Portland, OR. More than 220 patrons and volunteers attended the Portland Rose Festival’s annual “Jazz & Roses” gala at Montgomery Park on October 12th. Supporters like Adam Baker, 2018 Royal Rosarian Prime Minister and his wife, Lauren Baker bid for travel and other unique experiences to help raise $199,000. The annual dinner and auction is the major fundraiser for the Portland Rose Festival Foundation, a 501(c)(3] non-profit, supporting its mission to provide quality, family-friendly programs and events that promote the arts, education and volunteerism.
2018 Rose Festival Queen Kiara Johnson, Kim Corona (standing) and Marcia Randall-The Randall Group
Ron Carr-Board Member, Linda Merrihew and mother, Dorothy Poznanski of the Poznanski Family Foundation, Marilyn Clint-Rose Festival COO
Carla Stenberg-2018 Foundation Secretary, Brett Bigham 2014 Oregon State Teacher of the Year, Amy Johnson-2018 Starlight Parade Chair
More information about the Rose Festival Foundation can be found at http://www.rosefestival.org/.
Portland, OR. “What stood out to me about Friends of the Children was that they employ and train their mentors and that they commit to every child for 12 ½ years,” explained Michael Jordan. “That dedication is important to me. My mentors believed in me and taught me the power of perseverance. I want youth in Friends of the Children to see that they have that same potential.”
Michael Jordan is quick to give credit to his mentors, especially his father and his college coach, Dean Smith. So, when Jordan heard about Portland based Friends of the Children, a national nonprofit that pairs youth facing the highest risks with a salaried, professional mentor (a Friend) from kindergarten through graduation, he was sold. Jordan announced that he is making a multimillion-dollar investment in the organization with the donation of his proceeds from his upcoming ESPN Films and Netflix documentary series, “The Last Dance.” ESPN Films and Netflix are creating the 10 hour docu-series featuring Micheal Jordan and more than 500 hours of never before seen footage from Chicago bulls last championship run in the 1997/98 season. The film is scheduled for release in 2019.
According to Friends of the Children, Jordan’s investment will give thousands more youth a salaried, professional mentor for 12 1/2 years; Jordan to donate his proceeds from “The Last Dance” documentary.
Last spring, in partnership with Nike, Jordan donated the proceeds of a commemorative Michael Jordan Bulls jersey to Friends of the Children, which sold out—and for a good cause. His donation builds on his nationwide efforts to empower youth who are facing the greatest challenges. The donation, which is supporting the organization’s national expansion campaign and their work in Charlotte and Chicago, took Friends of the Children over the finish line for an aggressive fundraising campaign: raising $25 million in less than three years. Now in 15 locations across the country and in the U.K., the investment will go toward Friends of the Children’s goal of expanding to 25 cities by 2025, empowering a growing number of youth and families.
“It’s not every day that you get a call that Michael Jordan—arguably most famous athlete in the world— had heard about your organization and wanted to support it. We got that call,” says Terri Sorensen, CEO of Friends of the Children. “We are thrilled beyond measure for this generous gift and recognition for our lasting impact.”
Knowing how his mentors shaped his life, Jordan saw the life-changing potential that youth could find through Friends of the Children. A philanthropist who believes in impact investing, Jordan saw their evidence-based model as an attractive social investment. It’s hard to ignore the outcomes:
–83% graduate from high school, although 60% of their parents did not graduate
–93% avoid the juvenile justice system, although 50% have parents who were incarcerated
–98% avoid early parenting, although 85% were born to a teen parent
A Harvard Business School Association of Oregon return on investment study also found that for every $1 invested in Friends of the Children, the community benefits more than $7 in saved social costs, saving the community $900,000 per child.
With Jordan’s investment, Friends of the Children will be growing their impact in the Two-Generation (2Gen) space which empowers families together, and serving more youth in foster care. The model is also being sought after as a possible solution to counteracting the effects of childhood trauma and toxic stress.
