Guide Dogs for the Blind’s K9 Buddy Picnic has Tails Wagging

Guide Dogs for the Blind’s K9 Buddy Picnic has Tails Wagging

Boring, OR. Families with blind or visually impaired children came out to the Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) Campus to learn about the K9 Buddy program on April 27th. At an afternoon picnic, Kids like Charlie and his parents learned about the program, and were able to interact with GDB employees and families that have a K9 Buddy dog to see if the program is a fit for them.

Owen and Theodore

Jazzy and Henrietta

The K9 Buddy program matches carefully selected dogs with youth in Washington, Oregon, and California who are blind or have low vision, but are not yet ready to care for a guide dog. These “K9 Buddies” offer comfort and companionship while teaching the child responsibility, and give the child an opportunity to begin exploring the guide dog lifestyle at a young age.

Four current K9 Buddy child and dog pairs were in attendance, along with their families. Chris Benninger, President and CEO of Guide Dogs for the Blind, also flew up from the organization’s campus in San Rafael, California to attend the picnic. Other GDB instructors and employees, as well as several working guide dogs and guide dogs in training, also made appearances. After an educational session about the K9 Buddy program, lunch was served. The families attending then had time to socialize, make crafts, and say hi to the dogs.

Here’s a video about the program:

From Guide Dogs for the Blind:

Since 1942, Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) has been creating partnerships between people, dogs, and communities. With exceptional client services and a robust network of instructors, puppy raisers, donors, and volunteers, we prepare highly qualified guide dogs to serve and empower individuals who are blind or have low vision from throughout the United States and Canada.

All of the services for our clients are provided free of charge, including personalized training and extensive post-graduation support, plus financial assistance for veterinary care, if needed. Our work is made possible by the generous support of our donors and volunteers; we receive no government funding.

At GDB, we believe that a dog can make a remarkable difference in any child’s life by fostering a sense of caring, companionship, and a sense of responsibility through the human/animal bond. Our K9 Buddy Program matches specially selected dogs to become wonderful pets and buddies to children and young adults who are blind or visually impaired and their families. A dog can contribute to heightening of sensory development, motivating a child to learn and enhancing self esteem. The K9 Buddy program connects the child/family with our community of puppy raisers and other supporters, including agencies and organizations for the blind. K9 Buddies are offered free-of-charge.

The ALS Association Oregon and SW Washington Chapter Raises $435,000

The ALS Association Oregon and SW Washington Chapter Raises $435,000

Portland, OR. The Oregon Convention Center’s Portland Ballroom was filled with over 550 supporters who are working to “Strike Out ALS.” The April 27th baseball themed benefit raised $435,000. Jim Criswell hugged his granddaughter to thank her for a donation to the cause. With this funding, the ALS Oregon and SW Washington Chapter will continue to participate in critical public policy, enhancing care services programs and funding promising research.

Athan & Eliza Sircy give their piggie bank as a contribution in honor of their Papa, Jim Criswell, who is living with ALS

Special Appeal speaker, Nicole McCabe, sharing her personal journey with ALS.

Dr. Lou Libby of The Oregon Clinic and his wife, Jocelyn sporting their best baseball attire

Bidders enjoying the festivities

The ALS Association Oregon and SW Washington Chapter:

We want to share our gratitude to Valerie Hurst for emceeing the evening, and to Graham Crow for helping make it so fun to participate! Many thanks to all of our sponsors and underwriters. We are also appreciative of all of the local businesses that contributed items to the auction! We want to express our gratitude for the 50+ volunteers that make the event possible.

Most of all, thank you to our amazing donors who helped make this event a record breaking gala for our chapter!

2019 White Bird Awards Spotlight Top Supporters

2019 White Bird Awards Spotlight Top Supporters

Portland, OR. White Bird Co-Founders Paul King and Walter Jaffe posed with Emcee Poison Waters at the nonprofit’s annual gala. “S’Wing Ding” was the benefit’s theme and featured 1940s and 50s dance numbers. The fundraiser to support White Bird’s dance programming was held on May 4th at Vibrant Table’s Loft at 8th Avenue in Southeast Portland. The event featured Art Abrams Swing Machine Big Band, performances by the Jefferson Dancers and Swing dancers Austin Buchholtz and Phoenix Gray. White Bird raised $98,000 to continue its diverse dance programing that brings dance companies from around the country and around the world to Portland. (Photo credit, Michael Cary Photography)

Regional Arts and Culture Council’s Helen Daltoso (center), joined in the celebration as one of the many arts community guests.

