Portland, OR. Nearly 1,100 guests celebrated the 19th Annual Simon Benson Awards Dinner and official kick-off of the Campaign for PSU, a $300 million fundraising initiative to support Portland State. The benefit at the Convention Center on October 25th featured the Grammy Award winning music and thought provoking conversation of jazz artist and PSU alum Esperanza Spalding. (Photo credit, Tom Cook and Ed Keene Photography)
Laurie Lomax joins husband Neil Lomax onstage as he receives the 2018 Simon Benson Award for Alumni Achievement.
Mary Boyle shares a hug with PSU student Melissa Lamproe as she and husband Tim Boyle are honored with the 2018 Simon Benson Award for Philanthropy.
Esperanza Spalding talks about the power of education with her PSU mentor Darrell Grant during the evening’s Q&A session.
Chemistry student Trine Parsons “blows” the crowd away with her inspirational PSU story.
Named for one of Oregon’s first philanthropists, the Simon Benson Awards Dinner is an annual celebration of the transformational power of philanthropy at Portland State University and beyond.
Proceeds from the Simon Benson Awards Dinner, Presented by Bank of America, support extraordinary PSU students, faculty and programs. Since 1999, the dinner has raised more than $11 million to transform teaching and learning for Oregon’s only urban research institution.
Portland, OR. Edison High School welcomed 350 guests to the Oregon Zoo for its annual Partner with Edison Breakfast. Guests heard from senior JP Mulligan and former student Danielle Gross about the importance of Edison High School. Board Member, Pat Becker, posed with friends Steven Klein and Kevin Kelly who supported the event. The benefit on November 2nd generated $150,000 to help support financial aid, technology, and professional development at the school. Edison, the only high school in Oregon and southwest Washington dedicated to students with learning differences. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus Photography)
Tricia Sipowicz and Kristin Collins, who shared her “Edison Story” about the positive impact the school has had on her entire family.
Edison parents Linda Pollack, Cathrine and Stefan Olander, and Eileen Day.
Edison students wake up extra early to help at the breakfast
Edison Board Member, Ann Brayfield, with Edison President, Sean Preston.
Friends Shiree Ferguson, Emily Shields, Kathi Austin, and Deedee Dolp enjoy their first Partner with Edison Breakfast.
Student speaker, JP Mulligan, jokes with his parents during his moving speech.
Rose Kilpatrick and Jesuit Counselor and Head Football Coach, Ken Potter.
From Edison High School:
“Some kids have learning differences. All kids have dreams.”
Welcome to Edison High School, the only high school in Oregon and Southwest Washington dedicated to serving students with complex learning differences. Our work here is powerful and profound: helping every student reach his or her full potential.
As a small, private school, Edison High School offers an individualized curriculum that meets each student’s special needs, and maximizes the ability to learn. We also provide the emotional support that builds confidence and maturity. By empowering students with learning differences to experience academic success and personal growth, Edison does more than prepare teens for the future. We change lives.
Portland, OR. Luxury home builder Gerald Rowlett, Westlake Development Group, wanted to do something more for Oregon Veterans at this year’s NW Natural Street of Dreams event, so he disrupted the showcase of super-sized homes and had a 204 square-foot tiny home built to benefit Oregon Veterans. Rowlett handed out checks from the sale of the Tiny House to three veteran organizations. Dennis Carter and John Steinbaugh represented the veterans nonprofit Forward Assist. (Photo credit, Brian Merritt, Media & Image Consulting, Inc.)
Dale Pack, Post Commander Hillsboro Martin J. Ryan VFW 2666; Gerald Rowlett, Westlake Development Group
Ken Buckles, Remembering America’s Heroes; Malinda Buckles, Remembering America’s Heroes; Gerald Rowlett, Westlake Development Group
Remembering America’s Heroes Evening of Honor; Clackamas County
Remembering America’s Heroes Evening of Honor; Clackamas County
Checks totaling $30,000 were presented and divided equally among the organizations and presented during the Evening of Honor November 7th. “We wanted to shake things up this year at the Street of Dreams and help families through the various non-profit veterans organizations,” says Gerald Rowlett. “While we take pride in all of our large homes, nothing compares to assisting those in need and we found that our tiny house, also known as a mini mansion accomplished our goal.”