“There are so many communities across the country that we want to serve. With Michael’s investment, we can now expand more quickly to 25 cities,” says Sorensen.
Portland, OR. The Special Olympics Oregon (SOOR) state office has moved to donated space at 419 NE 10th Ave. It’s one of several steps the local nonprofit is taking to regain its financial footing. Leaders are reaching out to athletes and their families asking for patience. “While SOOR is rebuilding a sustainable organization… we had to make the difficult, but responsible decision to temporarily suspend regional and state competitions.” According to the most recent financial statements for Special Olympics Oregon:
The Organization is undertaking significant actions designed to return the Organization to profitability and to generate positive cash flows to fund its operations. Under new management as of June 1, 2018, the Organization has executed on dramatic cost reductions including staff downsizing, moving to donated office space, and pausing in mission delivery at the local, regional and state level, including the Summer and Fall 2018 and Winter 2019 State Games. The Organization has secured interim donation-based funding to assist in the debt restructuring and fundraising efforts.
The annual Polar Plunge is still happening this year and sign up is open. Program organizers encourage participation: “Our mission continues to live in communities across the state as our athletes train and engage with their friends and teammates, which is being funded through locally-raised dollars. Your participation and fundraising for Polar Plunge directly impacts athlete experiences at this local level, as $25 from every plunger goes directly to the Local Program in the plunger’s community.”
Registration for 2019 is OPEN for the Polar Plunge!
Portland, OR. Alisha Zhao started the nonprofit Kids First Project in 2015. Now she’s been named one of 2018 L’Oréal Woman of Worth. Her charity can also win an additional $25,000 if supporters vote for Alisha at womenofworth.com.
Today the Kids First Project serves 10 locations with more than 400 volunteers in Portland and the San Francisco Bay area. It serves approximately 500 families who are experiencing homelessness each year.
Given the social, cognitive, and academic benefits of extracurricular activities, programs and volunteers are needed in shelters to empower youth experiencing homelessness to reach their full potential.
When Alisha Zhao first volunteered at a family homeless shelter at age 14, she was surrounded by children who shared hopes of becoming dancers, doctors, and even the president of the United States. While these dreams were inspiring, they opened Alisha’s eyes to the unmet needs of youth experiencing homelessness and led Alisha to found the Kids First Project in 2015 to help bridge the gap between a child experiencing homelessness and the resources they need to help them reach their full potential. Through a unique approach that brings extracurricular programs directly to kids living in shelters, Kids First Project offers peer mentoring, physical activities, arts and crafts, tutoring, life skills classes, monthly field trips, and themed programs from puzzle to poetry nights. Kids First Project also supports parents and gives them time to relax, find housing, and focus on themselves through enrichment programs that offer civic and government programs to educate adults about their rights as a homeless individual.
Here’s a link with more information about Kids First Project: http://kidsfirstproject.org/about.html
Portland, OR. Families of seriously ill or injured children had their spirits lifted by 500 supporters at the October 13th Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Hearts & Hands gala. The benefit at the Oregon Convention Center raised over $730,000. Jessica Jarratt Miller, CEO of RMHC, (center) thanked donors like Gary and Christine Rood. “I am so grateful for everyone that attended this year’s Hearts & Hands Gala & Auction. From Gary & Christine Rood to Claudine Tanner, our biggest supporters made it a night to remember.”
Right now there are two local Ronald McDonald Houses, but in early 2019, (RMHC) of Oregon & SW Washington will open its new South Waterfront House on the west side of town at the OHSU Gary & Christine Rood Family Pavilion. (RMHC) Provides a “home away from home” for families with seriously ill children, and supports initiatives to improve pediatric health. (Photo credit, Trevor Pound)
Susan Schnitzer, Phil Fogg, Jessica Jarratt Miller
Brad & Judy Johnson
The Tanner Family
David Payne, Jessica Jarratt Miller
Paddles Raise to Support Families for One Night
Guests from OHSU
Supporters of RMHC celebrate to close out the evening
The event supports families like the Ornie family, from Raymond, Washington, whose two-year old daughter Kaylina is receiving cancer treatment at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Here’s a video about their journey.
