Portland, OR. “Service Selfies” show the feel-good mood of MLK weekend volunteers. For the twelfth year in a row, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette and Hands On Greater Portland are teaming up to make it easy for you to take action across Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, and Clark Counties. You can make a difference through Monday, January 21st. Here’s a link with details: Volunteer for MLK Weekend.
My New Red Shoes is a charity that helps provide local low-income kids with new clothing and shoes throughout the school year. Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon volunteered with this nonprofit.
Hands On Greater Portland helps organize all of the volunteers.
Timber Joey was packaging vegetables like carrots at the Oregon Food Bank this weekend.
Umpqua Bank volunteers spent time outside cleaning up Vose Elementary School.
MLK Weekend of Service is an integral part of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette’s 10-year agenda of reducing childhood poverty and advancing racial equity.
From United Way:
Each year, we come together, inspired by the mission of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to strengthen our community one volunteer project at a time. Our mission at United Way is to invest in our region’s kids by giving them and their families the resources they need to thrive. From access to books to food on the table, when important resources are provided, children can succeed and in turn build a better future for themselves and their community.
This January, honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by joining us for the 12th Annual MLK Weekend of Service Beginning January 18, 2019, volunteer opportunities will be available throughout our community in celebration of MLK Day. Sign up for a project below – opportunities include:
Sorting donated children’s books: Help kids prepare for kindergarten by cleaning and organizing gently used books delivered to their home.
Transforming community spaces in need of TLC: Help kids have vibrant, safe places to play and discover by painting, cleaning and sprucing up neighborhood spaces.
Stocking food banks: Help families meet their basic needs by packaging boxes of food and essential items.
By volunteering your time, you’re adding hundreds of thousands of dollars of value back into your community. Take a look at what our volunteers had to say from last year’s MLK Weekend of Service:
“For me, living is about taking and giving, volunteering is part of giving. It’s part of keeping life in balance and I’ve been working at it for a long time.” – Xuan Sibell, Volunteer Leader
“We believe in Dr. King’s message and mission, and in keeping the memory of that stage of the Civil Rights movement alive.” – David, Volunteer Leader
“The impact for dozens of nonprofits and tens of thousands of kids and families is real. The bond it creates lasts well beyond the weekend itself.” – Keith Thomajan, President and CEO of United Way and Volunteer. Below are some options for volunteering.
Portland, OR. The Rose Festival will honor the more than 5,000 volunteers who annually donate over two million hours to help serve seniors through Meals on Wheels People. As the 2019 Portland Rose Festival official charity, Meals on Wheels People will be featured at events and celebrations including appearances in PGE/SOLVE Starlight Parade and the Spirit Mountain Casino Grand Floral Parade.
Meals on Wheels People has been changing lives, one meal at a time, since 1970.
Volunteers provide more than a meal to thousands of older adults in the greater Portland metro area.
A bit of history: In 1970, three women got together in the basement of a church in Southeast Portland to prepare and serve a hot lunch to about a dozen seniors. From 14 newspaper-wrapped meals then, to nearly 12,000 seniors served annually today, Meals on Wheels People of Portland is now among the top 10 largest senior nutrition programs in the country, and one of the very few that has never had a waiting list for meals.
“Hunger is one of the most desperate and frightening feelings anyone, let alone an isolated senior, can experience,” says Teri Bowles-Atherton (President of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation). “The Rose Festival is proud to partner with Meals on Wheels People as our Official Charity. Not only do they take care of seniors in need, they also make ethnic dishes for this very diverse community, and offer the Meals 4 kids program serving children and families experiencing low food security.”
“We are thrilled to partner with the Rose Festival as their 2019 Official Charity,” said Suzanne Washington (Meals on Wheels People CEO). “This opportunity allows us to reach a broad audience with our vision that no senior will go hungry or experience social isolation. We look forward to joining in the many activities sponsored by the Rose Festival and sharing those with our senior participants.”
Their service not only alleviates hunger and social isolation, but allows seniors to live independently with dignity in their own homes. Aging in place reduces depression, falls and hospitalization as well as the high cost of institutional care.
