North Plains, OR. More than 250 golfers turned out on a warm sunny day to support the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette and help provide funds for scholarships. Bob Hall, President and CEO at the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette and Troy Weller, President of Precision Construction Company helped get the ball rolling at the event. The 14th Annual YLinks Tournament on September 10th, at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Course raised almost $80,000. The funds will support YMCA programs throughout the Portland/Vancouver area. The goal is to remove economic barriers so that children, families and adults of all ages may access programs that build spirit, mind and body while connecting individuals and communities. (Photo credit, Scott Ripley)
The Y-Links auction was a success with many packages to bid on including this Whiskey Basket.
Cody Roberts, YLinks Speaker and Staff with Willard Burks, Executive Director at YMCA Camp Collins
The YMCA 2017 Land Rover Discovery Car Raffle was a hit, with $100 tickets. The raffle will be held Oct. 27 at the Y’s 150th Birthday Celebration.
From YMCA:
Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor Precision Construction Company and to Troy Weller for his ongoing leadership.
The YMCA of Columbia-Willamette is an association of people who are passionately committed to our purpose and mission. Our culture, based on our Christian heritage, is welcoming and accessible to all. To fulfill our mission we recruit, develop and maintain a diverse workforce in an environment of mutual support, encouragement, accountability, compassion and forgiveness. We commit to:
Establishing long-term relationships
Strive for excellence in all that we do
Lead by example and serve others
Develop people to their fullest potential
Incorporate YMCA Christian principles into our work
Portland, OR. Nearly 400 friends gathered at the Embassy Suites Washington Square on September 14th for the Children’s Center’s Seventh Annual Healing Garden Gala. Richard Ransome, Mary Ransome, and Executive Director Tom Soma were among those supporting the Children’s Center’s mission to end child abuse and neglect. The benefit raised more than $423,000 to serve kids and families recovering from abuse. (Photo credit, Naim Hasan)
Pianist and composer, Michael Allen Harrison, Auctioneer Johnna Wells, and Nike designer Tinker Hatfield
Susanne Olin, Jim Boyer, Executive Director Tom Soma, and Barb Boyer
Event Co-chairs Adel Adams, Lauren Retzlaff, and event host Steve Dunn
The evening’s program was emceed by Steve Dunn of KATU Channel 2 News, and the live auction and special appeal called by international auctioneer champion Johnna Wells. The festivities also included a silent auction in the atrium, dinner, and dancing. Live music was provided by Michael Allen Harrison and Time Machine.
During the appeal, Clinical Director Dr. Cathy Lang gave a moving tribute to staff and families and explained why the work of intervening in cases of child abuse is both vital to community health and meaningful to her personally.
Children’s Center also shared an exciting new development: the launch of a Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program. The program will enable Children’s Center to stay with kids and families on their healing journeys, with ongoing support and care from specialized counselors.
From Children’s Center:
Children’s Center is deeply grateful for the generous investments made to help children affected by abuse change their stories and build stronger futures.
Gold Sponsors: 3 Point Brand Management Bob’s Red Mill
Silver Sponsors: OPUS Agency Reliable Credit Association Inc. Trails End Dental Warn Employee Community Impact Project
Bronze Sponsors: Katie & Zak Callahan Marianne Cursetjee Eaton Family Law Lori & Kevin Faris Tasca & Paul Gulick Bill & Lia Halter Homestreet Bank NessCampbell Crane & Rigging Northwest Bank Gabe & Ken Petersen Rachel Preston Providence Health & Services Mary & Richard Ransome Safeway/Albertsons Foundation Hilary & Wes Sand Amy Stoeber PhD Troy C. Stoeber, M.D. Tanner – Mortensen Family The Thornton Family United States Drug Testing Laboratories, Inc. Scott & Beth Ward John & Ginny Wells Christina & Gary Yarco
West Linn, OR. Over 300 people gathered at a West Linn country estate in support of Albertina Kerr. It was the third year for the one-of-a-kind experience combining a unique country gala and a Mercedes-Benz Amateur National qualifying golf tournament. Hostess Carilyn Alexendar, welcomed Event Chair David Manougian, his daughter Emma, wife Lori, and Justin Berry to the benefit. The fundraiser on September 15th was expected to raise over $300,000.
