Portland, OR. Community Warehouse’s Chair Affair on April 13th was held at the Sentinel Hotel. Executive Director Dunetchka Otero-Serrano, Founder Roz Babener, and Rich Nixon were on hand for the cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner and live auction. The annual gala was also an opportunity for supporters to spend time with other community members who see the furniture bank as an important offering in a time of need. (Photo credit, Michelle Radford-Brown, Justin Houk, Tom Healy)
Estela Sanchez and Pedro Flores, owners of La Cocina restaurant, were honored guests and featured speakers, sharing their story of friendship with Community Warehouse.
Mark and Cathy Myers, of SSOE.
Dirk Fournier, Dunetchka Otero-Serrano, and Jody Stahancyk
Auctioneer Dale Johannes helps Golden Ticket Winner Dorothy Barnum make a selection from the live auction packages.
Jessica Thompson, of Oregon Walks
Bid cards raised! Dunetchka Otero-Serrano and Brandi Tuck, of Portland Homeless Family Solutions
Organizers say, “Our region only has one furniture bank to provide essential items for people and families whose homes—and lives—are transformed by the generous offerings of our community. Neighbors helping neighbors, turning houses into homes.”
From Community Warehouse:
Community Warehouse is a nonprofit furniture bank that connects essential furniture and household items to 7,800 individuals, including 3,553 children, every year. Through partnerships with over 200 social service agencies, the Warehouse helps 60 households each week in our Portland and Tualatin locations, and keeps 500+ tons of goods out of landfills each year. Together, we put used goods to good use every day as we help our neighbors in need. Chair Affair is the Warehouse’s major annual fundraiser. All proceeds from the event directly support Community Warehouse. Learn more at communitywarehouse.org
Portland, OR. Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) celebrated its 7th Annual Cherry Blossom Gala on Saturday, April 6th at Castaway Portland, raising $77,000 to support the college’s students, low-income patients and affordable clinics. The college honored OCOM patient Dr. Aart Lovenstein (pictured with Molly Frye) and his healing journey through acupuncture and compassionate care. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
The benefit brought together 200 people to illuminate health and healing, including new college President, Sherri Green, PhD, OCOM co-founder Eric Stephens, DAOM, LAc and Chair of the Old Town Chinatown Community Association, Helen Ying.
Laura Bueermann and Eric Stephens, DAOM, LAc ’05
DR. Bradley “Brad” Malsin, MD, OCOM Board Member
OCOM President Sherri L. Green, PhD
Emcee Jamie Greenhut ’21 and Auctioneer Dale Johannes
Peter Martin, MAcOM, LAc ’92
Eager Bidders Raise Their Paddles
This year’s theme, “The Night of 1000 Lanterns” inspired the crowd with a variety of experiences including a cocktail reception, Chinese-inspired dinner, live Chinese music, a “Sparkle Lounge” with free Swarovski ear crystals, Chinese calligraphy, “Laughing Buddha” photo booth, and silent and live auctions.
From OCOM:
Founded in 1983, OCOM is a single-purpose professional graduate school that offers first professional and postgraduate degree programs in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. OCOM’s mission is to transform health care by educating highly skilled and compassionate practitioners, providing exemplary patient care, and engaging in innovative research within a community of service and healing. Our 1,400 graduates practice, teach and research Chinese medicine in 50 states and across the globe, and have provided an estimated 10 million treatments over the past 36 years. OCOM’s campus and main clinic inhabit a LEED Gold certified facility in historic Old Town Chinatown.
To experience OCOM health care services for yourself call OCOM’s Patient Services Team at 503-445-0951. Additional information about the program is available on our website: ocom.edu
Portland, OR. CASA for Children of Multnomah, Washington, and Columbia Counties hosted its 28th Annual Auction: Here Comes the Sun, at the Portland Art Museum on April 5th. The evening’s presenting sponsor was Fred Meyer, and the event raised more than $701,000 in support of CASA’s mission to advocate for the rights, safety, and well-being of abused and neglected children who are under the protection of the courts. This is CASA’s largest single source of fundraising revenue. (Photo credit, Colson Griffith)
Auctioneer Dale Johannes gets the crowd bidding.
