Portland, OR. Nearly 300 supporters came to the Portland Art Museum to join Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro at the annual Be Great Ball on May 4th. Amber Barnes, Club Director, and Teya Shearer, the 2018 Youth of the Year volunteered at the event. The benefit featured a celebration honoring the opening of Boys & Girls Clubs newest location, the Rockwood Club in Gresham. It was also a time to honor champions who helped make the new club possible. John Herman, an instrumental part of the Rockwood project, received the inaugural Roy Ciappini “Be Great” award for his 50 years of service as a volunteer and advocate. The Be Great Ball raised around $550,000 to continue fulfilling the Boys &Girls Clubs mission of empowering all young people to discover their full potential as caring, engaged, and responsible community members. (Photo credit, Antonio Harris, Amanda Meyer)
Be Great Ball Speakers Erin Hubert and Shannon Inukai-Cuffee
Auctioneer Dale Johannes kicks off the Paddle Raise
The night began with a cocktail hour, where guests socialized under a custom-made archway and competed in the silent auction under a ceiling full of starry lights.
Regence Youth, Londynn, and Youth of the Year, Teya, take the stage to talk about their experiences at the Club
Attendees were able to speak to Club teens and staff members who sold them numbered keys for the Blue Door Raffle, a chance to unlock one of the two blue doors at either end of the stage and win a resort vacation to the Oregon Coast or Maui, Hawaii.
Emcee Tony Martinez from Oregon Fox 12 introduced speakers: Erin Hubert, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs; Shannon Inukai-Cuffee, Boys & Girls Clubs Board Chair; and John Herman, who received the inaugural Roy Ciappini “Be Great” award for his 50 years of tireless service to the Clubs. Dinner featured a video and live dance performance from Regence Club members, led in song by auctioneer, Dale Johannes. Dale led guests in a live auction with items that included a trip to New York to see the Broadway performance of Wicked, complete with backstage tour; a helicopter tour of Portland; and a gift package for a group of 10 lucky Boys & Girls Clubs members who will get to hang out with Portland Trail Blazers star CJ McCollum.
The 2018 Youth of the Year, Teya, and Regence member, Londynn, spoke to guests about their Club experiences. Teya summed up her personal experience, saying, “Growing up as a young black woman in America, I’ve faced a lot of barriers to achievement. Having the Club in my life opened my eyes to a different future than I thought was possible. They fostered my dreams, which didn’t focus on material wealth or beauty being my only worth. The Club encouraged me to strive to do well in school and pursue a college degree.” She then closed her speech by thanking attendees and donors for coming, saying, “On behalf of the thousands of young people that go to the Clubs every day, thank you for investing in us.”
Portland, OR. Guests at the Bradley Angle GlamHer benefit embraced the 1920’s theme and brought the party to life at The Nines with an abundance of sequins, feathers, and bow ties. Staff members were happy to report they had raised $125,000 to support survivors of domestic violence. Poison Waters and friends went all out for the night’s entertainment at the May 11th benefit and kicked off the After-Party while DJ Deena Bee mixes filled the dance floor. Organizers reported, “We are confident that this year’s gala was Bradley Angle’s most fun event EVER and we can’t wait to up the ante even more next year!” (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
City Commissioner Amanda Fritz, Willie Groshell, Jordan Tietz, Sarah Groshell
Lisa Stewart and Poison Waters
Poison Waters and Arlene Unverzagt
From Bradley Angle:
Bradley Angle’s mission is to serve all people affected by domestic violence. We do this by placing people experiencing—or at risk of—domestic violence at the center of our services and providing them with safety, education, empowerment, healing, and hope.
Bradley Angle embraces the following values in all that we do:
We believe that everyone has a right to live free from violence and abuse.
We value the dignity and personal story of everyone who comes to us for support.
We believe that survivors of domestic violence should be treated respectfully and have control over their own lives.
Our services are inclusive and accessible to survivors of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
Our services build on the strength and resilience of survivors.
We work collaboratively whenever and wherever possible.
We involve the community in our work because we know that domestic violence doesn’t just impact individuals and families—it affects every one of us.
We acknowledge current and historical inequities and work towards ending oppression.