From Meals on Wheels People:
OUR VISION
No senior will go hungry or experience social isolation.
OUR MISSION
We enrich the lives of seniors, and assist them in maintaining independence, by providing nutritious food, human connections and social support. We also use our expertise and capacity to serve other nutritionally at-risk populations.
OUR VALUES
Integrity – We work in a trustworthy, compassionate and and ethical manner.
Respect – We value the self-worth of our staff, volunteers and populations we serve.
Inclusion – We are strengthened by diversity.
Creativity – We are innovative and willing to try new approaches.
Commitment – We demonstrate quality performance and dedication.
Teamwork – Together we accomplish more.
Would you like to volunteer? Here’s a link to the Meals on Wheels People website: https://www.mowp.org
Portland, OR. DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital is extending its financial assistance program to help all unpaid federal workers affected by the government shutdown. “We believe that pets are an important part of our lives, especially during difficult times,” said DoveLewis President and CEO Ron Morgan. “Supporting our community is an integral part of our mission, and we want to do what we can to help relieve some of the stress these families are experiencing.”
The DoveLewis Velvet Assistance Fund, a donor-supported financial assistance program, will be available to relieve some of the cost of emergency animal medical care through the duration of the shutdown. Eligible employees must be directly affected by the furlough and must show their furlough letter along with their matching state-issued government identification.
The Velvet Assistance Fund, which relies solely on donations from community members, is offered to low-income pet owners and covers up to $750 for animals with a good prognosis. Federal employees will receive the same offer for their pets experiencing emergency medical needs.
Each year, the DoveLewis Velvet Assistance Fund helps more than 1,700 pets and families.
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 500,000 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.
Portland, OR. Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) commemorated World AIDS Day by celebrating several people and organizations. CAP honored those dedicated to supporting and empowering all people with or affected by HIV, reducing stigma, and providing the LGBTQ+ community with compassionate healthcare. The City of Portland was honored at the December 3rd event, which was held at the Hilton. Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz, Mayor Ted Wheeler, Cascade AIDS Project Executive director Tyler TerMeer and Commissioner Nick Fish all posed for a photo.
CAP supporters marked World AIDS Day, which takes place on the 1st of December each year. It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.
This was the 30th anniversary of World Aids Day. Founded in 1988, it was the first ever global health day.
Here’s more information about those honored at the CAP event:
One of those honored was Kathleen Saadat. She’s is an activist and community organizer who has dedicated her life to social justice. Today, Ms. Kathleen Saadat continues her work as a private consultant and trainer in the areas of human diversity, organization development, and as a motivational speaker.Kathleen began her service by earning a BA in Psychology at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, holding several managerial positions with the City of Portland’s CETA Job Training Programs in the 1970’s and 80’s and the position of Executive Director for the Oregon State Commission on Black Affairs.
From 1987 to 1990, Kathleen was appointed by former Oregon Governor Neil Goldschmidt to State Director of Affirmative Action.From 1990-1992, she was Assistant to Portland City Commissioner Gretchen Kafoury.From 1997 to 2001, she was Strategic Plan Coordinator for Multnomah County and Oregon’s Department of Community and Family Services.From 2005 to 2011, Kathleen joined Cascade AIDS Project as Manager of Communities of Color Initiative and was promoted to Director of Diversity and Human Resources.From 2011-2016, she served the City of Portland as Manager of Diversity and Affirmative Action and then as Chair, of the Community Oversight Advisory Board. Early in 2018, after a lifetime of singing, Kathleen released her first recording album Love for Sale.
Kathleen Sadaat has earned numerous achievement awards for her continued service to the Portland community. Kathleen received lifetime achievement awards from Portland PFLAG Black Chapter and Portland’s Equity Foundation. She was listed as one of 100 Who Lead, in Oregon; received the Woman of Achievement Award from Oregon State University; received two Portland Lesbian Community Project’s Spirit of Portlandia Awards for Leadership; the Bayard Rustin Civil Rights Award; the Harvey Milk Award; a Civil Liberties Award from the Oregon chapter of the ACLU; the Phoenix Rising Jack Abele award; and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Arts Foundation in recognition of her contributions to the efforts to “Keep Living the Dream” of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.The Lifetime Achievement Award from Oregon Black PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) is now named after Kathleen.