Kiersten & her CASA, Cindy, share their story with guests.
The honorary guests included a young woman named Kiersten and her CASA Cindy. Cindy provided support and guidance to Kiersten during her tumultuous pre-teen years through her successful adoption as a teenager, and beyond as she graduated from PSU. This touching story moved the evening’s guests to raise their paddles during the special appeal, which raised over $310,000.
From CASA:
CASA greatly appreciates the generosity of each attendee, and would also like to thank Anna Maria Savinar and Dale Johannes, the auction’s emcee and auctioneer. The event’s success would not have been possible without them.
All proceeds raised from the auction directly impact CASA for Children’s ability to serve more children with a CASA volunteer. A CASA passionately and tirelessly works to guide a child through the trauma of the court system. Oregon law gives CASAs unusual authority as a ‘party to the case’ so that they are able to ensure that the system does not ignore a child’s needs and that the judge has the information to act in the child’s best interests. A CASA is trained to work with judges, social workers, teachers, foster parents, and family members to guarantee that the safety and well-being of the child is front and center. This annual auction ensures the continuation of CASA’s advocacy work on behalf of our community’s foster children.
Portland, OR. The annual YMCA Good Friday Breakfast at the Oregon Convention Center drew over 950 business and community leaders from the Portland and Vancouver metro area. Supporters gathered to recognize and celebrate the significance of Good Friday and a shared Christian heritage. The event was centered on prayer, encouragement and reflection. At the event Mark Burris, Chief Operations Officer at the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette, Kaytie Fiedler, Executive Director at Open Arms International; John O’Leary, Keynote Speaker; and Mike Burkesmith; Good Friday Breakfast Co-Chair posed for a photo. (Photo credit, Sam Cox)
Keynote Speaker John O’Leary, Former Governor John Kitzhaber and YMCA of Columbia-Willamette COO Mark Burris
“The YMCA shared a video highlighting its programs for kids, families and adults of all ages, their Chaplains and the Y’s Christian Principles of love, respect, honesty, responsibility and service.”
Here’s the video link.
Booths were available to sponsors, including Founder and Gold Sponsor Open Arms International
Event founder, Open Arms International, helped make the breakfast possible and Kaytie Fielder from Open Arms International was the emcee for the breakfast. Kevin Palau provided the invocation at the April 19th event. After a breakfast of Salmon Croquettes Co-Chairs Mike Burkesmith and Mark Burris, Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette took the stage to thank sponsors and guests.
The YMCA shared a video highlighting its programs for kids, families and adults of all ages, their Chaplains and the Y’s Christian Principles of love, respect, honesty, responsibility and service.
Keynote Speaker John O’Leary shared his story of triumph and his beliefs on how you choose the path to walk in your life. At the age of nine, after a massive explosion in his home, he was given a one percent chance to live, and fought extraordinary odds to survive. Organizers say John was engaging, entertaining, humble, thought-provoking while sharing his strong, selfless commitment to Jesus Christ. He also encouraged attendees to take the message of Good Friday out into their communities. Forty-five minutes after he started speaking the audience responded with a standing ovation signaling their connection to John and to the spirit of Good Friday. The breakfast wrapped up with Dorcas Brown leading the room in a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace.
Portland, OR. The Rose Festival Kick-Off Party presented by Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon was a rooftop affair at the Hoxton Hotel on 4th and Burnside. It was also a time to introduce the 2019 PGE/SOLVE Starlight Parade Grand Marshal – Mr. David Bailey AKA ‘Mr. Bailey’ as the students at Lincoln High School called him for 50 years. Lincoln is celebrating 150 years and the Festival honoring the school by featuring its most popular teacher. Now retired, David Bailey posed for a photo with former student Ashley Coates who is New Business Associate at Artslandia. (Photo credit, Vern Uyetake)
At the event on May 1st, organizers unveiled the latest Rose Festival art; souvenir poster, exclusive wine label and seasonal pin.
