San Francisco, CA. Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) hosted its annual Canine Heroes Gala on October 29th. This year the event took place at The Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco where 400 people attended and raised $725,000 to support the nonprofit organization’s life-changing mission.
President and CEO of GDB, Chris Benninger, provides updates on the nonprofit’s plans, by reflecting on the last 80 years, and topped the evening off by emceeing as several GDB puppies were delivered.
All of GDB’s services are free to clients and the organization receives no government funding, which makes events like the Canine Heroes Gala such pivotal fundraisers. Guests enjoyed dinner and fine wine while Theresa Stern, VP of Interdisciplinary Client Services and Engagement with Guide Dog Wills, guided them through an inspirational program featuring keynote speaker Aria Loberti, client and actor in the upcoming Netflix adaptation of the acclaimed novel All the Light We Cannot See.
The work of the organization is done on its Boring, Oregon campus as well as its San Rafael, CA campus.
From Guide Dogs for the Blind:
Guide Dogs for the Blind is a passionate community that prepares highly qualified guide dogs to empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired to move through the world more safely and confidently. GDB not only improves mobility for its clients, but it also furthers inclusion and advocates for policy reforms that change how the world views blindness.
Portland, OR. All Hands Raised Party with a Purpose (#PWAP23), hosted 500+ business, community, and education leaders to help improve all students’ success inside and outside of school. Featuring Latina winner of NBC’s Stand-Up for Diversity Showcase, Gina Brillon, the night featured a heartfelt opportunity to rub elbows with other champions of racial equity. Above are supporters Jordan Elliot (Board member), Chloe Elliot, Tamara Brown (Board member), Dr. Mark Gabriel. The event was held on February 16th at the Moda Center. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Gael Jackson, Hanna Isrealsson, Kim Cortes-Martinez, Michael Bliatout, Elaina Oomen
About All Hands Raised:
All Hands Raised works on the ground with school community site teams in several key work areas – engaging a team of community members (often including culturally-specific partners, school staff, and industry partners) as equals. These teams use current school-level metrics to identify root causes, test practices and drive change. Together, the team moves toward the heart of the matter, digging into social and emotional challenges and building bridges through critical transition points in students’ educational journeys. Successes and failures are shared with the entire school, across our school districts and throughout the community. The total integration of partners as equals is an essential strategy to ensure equitable changes in policies and systems – this is how we build to large-scale change.
Portland, OR. 250 guests celebrated 21 years of De La Salle North Catholic at its new campus. The benefit on October 21st raised $645,000 for financial aid at the school. Guests included Mal McAninch, Gretchen Johnson, Janeen McAninch, Mary Boyle, and Tom Doyle. (Photo credit, Andrea Lonas)
Attendees toured the school’s new campus at 4300 NE Killingsworth Street in Portland. They had a chance to wander through the hallways, socialize in the Commons, and then raise their paddles in the Michael Kelley Gymnasium. The theme for the benefit was “There’s No Place Like Our New Home.”
Lilianna Fierro-Davis ’17 was honored at the event for her “Full Circle Story” of how De La Salle and its innovative Corporate Work Study Program launched her career. Here’s a video about her journey:
In addition, Kelly Hale of RBC Wealth Management was honored with the 2022 Cassin Award for Commitment to Mission. The video below details her contributions.
From DeLaSalleNorthCatholicHighSchool:
If you weren’t able to join us you can still support the Fall Benefit Dinner & Auction by donating at the link here!
DeLaSalleNorthCatholicHighSchool serves a racially diverse community of capable, interested, and motivated college-bound students, primarily from North and Northeast Portland who would not otherwise have access to reliable college preparatory education.
4300 NE Killingsworth Street, Portland, OR 97218Phone: 503.285.9385
Portland, OR. It’s the most wonderful time of year and Christmas Ships Parade boat captains are getting ready to set sail for the 68th annual event. Organizers say, “We’re busy testing the lights, updating the displays, and polishing our boats, all to get ready to shine for you!” There are new boat displays and participants are bringing back old favorites. All fleet members are enthusiastic volunteers, paying all their own expenses, to put on the colorful show. The Christmas Ship Parades take place on both the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. We’ve got the schedule below.
