Chess for Success 2018 Game Changer Luncheon Raises Over $120,000

Chess for Success 2018 Game Changer Luncheon Raises Over $120,000

Portland, OR. Over 220 business and community leaders gathered at the downtown Hilton on April 26th for the Chess for Success Game Changer Luncheon. The event was emceed by Richard Meeker, President of City of Roses Media Company and Founder of Willamette Week’s Give!Guide. Portland Public Schools Superintendent, Guadalupe Guerrero, was a special guest watched students Xochitl and Anna play a game of chess. He also shared his own story about playing chess with his siblings and the important role the game played in his life.

Students from Chief Joseph Elementary pose with PPS superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero

Board member and volunteer coach Richard Greensted posed with his wife Jennifer and Ciaran and Malachi from Chief Joseph Elementary

The King of Chess poses with a chess pieces

Emcee Richard Meeker, Ellen Rosenblum, Rukaiyah Adams, David Chen, Olumide Adebolu, and Tinuade Adebolu

Keynote Speaker Shemia Fagan holds her 1992 Oregon Scholastic Chess trophy while giving her remarks.

The keynote speaker was Shemia Fagan, former State Representative. Shemia is originally from Dufur, Oregon. Raised by a single father, Shemia went on to win the Oregon Scholastic Chess Tournament as a fourth grader. She shared her powerful story about how chess gave her the confidence and drive to succeed. Finally, Michael Malone, retired chess coach and current program manager, spoke alongside chess students from Lent School, Chief Joseph Elementary, and Ockley Green Middle School. “We benefit as a society from everything Chess for Success does for these kids,” Michael said.

From Chess for Success:

Chess for Success guests and sponsors gave over $120,000 to support children in the program. It was the most successful luncheon ever! Thank you to everyone who attended. The chess kids thank you, too!

When you invest in the mission of Chess for Success, you help our region’s children succeed, one move at a time.

Chess for Success is an intervention responding to the academic deficiency, lack of educational support systems, and lack of recreational outlets economically disadvantaged and minority children face. 

The tangible benefits of supporting Chess for Success—clubs held twice weekly, tournament opportunities, club t-shirts, and chess sets for each child to keep—are gifts that will brighten the school year for economically disadvantaged and minority children. The intangible benefits last a lifetime.
Hear from educators and students how your support makes a difference.

Our carefully crafted lesson plans help students develop analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills that improve behavior and academic performance (attendance, grades, and test scores), building self-confidence. As a result, students begin setting goals for their futures.

Working with our more than three dozen community partners, it is our goal to increase the high school graduation rate (Oregon now ranks worst in the nation, according to the U.S. Department of Education, and Washington is 40th) and improve college and workplace readiness.

By helping to close the achievement gap now, at-risk children have the opportunity to succeed in school and in life, ending the cycle of poverty.  

Your support truly is a game changer for more than 3,400 boys and girls.

Please make your tax-deductible contribution today. Gifts of all sizes are greatly appreciated.

Chess for Success has been recognized for fiscal responsibility. We received the Light a Fire 2009 “Most with the Least” award for providing programming at an average cost of $150 per student. In September 2014, we received distinction as a “BBB Accredited Charity” for meeting all 20 Better Business Bureau Giving Alliances Standards for Charity Accountability. We remain good stewards of the funds entrusted to us.

Chess for Success is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization: Tax ID 93-1208405

 

St. Mary’s Academy Community Raises Nearly One Million Dollars to Support Young Women

St. Mary’s Academy Community Raises Nearly One Million Dollars to Support Young Women

Portland, OR. More than 700 guests gathered to raise their paddles in support of the young women of St. Mary’s Academy at the school’s 30th Annual Auction: “Pearls of Wisdom.” Beautiful pearls helped transform the Oregon Convention Center and set the stage to celebrate future female leaders. Cathy Marshall of KGW served as the mistress of ceremonies for the evening, keeping the crowd enthusiastic and engaged. St. Mary’s raised nearly one million dollars thanks to the generosity of the school’s dedicated community. Alumnae from the class of 1994 joined in the celebration including Kelley (Morrison) Ogle, Jen (Schulte) Masi, Jamie Sprando, Brittney Clark, Jessica (Hickox) Meyer, Karis Stoudamire-Phillips and Joan (Harold) Chaney.