Jefferson Dancers dazzling the crowd during one of the evening’s dance performances.

The White Bird team members Ivy Farrell, Rya Greene, Matthew Bade, David Nolfi, Beth Whelan, Paul King, Walter Jaffe

The 2019 White Bird Awardees, Left to Right: Michael Curry, Trevor Wilde, Subashini Ganesan, Beth Whelan, Shaun Keylock. Not pictured: Darci and Charlie Swindells

The 22-year-old organization presented the 2019 White Bird Awards to esteemed members of the arts community: Michael Curry, Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award; Darci and Charlie Swindells, Angel Award; Subashini Ganesan (New Expressive Works), Community Engagement Award. White Bird also presented the Barney Commissioning Prize to emerging northwest choreographers Shaun Keylock, Beth Whelan and Trevor Wilde who will be using the prize to create new works for a future White Bird season. Other celebrated guests included Jacques Heim, Artistic Director of Diavolo in Los Angeles and local swing dancers Kali Henson and Austin Neverman. The gala brought 100 guests together to celebrate White Bird’s dedication to presenting world-class dance to the Portland community.

Oregon Humane Society Receives Over $51,000 from Lithia Subaru

Oregon Humane Society Receives Over $51,000 from Lithia Subaru

Portland, OR. Lithia Subaru of Oregon City is “sharing the love” with the pets at the Oregon Humane Society in the form of a $51,080 donation. The gift marks the largest donation from Subaru’s Share the Love event in the five years since OHS was first selected as one of the local participating charities. At the check presentation were Jason Hirata, District Sales Manager – Subaru of America; Ryan Vaughan, General Sales Manager – Lithia Subaru of Oregon City; Sharon Harmon, OHS President and CEO; Sarah Yusavitz, OHS Corporate Relations Officer; Diego Montoya, Zone Retailer Development Manager – Subaru of America; Peter Holt, District Parts and Service Manager – Subaru of America.

During the Share the Love event, which ran Nov. 15, 2018 to Jan. 2, 2019, $250 was donated for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased. This was the 11th year for the campaign which is expected to bring $140 million to local and national charities.

Since 2013, Lithia Subaru of Oregon City has selected the Oregon Humane Society as the local beneficiary of the Share the Love event. “This year’s total was an absolute record – a testament to our staff and customer commitment to OHS,” says Ryan Vaughan, General Sales Manager, Lithia Subaru of Oregon City.

“We are so grateful to Lithia Subaru of Oregon City for this generous donation,” says Sharon Harmon, OHS president and CEO. “These funds will provide medical care, behavior support and other services to pets in need.”

###

The Oregon Humane Society is the Northwest’s oldest and largest humane society, with one of the highest adoption rates in the nation. OHS receives no government funds for its adoption, education, medical and behavior programs. Visit oregonhumane.org for more information.

De La Salle North Catholic HS Luncheon Raises $252,000

De La Salle North Catholic HS Luncheon Raises $252,000

Portland, OR. Over 200 guests attended De La Salle North Catholic‘s 14th annual Changing Destinies Luncheon. At the April 25th event, Ashley Campion and Vice Principal for Student Life James Broadous posed for a photo. The program at the annual luncheon is student led, with speakers, performers and a paddle raise. A current senior sits among table guests to share about their journey at De La Salle and where they are headed next year. The Changing Destinies Luncheon raised $252,000 for financial aid.

De La Salle North Catholic President Oscar Leong welcomes guests.

Lynn Brown speaks with a graduating senior.

Puji Sherer and Summer Widmer

Karen Radditz and Kris Wilkins visit with a student at De La Salle North Catholic High School.

From De La Salle North Catholic High School:

De La Salle North Catholic High School opened in 2001 to provide a faith-based, college preparatory high school education to underserved students from the Portland area. These families needed and wanted a viable and affordable choice of schools to send their student. Other private high schools in and around Portland were not an option for most of them because of the cost and the distance their student would have to travel to go to school each day. They spoke out and said “put your school right here in our neighborhood.”