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 privately-owned vessels come from Portland, Vancouver, McMinnville, Salem and Hood River areas. Some of the ship’s owners have been part of the Christmas tradition for more than 40 years.
The traditional Christmas Ship Parade features brilliantly decorated boats on the Willamette and Columbia rivers.
There are some new displays, and participants are bringing back old favorites as well. All fleet members are enthusiastic volunteers, paying all their own expenses, and ready to put on a show.
Below are links to downloadable Parade Schedules. Additionally, there’s a complete list of the schedule with live links for more information.
Portland, OR. “Staying in the Game” was the theme of INCIGHT’s virtual gala, which raised $125,000. KATU Sports Director Joe Becker and news anchor Steve Dunn (far right) helped INCIGHT co-founder Scott Hatley, and cameraman Judd Girard kick off the benefit. Founders say, “INCIGHT is dedicated to changing hearts and minds, leveraging obstacles, and unlocking the potential for those with disabilities through education, employment, and independence programs.”
Hosted by Dan Friess and local TV personality Natali Marmion, in a Ted Lasso-inspired locker room, the INCIGHT gala had close to 180 supporters tune in on October 8th.
Attendees Michael Langley, Eve Miller, and Elisabeth Rosenast enjoy their tailgate party along with Mitch Blatt who was on the phone, zooming in from Montana.
Julie Resk, Jill Kraemer and Mair Blatt prepping for their INCIGHT tailgater party
All Tailgate Party Hosts received an INCIGHT branded tote bag filled with food and fun to share at their INCIGHT Tailgate Party.
From INCIGHT:
The night featured reports in the field from local schools, INCIGHT’s area Safeway store in Lake Grove, Hood to Coast’s “Mother of all Relays” event in Seaside, Oregon, The Partners Group Throwdown: Cornhole for a Cause event at Hillsboro Stadium and The Moda Center.
“Staying in the Game” is a great metaphor for sports, and more importantly, life. It’s why INCIGHT selected this sports-oriented statement as the theme of this year’s fundraising Gala. The team continues to compete in the game in spite of significant barriers and challenges, just as people with disabilities leverage obstacles in their own life to unlock their greatest potential. Coaching through their own set of challenges, INCIGHT established a new game plan, developing a new vision, mission, and values. They believe this plan gives them the best chance of winning and being successful. They don’t want their clients’ potential locked up. They want to change hearts and minds and break stigma when that’s what’s needed.
The event shared stories of programmatic success, chronicled a unique international partnership with Variety Children’s Charities in Canada around a special adaptive sport for youth, and highlighted two longtime organization supporters and the strategic partnership with Hood-to-Coast Relay.
The partnership with Variety Children’s would not have been possible without the support of Ashley Campion and the Johnson Charitable Trust. We could not have held this event without the generosity of our presenting sponsor, the Safeway Foundation. Other sponsors for our event include OnPoint Community Credit Union, Family Business Advisors, MODA Health, PacMet, Cascade Wealth Advisors and Educational Excellence. The event livestream can still be watched by visiting www.incight.org/gala. INCIGHT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has been Unlocking the Potential of People experiencing disabilities for more than 18 years. INCIGHT’s vision “MOVING THE WORLD: Expecting Great Contributions with People Experiencing Disabilities”. INCIGHT’s services have influenced thousands of students, job seekers, educators, parents, employers and community members. The INCIGHT mission is one that invites and challenges everyone to think, feel and behave with more equity and expectancy.