“Kaylina and her family are so brave and we at Ronald McDonald House Charities are lucky to be able to support them though their journey. Our Oregon Ronald McDonald Houses have provided the whole Ornie clan from grandma to younger sister, Irelynn, a chance to stay close to Kaylina during her treatment,” said Jessica Jarratt Miller, CEO of RMHC. “The Ornies are prime examples of why we gather in support and strive to serve more and more families in need.”
With over $730,000 raised, the impact to the four Oregon Ronald McDonald Houses is substantial. It costs RMHC $150 to host a family for one night, and the Gala’s success allows the organization to provide a loving “home away from home” for families for over 4,833 nights. For families who must travel far from home and grapple with the stress and uncertainty of having a sick child, having a place to call home and a supportive community is priceless.
The sponsors who made the event possible, included: (Presenting Sponsor): John L. Scott Foundation (Platinum Sponsors): Coca-Cola Company; Swire Coca-Cola, USA; OHSU; (Gold Sponsors): Hoffman Construction Company; KPFF; McDonald’s Owner/Operators; US Bank; ZGF (Silver Sponsors): Baird, First Tech Federal Credit Union; Netrush, OEG (Bronze Sponsors); Kaiser Permanente; McDonalds Owners and Operators; Moda; Parr Lumber; Turner Construction (Enrichment Sponsors): Allied Partners; Barran Liebman Attorneys; DR Pepper Snapple Group; Douglas & Gloria Rumberger Foundation; Ken Wright Cellars Moonstruck Chocolates; McDonald Jacobs; Moss Adams, LLP; Pacific Office Automation.
Portland, OR. Oregon Energy Fund (OEF) raised a record-breaking $80,000 at its annual Power Gala on October 6th. The funds will support its mission of helping Oregonians in financial crisis pay their energy bills. More than 100 guests attended the Roaring ’20s-themed event, which was emceed by Drew Carney of KGW-TV and featured live and silent auctions hosted by Misty Marquam, live blues music by Smut City Jellyroll Society, and a speakeasy photo booth by instaPix NW. The PGE team included Tyler Richardson, Rimma Richardson, Mark Gilgan, Kalia Savage, Kelly Gilgan, Daniel Carrasco, Elisa Gary, Lauren Isaac, Anne Wahr, and Sarah Sims. (Photo credit, Nina Johnson)
Bob Harding (Columbia Bank) and Jay Phillipe show their enthusiasm for Oregon Energy Fund.
Brian, Susan, and Bob Walsh of Walsh Trucking arrive at the gala.
Executive Director Brian Allbritton addresses the room at the Sentinel.
Jason & Melica Heuser (Eugene Water & Electric Board) raise a bid for energy assistance.
Smut City Jellyroll Society livens up the silent auction with some swinging tunes.
Auctioneer Misty Marquam and emcee Drew Carney prepare to announce the raffle winner.
Cassidy Johnston and Brendan Tonkin (R\West) take a break from dessert to share their excitement.
From Oregon Energy Fund:
Representatives from Portland General Electric, Walsh Trucking, Pacific Power, R\West, NW Natural, McDowell Rackner Gibson PC, and TEC Equipment were among those who contributed to this year’s success; OEF looks forward to continuing the momentum at next year’s 30th anniversary celebration.
Portland, OR. Legacy Emanuel Medical Center celebrated the caregivers who treat seriously ill or injured patients using Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) technology. (An ECMO machine substitutes for a patient’s failed lungs or heart. This revolutionary technology allows the lungs to rest, giving the body time to fight the infection by oxygenating the blood outside of the body when the lungs cannot function normally.) About 150 guests gathered in The Atrium of Legacy Emanuel on October 5th to raise funds for the hospital’s ECMO program. Guests enjoying the benefit included Sara Weinstein and Frank Piacentini who serves on the Emanuel Medical Center Foundation. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Jonathan Hill, M.D., Penny Hill, Shirley Newcomb, Mike Newcomb, D.O., Joseph Deng, M.D. and Tanja Epley, D.O.