De La Salle was the first school to replicate the innovative corporate work study program pioneered by Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago. There are now over 30 schools throughout urban America that model their school after this Cristo Rey model.

De La Salle North Catholic is sponsored by The De La Salle Christian Brothers and is a part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Portland/Western Oregon.  And a nation-wide, independent rating agency has identified De La Salle North Catholic High School as the most diverse private high school in all of Oregon.

Students at De La Salle North Catholic High School attend class four days per week and work for a local company one day each week as part of the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP). The CWSP provides work experience, business contacts, and helps offset the cost to educate them. This school exists to provide this unique educational opportunity to families who would not be able to afford a private, Catholic education. Our goal is to develop tomorrow’s community leaders by making high-quality education accessible to motivated young people in a learning environment that values cultural, spiritual, and ethnic diversity. We don’t turn away any capable, motivated or interested student because they cannot afford our modest tuition.

Portland Opera Announces 2019/20 Season

Portland Opera Announces 2019/20 Season

Portland, OR. Portland Opera announced programming for the company’s 56th season, which will open on October 25, 2019 and will include Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. The season was announced to supporters at the opera’s annual “BIG NIGHT” celebration on May 11th. Music Director George Manahan lead the Portland Opera chorus, orchestra, resident artists, and guest soloists in an evening which featured  works by Verdi, Bizet, Mozart, and more.

Fans enjoyed the red carpet treatment.

The season 2019/20 will launch with one of the most powerful operas of all time, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, starring internationally acclaimed soprano Hiromi Omura in the title role. In February, the company will present An American Quartet: Four One-Act Operas in an intimate evening in the Hampton Opera Center’s black box theatre. These one-acts feature Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Telephone, Samuel Barber’s A Hand of Bridge, Douglas Moore’s Gallantry, and Lee Hoiby’s Bon Appétit! The season will continue with a rare presentation of Vivaldi’s operaBajazet in March, which will be a special collaboration with the Portland Baroque Orchestra. In the spring, Portland Opera will present its annual Big Night concert and Leoncavallo’s verismo masterpiece, Pagliacci. The 2019/20 season will close with the Portland Opera premiere of Jake Heggie’s familial drama, Three Decembers.

“The 2019/20 season is a celebration of the art of opera,” says General Director Christopher Mattaliano. “This season gives us the opportunity to explore works spanning four different centuries, from Bajazet, which premiered in 1735, to Three Decembers which premiered in 2008. We cannot wait to bring our audiences on this journey with us.”

From Portland Opera:

Portland Opera 2019/20 Season

Madama Butterfly – Giacomo Puccini

Four performances: October 25, 27m, 31, November 2, 2019
Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay Street
Sung in Italian with English captions.

Cio-Cio-San                            Hiromi Omura
Pinkerton                                Luis Chapa

Suzuki                                      Nina Yoshida

Sharpless                                 Troy Cook

Goro                                        Karl Marx Reyes

Yamadori                                André Chiang

Bonze                                      Peixin Chen

Kate Pinkerton                        Camille Sherman

Conductor                               George Manahan

Director                                  E. Loren Meeker

This unforgettable drama tells the story of a young wife and mother named Cio-Cio-San, in Nagasaki, Japan, in 1904. She waits for the return of her beloved B.F. Pinkerton, a lieutenant in the United States Navy. When his ship comes in, her dreams for the future meet his – with tragic and heartbreaking results.

Classic sets and costumes honor tradition in this production.  Internationally acclaimed Japanese soprano Hiromi Omura makes her U.S. debut as our heroine. 

“An idealistic, Japanese girl in the early 1900s falls for a brash, entitled American soldier whose actions turn her love into a story ending in exploitation, betrayal, and abandonment,” says stage director E. Loren Meeker. “Puccini’s masterpiece Madama Butterfly forces American audiences to consider our history, culture, and the unknown victims of our past foreign policy. Our goal within a traditional setting is to honor Japanese culture through insightful storytelling and modern characterization. This creates an environment where we can examine the harsh realities of our past in an effort to learn from our mistakes at global, national, and personal levels.”