Rose Festival CEO Jeff Curtis & KPTV General Manager Adrienne Roark
Greg Lint Oak Knoll President & Teri Bowles-Atherton President
Jeff Curtis & Andrew Over, Regional VP of Cambia Regence
The Starlight Parade is Saturday, June 1, 2019 starting at 8:30 p.m. It will be televised on KPTV 12, starting at 9:00 p.m.
The Portland Rose Festival Foundation is a non-profit that serves families and individuals with programs and events that promote the arts, education and volunteerism. More information at: http://www.rosefestival.org/support/donate
Here’s a schedule of all the upcoming 2019 Rose Festival events:
Portland, OR. Youth Music Project (YMP) held its third annual benefit, “With A Little Help From Our Friends” at the World of Speed Motorsports Museum on April 13th. At the event, Sue Reinhart, Kirsten Reinhart, Sally Bany (YMP Founder), Mary Jaeger, Rachael Sneddon, and Angie Galimanis took time to jam in front of a vintage VW bus. Over 200 guests heard from guest of honor Dave Dahl’s and enjoyed a heartfelt musical performance with his band The Killer Granddaddies. YMP youth rocked the socks off guests as well and in total, the evening grossed over $200,000. (Photo credit, Tammy Moscato Photography and Ariel Dunn)
All money raised at the benefit supports YMP’s Tuition Assistance Program which allows 40% of enrollments to be free of charge, because the nonprofit believes all children should have access to a quality music education.
Terry Sprague, owner LUXE Christie’s and Patti Warner, owner Patti’s Fine Jewelry
Dave Dahl and his band, The Killer Granddaddies
Rachael Lenzini, Designer Tony Iyke, and Special Guest Dave Dahl
YMP Youth Francesca and Executive Director, Travis Magrane
The event was presented by Davidson Benefits Planning.
From Youth Music Project:
We believe that every student deserves access to inspiring, engaging and encouraging music education. Led by our talented and supportive family of educators, YMP students can sign-up for Group Music classes or Private Music Lessons in Guitar, Drums, Bass, Violin, Piano, Ukulele, Vocal, and Rock Bands for kids, teens and adults. We also provide Preschool Music and Art Classes geared toward ages 1-4 years.
Portland, OR. The Oregon Convention Center was filled with enthusiastic supporters at the 31st Annual Auction benefiting St. Mary’s Academy. Teri Bowles-Atherton ’93 and Karis Stoudamire-Phillips ’94 were among the guests at the April 13th benefit. (Photo credit, Greg Kozawa)
Chandra and Erik Wahrgren
Eric, Nellie and Anna ’22 Hester
Emily Niedermeyer Becker ’86, Virginia Mathews, Molly Mathews Bjorklund ’85, Marilyn Brown Whitaker and Mary Whitaker ’16
Mayanna Pogson, Erika George, Francesca Sims, Nellie Hester, Lucy Bosworth, Mary Lou Green
Toward the end of the evening, St. Mary’s Academy President, Christina Friedhoff, proudly announced the silent and live auction event met the goal of one million dollars. “There is no doubt that each girl who walks through the doors of St. Mary’s Academy is capable of contributing something unique and powerful to positively impact our world, and the continued support helps ensure each of these young leaders has the education and tools they need to thrive throughout this journey,” said Emily Niedermeyer Becker ’86, Vice President for Development at St. Mary’s Academy.
This year’s auction was titled “In Full Bloom”, and with the assistance of five-foot silk flowers and spring-colored LED lit trees near the stage, guests could soak in the feeling of spring’s arrival and the theme surrounding this year’s event.