The ECMO mobile transport unit
Carlos and Martha Pagan and Roya Quirk (pictured with husband Steven) shared their patient stories of being saved by ECMO.
Guests enjoying the event in the Legacy Emanuel Atrium.
Emanuel Medical Center Foundation is raising funds to help purchase four ECMO machines and ancillary equipment. Each machine costs approximately $105,000. “Legacy Emanuel is making significant investments to provide the highest-quality patient care for generations to come,” said Trent Green, president of Legacy Emanuel. “We are thankful for the strong community support of our ECMO Program.”
The evening featured personal stories from patients and their families. Roya Quirk reflected on how Legacy Emanuel’s mobile ECMO team saved her life. She had collapsed and blacked out while watching TV at home. When paramedics arrived, her breathing was shallow. “I am thankful the paramedics chose to drive me to Legacy Emanuel where the outstanding trauma team knew exactly how to treat me when a pulmonary embolism caused my heart to stop four times,” she said.
From Legacy:
Legacy Emanuel’s ECMO program is the busiest and most experienced center in the region. The program has been recognized as a distinguished leader in critical care. And, it is the only ECMO program in the Pacific Northwest to have an ECMO transport team. The six-person mobile critical care team is available at a moment’s notice for patient’s in immediate need of this life-saving therapy.
Nationally known for expertise in treating critical health conditions, Legacy Emanuel is a medical pacesetter. With advanced specialized services, which include a Level I Trauma Center, a Level I Burn Center, ECMO and the LifeFlight Network, it is a vital regional hub for trauma care.
To learn more about supporting any of Legacy Health’s hospitals or programs, call the Legacy Health Office of Philanthropy at 503-415-4700 or visit www.legacyhealth.org/giving.
Portland, OR. 280 people attended Dress for Success Oregon’s (DFSO) sixth-annual Empowerment Breakfast on October 3rd and helped raise over $65,000. The event at The Sentinel Hotel drew together business, civic, and social leaders supporting each other across racial, socioeconomic, and gender lines in the workplace. Sarah Redgrave, Ana Matos, Cara Rothe, Executive Director Shari Dunn, and Dr. Melody Rose were on the event panel. (Photo credit, Images by Brant)
Executive Director Shari Dunn looks on as DFSO Client, Cara Rothe, delivers her speech about her struggle and triumph.
Panelists Sarah Redgrave, Ana Matos, Cara Rothe, and Dr. Melody Rose discuss ways to help women overcome barriers in the workplace.
Dress for Success Oregon’s impact helps low-income women gain employment, wage progression, and economic independence. The event featured keynote speaker, Dr. Melody Rose, President of Marylhurst University, founder of the Center for Women’s Leadership, and a nationally recognized scholar and women and politics. All speakers, along with Vice President of Total Rewards and Family Support for KinderCare Education, Sarah Redgrave, participated in a panel discussion about how employers can help women overcome barriers to success in the workplace.
Volunteer Manager Lindsey Norlander presents Margo Passadore, Karen Morgan, and Becky Schindele with the Dress for Success Oregon Volunteer Award.
The Empowerment Breakfast audience listens to panelists Sarah Redgrave, Ana Matos, Dr. Melody Rose, and Shari Dunn.
From Dress for Success Oregon:
Dress for Success Oregon’s mission is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
Dress for Success Oregon is the only workforce development organization in the state of Oregon that focuses exclusively on women and work. We are distinctive for helping women overcome barriers to employment, prepare for and keep their jobs, and advance in their careers toward the ultimate goal of self-sufficiency and economic equality.