Portland, OR. Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest (BBBS) raised $475,000 at its “Impact of a Connection” gala. After a two-year Covid-prompted hiatus, the benefit was held at The Redd on Salmon Street on September 22nd. It raised funds to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that supporters say help to ignite the power and promise of youth. At the event, Nick Kristof, New York Times Columnist, and Artis Stevens, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters America posed for a photo together. (Photo credit, Adam Levy)
Artis Stevens, President, and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters America
Beach Pace, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest
Lindsey Murphy, event emcee, and Alumni Little Sister
Owa Odighizuwa, Former NFL Player and Alumni of Little Brother, and Artis Stevens, President, and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters America
From Big Brothers Big Sisters:
The sun shined bright as guests arrived to enjoy the cocktail hour, packed with entertainment featuring saxophonist Eldon “T” Jones, Finn the Magician, a 360 photo booth, and delicious cocktails from Tito’s Handmade Vodka. We were joined by a special guest speaker, Artis Stevens, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, who gave a moving speech about the importance of mentorship in the lives of youth. Alumni Little, Lindsey Murphy, celebrated her 30th year in contact with her Big Sister, Melissa, a science teacher that inspired her to start her wildly popular Youtube show, the FabLab.
The night concluded with a celebration of the 2022 Bigs and Littles of the year highlighting the matches of Big Brother Gus and Little Brother Jason and Big Sister Monica and Little Sister Jeni who took the stage to accept their awards. As a community, we were able to raise a record-breaking $475,000 in support of our one-to-one mentoring programs here in Portland and SW Washington. One of the best parts of the night happened among all the staff and event volunteers after the event when, Beach Pace, BBBSCNW CEO, rallied everyone together to take a moment to take pride in all the work we had all put into this event.
A sincere thank you to everyone who made this event a beautiful success. It takes a village, and we are so glad you are a member of our village. Our sincerest appreciation goes out to our 2022 Gala Committee led by co-chairs Suzy Alexander, and Lee Lenker. A BIG thank you to our Presenting Sponsors Twenty Four 7 and Concentrix Catalyst, our Ignite Sponsors The Standard, OnPoint Community Credit Union, Nike, M Financial Group, Cambia Health Solutions, Anderson Construction, our Inspire Sponsors KPMG, Moss Adams, Comcast, Baird, General Sheet Metal, Hillsboro Hops, M Science, Sheldon Warmington & Janel Warmington and Table Sponsors @ACME, Advantis Credit Union, Brown & Brown Insurance. Barran Liebman LLP, Natasha Elhaj-Hedinger, Kaiser Permanente, Moda Health, North Highland, owamagbe odighizuwa, Pacific West Bank, Parker, Smith & Feek, TM Rippey Consulting Engineers and Xenium HR!
Portland, OR. Community members gathered at the Oregon Convention Center for The ALS Association‘s Together for ALS Gala. Over 450 attendees joined the organization’s first “in-person” gala event since 2019. ‘Together for ALS’ raised $360,000 to support families living with ALS in Oregon and SW Washington. Stuart and Michelle Faris, seen above, attended the September 24th benefit to honor Malcolm Fylan. (Photo credit, Randy Boverman)
Keynote speaker Mary Porter from Parkdale, Oregon was welcomed by the emcee for the evening Valerie Hurst, a reporter, and anchor for KATU-TV.
ALS Association Executive Lance Christian with State Treasurer Tobias Read and his wife Heidi Read
Jeff and Natalie Newgard of Peak Consulting sponsored the event and welcomed guests.
DeeAnn Little and Barb Deeming enjoyed the night in memory of Randy Cadonau
There’s a video from Oregon and SW Washington Chapter of The ALS Association. (Editor’s note: the video features my unfailingly positive uncle, David Judd. He’s still going strong!)
From the Oregon and SW Washington Chapter:
The Oregon and SW Washington Chapter of The ALS Association provides support and resources for people living with ALS, their families, and caregivers living in the State of Oregon and the six counties of Southwest Washington.
Rockaway Beach, OR. Rules for this race include, “no running alongside, throwing treats or toys, or creating a trail of bacon bits!” It was the 15th Annual Firecracker Wiener Nationals in Rockaway Beach. Organizers say the July 4th event drew more people and raised more donations for the Tillamook Animal Shelter than in previous years. Held in Sea View City Park, the races featured 8 heats and over 50 wiener dogs running their little legs down the course. One participant named Stella, seen above was cheered on at the starting gate by volunteer, Isabel Klein.
Chad Carter and Eli Newell organize and emcee the races. They say, “Our first priority is fun, and our other first priority is raising money for a good cause.”