Mark and Mary Stevenson
Albertina Kerr CEO Jeff Car and Wendy Car
Rich and Christiane Andersen, Pat and Gary Keaveny
Carilyn Alexander and her daughter Whitney
Part of the evening included a silent auction.
There was time for cocktails, live and silent auctions, dinner, music, dancing, and more.
The Country Gala is followed by a golf tournament at Columbia Edgewater Country Club where the two winning twosomes will receive all-expense paid entry to play in the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Amateur National Tournament at the Four Seasons near Dallas, Texas.
From Albertina Kerr:
Since 1907, Albertina Kerr has strengthened Oregon families and communities. Today, we provide programs and services to children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges, empowering them to live richer lives. 24 Hours of Kerr raises funds for essential services including crisis psychiatric care for kids in imminent danger of harming themselves or others, and crucial support for people with developmental disabilities. Join us today and earn your wings.
Portland, OR. Thousands are stepping up to the line for Race for the Cure and even before the race, organizers are halfway to their goal of $700,000. The annual fundraiser fuels Susan G. Komen Oregon and SW Washington’s mission to educate the public about breast cancer, provides support resources, and funds research.
According to Susan G. Komen, one in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime and 40,000 will die annually. “The fight has never been more real. This event is important because it generates nearly 50 percent of the revenue needed to fuel our work locally,” says Ann Berryman, Director of Development and Communications.
Here’s a map of the course for the September 16th event:
The 5K fun run/walk begins at 9am, and the 1-mile family walk begins at 9:30 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Online registration is at komenoregon.org.
In the last 27 years, Susan G. Komen Oregon and SW Washington has funneled nearly $19.8 million into programs that prioritize the importance of improving and building on the quality of life for survivors and forever fighters, emphasize the value of early detection and screenings, as well as financial assistance for accessto treatment. Another $12.4 million has been dedicated to local cutting-edge research.
Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit outside of the federal government while providing realtime help to those facing the disease. Since its founding in 1982, Komen has funded more than $920 million in research and provided more than $2 billion in funding to screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs serving millions of people in more than 30 countries worldwide. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.
Pendleton, OR. The annual rodeo is in full swing and students are celebrating their victories, too. Sixteen were selected to receive scholarships in amounts from $1,500 to $2,000. The Round-Up Foundation is focused on charitable and educational purposes to “provide for the perpetuation of the memory of the Old West and of the pioneers and to preserve the customs and manner of life of the Indian tribes in and near Umatilla County, Oregon.”
Scholarship recipients are involved with either the Round-Up or Happy Canyon pageant and wild west show.
Some scholarships winners helped local charities at the annual event, some sold programs for a youth group, carried a flag in parade, picked up trash with their 4-H Club, participated in performances, or volunteered in other capacities.
The Pendleton Round-Up has been held during the second full week of September since 1910; the rodeo brings roughly 50,000 people to the city every year.
Educational scholarships were just one of the causes supported by the foundation. Breast Cancer awareness was another.
The Round-Up was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1910, as the “Northwestern Frontier Exhibition Association.” The rodeo was primarily a creation of local ranchers led by Herman Rosenberg. This video highlights the excitement of the multi-day event:
The Pendleton Round-Up is a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). The ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colorado, inducted the Pendleton Round-Up in 2008.
The 2019 Pendleton Round-Up will be held September 11th – 14th.
Here’s a list of the top three scholrship recipents who received $2,000 in memory of Donald Deacon Hawkins:
Kaitlynd Ellis, Hermiston
Adrienne Olson, Athena
Morgan Orem, Heppner
From the Pendleton Round-Up:
The beautiful city of Pendleton, Oregon has hosted the Pendleton Round-Up since 1910. Below you will find some information to help make your stay in our town more enjoyable. Please make it a point to visit our Hall of Fame Museum located in the same building as our retail store. The Hall of Fame contains the entire 100 year plus history of the “World Famous Pendleton Round-Up.” Welcome to Pendleton and Let ‘er Buck!