Corporate Hero – Edward J. Reeves / Stoel Rives
Edward Reeves is listed in The Best Lawyers in America and Chambers USA as one of the top Labor and Employment lawyers in Oregon. Mr. Edward J. Reeves received his B.A. degree from Yale University and his J.D. degree from Boston University Law School. He is currently a senior counsel in the Portland office of Stoel Rives LLP, a 375-attorney firm with offices throughout the Pacific and Intermountain Northwest.
Since 1984, Edward’s practice has focused on labor and employment, civil rights and education law. He is a member of the American Bar Association, Oregon State Bar Association, Washington State Bar Association, and the Oregon Gay and Lesbian Law Association. He was program chair of the original Lavender Law Conference held in San Francisco in 1988 and a cofounder of the National LGBT Bar Association. Edward Reeves started working with Cascade AIDS Project from its beginning in 1983. He has contributed the highest level of pro bono services of anyone in CAP’s history aroundlegal advice for HR issues and trainings for management.
Edward Reeves has been honored with numerous awards for his civil rights work including the Oregon State Bar’s Affirmative Action Award in 1991, the Basic Rights Oregon Superheroes Award in 2004 and the Cascade AIDS Project Torchbearer Award in 2006. He is the author of numerous articles including “Equality or Further Discrimination? Sexual Orientation Nondiscrimination in Oregon Statutory Employment Law After Tanner v. OHSU,” 3 J. Small & Emerging Bus. L. 269 (1999) and “Before ENDA: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Protections in the Workplace Under Federal Law,” 20 J. Law & Sexuality 61 (2011).
Community Hero – City of Portland
The City of Portland is deeply committed to equality and to inclusive public health, and are proud to partner with the Cascade AIDS Project. In 2016, the City approved a Special Appropriation to support Prism Health – reflecting in their shared values around ensuring access to high-quality healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community. The City of Portland looks forward to continuing to work with Cascade AIDS Project to protect the rights of all community members who are living with HIV/AIDS.
CAP’s strength, as with all organizations fighting to end HIV, comes from the community banding together, united in a common cause.The City of Portland is an ally helping CAP achieve its mission of supporting and empowering all people with or affected by HIV, reducing stigma, and providing the LGBTQ+ community with compassionate healthcare. We recognize the City of Portland for their continued support for all community members.
From CAP:
CAP is the oldest and largest community-based provider of HIV services, housing, education and advocacy in Oregon and Southwest Washington
Founded in 1983, Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is the oldest and largest AIDS Service Organization in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our Mission: We support and empower all people with or affected by HIV, reduce stigma, and provide the LGBTQ+ community with compassionate healthcare.
With a staff of approximately 60, and a volunteer corps of over 700 individuals providing 20,000 hours of service each year, CAP manages a diverse array of programs and an annual budget of $4.2 million. Fifteen percent of CAP’s staff live with HIV, 25% identify from communities of color, and 30% are bilingual. A committed 14-member volunteer Board of Directors provides strategic guidance and oversight to ensure CAP accomplishes its mission and continues to operate with integrity and transparency.
Following is a brief overview of just a few of CAP’s programs:
• Pivot, a men’s wellness center, is open evenings and weekends to provide education, prevention, social and cultural programming, HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and much more. Pivot served over 2,000 individuals last year and tested 743 men for HIV and STIs.
• Last year, Oregon’s AIDS/STD hotline fielded over 4,500 calls from throughout Oregon about HIV and STIs. We’ve added a new on-line searchable database and live chat features.
• Latinos Unidos Enfrentando el SIDA (LUES) provides culturally-driven HIV prevention education in the Latino community. Last year LUES reached nearly 1,600 people through training, HIV/STI testing, and outreach events. In addition, LUES launched an innovative and popular radionovela series including characters living with HIV/AIDS.
• CAP’s Youth HIV Education program connected with over 1,000 youth through youth-facilitated workshops, and served an additional 2,581 youth through outreach, including distributing 7,602 in safer sex supplies.
