro area. We use a variety of expert, therapeutic approaches in care. Our mission is to champion the successful permanency of each child we care for as we strive to understand their unique stories and needs as they journey to a stable and healthy home.
The sponsors who made the event possible, included: Northwest Bank (presenting sponsor), Care Oregon, MODA, North Rim Commercial Properties, and Perkins & Co., Pamplin Media, FedEx Ground, OnPoint Community Credit Union, Brown & Brown Northwest Insurance, Lincoln Financial Group, OnMark Asset Management and US Bank.
Portland, OR. Fences For Fido sent a volunteer force of 10 people to Oroville, CA to build temporary shelter for dogs and other small animals displaced and rescued from the Camp Fire area. Volunteers shared their firsthand experiences: “Apocalypse is the only word that describes what we observed. There was evidence of immediate evacuation. The stories of water left running and clothes left in foyers because people couldn’t get out fast enough. Whole neighborhoods wiped out where neighbors and friends once shared life and children played.”
Working with North Valley Animal Disaster Group, volunteers left Portland November 19th. Fences For Fido constructed outdoor enclosures and exercise pens to safely confine dogs and other small animals until they are reunited with their families or moved to local area shelters. (In the past nine years, Fences For Fido has unchained over 1600 dogs in NW Oregon, central Oregon and SW Washington.)
“Our hearts are with the people and animals affected by the fires in California. We know first-hand that helping pets is helping people. When people have lost everything in life, their pets offer that sense of hope and comfort. Pets are a part of our family unit, and we are hopeful that our volunteer crew of experienced fence builders will help bring some relief to the immense suffering caused by the fire,” said Kelly Peterson, co-founder of Fences For Fido and board member emeritus.
Fences For Fido also delivered food and feeding supplies for pigs, chickens, and rabbits also displaced or injured from the fires.
About Fences For Fido:
Founded in 2009, Fences For Fido a 501c3 non-profit organization that improves the quality of life for chained dogs living outside in the elements day and night. We attend to all needs by building a fence, removing the chain, supplying a warm doghouse, providing critical vet care and spay/neuter services. In nine years, the organization has unchained nearly 2000 dogs in the Pacific Northwest.
Portland, OR. Philanthropic individuals and organizations were honored at the 2018 Philanthropy Awards Luncheon presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter (AFP) on November 7th at the Hilton. AFP Outstanding Innovative Project: #Every28Days was honored. It’s a volunteer-led project in Clark County, Washington to collect feminine hygiene products for women and girls experiencing homelessness and poverty. Accepting were Amy Brown, AFP; Kim Hash, Share; Dianna Kretzchmar, volunteer; Kimberly Howard, PGE, event Master of Ceremonies
The awards lunch celebrates National Philanthropy Day, which recognizes the contributions of philanthropy and people active in the philanthropic community. The Presenting Sponsor was Oregon State University Foundation.
Susan & John Bates were honored as the “Outstanding Philanthropists.”
The 2018 Philanthropy Award recipients were:
• Connie & Lee Kearney, Vollum Award for Lifetime Philanthropic Achievement
• Susan & John Bates, Outstanding Philanthropists
• Kimberly Cooper, Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser
• Reser’s Fine Foods, Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation
• CARES Northwest, Outstanding Volunteer Group
• #Every28Days, Outstanding Innovative Project
Connie & Lee Kearney were honored with the Vollum Award for Lifetime Philanthropic Achievement.
From The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP):
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) represents 30,000 members in more than 200 chapters throughout the world, working to advance philanthropy through education, training, mentoring, research, credentialing, and advocacy. The association fosters the development and growth of fundraising professionals and promotes high ethical standards in the fundraising profession. The AFP Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter provides resources, education and networking opportunities for development professionals in our region. For more information, visit www.afporegon.afpnet.org or call (503) 715-3100.
Portland, OR. Nearly 1,100 guests celebrated the 19th Annual Simon Benson Awards Dinner and official kick-off of the Campaign for PSU, a $300 million fundraising initiative to support Portland State. The benefit at the Convention Center on October 25th featured the Grammy Award winning music and thought provoking conversation of jazz artist and PSU alum Esperanza Spalding. (Photo credit, Tom Cook and Ed Keene Photography)
Laurie Lomax joins husband Neil Lomax onstage as he receives the 2018 Simon Benson Award for Alumni Achievement.
Mary Boyle shares a hug with PSU student Melissa Lamproe as she and husband Tim Boyle are honored with the 2018 Simon Benson Award for Philanthropy.
Esperanza Spalding talks about the power of education with her PSU mentor Darrell Grant during the evening’s Q&A session.