The dachshund, also known as the wiener dog, is a short-legged, long-bodied, hound-type dog breed. The dog may be smooth-haired, wire-haired, or long-haired. Registration for each dog was a suggested $5 donation.
Rules include: Dogs may be tossed at the starting line, but they must touch the course at least once before the finish line. No “full court” dog tossing.
A long-haired dachshund named Moe was the big winner of the 2022 race.
Here’s more information about the races:
It’s simple. You just have to show up at the races from Noon to 1pm and Register your dog at the Registration Tent.
Please help us get started on time by registering as close to Noon as you can.
After that, your dog will be assigned a heat in our tournament. Then it’s up to your dog’s giant heart and his tiny little legs.
We’ll keep racing until one dog is crowned the Firecracker Grand Champion.
There is a suggested donation of $5 for race registration.
Non-Wiener Dogs:
We don’t do a tournament for non-wieners. But bring your drag basset or nitro-powered labrador to compete in one of our “All Dog” races. It’s just for fun, but the sight of a dozen yorkies barelling toward the finish line is its own reward.
Other than that, the process is the same. Register at the Registration Tent on the day of the event. Registration is open from Noon to 1pm.
There is a suggested donation of $5 for race registration.
The Rules
Our first priority is fun, and our other first priority is raising money for a good cause. But a sense of fair play goes a long way toward everyone having a great afternoon. With that in mind, we just have a few simple rules.
Have fun.
Don’t ruin anyone else’s fun.
Nothing on or over the course except the dogs themselves.That means no running alongside, throwing treats or toys, or creating a trail of bacon bits.
If it looks like a dachshund, it’s a dachshund.If your dog looks like a short german shepherd or a dachshund with a pug face, we will gladly register you in the all-breed race. That being said, please let us pet your dachshund with a pug face.
Dogs may be tossed at the starting line, but they must touch the course at least once before the finish line.No “full court” dog tossing.
When in doubt, talk to us.If something happens that makes the event less than fun, tell the emcees as soon as possible. We’ll try our best to make it right.
DID YOU MISS OUT ON GETTING YOUR FIRECRACKER WIENER NATIONAL GEAR THIS YEAR?
Great News! We’re now selling merchandise year-round. And as always, all profits go to the TIllamook Animal Shelter and help support their vital work.
West Linn, OR. The skies over Tumwater Vineyard cleared in time for party-goers celebrating Home Builders Foundation’s 25th Anniversary. The Building Hope Gala and Auction presented by California Closets on June 11th drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 300 people. During its first 25 years, Home Builders Foundation (HBF) of Metro Portland has worked with more than 30 organizations to build or improve more than 70 facilities. The facilities serve some of the most vulnerable people in our community, such as shelters for domestic violence and sex trafficking survivors, and tiny home villages for veterans.
HBF Executive Director Brenda Ketah honors the foundation’s founder Rudy Kadlub
In all, the HBF Building Hope Gala and Auction raised close to $400,000. This first fully in-person event since the pandemic is one of the top three in HBF history.
The crowd was first treated to a video origin story of Home Builders Foundation, featuring Founder Rudy Kadlub. He reflected “the ability to give back, not just with money but expertise and hands-on work is a wonderful feeling. I am so proud of the home builders here in the Portland Metro region.” Home Builders Foundation began in 1997 as the nonprofit arm of the Home Builders Association of Metro Portland. Over the years, HBF has focused on encouraging employment in home building, and building shelter for the houseless as a national affiliate of HomeAid America.
Attendees enjoy the in-person benefit.
The guests walk to the large auction tent featuring 25th Anniversary theme colors of silver, white, and Tiffany blue.
Bidding for auction items was fast and furious. The highlight of the evening was the auction of a basket of products made in the USA, collected by the leadership of the Home Builders Foundation. Bidding for the basket was announced as a tribute to the late HBF board member Mike Harn, of Anlon Construction. Harn was a local builder, family man, and an Army veteran who passed away after a long battle with cancer earlier this year. The basket to honor a treasured member of the HBF generated $29,000 for HBF’s projects. Former HBF Board Chair Morley was astounded saying “I’ve been to 20+ HBF auctions and never witnessed that kind of a moment honoring Mike Harn.”