Molly (Fink) Soong ’99, Ezra Becker, Marilyn Fink, Jeani Fink ’97, Tom Fink and Patrick Soong

Regan Look, Ria Look, Mike Hagel, Shawn Hagel and Dana Berger

Mike and Tracey Clark

Brad Maier, Sara Jewell, Haewon Nam, Dustin Klinger

“We are so very fortunate to be supported by generous parents, alumnae, friends and community members who believe in the power of young women and the value of a St. Mary’s Academy education. Your partnership allows us to impact hundreds of young women each year and we are so very thankful,” said Emily Niedermeyer Becker ’86, Vice President for Development at St. Mary’s Academy.

Highlights from the event included exciting raffles for the chance to win a 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport SE or a $5,000 travel adventure voucher, packages for getaways to an African Safari, Wine Country Hot Air Ballooning and Hawaii, and the school’s highly anticipated Bids for Kids paddle raise. Bids for Kids is an opportunity for auction guests to contribute to the school’s tuition assistance program. This school year, St. Mary’s awarded $1.9 Million in tuition assistance to 40% of current families.

Bids for Kids speaker, Liane Rae, all-girls school alumna, St. Mary’s Academy Science teacher, and recently appointed Assistant Principal of Curriculum Design and Instruction, shared that she believes that “the exceptional young women at St. Mary’s must be offered the opportunity to observe, think critically, interpret, appreciate precision and scale, and communicate the perspectives of a female scientist, visual artist, mathematician, computer scientist, performance artists, or engineer as well as a host of other professions that our programs foster and encourage. Your investment tonight allows us to offer qualified and eager young women the St. Mary’s experience, regardless of her family’s financial situation.”

This year’s auction was co-chaired by St. Mary’s Academy parents Sara Jewell, Dustin Klinger, Bradley Maier and Haewon Nam, who lauded the “amazing talent and inspiring altruism” of all volunteers who were committed to creating an extraordinary experience while raising significant funds to support the school and their mission.

The auction is St. Mary’s largest annual fundraising event with proceeds benefiting every student in meaningful ways.

From St. Mary’s Academy:

At St. Mary’s Academy, We Believe.

Located in the heart of downtown Portland, OR, St. Mary’s Academy is the state’s oldest continuingly-operating school and its only all-girls secondary school. Founded in 1859 by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, St. Mary’s Academy serves over 725 young women in grades 9-12. The school’s college acceptance rate is 100% and SMA students achieve, excel and are recognized locally, regionally and nationally in academic fields, the arts, athletics, community services and extra- and co-curricular activities. www.stmaryspdx.org

Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare Reaches Milestone In Capital Campaign For New Garlington Health Center

Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare Reaches Milestone In Capital Campaign For New Garlington Health Center

Portland, OR. Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare celebrated the progress of its capital redevelopment plans for the new Garlington Campus with nearly 370 guests on April 5th at its 2nd annual A Culture of Caring Gala. The Northeast Portland campus is home to the Garlington Health Center, a new whole health care center due to open late summer 2018, and Garlington Place, a new 52-unit affordable housing apartment building.

Through the generosity of guests and sponsors, the Gala raised $200,000 in support of the Garlington Health Center, and shared in the announcement of a $100,000 grant from the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund bringing the philanthropic campaign year-to-date total to $3.2 million. The campaign goal is $3.5 million. Cascadia had previously secured a $1 million land donation toward the project. (Photo credit, Mario Gallucci.)

 

Aline Blumenauer, Earl Blumenauer, Gina Davis and Adam Davis

Janice Jacobs, Joan Jasper and Jeffrey Eisen

Letso Maepa, Kay Toran, Alzindel, Dot Zindel, and Erna Walters

Derald Walker, Arvie Smith, John Washington

Andrew Colas, Hermann Colas Jr, guest and Deborah Kafoury

Kellie VavRosky

“The generosity of our community is so inspiring and our Gala did an incredible job showcasing the life-changing work Cascadia provides to thousands of individuals and families every day,” said Kellie VavRosky, 2018 Gala Chair and Cascadia Executive Board Director. “With the focus of the evening on the remarkable progress of our campaign in support of the new Garlington Health Center, the event was an exciting kick-off for the home stretch to the opening of the Center. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us.”

The new Garlington Center will deliver integrated healthcare – bringing together mental health, substance use support, primary care, and wellness services with a retail pharmacy in one location to better support a person’s whole healthcare needs.

Residents began moving into Garlington Place Apartments earlier this month. Studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments in the building are available to Cascadia clients, veterans, and displaced North and Northeast Portland residents.