• Short and Long-Term Housing Support. Last year, we provided housing services to 583 people living with HIV and developed 58 new housing opportunities. We also distributed just over $100,000 to 204 people in emergency assistance, and nearly 80% of those people still had stable housing six months after receiving assistance.
• CAP’s Family Support programs, encompassing CAP’s Kids Camp, Kids’ Connection, and Teens.Recreation.Education.Community, served 130 HIV-affected and -infected children in 66 families by offering a full menu of support programs.
Portland, OR. Amazon delivered holiday cheer with a donation of essential items, Prime Book Boxes and toys to show support for children and families at Human Solutions, a nonprofit dedicated to helping thousands of Oregon families build pathways out of homelessness and poverty since 1988.
The December 11th morning was filled with holiday spirit as Amazonians from Portland’s local fulfillment center spent the day helping families decorate cookies, play games like toss the ring on the reindeer, take family keepsake portraits and listen to holiday stories.
The holiday fun and smiles didn’t stop there. To further support Human Solutions’ operations and mission to end homelessness in greater Portland, Amazon made a surprise $100,000 donation – the largest non-restricted corporate donation in the organization’s history.
“Human Solutions is deeply grateful for this generous investment from Amazon that will fuel our work fighting homelessness and housing instability,” said Andy Miller, Human Solutions Executive Director. “It is together with partners like Amazon that we will create a community where everyone has a safe place to call home.”
The donation is part of Amazon’s annual holiday campaign to celebrate with communities near its fulfillment centers by making over $1 million in donations to nonprofits supporting homeless families across the U.S.
“This holiday season, Amazon is giving back to the communities where our employees live and work, and we’re thrilled to support Human Solutions as part of this initiative,” said Mike Moore, General Manager of Amazon’s Troutdale fulfillment center. “Human Solutions has given so much to the community for the last 30 years through their dedication to helping families find pathways out of poverty, and we’re excited to be partners in this important work.”
Joining Amazon employees and families served by Human Solutions were Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, State Senator Laurie Monnes Anderson, and State Representatives Carla Piluso, Jeff Reardon, and Alissa Keny-Guyer.
Portland, OR. Do you need a reason to get outside this winter? SOLVE has the answer. Organizers says, “Fresh air and camaraderie are included. Blisters and sweat are optional.” Last year nearly 30,000 people pitched in at more than 900 different SOLVE projects throughout Oregon. You can get involved by signing up at this link.
Over 300,000 pounds of trash was removed from parks, streets and other public places in 2018.
SOLVE not only removed tons of litter, volunteers also planted at least 14,000 native trees and shrubs.
Is your company looking for team building opportunities? There’s an “Out of Office, Into Nature program.” https://www.solveoregon.org/corporate-volunteering
From SOLVE:
Our Mission Is Simple.
SOLVE is a statewide, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to bring Oregonians together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship. We are dedicated to developing relationships among different groups, individuals, and businesses in pursuit of a common goal: to protect and preserve the places that make up our uniquely beautiful home. SOLVE mobilizes one of Oregon’s largest volunteer networks to clean up our beaches, parks, neighborhoods, and other natural spaces through litter cleanups, invasive plant removal, planting native trees and shrubs, and other environmental projects. We annually support nearly 30,000 volunteers in 900 projects throughout the state.
Originally called S.O.L.V. (Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism), SOLVE was founded by Governor Tom McCall and other community leaders in 1969 to address the need for community action in our ever-growing state.
Portland, OR. It has been our biggest year to date at PortlandSocietyPage.com. We have tens of thousands more readers and featured over 500 local nonprofits in our stories during 2018. Those admirable organizations have raised millions of dollars for worthy beneficiaries. It’s our privilege to be the only nonprofit news resource for local charities and the supporters who love them! Did you miss any stories? Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter by CLICKING HERE! Have a great idea for 2019? Contact Editor & Publisher Elisa Klein, at [email protected].
So…here’s the list of the top ten stories (in reverse order to build your suspense) on PortlandSocietyPage.com during 2018.