Another tribute came with a video to show the St. Johns Village of tiny homes, one of HBF’s projects for the past few years. Operator Do Good Multnomah’s Chris Aiosa credits Home Builders Foundation for helping their vision for the Village come to life. “We were able to build housing like we wanted to build housing. There wasn’t any red tape or bureaucracy. It was just building housing with dignity.” In all, the HBF Building Hope Gala and Auction raised close to $400,000. This first fully in-person event since the pandemic is one of the top three in HBF history. At a time when housing is needed more than ever, the gala proceeds will help HBF begin its next 25 years in a strong position to make an impact.
From Home Builders Foundation:
During its first 25 years, HBF of Metro Portland has worked with more than 30 organizations to build or improve more than 70 facilities. The facilities serve some of the most vulnerable people in our community, such as shelters for domestic violence and sex trafficking survivors, and tiny home villages for veterans. HBF asks members of the home-building community to donate their time and materials to help service providers with their shelter projects.
Portland, OR. Portland’s new Amaterra Winery was the setting for a new nonprofit called SetPath. The organization offers free life-planning and mentoring services to young adults. At its launch party on June 1st, about 50 local leaders sipped wine and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres. SetPath founder Daniel Harkavy and Chief Hope Officer PaulHogan shared their vision for SetPath, which is already serving dozens of local young adults, aged 18 to 28. Above, PaulHogan, Kalpana Lubrano, Octavio Lubrano, Khalid Maxie (new Principal of Jesuit High) enjoy event. (Photo credit, Amy White, Khalid Maxie, Paul Hogan and Dylan Harkavy)
SetPath founder Daniel Harkavy describes the origin story of SetPath while host Werner Nistler looks on
Leslie Ganz exhorts the guests at Amaterra to support SetPath’s mission as she and her husband Mark have done.
The event was hosted by Amaterra owners Werner and Colleen Nistler along with Leslie and Mark Ganz (former Cambia CEO), the gathering was organized to create support for SetPath’s mission, which is to guide young adults to discover purpose, hope, and direction through life-planning and mentorship, free of charge.
Amaterra is located at 8150 SW Swede Hill Drive Portland, OR 97225
Amaterra uses a process that utilizes bridge cranes to allow one elevation drop to act as a multiple-level gravity-flow winemaking facility.
At the event, area philanthropists listened while the nonprofit’s leaders outlined the urgent need for SetPath’s services.
According to the nonprofit, the pandemic has taken a toll on young adults, for whom few programs exist as they move into the “defining decade” of their 20s.
Current statistics include:
• 30% of 25-to-29-year-olds live at home with their parents, delaying marriage, parenthood, and home ownership at record rates due to “crushing student debt, a runaway housing market, and the pandemic” (Fortune, 3.25.22).
• In July of 2021, 48% of young adults in the US reported struggling with serious mental health issues. • 1 million fewer students attend college in the US in 2022 than in 2020, the largest decrease in 50 years. Average college debt per student borrower: $33K.
• Inflation rose to 8.4% in spring, 2022, the highest in 40 years, making the dream of home ownership and many other daily expenses out of reach for young people.
• Over 1/3 of young adults admit to binge drinking in the past month; 40% used an illicit substance in the past year. In counterpoint to these alarming statistics, the evening at Amaterra was filled with friendship, joy, and tremendous hope, as guests saw the potential for SetPath to help young adults navigate the challenges of “adulting” on a massive scale.
From SetPath:
Guests offered many affirmative comments and asked questions about the expansive scope of SetPath’s vision, budget, and impact so far. All present agreed that this mission, are ready to meet this moment of urgent need with creativity, structure, discipline, and hope. The gorgeous views and scintillating conversation marked what will be remembered as a historic moment of launch for another Portland nonprofit that aims to impact young lives for the better—in Portland, across the US, and someday soon, across the globe, in the inspiring tradition of the Dougy Center, Friends of the Children, the Children’s Cancer Association, and more.
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