Bradley Angle is constantly learning and evolving as we strive to end to domestic violence.
Portland, OR. Adelante Mujeres guests like Rebecca Arredondo Yazzie, Ingrid Solares (Adelante Mujeres board member) and Yesenia Andrade enjoyed a roaring 20’s theme for the annual Adelante Mujeres Fiesta of Hope gala on April 28th. Organizers say it was a time for “Celebrating Latina leaders, past, present and future.” The benefit featured Chicas Youth Development participants and a new video art installation project featuring four of the Chicas stories. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, U.S. and Senator Ron Wyden were on hand as Adelante Mujeres honored Susan Castillo with its 2018 Latina Leader Award. Alix Zimmermann led the live auction which raised a record-breaking $157,000. Finally, guests danced the night away to fiery sounds of Son de Cuba. (Photo credit, Anna Yeager)
Guests watch the video art installation featuring the stories of four Chicas participants.
Perla Rodriguez, emcee, and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden
Alix Zimmermann starting the live auction
The Son de Cuba band
Susan Castillo accepts her Latina Leader Award
From Adelante Mujeres:
Adelante Mujeres strives to:
Increase opportunities for family and community self-determinationthrough holistic education, workforce and entrepreneurial training and family literacy.
Build community through leadership development and the search for solutions to common concerns.
Preserve, foster and share participants’ cultural heritage with the wider community and facilitate intercultural exchange.
Advocate ecological awareness and action for a sustainable economy and healthy communities.
Adelante Mujeres believes in:
Cooperation, accountability and a fair distribution of resources.
Commitment to the resolution of conflict through peaceful means.
Awareness and appreciation of the inter-relatedness of all life in the universe.
Portland, OR. The Oregon Zoo’s Cascade Crest Ballroom was filled with nearly 300 guests on May 2nd, for a Central City Concern fundraiser called, “We are Family.” The annual event was headlined by Portland stand-up comic Julia Ramos and for the sixth year in a row, Oregon Jazz Hall of Famer Shirley Nanette. Jennifer Fidler and Lindsay Robbins helped organize the event. It raised $120,000 for Central City Concern’s Family Housing programs and Letty Owings Center. The center is a six-month residential addiction treatment program for pregnant women and their young children that includes parenting and life skills training. (Photo credit, Andrea Lonas)
The evening’s emcee: Karen Kern, Senior Director of Substance Use Disorder Services at Central City Concern
Central City Concern President & CEO Dr. Rachel Solotaroff with Board Chairman Bill Wiechmann
Julia Ramos, Stand-Up Comic
Jazz Society of Oregon Hall of Famer Shirley Nanette
About Central City Concern:
Central City Concern meets its mission through innovative outcome-based strategies which support personal and community transformation.
Direct access to housing which supports lifestyle change.
Integrated healthcare services that are highly effective in engaging people who are often alienated from mainstream systems.
The development of peer relationships that nurture and support personal transformation and recovery.
Attainment of income through employment or accessing benefits.
The success of these four elements results in a transformation of world view and self image from a negative to a positive outlook, enabling people to become productive citizens who want to “give something back” to the community.
Central City Concern (CCC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency serving single adults and families in the Portland metro area who are impacted by homelessness, poverty and addictions. Founded in 1979, the agency has developed a comprehensive continuum of affordable housing options integrated with direct social services including healthcare, recovery and employment. CCC currently has a staff of 800+, an annual operating budget of $60 million and serves more than 13,000 individuals annually.
Portland, OR. Could bespectacled Rusty, the 8-year-old Golden Retriever be the Grand Marshal of the Rose Festival Parade on June 9th? Rusty is one of twenty finalists vying for a chance to be on the first ever Rose Festival Canine Court. Nearly 150 applicants ranging from service dogs to companion pets entered the contest. Oregon Humane Society, the Portland Rose Festival‘s Official Charity for 2018, helped narrowed the field to twenty.
Finalist Ponyo, Pomeranian/Chihuahua Mix, 7 years old
A panel of celebrity judges will choose the five members of the Canine Court, including the Canine Grand Marshal, at a special OHS fundraiser called the Canine Coronation ceremony at the Heathman Hotel, Wednesday, May 23rd.