More than 40 sponsors were involved in the construction, design and marketing of Tiny House with a Big Dream. “Seeing the fruits of our labor after 100+ people work on a project bringing product together to create a platform has made me really proud to help these charities in need.”
“The Benefit to Tiny Innovations as a Company and myself personally to be involved in this year’s Tiny Home with a Big Dream Project was the ability to give back to the bravest most selfless individuals I have ever met,” says Jeremy Killian, Owner/Builder Tiny Innovations. “I am more than thankful to be part of such an amazing project.”
Affectionately named “Amelia” by Empty Nest Tiny Homes M.J. Boyle says, “Veterans deserve the best we can give, and this tiny house project was indeed the best way I know how to give back to them for their service. All the hard work and time spent on this build, was indeed a tiny sacrifice when compared to the sacrifices they make, every day, for our country’s freedom.”
U.S. Navy Veteran Mike Premi, Intel A.I. manager, purchased the Tiny House to make a difference in the lives of veterans and families. Premi is skilled at reaching out to veterans of all ages and being of service to them.
Portland, OR. The local Red Cross has deployed 15 people from Oregon and SW Washington to assist with the California wildfires response. Disaster responders from Bend, Grants Pass, Gresham, Gold Beach, Junction City, Medford, Newberg, Portland, Salem, Summerville, and Wolf Creek, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, are either already on the ground or making their way to California.
Woolsey Fire shelter
The American Red Cross is on the ground throughout the State of California, providing shelter, food and comfort for thousands of people forced to leave their homes due to the deadly wildfires burning in both the northern and southern parts of the state.
Red Cross volunteers are providing help and support at evacuation centers to offer safe refuge for people impacted by these devastating fires. Overnight, more than 2,100 people sought refuge from the wildfires in 18 Red Cross and community evacuation centers across the state. People are welcome to come to shelters for help even if they don’t stay overnight.
The Red Cross has deployed enough supplies to shelter as many as 7,000 people, including special equipment to support people with access and functional needs. The Red Cross is also mobilizing relief supplies to serve as many as 15,000 households. Supplies include sifters, personal protective equipment, respiratory masks, rakes, shovels, work gloves, tarps, and other resources.
FINDING LOVED ONESPeople continue to search for missing loved ones and Red Cross reunification services are helping reconnect them as quickly as possible. These services include helping people communicate through the Red Cross Safe and Well website, as well as helping with urgent requests involving unaccompanied minors and separated children, reestablishing contact with family members who have been separated within the disaster area and working with partners to resolve reunification-related inquiries. As of Sunday, nearly 3,900 people have registered on Safe and Well, with more than 41,000 total searches and 539 actual matches.
If someone is looking for loved ones they can visit the Red Cross Safe and Well website at http://www.redcross.org/safeandwell. The site allows individuals and organizations to register and post messages to indicate that they are safe, or to search for loved ones. The site is always available, open to the public and available in Spanish. Registrations and searches can be done directly on the website.
People can also use the “I’m Safe” feature of the Red Cross Emergency App to let loved ones know their status. The Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
HOW YOU CAN HELPEntire communities and families have been left reeling from these deadly wildfires. Help people affected by the California wildfires by visiting redcross.org, calling 1- 800-RED CROSS or texting the word CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a $10 donation.Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters.
Actress Sandra Bullock, a long-time supporter of the Red Cross, has donated $400,000 to help with the California wildfires relief effort. “The untold destruction from these fires is heartbreaking, especially following the tragedy at Borderline in Thousand Oaks,” Bullock said. “I’m glad to be able to help. We’re all family in this, whether it be human, furry or feathered.