10. Oregon Symphony 2018 Gala Raises Record $1.15M
Portland, OR. Following a drum roll by the Obo Addy Drummers, Oregon Symphony President Scott Showalter took the stage at the 2018 Oregon Symphony Gala to announce that $1.15M was raised in support of the orchestra. This marks the fourth consecutive year the Symphony has broken its fund raising record, making it one of the highest grossing benefits in the region. Attendees at the April 14th gala cheered loudly as a fireworks display lit up ten large video screens in the Portland Art Museum’s Kridel Ballroom. Chanteuse Storm Large, Oregon Symphony Music Director Carlos Kalmar, Oregon Symphony President Scott Showalter, and songwriter Naomi LaViolette all took time for a photo together. READ MORE
9. Oregon Made Film About Father/Daughter Living in Forest Park Premieres at Sundance
Park City, UT. Leave No Trace premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim. Director Debra Granik adapted the screenplay for the film with her writing partner, Anne Rosellini, from the Peter Rock novel, My Abandonment, which was based onthe true story of a father who lived with his teenage daughter in Forest Park for four years. READ MORE
8. Classic Wines Auction Raises Nearly $3 Million for Five Local Nonprofits
Portland, OR. More than 825 guests gathered on March 3rd at the Oregon Convention Center for the 34th annual Classic Wines Auction, raising nearly $3 million for five local nonprofits. Guests bid on distinctive auction items while enjoying gourmet cuisine presented by top local chefs and, of course, the gala’s signature fine wines. Proceeds support children and families in our community served by the beneficiaries, including: Metropolitan Family Service, YWCA Clark County, Friends of the Children, New Avenues for Youth and Unity Center for Behavioral Health. Classic Wines Auction events have raised more than $43 million since 1982. (Photo credit, John Valls Photography) READ MORE
7. Riverdale Auction Raises $140,000 for Programs Including Technology Upgrades and Emergency Preparedness
Portland, OR. City Lights was the theme for the Riverdale School District Auction at the Leftbank Annex. Benefit Chair, Kristen Best and committee member, Allison Williams, helped coordinated the volunteers, donors, student artists, sponsors, attendees, and entertainersat February 24th event. The auction raised funds for Riverdale PTC programs including $50,000 during a paddle raise for District-wide technology and emergency preparedness/safety initiatives. READ MORE
6. Top Ten Portland Society Page Stories of 2017
Portland, OR. “Classically American” Oregon Symphony’s Gala Raises Over $1 Million was the number one story in 2017. The popping of celebratory champagne, the Rex Putnam High School Marching Band, and applause from the nearly 400 attendees provided a fitting end to the Symphony’s annual gala, which marked another first in the organization’s 120-year history – shattering the $1 million gala fundraising mark. Guests included State Architect Alice Wiewel, Liz Fuller, President of Gard Communications, Representative Brent Barton, Jordan Schnitzer, OSA President Scott Showalter, Portland State University President Wim Wiewel, and Mayor Ted Wheeler. READ MORE
5. Portland Center Stage 2018-2019 Season Will Include ‘Color Purple’ & Return of Storm Large in ‘Crazy Enough’
Portland, OR. Portland Center Stage at The Armory’s 2018-2019 season will feature 11 productions along with a special 10th anniversary return engagement of Storm Large in Crazy Enough, a show that had its world premiere at The Armory in 2009 and became one of the company’s biggest hits. READ MORE
4. Portland Father of the Year Honors Benefit American Diabetes Association
Portland, OR. The American Diabetes Association and the National Father’s Day Council honored four local dads at the “Father of the Year” awards dinner on June 15th on Center Court at the Moda Center. Similar events are hosted in cities across the country to recognize men who have made family a priority while balancing demanding careers and community involvement. 2016 Portland Father of the Year Honoree’s are: Terry Porter, (Former Portland Trail Blazer, Men’s Basketball Coach, University of Portland) Jay Haladay, (Retired CEO, Viewpoint Construction Software) Randy Miller, (President, Produce Row Property Management Company) and Michael Snaadt, (Owner, Helen Bernhard Bakery). The dinner is also a fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association because supporters are encouraged to make donations in support of the honored fathers. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus) READ MORE.