Other finalists for the Caine Court include:
B.B., Wirehair Dachshund, 3 years old
Bruno, Cockapoo, 6 years old
Burt Usher, Terrier Mix, 9 years old
Diesel, English Mastiff, 2.5 years old
Ezekiel James, Husky/Shepherd Mix, 10 years old
Filly, English Springer Spaniel, 9 years old
George, Pit Bull/Basset Hound Mix, 10 months old
Gucci, Black Labrador, 6 years old
Jackson, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, 12 years old
Mango, Siberian Husky, 3 years old
Matilda, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, 6 months old
Miles, French Bulldog, 9 years old
Mister Darcy, Airedale Terrier Mix, 2 years old
Molly, Golden Doodle, 2 years old
Professor Schnitzel, Mini Dachshund, 13 years old
Sebastian Grey, Chinese Crested, 10 years old
ShellBea, Newfoundland, 6 years old
Timmy, Cairn Terrier, 14 years old
The Canine Grand Marshal will ride in the Spirit Mountain Casino Grand Floral Parade, which will begin at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 9 at Memorial Coliseum.
# # #
The Oregon Humane Society is the Northwest’s oldest and largest humane society, with one of the highest adoption rates in the nation. Founded in 1868, OHS receives no government funds for its adoption, education and animal cruelty investigation programs. Visit oregonhumane.org for more information or to make a donation.
The Portland Rose Festival Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves families and individuals with programs and events that promote the arts, education and volunteerism. We value environmental responsibility, diversity, patriotism and our historic & floral heritage. The 2018 Rose Festival runs from May 25 through June 10 www.rosefestival.org.
Portland, OR. Audience members leapt to their feet for a standing ovation on opening night at Portland Opera‘s production of Verdi’s Rigoletto. The dramatic favorite drew thousands to see the complicated tale of a court jester, his innocent daughter and the philandering Duke who seduces her. Trish Tulley, Wendy Baker, Liz Wackerle, and Connie Gougler were among the many VIPs who stopped for a photo on the red carpet before Rigoletto.
Barry Banks as the Duke and Katrina Galka as Gilda in Verdi’s Rigoletto. Photo by Cory Weaver.
Stephen Powell in the title role of Portland Opera’s production of Verdi’s Rigoletto. Photo by Cory Weaver.
This short video has a taste of the music with Katrina Galka as Gilda.
Here’s a look at some the red carpet moments:
Christopher Smith and JaNae Hagel attend the opening night of Portland Opera’s Rigoletto. Photo by Trace Downen.
Ivy Zhou attends the opening night of Portland Opera’s Rigoletto. Photo by Trace Downen.
Barbara and Dr. George Dechet attend the opening night of Portland Opera’s Rigoletto. Photo by
Mark and Julia Barnes attend the opening night of Portland Opera’s Rigoletto. Photo by Garrick Antikajian.
Judy and Dr. Louis McCraw attend the opening night of Portland Opera’s Rigoletto. Photo by Garrick Antikajian.
Taylor Theis and her grandmother attend the opening night of Portland Opera’s Rigoletto. Photo by Garrick Antikajian.
Ian Plosker and Sara Bergqvist attend the opening night of Portland Opera’s Rigoletto. Photo by Garrett Downen.
Ruth Poindexter at the opening night of Portland Opera’s Rigoletto. Photo by Garrett Downen.
Remy Drabkin and Laura Pedroni attend the opening night of Portland Opera’s Rigoletto. Photo by Garrick Antikajian.
“Lyricism and legend converge with the devil in this timeless and new vision of Gounod’s epic, infused with the visual art of John Frame. Rising international opera star Angel Blue makes her Portland Opera debut as Marguerite to Jonathan Boyd’s Faust.s
When the devil appears and offers Faust a second chance at youth in exchange for his soul, he makes the pact, and then uses his newfound powers to seduce the youthful and innocent Marguerite—with tragic consequences.
One of the most popular operas of the last two centuries, lyricism and legend converge in Gounod’s unforgettable masterpiece. This groundbreaking production is infused with the vision of sculptor and visual artist John Frame, who exhibited at the Portland Art Museum in 2012. After years in the making, Frame’s remarkable creative vision translates to the stage with powerful and deeply evocative sets and costumes, sculpture 3D projections, and more.