Chemistry student Trine Parsons “blows” the crowd away with her inspirational PSU story.
Named for one of Oregon’s first philanthropists, the Simon Benson Awards Dinner is an annual celebration of the transformational power of philanthropy at Portland State University and beyond.
Proceeds from the Simon Benson Awards Dinner, Presented by Bank of America, support extraordinary PSU students, faculty and programs. Since 1999, the dinner has raised more than $11 million to transform teaching and learning for Oregon’s only urban research institution.
Portland, OR. Edison High School welcomed 350 guests to the Oregon Zoo for its annual Partner with Edison Breakfast. Guests heard from senior JP Mulligan and former student Danielle Gross about the importance of Edison High School. Board Member, Pat Becker, posed with friends Steven Klein and Kevin Kelly who supported the event. The benefit on November 2nd generated $150,000 to help support financial aid, technology, and professional development at the school. Edison, the only high school in Oregon and southwest Washington dedicated to students with learning differences. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus Photography)
Tricia Sipowicz and Kristin Collins, who shared her “Edison Story” about the positive impact the school has had on her entire family.
Edison parents Linda Pollack, Cathrine and Stefan Olander, and Eileen Day.
Edison students wake up extra early to help at the breakfast
Edison Board Member, Ann Brayfield, with Edison President, Sean Preston.
Friends Shiree Ferguson, Emily Shields, Kathi Austin, and Deedee Dolp enjoy their first Partner with Edison Breakfast.
Student speaker, JP Mulligan, jokes with his parents during his moving speech.
Rose Kilpatrick and Jesuit Counselor and Head Football Coach, Ken Potter.
From Edison High School:
“Some kids have learning differences. All kids have dreams.”
Welcome to Edison High School, the only high school in Oregon and Southwest Washington dedicated to serving students with complex learning differences. Our work here is powerful and profound: helping every student reach his or her full potential.
As a small, private school, Edison High School offers an individualized curriculum that meets each student’s special needs, and maximizes the ability to learn. We also provide the emotional support that builds confidence and maturity. By empowering students with learning differences to experience academic success and personal growth, Edison does more than prepare teens for the future. We change lives.
Portland, OR. Luxury home builder Gerald Rowlett, Westlake Development Group, wanted to do something more for Oregon Veterans at this year’s NW Natural Street of Dreams event, so he disrupted the showcase of super-sized homes and had a 204 square-foot tiny home built to benefit Oregon Veterans. Rowlett handed out checks from the sale of the Tiny House to three veteran organizations. Dennis Carter and John Steinbaugh represented the veterans nonprofit Forward Assist. (Photo credit, Brian Merritt, Media & Image Consulting, Inc.)
Dale Pack, Post Commander Hillsboro Martin J. Ryan VFW 2666; Gerald Rowlett, Westlake Development Group
Ken Buckles, Remembering America’s Heroes; Malinda Buckles, Remembering America’s Heroes; Gerald Rowlett, Westlake Development Group
Remembering America’s Heroes Evening of Honor; Clackamas County
Remembering America’s Heroes Evening of Honor; Clackamas County
Checks totaling $30,000 were presented and divided equally among the organizations and presented during the Evening of Honor November 7th. “We wanted to shake things up this year at the Street of Dreams and help families through the various non-profit veterans organizations,” says Gerald Rowlett. “While we take pride in all of our large homes, nothing compares to assisting those in need and we found that our tiny house, also known as a mini mansion accomplished our goal.”
More than 40 sponsors were involved in the construction, design and marketing of Tiny House with a Big Dream. “Seeing the fruits of our labor after 100+ people work on a project bringing product together to create a platform has made me really proud to help these charities in need.”
“The Benefit to Tiny Innovations as a Company and myself personally to be involved in this year’s Tiny Home with a Big Dream Project was the ability to give back to the bravest most selfless individuals I have ever met,” says Jeremy Killian, Owner/Builder Tiny Innovations. “I am more than thankful to be part of such an amazing project.”
Affectionately named “Amelia” by Empty Nest Tiny Homes M.J. Boyle says, “Veterans deserve the best we can give, and this tiny house project was indeed the best way I know how to give back to them for their service. All the hard work and time spent on this build, was indeed a tiny sacrifice when compared to the sacrifices they make, every day, for our country’s freedom.”
U.S. Navy Veteran Mike Premi, Intel A.I. manager, purchased the Tiny House to make a difference in the lives of veterans and families. Premi is skilled at reaching out to veterans of all ages and being of service to them.
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]
Download the Columbia River Parade Schedule