3. VIPs Flock to Portland International Auto Show Sneak Peek Charity Preview
Portland, OR. Hundreds of nonprofit supporters had the VIP treatment at the Auto Show Sneak Peek Charity Preview on January 24th. Lindsey and Brian Holcomb joined Randi Inukai and her husband, Co-owner of Dick’s Auto Group, Scott Inukai at the gala. Last year, the event raised $610,000 for local nonprofits and organizers say they’re on target to raise even more this year. As the official kickoff of the Portland International Auto Show (PIAS), the Sneak Peek has raised over $3 million for deserving charities at the Oregon Convention Center over the past five years. (The auto show dates for the public are Thurs., Jan. 25th – Sun., Jan. 28th.) This year, the charities which benefited include: Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland;Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; Meals on Wheels People; Victory Academy;the Brian Grant Foundation;The Dougy Center; and Self Enhancement Incorporated. READ MORE
2. Poolside Party Makes a Splash for New Avenues for Youth
Portland, OR. 130 friends and neighbors were mixing and mingling at the Dunthorpe home of Mimi and Doug McCaslin on June 27th, to learn more about the work of New Avenues for Youth. The nonprofit is celebrating its 20th year working toward the prevention and intervention of youth homelessness. Since 1997, its programs and services have impacted more than 20,000 young people as they work to overcome barriers, pursue goals, and realize their potential.
1. Opening Night VIP Party for RH Portland Benefits Doernbecher
Portland, OR. Over 1,000 invited guests converged on the new 46,000 square foot Restoration Hardware (RH) gallery store in the Historic Alphabet District for its gala opening. This new four-story showplace, at 474 NW 23rd, features RH furnishings, artwork, and accessories in a gallery-like setting. The VIP opening was also a benefit for the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation and drew supporters like Judi Inglis, Bella Hunter, RH Chairman & CEO Gary Friedman, Maddie Andrews, and Peter Andrews. READ MORE.
Well, there you have it, the top 10 Portland Society Page stories of the year. Society Page is a free community platform where you can make a difference. If you enjoy reading our positive news about the great things happening in our area, you can help and here’s how:
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Beaverton, OR. The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts has been awarded an Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) grant of $250,000. “The Oregon Community Foundation is excited to be part of the community giving toward the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts. The center will not only provide a place to celebrate the arts, but a versatile place to meet for the vibrant Washington County community,” said Kirby Dyess, OCF Board Chair.
The gift, which will support construction of the first performing arts center of its kind to be built in the Portland-metro in more than 30 years, is exclusive to contributions made by Washington County donors, and will be allotted in 10 matching $25,000 increments. The grant announced on December 26th is valid for gifts of $25,000 or greater, and the first $25,000 of each individual gift will be matched.
Nestled adjacent to The Round between SW Cedar Hills Boulevard and SW Hall Boulevard, the facility will include a 550-seat theater, art gallery, rehearsal, workshop and meeting space, lobby, outdoor plaza and parking structure. With innovative offerings in the performing arts – theater, music and dance – the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts will be a beacon for civic engagement, creative learning and greater social cohesion.
“Everyone who supports the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts shares in our belief that art is essential to our identity and ability to build community, attract visitors and drive progress,” said Lani Faith, executive director for the Beaverton Arts Foundation, the fundraising partner for the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts. “With this generous gift from our friends at the Oregon Community Foundation, we are not only closer to bringing our vision to life, but we also have the opportunity to further engage with our fellow Washington County neighbors.”
This summer, the Beaverton Arts Foundation announced a transformative pledge – made possible by Pat Reser, through the Reser Family Foundation – of $13 million to its new center for the arts, providing nearly one-third of the $46 million needed for the project. The pledge represents the largest single investment made-to-date by the Reser Family Foundation and largest single philanthropic gift to the arts in the Portland metro area to date.