Join us for a storybook tale about true love and generosity of spirit, directed by Christopher Mattaliano. This new production of Rossini’s classic opera will glitter as brightly as Cinderella’s royal ball gown.
Revisit one of the oldest stories ever told in this mythological journey to the underworld. With thousands of role petals, a full chorus, and a ballet, we’ll witness the transformative power of love and music and Gluck’s celebrated opera.
Portland Opera exists to inspire, challenge, and uplift its audiences by creating productions of high artistic quality and is proud to be a part of the region’s thriving artistic and business community. We celebrate the beauty and breadth of the opera repertoire with four main stage performances each season. Our 2018 main stage opera season includes Verdi’s Rigoletto, Gounod’s Faust, Rossini’s La Cenerentola, and Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice. 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.
Portland, OR. Promenade Portland, Assistance League of Greater Portland’s fashion show, put the spotlight on local boutiques to a crowd of 345 guests at the Multnomah Athletic Club on April 9, 2018. Walking the runway were member volunteers from the nonprofit and its Advisory Council. Dressed in a spring floral dress, local entertainer Poison Waters was front and center – the emcee for the event. Another highlight of the event was the presentation of the national Operation School Bell® Award, the recipient being the emcee, Poison Waters. This award is to honor someone in the community who, through significant financial, in-kind or service support, have had a direct, powerful and positive effect on Operation School Bell.
Operation School Bell Award
Assistance League Member Janice Cushman at the auction table
The event grossed $143,000 for the local chapter of Assistance League and its community service programs. Assistance League of Greater Portland, celebrating their 20th year of clothing children through their flagship philanthropy, Operation School Bell, clothed 4,041 children in Portland, Beaverton and Hillsboro this school year. We have seen a huge growth in our program since the first year, in which we gave jackets to 38 students.
Seven local boutiques provided fashions for the show, including Adorn, Monique’s Boutique, Janelle James Boutique, Paloma Clothing, Garnish, Rachelle M Rustic House of Fashion, and Union Rose. Fashions from Assistance League Thrift Shop were also featured.
Sponsoring the event were O’Donnell Law Firm, LLC, Albina Co., Inc., NW Natural, US Bank, Silver Lining Jewelry, Alaska Airlines, Porsche Beaverton, Audi Beaverton, Fred Meyer, Dustin Funes of the Meadows Group Inc., Realtors, Seams to Fit, and PacTrust. Local merchants also donated generously for the live and silent auctions.
From Assistance League of Greater Portland:
Assistance League of Greater Portland has been improving lives through community-based programs since 1965. Assistance League member volunteers provide five community service programs. The programs serve local families in need by providing new school clothing, enrichment activities for troubled youth, personal history books for foster and abused children, emergency clothing for assault victims and a scholarship program. In addition to grants, sponsorships and donations, funds are raised at Assistance League Thrift and Consignment Shops at 4000 SW 117th Avenue in Beaverton.
We are one of 120 Assistance League chapters across the nation, each one developing philanthropic programs to meet the needs in the local community.
Portland, OR. LaShell Holton, a learning resource center teacher at Markham School, recently received a $4,500 Century Link AT Grant to bring audiobooks designed for children with disabilities to her school for the 2018-19 academic year. The grant also includes 1:1 reading coaching on assistive technology from a local nonprofit, The Shadow Project.
The Shadow Project students at Portland Public Schools’ Woodmere Elementary School enjoy one-on-one reading coaching using audiobooks with the Portland Timbers own Joey Webber (Timber Joey)!
The Shadow Project’s mission is to make school more accessible and engaging for children with learning challenges, so they can achieve their full potential.
By equipping classrooms with innovative tools and strategies tailored to diverse learning needs, The Shadow Project has teamed with schools to foster success for more than 10,000 students who typically read one- to three-years below grade level, and have challenges such as dyslexia, ADHD, and autism.