An American Quartet: Four One-Act Operas
The Telephone – Gian Carlo Menotti

A Hand of Bridge – Samuel Barber

Gallantry – Douglas Moore

Bon Appétit! – Lee Hoiby

Five performances: February 7, 9m, 11, 13, 15, 2020

The Gregory K. and Mary Chomenko Hinckley Studio Theatre at the Hampton Opera Center, 211 SE Caruthers Street

Sung in English with English captions.

Julia Child                                                      Angela Niederloh

Announcer, Sally                                             Camille Sherman

Ben, David, Doctor Gregg                              Geoffrey Schellenberg

Lucy, Geraldine, Lola Markham                    Emilie Faiella

Bill, Donald Hopewell                                    Ricardo Garcia


Conductor                                                       Nicholas Fox

Director                                                          Allison Narver

Visit our black box theatre for an intimate evening of four American one-act operas. In The Telephone, constant calling interrupts a young man’s intentions. In A Hand of Bridge, four card players share their fears, hopes, and frustrations. InGallantry, we witness a television soap-opera (complete with a live soap commercial); and in Bon Appétit! we’ll savor the words of Julia Child in a transcript of how to bake the perfect French chocolate cake. Complimentary chocolate cake will be served after the performance!

“We are thrilled to welcome our audience to our home at the Hampton Opera Center for these four one-acts,” says General Director Christopher Mattaliano. “The expertly compact composition of each of these pieces is truly delightful. They are filled with character, expression, and wit.  Together, they give us an operatic peek into a slice of American life.”

Bajazet – Antonio Vivaldi

Five performances: March 20, 22m, 24, 26, 28, 2020

Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway Avenue

Sung in Italian with English captions.

Bajazet                                    Daniel Mobbs

Asteria                                     Camille Sherman

Tamerlano                               Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen

Irene                                        Avery Amereau

Andronico                               John Marzano

Idaspe                                     Kathleen Kim

Conductor                               Erin Helyard

Director                                  Chas Rader-Shieber

Scenic & Costume Designer   Michael Olich

Bajazet, Emperor of the Turks, has been captured. His daughter, Asteria, plans to kill her father’s captor, Tamerlano, who also wishes to marry her. Irene, a princess who loves Tamerlano, discovers the murder plot and intervenes. Andronico, an ally of Tamerlano, is in love with Asteria. Honor, forgiveness, and duty shine brightly in this muscular tale of conflict, love, and conquerors.

Portland Opera is thrilled to collaborate with Portland Baroque Orchestra to present the American professional premiere of Vivaldi’s rarely performed Baroque masterpiece from 1735. Australian conductor Erin Helyard makes his U.S. debut with a cast featuring contralto Avery Amereau and countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen.

“Even as the walls seem to be crumbling around them, the characters of Bajazet live in a musical world of unparalleled beauty,” says stage director Chas Rader-Shieber. “As one culture is dismissed and destroyed by another, with a kind of cruelty that is both frightening and yet familiar, the personal and emotional lives of those in power are given a careful kind of examination by Vivaldi. Emotion at its most potent, power at its most dangerous, and music at its greatest expression of pure theatricality are at the center of this amazing, tragic, and moving opera.”

Big Night, A Special Concert

May 9, 2020
Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay Street

Sung in various languages with English captions.

For the annual Big Night concert, Portland Opera’s chorus and orchestra are joined by international guest soloists and the Portland Opera Resident Artists for an evening of beautiful music.

This performance will feature tenor Fabio Armiliato, bass-baritone Daniel Mobbs, among other guest stars, as well as the 2019/20 Portland Opera Resident Artists, and the Portland Opera Orchestra and Chorus, led by Music DirectorGeorge Manahan. General Director Christopher Mattaliano will be the host of the evening.

Pagliacci – Ruggero Leoncavallo

Four performances: June 5, 7m, 11, 13, 2020

Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay Street

Sung in Italian with English captions.

Canio                                      Fabio Armiliato

Nedda                                      Vanessa Isiguen

Tonio                                       Michael Chioldi

Silvio                                       Will Liverman

Conductor                               George Manahan

Director                                  Christopher Mattaliano

Based on a real story from a newspaper clipping in the late nineteenth century, Leoncavallo’s “Clowns” tells the story of a travelling troupe of entertainers who perform for an Italian village. They present a show that becomes increasingly parallel to their actual tumultuous lives—resulting in blurred lines between comedy, tragedy, reality, and performance.