The auction, again emceed by KGW News Anchor, Cathy Marshall, featured items to pique the interest of many people including a golf trip to Ireland, local getaways across Oregon, hosted private dinner parties and concerts featuring big names such as the Backstreet Boys and Ariana Grande, to name a few.
While the night consisted of paddle raising for a cause, highlights included the video premiere of “Our Moment to Shine”, a montage featuring St. Mary’s Academy alumnae who have succeeded as leaders in their field and built a name for themselves within their industry.
“From day one, you’re given the opportunity to speak up and be challenging and be challenged.,” Karis Stoudamire-Phillips ’94, SMA Board Member and Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Moda Health in Portland, Oregon states in the video. She goes on to recognize the unique experience the all-girl Catholic high school provides, “They understand the role you can have as a woman, the decisions you can make and the positions you can hold. SMA’s supportive environment really propelled me in my life”, Karis adds.
The video was followed by Bids for Kids speaker, Teri Bowles-Atherton ’93, President for the Rose Festival’s board of directors. Her speech was followed by the highly anticipated Bids for Kids paddle raise. Bids for Kids is an opportunity for auction guests to contribute to the school’s tuition assistance program.
“It was the empowerment and the ability to go in front of people, speak and share ideas and concepts, and just that confidence that St. Mary’s Academy instilled, that’s carried with me throughout life then and now while serving on the Rose Festival’s board as President,” said Teri.
The auction is St. Mary’s largest annual fundraising event with proceeds benefiting every student in meaningful ways.
Portland, OR. Drawing a record 450 guests, Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare’s 2019 Transformation Gala raised nearly a quarter million dollars in support of the nonprofit’s whole health care and outreach services. Attendance was the highest in the Gala’s three-year history, growing by 100 supporters over last year. Lisa Oyler, Chiki Nussbaumer, Gayathrai Ramprasad, Toc Soneoulay-Gillespie and Tamara Pedrojetti were among the hundreds who enjoyed the night. Highlights of the April 4th benefit included the announcement of new grants from Cambia Health Foundation, Wells Fargo Foundation, US Bank Foundation, Pacific Power Foundation, and OnPoint Credit Union, as well as new gifts and sponsorships. Cascadia provides mental health services, addiction recovery support, primary care, wellness programs, permanent housing solutions and affordable housing to people of all ages. (Photo credit, Mario Gallucci)
The event was emceed by mixed media artist and Bend’s 2019 Creative Laureate MOsley WOtta, with music performance by celebrated singer-songwriter Tasha Miller.
Lauren Macbeth, Gina and Adam Davis
Gayathri and Bangalore Ramprasad
Jim Hlava, John Duke, and Derald Walker
Portland Police Chief Danielle Outlaw
Jonathan Eames, Heather Jeffries, and Eric Sevos
Kay Toran, Michelle Farrakhan, and Andi Potter
Katy Robinson, guest, Janice Jacobs, Kendall Hansen, Jerry Robinson
Natalie Williams, Sarah and Dawn Coleman, Pari Mazhar and Katherine Moore
Rico Bocala and Roger Willoughby
Tracy and Kellie VavRosky and Lisa Shamek
Todd and Chiki Nussbaumer with Amelia Wilcox and Jim Mol
Joni and Ron Hartmann, Gala guest, Mark Stevenson, and Kathy Swift
Jerry and Katy Robinson, guest, Paul Giger and Lauren Crow
Toc Soneoulay-Gillespie, Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, Michelle Farrakhan
Andrew Colas, Alex Colas, Aneshka Dickson, Marc-Daniel Domond and members of the Colas Family
Andrew Colas and Alex Colas with Members of the Colas Family
Michael Seale, Laura Cohen and Jeffrey Eisen
Jeff Heatherington and Chief Danielle Outlaw
Hermann Colas, Jr, Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, Derald Walker
Deniz Conger, Kregg Arntson, Melissa Appleyard
Arvie Smith and Julie Kern-Smith
Lisa Farley, Sandra Wilborn, Beth Burns and Nathan Engkjer
(seated) Tracy VavRosky, Lisa Shamek, Bradley Scott Christie, Becky Paris Christie, Amador Bustos, Rosalie Bustos, (standing) Kellie VavRosky, Emily VavRosky
(seated) Van Do, Todd Nussbaumer, Chiki Nussbaumer, Cabre Vickers, Andrew Tweedie, Brice Terrible, Kassie Auler (standing Lisa Oyler and Adam Auler)