Portland, OR. AIDS Walk Portland drew thousands to the Fields Neighborhood Park, in the Pearl District. Meals on Wheels People joined many organizations participating in the September 8th walk. For over 30 years, supporters have walked to celebrate life, reduce HIV stigma, and remember those lost to HIV.
Cascade AIDS Project spearheads the event, it’s one of the largest and most visible AIDS fundraising events in the Pacific Northwest.
The 2.5 mile walk through downtown Portland draws over 3,000 participants each year. Walkers have raised over $350,352 of their $400,000 goal so far this year. You can still donate here.
Here’s a list of the top fundraisers for AIDS Walk Portland 2018:
TOP 15 PARTICIPANTS
1. Daniel Borgen $12,611
2. Mark Coleman$10,035
3. Paul Hempel$7,030
4. Kimberly Russell$5,355
5. Mathew Boudreaux$4,025
TOP 15 TEAMS
1. Walk Of Fame $19,240
2. New Seasons Market $13,141
3. Team Textile $11,938
4. CAP HouSS Cats! $11,223
5. Positive Force NW $10,426
According to Aacsace Aids, an estimated 1.1 million Americans currently live with HIV, with one in seven not knowing they carry the virus. In Oregon over 7,000 individuals are HIV-positive, with over nearly 70% of them living in the Portland metropolitan area.
Providence Oregon was one of the sponsors.
From Cascade AIDS Project:
CAP’s History: Founded in 1983 and incorporated in 1985, Cascade AIDS Project is the oldest and largest community-based provider of HIV services, housing, education and advocacy in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Cascade AIDS Project helps people put their lives back together; to secure housing, find essential medical care and deal with the countless issues that make the difference between giving up or getting up and going on. With HIV and AIDS, the huge emotional and financial burden to all affected by it can be staggering. Some people lose their jobs, their housing, their friends and family and any means of support. Imagine what it must be like for someone who suddenly finds they are without the essentials we so often take for granted. Shelter, life skills training, and emotional support; these are what CAP provides.
Portland, OR. All Classical Portland is kicking off its second annual Music Feeds fundraiser with the Oregon Food Bank with the goal of feeding 30,000 meals to those in need. Radio station staffers (and arts partners, Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Portland Piano International, Portland Youth Philharmonic, Portland Symphonic Choir, Oregon Symphony Orchestra, and Portland Baroque Orchestra) rolled up their sleeves on August 28th to launch the program at the Oregon Food Bank with Olson & Jones Construction.
“The “Music Feeds” Fall Fundraiser is so special to All Classical Portland. During September, Every time someone makes a donation to All Classical Portland, Olson & Jones Construction turns around and makes a donation directly to the Oregon Food Bank,” explains Suzanne Nance, CEO and president of All Classical Portland. “This does a couple of things: It helps us raise the necessary funds to keep the music alive on our public community radio service; and it helps us feed 30,000 people who are in need. It’s a beautiful way for the community to come together.”
Suzanne Nance, president and CEO of All Classical Portland
Oregon Food Bank’s food distribution programs also provide social contact and promote community cohesiveness, both of which are components in building individual and neighborhood resiliency.
High fives for success at the volunteer effort.
Amber Lindsey, Director of Communications Oregon Food Bank says, We’re thrilled that All Classical Portland and Olson & Jones Construction are here to provide a visual, tangible start to Hunger Action Month.”
From All Classical Portland:
More than 644,000 Oregonians are food insecure, and of those, about 223,480 are children. All Classical Portland provides music around the clock that nourishes the heart and soul, and through this 2nd annual collaboration during Hunger Action Month, the station will also help nourish bodies. Throughout September, each donation made to All Classical Portland will trigger a third-party donation from Olson & Jones Construction directly to the Oregon Food Bank, which will provide six meals to individuals and families in need. The goal is to receive 5,000 donations which will in turn feed up to 30,000 people.