Maestro George Manahan and General Director Christopher Mattaliano team up to bring Portland Opera’s nostalgic production, set in the 1940s, back to the stage. Renowned Italian tenor Fabio Armiliato makes his Portland Opera debut, joined by soprano Vanessa Isiguen and baritones Will Liverman and Michael Chioldi.

“Pagliacci is the quintessential verismo opera,” says stage director Christopher Mattaliano. “It’s entertaining, dramatic, and a fantastic option for a first-time opera-goer.”

Three Decembers– Jake Heggie

Five performances: July 17, 19m, 22, 23, 25 2020

Newmark Theatre

Sung in English with English captions.

Beatrice                                   Caitlin Lynch

Maddie                                    Susannah Mars

Charlie                                    Geoffrey Schellenberg

Conductor                               Nicholas Fox

Director                                  Alan Paul

A heartwarming and bittersweet family portrait comes into focus over the course of three Decembers in 1986, 1996, and 2006. Madeline (a Broadway actress) and her adult children face the challenges of secrets, resentment, and reconciliation in this illuminating story about the very real complexities of being a family.

Susannah Mars returns to Portland Opera in this new production directed by Alan Paul, Associate Artistic Director of the Shakespeare Theater Company in Washington, D.C.

“Three Decembers is a profound story about time, family, and art,” says stage director Alan Paul. “I love stories that span decades, and this opera explores the wounds, secrets, and dreams of a family over three Decembers in three different decades.  It’s a juicy opera to direct, and I can’t wait to come back to Portland and bring it to life.”

Tickets and Information

Subscriptions for the 2019/20 season are on sale now. Single tickets for Madama Butterfly, An American Quartet, andBajazet will go on sale on August 16, 2019, and single tickets for the remainder of the season will go on sale on December 6, 2019. For more information, and to purchase tickets visit portlandopera.org, call Patron Services at 503-241-1802, or visit in person at the Hampton Opera Center, located at 211 SE Caruthers Street in Portland, Oregon. Patron Services hours are Monday through Friday, 10 AM – 5 PM. Portland Opera offers complimentary concierge services for all patrons. You can e-mail [email protected] for information about parking, attire, dining recommendations, and more.

Main stage operas are presented with projected English translations above the stage. Evening performances begin at 7:30 PM, and matinee performances begin at 2 PM.  Late seating is not permitted.

We are proud to be able to offer many ways for community members to experience Portland Opera. Portland Opera is a participant in Arts for All—providing $5 tickets for Oregon Trail Card holders for operas at the Keller Auditorium and Newmark Theatre. These tickets can be purchased two weeks prior to each performance. We also offer a limited amount of free tickets to Multnomah County Library cardholders through the library’s Discover Pass program. Visit multcolib.org for more information.

 

Student tickets are $10 and are made available for every performance. Student tickets can be purchased up to two weeks prior to each performance. We are proud to also work with the Veteran Tickets Foundation (vettix.org) to share event tickets with U.S. Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families.

Portland Opera offers wheelchair accessible and companion seating for every performance throughout the season and offers assisted listening devices for productions at the Newmark Theatre and Keller Auditorium.  Designated performances also include a live audio-description of the visual and physical events on-stage for patrons who are blind or have low vision. Please contact Patron Services for additional information.

Portland Opera appreciates the ongoing support of funders including The Collins Foundation, Meyer Memorial Trust, Oregon Arts Commission, Work for Art, the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, and The Regional Arts & Culture Council, including support from the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and the Arts Education & Access Fund.

About Portland Opera

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

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

DoveLewis Blood Bank in Critical Need of Canine Donors

DoveLewis Blood Bank in Critical Need of Canine Donors

Portland, OR. Due to overwhelming demand at DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency Hospital, and local area clinics, the DoveLewis Blood Bank is running critically low on several canine blood types. Superhero Calamity Jane (in the orange scarf) has been donating to the DoveLewis Blood Bank for five years and has donated 21 units. Her blood recently helped save the lives of a 3-year-old Australian shepherd suffering from rat bait poisoning and a 5-year-old pit bull with an autoimmune disorder. New volunteer canine blood donors are needed to continue the lifesaving efforts of the program. (Photo credit, Gia Goodrich)

A growing local pet population and active summer months have created a greater need for animal blood transfusions.