CORPORATIONS HELP The generous donations from members of the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) and the Disaster Responder Program enable the American Red Cross to prepare communities for disasters big and small, respond whenever and wherever disasters occur and help families during the recovery process.
From American Red Cross:
ADGP $1 Million members are: Adelson Family Foundation; American Airlines; Anheuser-Busch Foundation; Anthem Foundation; Bank of America; Brown & Brown Insurance; Caterpillar Foundation; The Clorox Company; Costco Wholesale; Delta Air Lines; Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation; FedEx; Grainger; The Home Depot Foundation; LDS Charities; Lowe’s Companies, Inc.; Mazda North American Operations; Microsoft Corp.; Nationwide Foundation; PepsiCo Foundation; State Farm; Verizon; VSP Global; Walmart and the Walmart Foundation; and The Walt Disney Company.
ADGP $500,000 members are: 21st Century Fox; Altria Group; AmazonSmile; American Express; Aon; BMW of North America; Capital One; CBS Corporation; Cisco Foundation; Citi Foundation; Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation; Discover; Edison International; Energy Transfer/Sunoco Foundation; Ford Motor Company; General Motors; Humble Bundle; IBM Corporation; International Paper; John Deere Foundation; Johnson Controls; LabCorp; Medtronic Foundation; Meijer; Merck Foundation; Mondelēz International Foundation; New Balance Foundation; Nissan; Procter & Gamble Company; PwC Charitable Foundation; Southwest Airlines; Target; Tata Consultancy Services; TD Ameritrade; The TJX Companies, Inc.; United Airlines; UPS; The USAA Foundation; The Wawa Foundation; and Wells Fargo.
Disaster Responder Program members are: 7-Eleven Cares Foundation; Adobe; AdvoCare International L.P.; Alliance Data; Assurant; AT&T; AvalonBay Communities, Inc.; Avangrid Foundation; AXA Equitable Life; The Ball Foundation; Barclays; Boise Paper; CarMax; Choice Hotels International; Cox Automotive; DICK’S Sporting Goods; Duke Energy; Entergy Corporation; Farmers Insurance; Harbor Freight Tools Foundation, LLC; Hewlett Packard Enterprise Foundation; HP Foundation; HSBC Bank; Ingersoll Rand Foundation; The J.M. Smucker Company; Land O’Lakes, Inc.; Mastercard; Morgan Stanley; Neiman Marcus Group; Northrop Grumman Corporation; Northwestern Mutual and the Northwestern Mutual Foundation; Prudential Financial; Raytheon Company; Rodan + Fields Prescription for Change Foundation; Ryder; SC Johnson; Security Finance’s Lending Hand Foundation; Southeastern Grocers Home of BI-LO Harveys Winn Dixie; Standard Textile; The Starbucks Foundation; Stearns Bank; Toyota; U-Haul International; United Technologies Corporation; U.S. Bank; and Visa
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
Portland, OR. “Your Gift. Our Future” was the theme of the 16th annual Jesuit High School Financial Aid Luncheon. JHS President Tom Arndorfer and Principal Paul Hogan (far right) welcomed luncheon alumnae speakers including Chrisleine Temple ’15, The Honorable Kate O’Scannlain ’95 and Anarghya Vardhana ’06. The benefit on October 10th in Jesuit’s Knight Center raised over $470,000 for financial aid. This school year alone, $3.2 million in need-based tuition assistance was awarded to 26% of students.
Financial Aid Luncheon co-chairs Tammy Wilhoite and Andrea Arnot celebrate a successful day.
The Jesuit High School Chamber Choir performs before the luncheon.
Longtime Jesuit supporters Michelle Vranizan, Robert Koury, Denise Koury, and Hala Lewis enjoy the event.