The station is partnering with the Oregon Food Bank and support its network of regional pantries which help 1 in 5 households experiencing hunger in our region. In line with All Classical Portland’s mission to build and sustain culturally vibrant communities, Olson & Jones Construction has worked to build community in the Portland area for over 35 years and is a proud supporter of All Classical Portland.
To take part in this fundraiser, call 1-888-899-5722, make your gift online at www.allclassical.org, or stop by the station in person, Monday through Friday, 9am – 5pm. (address: 211 SE Caruthers Street in Portland)
Individuals can participate in the fundraiser, by calling 1-888-899-5722, donate online at www.allclassical.org, or stop by the station in person, Monday through Friday, 9am – 5pm. (address: 211 SE Caruthers Street in Portland).
Portland, OR. The goal of “National Wear Teal Day” on Friday, September 7th is to raise awareness for ovarian cancer and its symptoms.
Here are symptoms of ovarian cancer:
Bloating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)
The recommendation for a woman with any of these symptoms is that she see her doctor, preferably a gynecologist, if the symptoms are new and unusual and occur more than 12 times during the course of one month. Experts suggest a combination pelvic/rectal exam, CA 125 blood test, and a transvaginal ultrasound.
Ovarian cancer awareness supporters werar teal as they fill the audience of a taping of AM Northwest.
There are many compelling stories about women who advocated for their own health and didn’t stop until they were properly diagnosed. One was written by Yadira Galindo from the University of San Diego about Jo-Anne Lesser.
For seven months, Lesser saw multiple physicians in an attempt to treat pain, constipation and bloating. They were treating her for suspected gastrointestinal problems with laxatives and dietary changes. The medications and prunes helped only mildly but not long term. “I continued to be incredibly uncomfortable,” recalls Lesser. “I couldn’t even pass enough to fill a stool sample vial. ”When symptoms did not improve, Lesser requested an ultrasound to rule out an abdominal aortic aneurysm — when an area of the aorta bulges and risks rupturing — which runs in her family. The ultrasound found no aneurysm but it did reveal findings suggestive of advanced stage ovarian cancer. One of her ovaries was the size of a grapefruit prompting additional imaging, which showed evidence that the cancer had metastasized — or spread — to nearby lymph nodes and her liver. “I should not have been so polite. I should have insisted on tests earlier,” said Lesser. “Thank goodness my mom had an abdominal aortic aneurysm or I would not have been diagnosed.” Ovarian cancer has been termed the silent killer because its presenting symptoms are often mistaken for other benign conditions, particularly the ones that affect the gastrointestinal system, or simply changes in a woman’s body as she ages. Previous studies, however, have shown that ovarian cancer does present symptoms, even in early stages. In addition to the signs Lesser experienced, persistent urinary urgency, pelvic pressure, pelvic pain and early feelings of fullness when eating could all be indications of this cancer.
“Jo-Anne’s symptoms are commonly seen in patients with ovarian cancer, but these are unfortunately considered nonspecific, so they are frequently ignored or attributed to other age-related problems, like constipation, irritable bowel or indigestion, resulting in delayed diagnosis,” said Ramez Eskander, MD, a board-certified gynecologic oncologist who is now treating Lesser. “It is important to educate patients so that they are aware that ovarian cancer is not a silent disease. If patients develop new and persistent symptoms similar to those discussed, they should be evaluated by their physicians and cancer should be considered as a possible cause.” Unfortunately, due to the lack of an effective screening strategy, ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Only 20 percent of ovarian cancers are found at an early stage. However, if found early a woman has a 92 percent chance of a five-year survival. “One of the principle issues is that ovarian cancer is not considered as a possible reason for these symptoms,” said Eskander. “This results in a significant delay from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis. Even with early stage disease, 89 percent of women complain of symptoms prior to diagnosis. If we educate families and physicians, we may be able to identify this disease earlier facilitating intervention and treatment.” Approximately 1.3 percent of women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in their lifetime. Compared to breast cancer, which affects 12.4 percent of women, that’s not a big number. But according to the National Cancer Institute, the five-year survival rate of women with ovarian cancer is 45.6 percent compared to 89.7 percent for women with a breast malignancy.