Portland, OR. Fright Night might be fun for humans, but it can be scary for pets. Excited trick-or-treaters, tempting candy and spooky costumes can all pose threats to furry friends resulting in serious health issues. Doctors at DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital offer helpful advice for keeping pets safe during Halloween celebrations.
“Problems can arise for pets when their environments and routines change suddenly,” said Dr. Ladan Mohammad-Zadeh, DoveLewis critical care specialist. “Around Halloween, we’ve seen everything from gastrointestinal issues caused by pets ingesting dangerous items, injuries from costumes, and lost pets who escaped during trick-or-treating festivities.”
Animals in costume should be supervised at all times. Some pets may chew pieces of their outfit and ingest them, causing intestinal obstruction. Also, if a costumed pet escapes or is frightened away, the outfit could get caught on trees, fences or bushes, and pets can get hurt or stuck in the process. Keep an eye on your pet and snap a few photos like the ones below, then remove.
Pet owners can also avoid a trip to the emergency room by following these helpful tips:
Monitor candy and treats at all times, and keep them out of reach. Chocolate is highly toxic to pets, and other candy can cause significant gastrointestinal upset. Additionally, lollipop sticks, plastic parts and wrappers can cause intestinal obstruction and potentially rupture a pet’s intestines. Be sure to remind children that exposing pets to these treats can be dangerous.
Keep pets secured indoors and away from trick-or-treaters. Visitors can cause pets to feel that their territory is being invaded. Even typically calm dogs may get spooked by loud, shrill voices and strange costumes. Stress can result in unsafe reactions – like growling, biting or running away – or even serious health issues, such as vomiting and gastrointestinal problems. Secure pets in a secluded area of the house to help them remain calm and prevent them from darting outdoors. Do not take dogs trick-or-treating, and make sure they are always wearing proper identification and have an updated microchip. (Learn how to update your microchip information.)
When leaving the house, don’t leave candles lit – even if they’re inside pumpkins. When the house is occupied and candles are lit, be sure they are clearly out of reach and monitor pets at all times.
Keep decorative lights out of reach, especially from curious puppies and kittens.
One chewing session can be dangerous and even deadly.
If pets are injured or become ill due to any of these holiday hazards, owners should seek medical treatment for them immediately.
About DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & 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. Nearly 20,000 charitable nonprofits across Oregon positively impact our communities every day, according to the Nonprofit Association of Oregon. Oregon ranks in the top half nationally in both volunteerism and average charitable contributions as a percentage of discretionary income at 4.6%. The power that individuals draw from giving to charity comes from a selfless act: it is often a deeply personal decision of the heart. That care of community, coupled with a hearty nonprofit sector in Oregon addressing a vast array of needs and missions, compels Oregonians to give and they give significantly. According to the 2015 Giving in Oregon report by the Oregon Community Foundation, more than $1.76 billion was donated by private individuals. The Foundation Center reported that for 2014, Oregon’s 878 foundations gave more than $371 million to nonprofit causes and projects.
Although charitable giving occurs throughout the year, the fourth quarter of each year is a critical fundraising time for nonprofits. As a result of the changes to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Nonprofit Association of Oregon wants to ensure Oregon nonprofits are at the forefront of people’s minds during this giving season.
While it is true that a charitable tax deduction is an incentive, it’s not the only reason Oregonians give. To showcase the fantastic work of Oregon’s nonprofits and to encourage Oregonians to give generously to support them, NAO created this short video –
The Nonprofit Association of Oregon wants to excite and remind Oregonians why it’s so important to give and support local nonprofits – whether it’s in La Grande, Prineville, Eugene, Coos Bay, Klamath Falls or in the Portland metro area. Leaders say, “Help us create a groundswell of support for our nonprofits by creating an online buzz and mobilize Oregonians to give to local nonprofits. Let’s remind our supporters how to Care Like An Oregonian!”
From The Nonprofit Association of Oregon:
Who we are
The Nonprofit Association of Oregon is the statewide nonprofit membership organization representing and supporting charitable nonprofits of all sizes, geographic locations and missions across Oregon.