Three alumna speakers representing the three decades of coeducation delivered compelling talks about their personal and professional experiences. These outstanding alumnae moved the luncheon guests with their words of inspiration and commitment to being women for others.
The Halton Family Foundation offered a challenge gift, which helped JHS reach its fundraising goal.
From Jesuit High School:
Our goal to provide a Jesuit education to families, regardless of financial circumstances, is supported each year by programs like this luncheon and voluntary gifts from the greater Jesuit community.
Jesuit High School is a Catholic, college-preparatory school in the Jesuit tradition of education serving students of all religious faiths and socio-economic backgrounds. Jesuit transforms students into leaders who are “men and women for others” and focuses on educating the whole student spiritually, religiously, intellectually, physically, emotionally, and aesthetically.
Portland, OR. The Oregon Convention Center was filled with over 1,000 YMCA of the Columbia-Willamette supporters for its 150 Years of Service Celebration. The year long 150th celebration, culminating on October 27th, raised $1,375,000.Board of Trustees Chair Carol Terrell, Grammy Winner Amy Grant and YMCA of Columbia-Willamette President and CEO, Bob Hall worked to make the night memorable. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
The YMCA Kid’s Choir Opens the Evening Entertainment.
Guests enjoy the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette historical boards display, which helped share the story of 150 years of service that began in 1868.
A generous donation of a Land Rover Discovery from Freeman Motor Co., Carpet Mill Outlet and Financial Reserve Raises $80,100
The 150th Birthday Celebration culminated in an intimate concert from Amy Grant
From YMCA of the Columbia-Willamette, by Harrison Clifford.
Since 1868, our mission to put the Christian principles of love, respect, honesty, responsibility and service has been at the center of all our programs. Last year alone, we served more than 68,000 people in more than 200 locations, and helped children, families and adults of all ages experience personal growth, strengthen relationships and better communities.
“The YMCA is so much more than a swim and gym,” Bob Hall, President and CEO of the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette said. “The mission of the Y extends to the whole person—spirit, mind and body.”
Bob kicked off the night’s festivities by recognizing the unsung heroes of the last 150 years—the staff members and volunteers of our organization who work with our Y members, participants and parents every day.
“The impact the YMCA has had over these last three centuries is a tribute to YMCA staff, more than it is a tribute to leaders like me,” Bob said. “Everybody in the association, both staff members and volunteers, should know how much we appreciate their dedication, because they are the lifeblood of this organization.”
Over the course of the night, our donors and guests contributed generously to our mission. Funds were raised for scholarships, chaplaincy, the purchase of the Beaverton Hoop YMCA property and the development of our new wilderness camp on the Mt. Hood National Forest.
During the 150th celebration, there were many raffles to choose from, including the opportunity to win prizes such as a Beach Getaway, Portland Date Night, Mini Tesla for Kids and YMCA Lego Camp experiences. Guests also had the chance to bid in the live auction on once in a lifetime experiences to see Hamilton on Broadway, watch the US Open Championship Tournament and relax under the Tuscan Sun in Italy.
The big raffle winner of the night was bidder 516 who took home the 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE, retailed at $36,329—courtesy of sponsors Freeman Motor Company, Carpet Mill Outlet and Financial Reserve.
Following the live auction portion of the night, we asked our donors and guests to help champion our mission by supporting the building of YMCA Camp Duncan’s Woods and the purchase of the Beaverton Hoop YMCA property, through two paddle raises.
The first paddle raise was in support of developing YMCA Camp Duncan’s Woods, a new high-adventure overnight camp for at-risk youth situated on Mt. Hood. The chance to develop this 160-acre plot of land, which was donated by Cindy and Duncan Campbell, is a “once in a lifetime opportunity,” Bob said and will provide positive life-impacting experiences in a safe and welcoming outdoor space for at-risk youth for years to come. Guests were able to see the impact of YMCA Camps after watching Skylar share his Y Story on video—about his own personal growth through participation with YMCA Camp Collins, and how he learned to cope with symptoms of his ADHD.