The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts will feature:
A 550-seat theatre
A spacious lobby for receptions and other events
Outdoor plaza for art exhibits, community festivals and other events
Rehearsal, workshop and meeting space
Art gallery to feature regional and traveling exhibits
Adjacent public parking structure
This state-of-the-art, world-class multidisciplinary performing and visual arts center will serve as a catalyst for personal, cultural and economic growth, as well as increased civic pride and engagement. This vision truly has been built from the ground up; an intentional, cooperative effort between public/private project champions.
View a 360-degree rendering of The Center here. For more information on this matching opportunity, please contact Lani Faith at [email protected].
Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) puts donated money to work in Oregon – more than $100 million in grants and scholarships annually. Since 1973, OCF grantmaking, research, advocacy and community-advised solutions have helped individuals, families, businesses and organizations create charitable funds to improve lives for all Oregonians. Impactful giving – time, talent and resources from many – creates measurable change. For more information about OCF, please visit: www.oregoncf.org.
Seattle, WA. Here’s a look at a colorful fundraiser popular with people in the Emerald City. For 26 years fans have visited the Sheraton Seattle’s Annual Gingerbread Village benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The theme for this year’s celebration is Welcome to Whoville. Donations are collected for JDRF and more than 200,000 people are expected to visit the village before it closes on January 2nd.
The village is set up in chronological order to tell the story of how the Grinch Stole Christmas. The five jumbo-sized gingerbread houses have a total of over 1,200 pounds of dough, 800 pounds of icing, 200 pounds of white chocolate, 250 pounds of almond paste and hundreds of pounds of candy.
First up in the display is Whoville Town and Mount Crumpit. Organizers say it took close to 8,000 hours to put together the stroll through the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss.
Next, it’s the Grinch’s Lair where he plots with his loyal dog Max.
The next gingerbread house the mischievous Grinch hard at work in his sleigh stealing Christmas. He drives the sleigh up Mount Crumpit.
Next is the presentation of the Whoville Christmas Celebration, with the Whos surrounded by the Christmas tree with their joy and love for Christmas.
Last is the depiction of the Whoville Feast, where Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, Max and the Whos of Whoville find their peace.
Viewing hours of Gingerbread Village through January 1st, are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sheraton Grand Seattle, 1400 6th Ave. Seattle 98101
From JDRF:
Nearly 24 million Americans have diabetes with a new case diagnosed every 30 seconds. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic, debilitating disease that usually strikes children and young adults, coming on suddenly and causing dependence on injected or pumped insulin for life. However, insulin is not a cure, nor does it prevent the constant threat of complications.
JDRF funds more T1D research than any other non profit in the world. The JDRF mission is to improve diabetes treatments and ultimately find a cure for T1D. Over 80% of JDRF expenditures goes directly to our mission.
Gingerbread Village Teams:
Team CallisonRTKL and Hargis, Chef Lee Baldyga, Nora Milad
Team 4D, Chef Jay Sardeson, Grace Pilo
Team Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties & Gelotte Hommas Drivdahl, Architecture, Chef David Mestl, Zane Alexander
Team MG2, Chef Joleen Anderson, Natalie Brogan
Team Bailly & Bailly, Chef John Armstrong, Olive Tolbert
Portland, OR. The Oregon Zoo’s walk-through winter wonderland of more than 1.6 million colored lights opened on November 21st and is attracting more visitors than ever. According to zoo officials, over the past five years, more than a million visitors have strolled through the forests of lighted trees, been dazzled by life-size illuminated animal silhouettes and ridden the light-bedecked zoo trains. “Attendance has been off the charts the past several years,” said Ivan Ratcliff, the zoo’s guest services manager. Advance purchase tickets run from $17.95 for adults to $12.95 for children. ZooLights is open through January 5th, 2019, but will be closed December 24th-25th. Full pricing and schedule can be found at this link:https://www.oregonzoo.org/zoolights
In addition to visiting elephants, mountain goats and other animals, you can ride the popular lighted train. There are local food carts, special warm drinks and live music.