(seated) Laurie Chern, Jeff Marotta, Robin Boyce, Janice Jacobs, Susie Richardson, and Michael Phillips, (standing) Neil Falk, Janet MacDonnell, Darian Minkunas , and Dan Johnson
Amelia Wilcox and Jim Mol
“Our work at Cascadia is about people – supporting each other and helping people experience transformative care to improve their health and quality of life,” said President and CEO Dr. Derald Walker. “What makes this event so dynamic is that the minute you walk in, it’s all about community – people coming together to fuel support around our shared goals to provide life-changing whole health care, more affordable housing, and improving our region’s quality of life for people of all ages.”
The Gala presented three Culture of Caring Awards recognizing contributions and leadership in strengthening our community’s social, physical, cultural and emotional well-being. Hermann Colas, Jr, Founder and Chair of Colas Construction, was honored for his achievements in promoting greater awareness and importance of affordable housing, revitalizing neighborhoods, and building healthy, vibrant communities. Portland Police Bureau Chief Danielle Outlaw was honored for her work in building community relations and civic engagement. Beth Burns, executive director of p:ear, was honored for building community through the arts. The awards honor the legacy of the late Reverend Dr. John and Mrs. Yvonne Garlington’s dedication and commitment to community that Cascadia embodies in its mission.
The evening was filled with great music, food, and art and hosted at the Peter Corvallis Productions warehouse in North Portland. Gala guests included Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meieran, Oregon Representative Rob Nosse, Portland City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, members of Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury’s office, staff from Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler’s office, and a lead representative of US Senator Ron Wyden’s office who shared a special letter from the Senator in support of Cascadia’s service to the community.
Portland’s Metropolitan Youth Symphony youth jazz ensemble also entertained Gala guests. Cascadia showcased a dynamic art installation by Portland Winter Light Festival artist Michael Taluc that symbolized transformation and hope with a sculptural, mobile that filled the space with light and movement.
About Cascadia:
Cascadia is the largest community-based behavioral health and substance use treatment services organization in the state of Oregon and is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC). More info at this link: https://www.cascadiabhc.org/
Portland, OR. The Oregon Symphony broke another record at Gala 2019: Landmark with $1.2 million raised on Saturday, April 13th at the Portland Art Museum. More than 400 guests, including 2019 Gala Honorary Chair Jordan Schnitzer, who posed with with Lois Schnitzer, honored the legacy of Arlene Schnitzer and the late Harold Schnitzer. Supporters celebrated the Symphony’s standing as a landmark organization in Oregon and nationally.
From right Gala Event Chair Dan Drinkward, Music Director Carlos Kalmar, with Event Chairs Rick Hinkes, and Tige Harris
This is the fifth consecutive year the Symphony has broken its fundraising record at the signature event.
Oregon Symphony’s 2019 Gala cocktail reception at Portland Art Museum’s Sunken Ballroom
Oregon Symphony President Scott Showalter presenting the 2019 Schnitzer Wonder Award to Dan Bosshardt, founder and manager of Mariachi Una Voz
Mariachi Una Voz performing with the Oregon Symphony at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in the annual pre-Gala Community Concert
Bidding in progress at the Oregon Symphony’s Gala 2019: Landmark
Oregon Symphony President Scott Showalter announcing the evening’s grand total
Oregon Symphony’s Principal Timpanist Jon Greeney leads student musicians in performance of Steve Reich’s Clapping Music
Native American group The Thunderbird Lodge Singers culminated the festivities
The evening began with the Symphony’s annual free community concert held at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. The program, titled Music of the Americas, was a tribute to the vast influence that Latin music has had on composers hailing from all three Americas.