“The biggest thing camp has helped me realize is that I can be just like everyone else, even with my challenges,” Skylar said. “It’s the smell, the environment, the birds chirping, the horses neighing, the kids having fun and laughing—I enjoy that. I love hearing other people have as good a time as I do at camp, because that’s something important, and that’s something I want to share.”
The second paddle raise of the evening will help us purchase the Beaverton Hoop YMCA property. “The Beaverton Hoop Y has such an impact on youth,” Bob said. “In 2017, more than 10,000 youth were impacted by this facility, and we want to keep that going.” Before the second paddle raise session began, guests were shown just how powerful and transformational the Beaverton Hoop Y facility has been for developing youth in the area—with a video about Donovan Tafua and his mother, who shared their Y Story.
“There’s many reasons why Donovan excelled as a player at the Hoop—every coach that came through there not only had an interest in Donovan, but they genuinely cared for every child that came through the doors,” Donovan’s mother said. “They mentored them to the point where it wasn’t just about what was on the basketball court, but it was about how they become grown men—right before your eyes.”
By purchasing the Beaverton Hoop YMCA, not only are we continuing our commitment to the members we already serve there, we are making a more permanent promise to the Beaverton and surrounding community for decades to come.
In recent years, the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette has made strides in reinvigorating the “C” in the YMCA, making Christian values evident in the culture of our Y and the communities we serve. A large part of this work is thanks to the commitment of our YMCA chaplains—who equip, support and care for our Y family. Audience members were able to witness firsthand the impact of Y chaplaincy, after being introduced to Josh—a former homeless man who got his life back on track after meeting and working with Clark County Family YMCA Chaplain, Roger Button.
“What chaplains do is take the time to care … and administer help to people.” Bob said.
During the night, we also raised funds for scholarships, to continue making our programs more accessible to a greater number of people. Over the last five years our local YMCA has provided $9 million in free and reduced services to more than 25,000 people. Scholarships are critical to our mission to serve all.
The night ended with an intimate concert featuring Amy Grant. At one point during the performance, Grant shared the stage with a children’s Choir for a rendition of “Thy Word.” Following the performance, Amy thanked the children and said “that’s what I love about the YMCA … everyone has a place to belong—especially the children.”
We are thankful to all of our generous donors, all of our sponsors and are especially grateful for our presenting sponsor Hoffman Construction, who helped make the night possible. “We are deeply indebted to all our sponsors, and all of the volunteers who came alongside us,” Bob said. “And who helped make this night one to be remembered.”
“We are happy to be able to support the Y on such a special night for our entire community,” President of Precision Construction Troy Weller said.
The YMCA of Columbia-Willamette looks forward to continuing to foster new relationships and building more thriving and inclusive communities.
“I hope we continue to make impacts in our communities and that we try to keep people connected,” YMCA Board of Trustees Chair Carol Terrell said. “One of the big reasons I love the Y is because everyone can come. The rich, the poor the disenfranchised, anybody is welcomed. And we create that strong sense of community when we all come together.”
Portland, OR. “Adventure Awaits” was the theme for the De La Salle North Catholic High School 2018 Fall Benefit. The fundraiser on October 24th raised $748,135, which was a new record by almost $200,000. Werner & Colleen Nistler, Board Chair Patti O’Mara and Terry Porter helped make the event a success. The school provides a faith-based, college preparatory education and an active corporate work study program to underserved students from the Portland area. (Photo credit, Andrea Lonas Photography)
Eight of the school’s nine Cassin Award winners attended the event. Pictured are Patti O’Mara, Matt Powell, Cyndy & Ed Maletis, Mike Kelley, Mary Boyle, Penny Guest (representing Nani Warren), Gay Jacobsen, Barb & Steve Spence.
Summer Widmer, Suzanne Price, & Caitlin MacMillen catch up during the reception.