Mural art gets first showing

A highlight of the Gala was the unveiling of two mural designs – one by renowned Oregon artist Arvie Smith, the other by emerging Portland artist Jeremy Davis – that will serve as visual anchors for the new Garlington Health Center.

“It’s a great honor to have Arvie Smith create a major work of art for the Center,” said Cascadia CEO Derald Walker, PhD. “To also have a mural by Jeremy Davis underscores our commitment to make the Center inviting to our clients and illuminate the block in the Eliot neighborhood.”

Smith’s work will span the Garlington Center’s south wall, facing NE Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard. Davis’ piece will be located at the Center’s front entrance at 3034 NE Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard.

Cascadia also revealed a replica of the donor recognition sculpture trees designed by Portland-based artist Hillary Pfiefer, and hosted a virtual reality tour of the new Garlington campus for guests to experience during the cocktail reception. Pfeiefer had a series of sculptures on view at the reception. Other featured art included works from Meghan Caughey, artist and Cascadia’s senior director of peer wellness, and Jo Lundberg, a local artist who also works as a mental health counselor.

Community leaders honored

As part of the Gala program, three Portlanders received Culture of Caring Awards for their contributions and vital roles in strengthening our community’s social, physical, cultural and emotional wellbeing. Kay Toran was honored for her achievements in promoting greater awareness and importance of building healthy, vibrant communities. Reverend Dr. T. Allen Bethel was honored for his work in building community and civic engagement. Darrell Grant was honored for building community through the arts.

Gala guests included Multnomah County Commission Chair Deborah Kafoury, Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Merien, Oregon State Senator Lew Frederick, Oregon Representative Robe Nosse, Metro Council President Tom Hughes, Metro Councilor Sam Chase, Soul District Business Association Chair John Washington, NAACP President Rev. E.D. Mondaine, and US Representative Earl Blumenauer.

Poet Emily Newberry dedicated a poem in honor of the Garlington Health Center and Aurora Chorus Outreach Ensemble entertained the audience with moving choral arrangements on the subjects of social justice, healing and hope. Award-winning Metropolitan Youth Symphony’s jazz ensemble also played for Gala guests.

ABOUT CASCADIA BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE

Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare is a private, not-for-profit whose mission is to provide whole health care for people living with mental health and addiction challenges. For information on Cascadia’s comprehensive range of innovative, integrated clinical and housing support programs, visit: cascadiabhc.org.

 

“Glamping Gala” Breaks Fundraising Record for Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp

“Glamping Gala” Breaks Fundraising Record for Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp

West Linn, OR. Over 360 supporters came together for a “Glamping Gala” to support Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp and raised much-needed funds for its life-changing programs. James, Jos, and Iris Tervo posed for a photo at the benefit on April 21th, which was held at the Oregon Golf Club. The evening’s fundraising surpassed expectations. In one night, MHKC raised a record breaking $268,000, which allows children and adults with disabilities to experience a week at camp, building their self-confidence and enhancing personal growth goals. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Jessica Hart & MHKC Board Member Doug Hart and Kelly & Brian Koenig

Supporters Wendy & Mark Handwerger and Monica & Chris Olson

Tyler Houston and MHKC Board Member Jason Behunin

Samantha Richardson and Karen Anderson

Playing to the Glamping (glamorous camping) theme, the event was kicked off with visits from Smokey the Bear, Woodsy the Owl, and the US Forest Service. Guests purchased blue enameled MHKC camping mugs, and enjoyed the outdoor-themed decor—a glowing moon, trees, a faux fire, and live trees on each table. The crowd was also treated to camp songs by the Camp’s own “Staff Infection Band.” 

The focus of the evening was bringing the Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp experience to the gala.  The show was filled with campers performing skits, introducing the staff and board, and sharing their love of MHKC. Former Trail Blazer announcer Mike Barrett emceed the evening, partnering with Kelly Russell from Artisan Auctions. 

Iris Tervo, who has attended Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp for several years, and her family shared their Camp experience. Iris is involved in many sports and activities outside of school, but says she looks forward to Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp the most.  Her parents have noticed that the confidence Iris gains at camp carries over and helps her excel in all other areas of her life.

Leading sponsors were: Seneca Foods, Consumer Cellular, KPTV – Fox 12, ProBuild, Columbia Bank, the Hart Family Foundation, Kiwanis Club of Portland Foundation, and IMS Capital Mgmt.