NAO’s mission is to serve public benefit nonprofits by strengthening the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of nonprofits to enrich the lives of all Oregonians. NAO’s vision is that Oregon’s nonprofits are visible and valued as essential contributors to society. We are deeply invested in our core values: Collaboration, Equity and Inclusion, Excellence, Impact, Learning, Service and Stewardship.
What we do
NAO ensures a future in which Oregon nonprofits are visible and valued as essential contributors to our society. We strive to connect, improve and advance all nonprofits to help build a thriving and vital Oregon.
NAO serves the needs of the nonprofit sector through our work in advocacy, convening, disseminating Principles and Practices for Nonprofit Excellence, capacity building and thought leadership.
Nonprofit membership for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
Affiliate membership for businesses that offer services and products to nonprofit organizations; as well as other 501(c) nonprofits, government agencies, individuals, etc.
Membership with NAO offers charitable nonprofits access to resources; attend high quality and relevant professional and volunteer development events at significantly reduced rates; network and learn with other nonprofits; connect with businesses who support nonprofits through cost-savings services and products; and amplify your voice with decision makers.
Affiliate membership with NAO offers businesses, other entities and individuals who support the work of nonprofits to connect with and be part of NAO’s network. This may include businesses who provide products and services to the nonprofit sector, organizations who support nonprofits as part of their community engagement work, or individuals who volunteer in service to the nonprofit sector. Business Affiliate Members at the Verified Level have the opportunity to potentially partner with NAO to offer cost-savings products and services to nonprofits and be part of NAO’s Referral Service.
What we offer
Learning & Professional Development: NAO offers a wide variety of professional and volunteer development learning opportunities for nonprofit leaders and their staff. NAO regularly offers sessions in the Portland area, Central Oregon, Southern Oregon and in a specific menu of rural locations across the state. Additional workshops, webinars, and online resources ensure that nonprofits all over Oregon have access to these valuable resources and opportunities. Learn more.
Referral Service: When nonprofits seek consulting services to meet challenges, support their growth, build effectiveness, and achieve excellence – whether it is a consultant to facilitate a board retreat on diversity, equity and inclusion, an interim executive placement, executive search, or other projects – NAO can match a nonprofit to a vetted and proven expert consultant or service provider. Consultants and service providers must be NAO Business Verified Affiliate Members. Learn more.
Cost Savings on Services and Products: NAO forges partnerships with NAO Business Verified Affiliate Members who want to support nonprofits by offering discounts on services/products. Nonprofits can save money by taking advantage of these cost-savings opportunities. Learn more.
Convenings: NAO provides opportunities for nonprofits and those that support the nonprofit sector to convene, network, discuss issues, offer solutions, and share best practices. NAO frequently partners with local, statewide and national networks, funders and research partners to convene these gatherings to create meaningful dialogue and discussion. Learn more.
Thought Leadership: NAO provides thought leadership at the overall nonprofit sector level about and for the nonprofit sector. We lead the effort to conduct, collate and share key research information about and for the nonprofit sector. We also ensure that Oregon’s nonprofits and the general public have relevant and timely information about changing ideas, opportunities and issues that affect nonprofits around the state.
Advocacy: NAO amplifies the nonprofit sector’s voice through public policy and advocacy work on behalf of Oregon’s nonprofit sector. NAO directly advocates on behalf of all nonprofits, as well as catalyzes important conversations with policy makers and among nonprofits. We work to raise the awareness of nonprofits’ work, issues and need for policy change. We educate and inform policy makers and others at the local, state and federal levels to ensure that nonprofits can continue to do the direct service work they do for the benefit of our communities across Oregon. Learn more.
Through these programs and services, NAO helps to connect, improve and advance the nonprofit sector across Oregon.
Join us and be part of an effective and connected network that is doing great things to improve and advance Oregon’s nonprofit sector!
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