New volunteer canine donors are needed to meet the increased demand for blood products.

“Just one donation can help treat up to four animals,” said Ron Morgan, DoveLewis president and CEO. “We call our donors Superheroes because they are truly saving lives.” DoveLewis will treat more than 20,000 patients this year, and demand for blood transfusions increases during summer months due to a surge in patients during this time.

Each year, the DoveLewis Blood Bank provides enough blood and plasma for more than 700 transfusions throughout Oregon and the United States. Transfusions are typically required during surgeries, for animals with immune deficiency disorders, and for animals suffering from traumas.

Canine blood donors must meet a few basic requirements, including:

  • 1-6 years old
  • 55+ pounds
  • Healthy and current on vaccines
  • Gentle disposition

The donation process is quick, easy and painless for both the canine donor and the owner. DoveLewis asks volunteers to commit to giving blood for two years (four to six donations per year). Donors also receive a variety of medical benefits.

Pet owners interested in learning more can visit dovelewis.org/blood-bank.

From DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital:

DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital, established in 1973 and based in Portland, Oregon, is the only nonprofit, 24-hour emergency and intensive care unit in the region. With 45 years of service to the community, DoveLewis has treated more than 600,000 animals. DoveLewis also has seven donor-supported community programs that serve animals in need and the animal-loving community. For more information, please visit dovelewis.org.

Oregon Nurses Foundation Honors Nurse of the Year

Oregon Nurses Foundation Honors Nurse of the Year

Lake Oswego, OR. The Oregon Nurses Foundation board chair, RN Kathleen Sims, helped honor Teri Mills as Oregon Nurse of the Year. The nurse activist and public health advocate was honored on April 28th at the Crowne Plaza in Lake Osewego. The Oregon Nurses Foundation brunch drew over 75 people. It celebrated nurses and raised $26,000 to help advance the nursing profession and open nursing careers to underserved populations.

Caitlin Reed, RN, Oregon Nurses Association board treasurer

Guest speaker Wanda Montalvo, PhD, RN, the Executive Director of Jonas Nursing and Veterans Healthcare at Columbia University

Elizabeth McPhee, RN, nominated Teri Mills for the Oregon Nurse of the Year award

Teri Mills, the 2019 Oregon Nurse of the Year, has had a career that spans more than four decades, demonstrating nursing excellence in teaching, mentoring and advocacy. Foundation members say she consistently works to increase the visibility of the nursing profession from testifying in front of lawmakers to writing op-eds for national publications.

“Our work is not finished,” said Mills, “there is a great need for a National Nurse for Public Health. America is our patient. Nurses are and have always been the trusted credible messengers.”

The Oregon Nurses Foundation’s Oregon Nurse of the Year Award recognizes an Oregon registered nurse who is a trailblazer in the care of patients and families and who advances the profession through their practice and community involvement. “Nursing means so much to me. I knew at four years old that this was my calling. I’m humbled by this special recognition, especially since it comes from my peers.”

The United States has four million registered nurses. Every year National Nurses Week begins on May 6 and ends May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.

Oregon’s growing and aging population is increasing the need for health care services. While demand for services is increasing, the supply of nurses is shrinking. “The Oregon Nurses Foundation wants to make a significant impact in the lives of students,” said the Foundation’s Development Director Judith Woodruff. “We are kicking off a campaign to raise $100,000, which will allow us to award larger scholarships in 2020.” Special thanks to event sponsors OHSU School of Nursing, Jonas Philanthropies, University of Portland School of Nursing, Nurse Practitioners of Oregon, Constituent Association 1, Portland Nursery and California Casualty.