Portland Japanese Garden Gears Up for Gala Under the Stars on Saturday, August 4th

Portland Japanese Garden Gears Up for Gala Under the Stars on Saturday, August 4th

Portland, OR. The iconic Portland Japanese Garden is planning a 55th Anniversary Gala. It’s the first-ever outdoor dining experience in the Garden’s beautiful new Cultural Village. Seating is limited so get your tickets now to be a part of this one-of-kind event. With the 2017 opening of the Cultural Village, the Portland Japanese Garden became one of the world’s most important Japanese cultural centers. This year, you can enjoy the most comprehensive arts, culture, and educational programs in the Garden’s history. Supporters invite you to attend their summer highlight: the celebratory Portland Japanese Garden gala evening under the stars on August 4th. Click HERE for more gala information.

The new Cultural Village, designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, will be all decked out for the 55th Anniversary Gala. (Photo Credit, Jeremy Bittermann)

From Portland Japanese Garden:

The proceeds from the Anniversary Gala will support the Garden’s artistic, cultural, and educational programming, which in 2018 explores the unique traditions and arts of Kyoto. We cannot think of a better tribute to Kyoto than to hold an elegant evening of dining and entertainment in the beautiful surroundings of the Portland Japanese Garden. Dining under the stars surrounded by the award-winning buildings of preeminent Japanese architect Kengo Kuma is an occasion not to be missed. We hope you will join us for this special night as one of our guests or table hosts. Proceeds will be raised through sponsorships and ticket sales alone, with no auction or special appeal component at the dinner. Please visit HERE to learn more about this much anticipated evening at the Garden.

To request an invitation or plan a table please contact Matthew Maas, Donor Relations Officer at [email protected]

55th Anniversary Gala Committee

Julie & Wayne Drinkward, Co-chairs

Deborah & Robert Zagunis, Co-chairs

Committee members: Gwyneth Gamble Booth, Sandy Chandler, Dede DeJager, Dean Dordevic, Katherine Frandsen, Gail Jubitz, Piper A. Park, Lucy Reynolds, Cathy Rudd, Rebecca Teasdale, Dorie Vollum

 

The Portland Japanese Garden is located in the west hills of Portland, Oregon, directly above the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park at 611 SW Kingston Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97205. 

Year-round, the Garden is served by TriMet bus #63 which connects to the MAX stations at the Oregon Zoo and Providence Park.

For those who don’t mind a walk, the frequent-service buses #15-NW 23rd and #20-Burnside both stop at NW 23rd & Burnside, which is about a one-mile walk up through Washington Park.

Or you can take the Red or Blue line MAX train to the Washington Park stop (aka, the Zoo) and then take a free Explore Washington Park shuttle to the Garden.

Hours: Summer Public Hours (March 12 – Sept. 30): ● Monday: Noon – 7 p.m. ● Tuesday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Winter Public Hours (Oct. 1 – March 11) ● Monday: Noon – 4 p.m. ● Tuesday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m

For more information about visiting the Portland Japanese Garden, here’s a link to the website: https://japanesegarden.org/

Oregon Symphony 2018 Gala Raises Record $1.15M

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.

A photo set complete with musical instruments was a fun addition to the cocktail hour in Portland Art Museum’s Field’s Ballroom. Pictured here are Jeffrey & Kristen Johnson, Oregon Symphony Board President Bob Harrison with his wife, Janis and Carey & Lance Killian. (Photo credit, Rachel Hadiashar)

Scott Showalter presented the Fourth Annual Schnitzer Wonder Award to Metropolitan Youth Symphony Executive Direct Diana Scoggins and Music Direct Raúl Gómez. The Schnitzer Wonder Award was created in 2015 by Jordan Schnitzer to honor his parents, Harold and Arlene Schnitzer. The award honors an individual or organization that directly works to build community through the next generation of artists and/or student musicians.

Symphony supporters gather for festivities at the Portland Art Museum. 

One highlight of the evening was a special appearance by Storm Large, who sang Roxy’s Lullaby, a song written as part of the Lullaby Project, in which Oregon Symphony partnered with Portland Homeless Family Solutions to connect local musicians with mothers in need, to compose and record original lullabies for their children.