2018 Cassin Award winner Mike Kelley and his wife Laurie enjoy the night.
Board member Cyndy Maletis enjoys a laugh during the program.
President Oscar Leong, Vincent Dixon-Jones and mother Kimberely Jones, and Rosa Leong. Vincent and Kimberely were featured in video The Community We Build.
Board member Bernie Pliska and wife Pamela before the program.
The highlight video shows what an adventure the night was. Stephanie Enriquez-Isais ’19 shared why the Corporate Work Study Program is the Secret Sauce of DLSNC. Vincent Jones-Dixon ’07 moved guests with his example of entering to learn, leaving to serve. Rachel Hartley ’13 performed “Put Your Records On” and got everyone’s feet tapping.
From De La Salle North Catholic High School:
It takes a community to provide a transformative education to a racially diverse population of capable, motivated and interested college-bound students. Thank you for being part of ours.
Thanks also to the Class of 2019, families, faculty and staff who volunteered at the event and helped make it a success.
We are grateful to our event Sponsors:
Platinum Sponsor
O’Donnell Law Firm LLC
Silver Sponsor OnPoint Community Credit Union
Bronze Sponsors Nancy & Bruce Bolton Cambia Health Solutions Clark Foundation Guardian Real Estate Services Walsh Construction
De La Salle Sponsors Becker Capital GBD Architects Moda Health Reliable Credit Sussman Shank Swagelok
Portland, OR. Lines for Life cut a the ribbon on a new call center that’s designed to support veterans nationwide. The nonprofit is expanding the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL). On hand for the November 9th ribbon cutting were Senator Ron Wyden, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Chair Deborah Kafoury, Commissioner Sharon Meieran, Lines for Life CEO Dwight Holton and VCL team leadership and staff. Dwight Holton thanked the leadership of Senator Wyden who was instrumental in securing a contract with the National VCL and recognizing the Lines for Life team both in Oregon and in DC.
During the ceremony, Ryan Seymour, Military Crisis Intervention Specialist and Former Oregon Army Guard Sergeant, shared his experience and reason for joining the team, “When my friend from the army died by suicide, I thought to myself, ‘What do I need to do to be part of the solution?’”
Ryan joins several members of a new 30 person team with connections to Military Service. Their dedication and experience provides common ground for callers in crisis.
The new call center will offer free and anonymous help calls and texts for veterans, their family, and their friends struggling with mental health.
Lines for Life, a 24/7, 365-days-a-year suicide prevention hotline. The Veterans Association estimates that since 2008, roughly 6,ooo veterans kill themselves each year. This new call center, in partnership with the Veterans Crisis Line, is expected to field about 1,200 additional calls each month.
Lines for Life CEO Dwight Holton explained, “Services like this where we’ve got partnerships with national VA and organizations like Lines for Life are essential to helping meeting those mental health crisis needs and helping folks find a way forward and help build strong families among our veterans.”
There is a strong need to help care for the mental health of America’s veterans. According to the RAND Center for Military Health Policy Research, 20 percent of those who served in either Iraq or Afghanistan suffer from either major depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.
If you are a veteran in need, contact the free military help line at (888) 457-4838. You can also text MIL1 to 839863. Someone is available to talk to you at all hours of the day.
Portland, OR. Oregon Food Bank once again transformed its warehouse into a dinner and event venue to raise funds to fight hunger and its root causes in Oregon and Clark County, Washington. Loyal Oregon Food Bank supporters Bonny and Mike Fazzi were among the hundreds who attended the October 20th benefit. Sponsors, partners and their guests helped raise over $700,000 to feed the human spirit in neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
Special guest speaker Cindy Solari
Dinner and live auction
Tillamook County Creamery Association President & CEO and OFB Board Chair Patrick Criteser
Oregon Food Bank CEO Susannah Morgan
Oregon Food Bank supporters Fawwad and Lubna Qureshi
Silent auction
From Oregon Food Bank:
We’re probably not what you expect when you think of a food bank. In Oregon, we do things differently.