For more information, contact http://www.ovariancancerosw.org/.
Aurora, OR. A celebration called the Spirit of ’45 honored WWII Veterans on August 15th at the Aurora Airport. The Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation (AADF) came to Oregon to provide free flights for some special vets, using fully restored Boeing Stearman biplanes. These open cockpit airplanes were used to train many military aviators in WWII. The radial engine has the ability to bring back nostalgic memories for veterans and seniors.
The Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation (AADF) has provided more than 1,900 Dream Flights since 2011.
Vets in Aurora also enjoyed flights in a restored a 1940’s DC3 plane. This particular DC3 will be flying to Normandy next year to honor the 75th anniversary of D-day.
Fully restored Boeing Stearman biplane.
The event also included a speech from Rishi Sharma, a 20-year-old who’s dedicated his life to interviewing every living WWII combat veteran until the last one is gone. Additionally, kids’ activities, music, games and trivia were included in the program.
From Aviation Dreams Foundation:
For this event, the ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation partnered with The Vital Life Foundation. Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation (AADF) is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit, volunteer based organization dedicated to honoring seniors and United States military veterans living in long-term care communities around the country. The Foundation’s only mission is “Giving Back To Those Who Have Given”.
The Foundation is made up of volunteers who donate their time and talents to fulfill our Mission. The Foundation relies on generous donors to fund the cost of the Dream Flights, which are offered to seniors and U.S. military veterans in long-term care facilities at no charge.
Portland, OR. The Washington Park Amphitheater was packed when Portland SummerFest Opera in the Park presented an abridged version of Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca. Singing the title character was acclaimed soprano Angela Brown, for whom “Tosca” is a signature role. (She posed for a photo with Portland baritone Richard Zeller.) Her successful Metropolitan Opera debut in the title role of Aida captured international attention. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Angela Brown (soprano) as TOSCA, Maestro Imre Palló, Dear Guidi (bass-baritone) as SCIARONE, Tom Cilluffo (tenor) as SPOLETTA
Joining Angela Brown in the July 28th production were two other veterans of the Metropolitan Opera: tenor Allan Glassman as the painter “Cavaradossi” and Portland’s baritone Richard Zeller as the villainous chief of police “Scarpia.” Singing the roles of “Sacristan” and “Sciarrone” was local bass-baritone Deac Guidi. They performed with the SummerFest Chorus and Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Keith Clark.
Allan Glassman (tenor) as CAVARADOSSI, Angela Brown (soprano) as TOSCA
Artistic Director & Conductor Keith Clark is Principal Guest Conductor of the Siberian Chamber Orchestra in Omsk, Russia, Conductor of the Amadeus Opera Ensemble in Salzburg, and Founding Conductor Laureate of the Pacific Symphony in Southern California. He is also the Founding Music Director & Conductor of the Astoria Music Festival.
Soprano Angela Brown with friends from All Classical Portland and board member Sharon Buckmaster
From Portland SummerFest’s Opera in the Park:
Portland SummerFest is a non-profit organization dedicated to the enrichment of cultural life in Portland which believes “Opera is for Everyone,” and is committed to presenting annual free operatic performances at the outdoor Washington Park Amphitheater as part of Portland Parks and Recreation’s annual Summer Festival.
Portland SummerFest’s Opera in the Park presents annual free operatic performances at the beautiful outdoor Washington Park Amphitheater in southwest Portland. The performance at Washington Park has been presented since 2003 as part of Portland Parks and Recreation’s annual Washington Park Summer Festival.
Audiences of all ages and backgrounds come to Washington Park to enjoy this unique contribution to the cultural life of Portland. Presented in concert format with full orchestra and lively narration, these concerts have introduced thousands of Portlanders to the world of opera and been avidly attended by a growing number of loyal fans.
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