Oregon Symphony’s biggest supporters came out in full force to celebrate and contribute to the evening’s record results. Shown here are guests of Umpqua Bank (clockwise from back row left): Brian Detman, Katherine Deumling, Rosalie Mcdougall, Umpqua Bank Executive Vice President and Oregon Symphony Board member Eve Callahan, Cherrie Abraham, Keith Lykins, Nandi Ngubentombi, Scott Taylor, Rose Bond, and Georgina Hayns.

Oregon Symphony Gala co-chair Dan Drinkward dressed up for a photograph with Scott Showalter and Maestro Carlos Kalmar.

Jordan Schnitzer, President and Director of gala sponsor The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer Care Foundation, made an impromptu speech about the importance of funding for the arts in schools. His remarks came at the beginning of the paddle raise which would go on to raise a record-setting $1.15 million. He’s shown here with benefit auctioneer Johnna Wells.

Drummers from the Obo Addy Legacy Project, led by Alex Addy, thrilled the audience and built momentum leading towards the announcement of the grand total.

OSA Board member Kris Kern and her husband Michael Kern were among the named sponsors of the event. Shown here are Oregon Symphony Associate Concertmaster Peter Frajola, Oregon Symphony Concertmaster Sarah Kwak, Michael Kern, Kris Kern.

The evening began with the Symphony’s annual community concert held at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Showalter welcomed a capacity crowd of nearly 3,000 music lovers including over 400 gala attendees who enjoyed a free classical concert led by Music Director Carlos Kalmar. The program, titled “Classically Unexpected,” showcased the virtuosity of the Symphony’s resident musicians who performed as solo artists in works by Derek Bermel, Antonio Vivaldi, Mikhail Glinka, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Richard Strauss.

Between pieces, the 2018 Schnitzer Wonder Award, created by Jordan Schnitzer in honor of his parents Harold and Arlene Schnitzer, was presented to the Metropolitan Youth Symphony (MYS), represented by Music Director Raúl Gómez and Executive Director Diana Scoggins. The award included a $10,000 contribution to MYS. After the concert, gala guests walked across the South Park blocks to the Portland Art Museum where they enjoyed a cocktail hour with a surprise fanfare by the Brass Quartet of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony followed by a three-course dinner in the Kridel Ballroom.

The program included a poignant solo performance by celebrated Portland vocalist, Storm Large. The room fell silent as she stood alone in a pool of light with her ukulele and sang “Roxy,” a tender lullaby which she wrote with a new mother as part of The Lullaby Project, a collaboration between the Oregon Symphony and Portland Homeless Family Solutions – and a part of the Oregon Symphony’s ambitious 2017/18 Sounds of Home season which brought awareness to timely community issues of immigration, the environment, and homelessness.

Moved by the success of the evening, Showalter expressed his gratitude to all the guests noting, “This support, along with that of all of our annual donors will make possible the broadest and most diverse array of outreach programs in the state. I look forward to our future!”

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ABOUT THE OREGON SYMPHONY:

The Grammy-nominated Oregon Symphony ranks as one of America’s major orchestras. Led by Music Director Carlos Kalmar, it serves over 300,000 people annually through more than 110 concerts and through its award-winning education and community engagement programs. Now in its 122nd year, the Oregon Symphony is the oldest orchestra west of the Mississippi.

An unprecedented 2016/17 Season broke records in virtually every category, drawing historic attendance and revenue. These numbers were propelled by a 20% increase in the number of classical concerts, three groundbreaking SoundSights concerts, and the broadest-ever range of repertoire. Its 2017/18 Season builds on this success in a trailblazing new series, The Sounds of Home, which combines music and art to reflect on three critical issues in our community – immigration, the environment, and homelessness.

Community Action Benefit a Kaleidoscope Celebration of Hope

Community Action Benefit a Kaleidoscope Celebration of Hope

Portland, OR. 350 supporters gathered for a benefit called Kaleidoscope to celebration the hope, help, and change that Community Action brings to low-income families throughout Washington County. The benefit on April 13th at NW Events & Environments in Hillsboro, featured inspirational stories about small changes that make a big impact. Executive Director of Community Action, Reneè Bruce thanked Lisette Acosta, a former client, for sharing her journey. Kaleidoscope is Community Action’s annual celebration and biggest fundraiser of the year; this year it raised over $228,000. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Carolyn Ortman, Kaiser Permanente; Mayor Steve Calloway, City of Hillsboro; Representative Margaret Doherty, Oregon Legislature

Robyn Shuey, The Standard

Leda Garside, Tuality Healthcare; Cece Clitheroe, Tuality Healthcare; Cam Clitheroe

Reneè Bruce, Community Action Executive Director; Bruce Whiting, Key Bank

Lisette Acosta, shared her story of being homeless with her 12 year old son. Her biggest fear during that time was losing her son, because she could not provide a safe place for him. She finally found that safe place at Community Action’s Family Shelter. Once there, she got the support she needed to find permanent housing.