Midway through the concert, the 2019 Schnitzer Wonder Award, created by Jordan Schnitzer in honor of his parents Harold and Arlene Schnitzer, was presented to Mariachi Una Voz, a group comprised of middle and high-school students from the Hillsboro School District. The award, accepted by the group’s manager Dan Bosshardt in both English and Spanish, includes a $10,000 contribution. Following the award presentation members of Mariachi Una Voz, dressed in traditional costume, filled the stage to perform two pieces with the orchestra and received a standing ovation from the capacity crowd.
Following the concert, gala guests walked across the South Park Blocks for a three-course formal dinner in the Portland Art Museum’s Kridel Ballroom. The room was decorated with floor-to-ceiling banners featuring line drawings of famous landmarks from North, South, and Central America by artist Amanda Iler Fuson.
As dinner began, Showalter shared many of the recent exciting Oregon Symphony achievements including its continued work in the community and the growth of its classical concert series next season. Principal Timpanist Jon Greeney then took the stage with four of his student musicians to present a work by Steve Reich called Clapping Music. This minimalist piece is performed entirely by individuals clapping hands in different rhythms and presented a “hands on” example of how easily everyone can engage with and connect through music.
The delight in the room at this performance was palpable as the bidding began for the Symphony’s most successful gala to date. Showalter expressed his gratitude to all the guests noting, “I thank you all for your incredible support. Your generosity, along with that of all of our annual donors, will make possible our commitment to the broadest and most diverse array of outreach programs in the state. I look forward to our future!”
Hillsboro, OR. Community Action hosted its yearly Kaleidoscope Gala at NW Events & Environments and raised $226,000. Kaleidoscope is an annual celebration of the inspiring stories of Community Action’s clients and the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year. On April 12th, 427 community leaders and supporters gathered to enjoy dinner, local wine, a live and a silent auction, Wild Card Raffle and other unique opportunities to support the nonprofit. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Renée Bruce, Executive Director of Community Action and Sabrina Ersland, Kaleidoscope Special Guest and former client of Community Action.
Sabrina, a former client of our Head Start program at Coffee Creek, was featured in the event. She shared her story of personal transformation to a captivated audience of 437 people. Determined to give her daughter a better life, Sabrina’s experience with Community Action’sHead Start program at Coffee Creek gave her a newfound purpose, embarking on a journey that has created change for her family and the community she serves. “If there was not a Community Action Head Start opportunity, I don’t think I would have the bond that I have with my daughter and I would have never found my place and my passion for what I want to do for the rest of my life.”
Thank you Fred Johnson and to our friends at Heritage Bank for your Presenting Sponsorship
Mike Scott, Hillsboro School District Superintendent Kaleidoscope Emcee
Tom Hughes, former Metro President and Hillsboro Mayor and newest Community Action Board Emeritus member was honored at the benefit.
Renée Bruce, Executive Director of Community Action
Paddles raised high during the Live Auction
The event included recognition of former Metro President and Hillsboro Mayor Tom Hughes as Community Action’s newest Emeritus Board Member.
Over $226,000 was raised at Kaleidoscope which will directly support Community Action’s programs and services dedicated to assisting local families to find a path out of poverty.
From Community Action:
Community Action would like to extend a special thanks to Kaleidoscope’s Presenting Sponsor, Heritage Bank, for their incredible support. Thank you also to all the sponsors, generous donors and volunteers who made the event a success. We are truly honored to have your help in making Washington County a place where everyone has a chance to thrive.
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