Portland, OR Hosted by Metropolitan Family Service, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler visited Sacramento Elementary School on May 3rd to highlight Portland’s status as an Age Friendly City. The City of Portland sponsors Experience PDX, a Metropolitan Family Service program that harnesses the power of intergenerational relationships to address social challenges and promote racial equity in our schools. The program builds upon the successful AARP Foundation Experience Corps model to realize even greater gains in both academic and social emotional learning for students K – 3rd grade. (Photo credit, Darrin Swaim)AARP Foundation Experience Corps is a national program which taps into the experience and passion of adults age 50 and over to ensure that every child has a chance to succeed in school and in life. Here’s a video about the program housed locally at Metropolitan Family Service:
AARP Foundation Experience Corps Serve as an academic tutor and mentor.
Serve in neighborhood schools
Work one-to-one and in small groups
Support children in K-3rd grade
Focus on developing literacy skills
Build self confidence in the children served
Receive excellent training and ongoing support
Commitment
4-10 hours per week. Some monthly stipends are available. Mentors must commit to serving throughout the entire school year.
Schools Served
Volunteers are placed on teams of mentors at schools throughout the Portland metro area. We are currently serving children in the following schools:
Portland, OR. Over 220 business and community leaders gathered at the downtown Hilton on April 26th for the Chess for Success Game Changer Luncheon. The event was emceed by Richard Meeker, President of City of Roses Media Company and Founder of Willamette Week’s Give!Guide. Portland Public Schools Superintendent, Guadalupe Guerrero, was a special guest watched students Xochitl and Anna play a game of chess. He also shared his own story about playing chess with his siblings and the important role the game played in his life.
Students from Chief Joseph Elementary pose with PPS superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero
Board member and volunteer coach Richard Greensted posed with his wife Jennifer and Ciaran and Malachi from Chief Joseph Elementary
The King of Chess poses with a chess pieces
Emcee Richard Meeker, Ellen Rosenblum, Rukaiyah Adams, David Chen, Olumide Adebolu, and Tinuade Adebolu
Keynote Speaker Shemia Fagan holds her 1992 Oregon Scholastic Chess trophy while giving her remarks.
The keynote speaker was Shemia Fagan, former State Representative. Shemia is originally from Dufur, Oregon. Raised by a single father, Shemia went on to win the Oregon Scholastic Chess Tournament as a fourth grader. She shared her powerful story about how chess gave her the confidence and drive to succeed. Finally, Michael Malone, retired chess coach and current program manager, spoke alongside chess students from Lent School, Chief Joseph Elementary, and Ockley Green Middle School. “We benefit as a society from everything Chess for Success does for these kids,” Michael said.
From Chess for Success:
Chess for Success guests and sponsors gave over $120,000 to support children in the program. It was the most successful luncheon ever! Thank you to everyone who attended. The chess kids thank you, too!
When you invest in the mission of Chess for Success, you help our region’s children succeed, one move at a time.
Chess for Success is an intervention responding to the academic deficiency, lack of educational support systems, and lack of recreational outlets economically disadvantaged and minority children face.
The tangible benefits of supporting Chess for Success—clubs held twice weekly, tournament opportunities, club t-shirts, and chess sets for each child to keep—are gifts that will brighten the school year for economically disadvantaged and minority children. The intangible benefits last a lifetime. Hear from educators and students how your support makes a difference.
Our carefully crafted lesson plans help students develop analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills that improve behavior and academic performance (attendance, grades, and test scores), building self-confidence. As a result, students begin setting goals for their futures.
Working with our more than three dozen community partners, it is our goal to increase the high school graduation rate (Oregon now ranks worst in the nation, according to the U.S. Department of Education, and Washington is 40th) and improve college and workplace readiness.
By helping to close the achievement gap now, at-risk children have the opportunity to succeed in school and in life, ending the cycle of poverty.
Your support truly is a game changer for more than 3,400 boys and girls.
Please make your tax-deductible contribution today. Gifts of all sizes are greatly appreciated.
Chess for Success has been recognized for fiscal responsibility. We received the Light a Fire 2009 “Most with the Least” award for providing programming at an average cost of $150 per student. In September 2014, we received distinction as a “BBB Accredited Charity” for meeting all 20 Better Business Bureau Giving Alliances Standards for Charity Accountability. We remain good stewards of the funds entrusted to us.
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]