She told the crowd of 350 people how grateful she is to have a home. She said, “What this means is that I now have my dignity back. I can be the parent my son deserves – a mom whose primary concern is for how to make his life better instead of how to find a safe place to sleep every night.” The crowd was so inspired by her story, they rose to their feet in a standing ovation show of support. And then they gave generously to help other families facing homelessness. 

From Community Action:

Community Action offers the following programs to assist eligible residents of Washington County. Click a link or call to find out about service details, availability, eligibility criteria and more.

TTY Relay Services (English)  dial 711 or 1-800-735-1232

Bridlemile Foundation 60th Diamond Anniversary Gala Raises $93,000

Bridlemile Foundation 60th Diamond Anniversary Gala Raises $93,000

Portland, OR. The Bridlemile Foundation 60th Diamond Anniversary Gala & Auction on March 17th raised over $93,000 to support the elementary school. Auction co-chair Lindsay Warner, posed for a phto with auctioneer Matthew Di Loreto and co-chair KaDo Gorman. The Bridlemile Foundation is led by parent volunteers who raise money to allow administrators to hire additional staff to enhance and diversify academic programs at the southwest Portland school. Bridlemile Elementary opened its doors on September 4, 1958. This 2017-2018 school year marks the diamond anniversary 60th school year for the facility. (Photo credit, Jason DeSomer)

Erin Allcutt, Alison Elia, Winnie Callough, Amanda Bruyere, Kitta Bodmer and Brianna Showell

Principle Brad Pearson discussing the history of the school. 

Paula and John O’Neil

Jen Moylan, Derik Vowels, Amanda Vowels and Mark Moylan

Cakes were donated by Baker and Spice. Malka Jewelers generously donated diamond earrings.

The Bridlemile community at the 60th Diamond Anniversary Gala & Auction.

From Bridlemile Foundation:

Bridlemile Elementary opened its doors on September 4, 1958. This 2017-2018 school year marks the diamond anniversary for Bridlemile—the 60th school year for the facility. Please help the Bridlemile Foundation and all of the Bridlemile community celebrate our school throughout this special school year.

The Bridlemile Foundation is a not-for-profit fundraising organization dedicated to maintaining Bridlemile’s ability to provide an excellent elementary education for its students.

The Bridlemile Foundation raises funds from families and community partners to provide resources to the school to increase staffing in order to enrich learning and preserve a comprehensive educational experience.

The Bridlemile Foundation is made up of the following volunteers:

President: Brad Nelson

Vice President: Tim Hartley

Treasurer: Barbra Littrel

Secretary:  Jen Moylan

Directors:

  • Marc Albers
  • Joe Boyles
  • JC Garay
  • Heather Keeling
  • Paula O’neil
  • Mona Rogers
  • Kate Touminen
  • Robin Warner
Oregon College of Oriental Medicine Hosts 6th Annual Cherry Blossom Gala

Oregon College of Oriental Medicine Hosts 6th Annual Cherry Blossom Gala

Portland, OR. Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) celebrated its 6th Annual Cherry Blossom Gala on Saturday, April 7th at Castaway Portland. The benefit brought together 250 people including Michell Hay, President and CEO of The CHP Group and Hong Jin, DAOM, LAc, in support of OCOM’s mission to transform health care. This year’s theme, “The House of Good Fortune,” inspired the crowd with a variety of experiences including a lively cocktail reception, Chinese-inspired dinner, live Chinese music, a “Sparkle Lounge” with free Swarovski ear crystals, Chinese calligraphy, “Laughing Buddha” photo booth, and silent and live auctions full of unforgettable experiences. During the dinner program, the college honored extraordinary faculty member Joe Coletto, ND, LAc, for his 33 years of teaching and inspiring students. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Janet LaRosa, Joe Coletto, ND, LAc

Mona Searles, NP, LAc

Juliet Moran of Open Eye Art getting her hair “sparkled” by Serafaery

Sam Chase, Metro Councilor

Calligraphy by Jiyu Yang of the Wisdom Arts Academy

Skip Lee and Ann Marie Lee

Steve and Wendy Shain with Brad Malsin

Mona Searles, NP, LAc and Sarah Small, LPC with past OCOM Board Chair Peter Martin, LAc