For more information: https://www.oregonrn.org

Sold Out “Promenade Portland” Raises Awareness for Assistance League

Sold Out “Promenade Portland” Raises Awareness for Assistance League

Portland, OR. Promenade Portland, Assistance League® of Greater Portland’s signature fundraiser, was a sell-out event and and grossed $134,000. The benefit was held at the Multnomah Athletic Club on April 29th. Emcee Poison Waters, Fundraising VP Nancy Duran and Event Chairs, Leslie Anton and Tuni Garrigues posed for a photo at the 3rd annual luncheon/fashion show. Promenade Portland featured fashions from local boutiques including: Co Co and Toulouse, Monique’s Boutique, Paloma Clothing, Pig’ments Boutique, Rachelle M. Rustic House of Fashion, Switch Shoes and Clothing and Assistance League Thrift Store. Members of Assistance League modeled the clothing. (Photo credit, Brubaker Photography)

Sherry Linder receiving Community Service Award from Philanthropic VP, Patty Funes

Josh Oller receiving Operation School Bell Award from Philanthropic VP, Patty Funes

Poison Waters with Models -Nancy Fahey, Nancy Dougherty, Pamela Quale, Poison Waters, Maryam Zare, Karen Otis, Beth Graser, and Mag Cover

Two awards were presented as part of the events program. Josh Oller of Silver Lining Jewelry was the recipient of the Operation School Bell® Award. For more than a decade, Silver Lining has been a supporter of Assistance League and Operation School Bell by donating fine jewelry each year that we have auctioned at our major fundraisers. Assistance League is grateful to Josh Oller and Silver Lining for their consistent reliable support. Also awarded was the Community Service Award presented to Sherry Linder, of Seams to Fit. This award is given to an outstanding individual or group that has continuously given to our local communities. Sherry’s contributions over the years have significantly impacted Assistance League Thrift Store, and have touched all its philanthropies.

Audra Scott, Business Liaison with the Beaverton School District, spoke about the tireless volunteers and their impact of Assistance League’s Operation School Bell program on local families, “Along with the homeless and low income population, Assistance League helps to clothe, they also have come to the rescue of families who have experienced devastating house fires.”

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.

PSU Gala Raises Over $500,000 to Support Vikings Athletics

PSU Gala Raises Over $500,000 to Support Vikings Athletics

Portland, OR. Nearly 500 guests joined Portland State University for Wine and Roses 2019 – an annual fundraising gala in support of Vikings Athletics. Thanks to the generosity of guests and sponsors, the April 27th benefit generated more than $500,000, the majority of which will be used for student-athlete scholarships. Led by mascot Victor E. Viking, Vikings student-athletes kicked off the high-energy night in good spirits. (Photo credit, Megan Connelly)

PSU alum and former NFL quarterback Neil Lomax, ’81, unveils championship banners on stage at Wine and Roses 2019.

Viking Hall of Famer Neil Lomax, ’81, welcomed the audience and unveiled the new PSU championship banners which will be permanently installed in the rafters of the Viking Pavilion at the Peter W. Stott Center. Among them are nine retired jerseys, nine conference championship titles and two national championship titles.
“With these banners, we’re able to honor the people and teams who have helped build this amazing program in a new way,” said Neil Lomax. “This is our legacy, and we’re proud of it.”

Nearly 500 guests raised more than $500,000 in support of Vikings Athletics.

More than 200 student-athletes volunteered at the event, welcoming guests to the Viking Pavilion at the Peter W. Stott Center and sharing their stories of opportunity. Student-athlete Donte Robinson shared his story of achievement as a three-time Big Sky Conference Champion for PSU Men’s Track and Field. Freshman Desirae Hansen, whose game-winning shot delivered the Vikings’ first Big Sky tournament title since 2010, also shared her powerful PSU story.

PSU Athletics Director Valerie Cleary shows the audience what it means to be a Viking.

“Our student-athletes shine in all they do — in the classroom, in their sport, and in the community,” said Athletics Director Valerie Cleary. “Scholarships are critical to their success. Thank you to everyone who came out on Saturday to support these phenomenal young men and women.”

From PSU:

The night’s success comes thanks to presenting sponsor Jeff Eulberg of Evergreen Gavekal. Eulberg is a Viking Football alum and PSU Foundation Board Member whose leadership as a sponsor has helped to advance the university’s athletics program over the past six years.
“My experiences as a student-athlete laid the groundwork for the success that I’ve found in recent years,” said Jeff Eulberg. “I’m proud to pay that forward by supporting a program that makes such an impact in the lives of student-athletes and in our city.”
Additional thanks to event sponsors Peter and Julie Stott, Burns Brothers, Stewart Sokol & Larkin, Key Event Services, Les Schwab, Steve and Dolores Petruzelli and the many others who came together in support of Portland State Athletics.

For more PSU Foundation information: https://psuf.org/