For every remaining night of ZooLights, the zoo is offering a $5 admission discount for visitors who take TriMet (proof of ridership required). Ride and skip the parking lot! https://www.gettingtozoolights.com/
Here are some photos of what you’ll see:
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Save by not driving
Both new and existing LYFT users traveling to ZooLights can use the code ZOOLIGHTS18 and get 20 percent off their ride. Find out more.
ZooLights food and beverages
Guests will find local food carts, elephant ears, cocoa and hearty dinners at ZooLights, so come hungry! See the ZooLights menu.
Member discounts
In addition to free admission (except for Dec. 24 & 25 when ZooLights is closed), members receive 10% off Gift Shop and food purchases at zoo food locations. New this year, members enjoy DOUBLE DISCOUNT Mondays. Present your membership card at the Gift Shop for 20% off your purchases on Monday nights thoughout ZooLights. Learn more about zoo membership.
Zoo members receive a discount on ZooLights carousel and train tickets.
“The big rush at ZooLights is usually from 4 to 6 p.m.,” Ratcliff said. “If you come after that, you can avoid some of the crowds. This strategy only works if you’re taking MAX though. If you’re driving, I recommend getting here by 4 p.m. or sooner and allow an extra 30 minutes for traffic and parking. The main parking lot, and even the shuttle lots, fill up fast, especially on weekends.” Visitor can check real time on-site parking availability at gettingtozoolights.com/drive.
It’s not all about the train.
“A lot of people focus on the train, but really that’s just one part of the ZooLights experience,” Ratcliff said. “Around 90 percent of the lights are along the walking paths. I recommend scheduling your ride online before you visit — then you can stroll around the grounds and enjoy the lights until your appointed train time.”
About the Oregon Zoo:
The Oregon Zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission of inspiring the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits, Oregon silverspot and Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies, Western pond turtles and Oregon spotted frogs. Other projects include studies on black rhinos, Asian elephants, polar bears and bats. The zoo relies in part on community support through donations to the Oregon Zoo Foundation to undertake these and many other animal welfare, education and sustainability programs. The zoo is located five minutes from downtown Portland, just off Highway 26 at exit 72. The zoo is also accessible by MAX light rail line. Visitors who travel to the zoo via MAX receive $1.50 off zoo admission. Find fare and route information online or by calling TriMet Customer Service at 503-238-RIDE (7433). General zoo admission is $10.50 (ages 12-64), $9 for seniors (65 and up), $7.50 for children (ages 3-11) and free for those 2 and younger; 25 cents of the admission price helps fund regional conservation projects through the zoo’s Future for Wildlife program. A parking fee of $4 per car is also required. Additional information is available by calling 503-226-1561.
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From 1987 to 1990, Kathleen was appointed by former Oregon Governor Neil Goldschmidt to State Director of Affirmative Action.From 1990-1992, she was Assistant to Portland City Commissioner Gretchen Kafoury.From 1997 to 2001, she was Strategic Plan Coordinator for Multnomah County and Oregon’s Department of Community and Family Services.From 2005 to 2011, Kathleen joined Cascade AIDS Project as Manager of Communities of Color Initiative and was promoted to Director of Diversity and Human Resources.From 2011-2016, she served the City of Portland as Manager of Diversity and Affirmative Action and then as Chair, of the Community Oversight Advisory Board. Early in 2018, after a lifetime of singing, Kathleen released her first recording album Love for Sale.
Since 1984, Edward’s practice has focused on labor and employment, civil rights and education law. He is a member of the American Bar Association, Oregon State Bar Association, Washington State Bar Association, and the Oregon Gay and Lesbian Law Association. He was program chair of the original Lavender Law Conference held in San Francisco in 1988 and a cofounder of the National LGBT Bar Association. Edward Reeves started working with Cascade AIDS Project from its beginning in 1983. He has contributed the highest level of pro bono services of anyone in CAP’s history aroundlegal advice for HR issues and trainings for management.
CAP’s strength, as with all organizations fighting to end HIV, comes from the community banding together, united in a common cause.The City of Portland is an ally helping CAP achieve its mission of supporting and empowering all people with or affected by HIV, reducing stigma, and providing the LGBTQ+ community with compassionate healthcare. We recognize the City of Portland for their continued support for all community members.