Liz March, DAOM, LAc and Shannon Chawla, LAc

Helen Ying, Metro Councilor and Jeffrey Weih, PA, LAc

Liz Burns and Dan Saltzman, Commissioner, City of Portland

Holden Leung, Executive Director, Asian Health & Services Center and Dr. Anita Chan (Mrs. Erik Szeto) and Dr. Erik Szeto, Founder and Board Chair, Asian Health & Services Center and Cathy Chinn, Secretary, Board Trustee, OCOM and Evelyn Rosling, Principal Broker, Park Place Real Estate

Bill McCrae OCOM Interim President and Cindy McEnroe and Joe Coletto, ND, LAC and Jan McCrae

Charles Elder, MD, MPH and Brad Malsin both whom serve on the OCOM Board of Trustess

Audrey DeMott and Karen Williams, Chair of OCOM’s Board of Trustees and Brad Malsin of Beam Development

Merri Compton and Barbara Klinger

Masa Yamaguchi with three members of the OCOM Board of Trustees: Leah Yamaguchi, LAc and Brad Malsin and Dustin Klinger

From Oregon College of Oriental Medicine:

The gala event was made possible by the incredible support from our sponsors, who include: American Acupuncture Council, Beam Development, Columbia Bank, Heritage Bank, Kaiser Permanente, Miller Nash Graham & Dunn, NW Natural, Oregon Reproductive Medicine, The CHP Group, Thede Culpepper Moore Munro & Silliman LLP, and US Bank.

The mission of Oregon College of Oriental Medicine is to transform health care by educating highly skilled and compassionate practitioners, providing exemplary patient care, and engaging in innovative research within a community of service and healing. 

In support of this mission, the college values:

Excellence – OCOM staff, faculty and students strive to set standards for and perform at the highest professional levels academically, clinically, and in the research program. 

Leadership – OCOM leads Chinese medicine education in the United States by developing outstanding programs of education, clinic, research, outreach and collaboration. OCOM leads by working to enhance social justice through its commitment to inclusive and diverse access to education and health care.

Healing – OCOM staff, faculty and students, consistent with the principles of Chinese medicine, understand health to be harmony and balance in Body, Mind and Spirit, and attempt to live these principles by embodying compassion, humility, passion and synergy in their daily lives and work. 

Innovation – OCOM staff, faculty and students use inquiry and discovery to support their individual creativity and inventiveness in the continuous improvement of the college and its clinical, academic and research programs.

Community – OCOM staff, faculty and students work together in a learning community that maintains traditions built upon supportive relationships, trust, heart, humor, and a commitment to lifelong learning. 

Service – OCOM provides the highest levels of effective, efficient and practical service to its students and the public.

Volunteers Make a Difference for Earth Day 2018

Volunteers Make a Difference for Earth Day 2018

Portland, OR. Thousands of local volunteers rolled up their sleeves to clean up trash and restore natural habitat in places like Cannon Beach on Saturday April 21st. Still more are expected to join in when the 48th annual Earth Day is officially commemorated, on Sunday April 22nd. The local nonprofit environmental organization, SOLVE has lead clean up efforts for the past 27 years and organizers say over that time more than 112,000 local volunteers have removed over 15 million pounds of litter and invasive plants from illegal dumpsites, neighborhoods, and natural areas as part of this global event. 

You can still get involved with one of many Earth Day opportunities like “Pick up the Pearl” on Sunday, April 22nd from 12pm-5pm. Another option is trail beautification in Scappoose, or planting native species in Oregon City. Below is a list of some SOLVE volunteer options for Earth Day: 

 
If you need inspiration, here’s a look at some of the good work done by volunteers on Saturay, April 21st.

Work is done at Willow Creek by Five Oaks-Triple Creek Neighbors and helpers from Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District.

Trimming branches at Willow Creek

Cleaning up in Forest Park

The big crew at Cannon Beach

The Beaverton Earth Day Mulching Event with Genentech and Beaverton City Government

The Beaverton Earth Day Mulching Event with Genentech and Beaverton City Government

South Waterfront volunteers receive instructions

Friends of Riverplace are busy

Friends of Riverplace haul trash away.

SOLVE expects to gather 47,000 pounds of trash thanks to the Earth Day 2018 efforts of over 5,000 local people. 

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.