We started off like most food banks did back in 1988. That’s when Interagency Food Bank and Oregon Food Share merged to become Oregon Food Bank, and we distributed USDA Commodity Supplemental Food to over 200 hunger-relief agencies.
Today, Oregon Food Bank collects food from farmers, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, individuals and government sources. We distribute that food through a Statewide Network of 21 Regional Food Banks and approximately 1,200 food assistance sitesserving all of Oregon and Clark County, Washington.
It seems like a big job, and it is. We absolutely could not do it alone. But, distributing food is not the entire job. Like we said – we do things differently in Oregon.
Portland, OR. The Circus Project, a Portland non-profit dedicated to transforming lives through the circus arts, celebrated its tenth anniversary with Change(d) Together, a multi-media event incorporating storytelling and performances by world-class aerialists and acrobats. Circus Project coach and dancer Alicia Cutaia performed on an aerial bungee during the cocktail hour. The event took place on October 11th at Peter Corvallis Warehouse on North Randolph. The Circus Project converted the expansive venue into a heaven for trapeze, silks, lyra and acrobatics. The Circus Project was created with the mission of empowering homeless and traditionally underserved youth and young adults through the development of innovative, skilled circus productions.
Performer Ty Vennewitz entertains guests.
Featured artist Zoe Stasko, who also presented the ask, performs on aerial straps.
Circus Project students and invited guest performers perform in the final bows.
Circus Project coach and aerialist Alison Lockfeld pours champagne for guests from an aerial trapeze.
Guests were welcomed with a cocktail hour during which they could have their champagne poured by an aerialist upside-down on a trapeze. Entertainment included circus classics like a stilt-walker and juggler, alongside unusual images such as a bouncing aerial dancer and a giant aerial birdcage. Guests also had the opportunity to experience feats of strength by professional strong-woman Tera Nova Zara for a small donation.
A live band led a parade to bring the guests into the main dining area, where Crown Paella provided family-style paella. The entertainment continued, with roving entertainment such as a special bottle delivery by jugglers and a maître’d on rollerskates. Live Brazilian music was provided throughout dinner by POPgoji.
After opening remarks, the main program began. The show included video interviews with students sharing how their lives have changed through their time at the Circus Project, and complemented those with live circus performances by the video interviewees. A lively raise-the-paddle ensued, including a dramatic game of last-man-standing and a celebratory moment of strongwoman Tera Nova Zara breaking a wineglass with just her voice when the group reached a matching grant!
After the raise the paddle, we returned to the circus show, where a collection of national and international professional circus artists performed high-level, innovative acts and took the event out with a festive bang.
The event was the first fundraising gala the team had put on in seven years, and raised over $100,000.
From the Circus Project:
The Circus Project believes in art as a powerful vehicle for transformation, which cuts across social barriers to inspire new perspectives and creative solutions to conflict. We believe that art is most relevant and evocative when the process through which it is created reflects the diversity of our community.
Thus, the Circus Project strives to foster an atmosphere of diversity, creativity, and respect in which people feel able to participate, express themselves, and be heard independently of their gender, race, religion, physical abilities, mental diagnosis, national or ethnic origin, social status, income, age, size, sexual orientation, or gender identification.
Further, the Circus Project strives to cultivate a deeper level of dialogue and inclusiveness that makes space for all people as well as various and competing views, tensions, feelings, styles of communication, and earth spirits – in a way that supports awareness of relative rank, power, and privilege, and the potential of these forces to marginalize other views, individuals, groups, and species.
Through outreach to underserved and marginalized populations, attention to imbalance, acceptance of people from all walks of life, and a commitment to eradicating both internalized and externalized oppression, the Circus Project strives to expand the definition of art beyond that of the various disciplines to encompass a way of looking at the world, appreciating diversity, and building sustainable communities.
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