Portland, September 23rd, 2015. A crowd estimated at 16,000 turned out at Tom McCall Waterfront Park for the 24th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Over $2.35 million has been raised so far and the donation keep coming in. “The Portland Race for the Cure brought together more than 1,000 breast cancer survivors and their families, friends and loved ones, along with support from sponsors and the community,” said Andrew Asato, CEO of Komen Oregon & SW Washington.
“With at least 25,000-30,000 underserved people who need our services, we are racing through September 30. And, the support of the community is more important than ever to reach our fundraising goal of $2.5 million,” said Ann Berryman, Director of Development and Communications, Susan G. Komen Oregon & SW Washington.
5K runners coming across the finish line.
The Portland Fire & Rescue fire boat paid tribute to our Race for the Cure survivors and fighters.
The Reflection Garden was inspiring hope and honoring those who have fought and are fighting breast cancer.
These were decorations for the survivor’s tent honoring loved ones.
Mayor Charlie Hales gets into the spirit of the day with the Hula Girls.
Before the race Roxy De La Torre, a KUNP anchor, emceed the Survivor Tribute with an inspirational message from Dr. Reverend T. Bethel and songs performed by gospel singer Julianne Johnson. After the race, the fun continued with music and entertainment by the band Hit Machine. Again, this year, the event had numerous popular Portland food trucks and food and drinks samples from sponsors, games, prizes and merchandise at the Race Village. Planning has already begun for the 2016 Race for the Cure’s 25th anniversary to be held September 18, 2016 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland. There are going to be some great surprises and fun to be had.
From Susan G. Komen:
In the last 24 years, the local organization has funneled nearly $19.8 million into programs that prioritize the importance of improving and building on the quality of life for survivors, emphasize the value of early detection and screenings, as well as financial assistance for access to treatment. Another $11.9 million has been dedicated to local cutting-edge research.
Susan G. Komen Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Nationally, since its founding in 1982, Komen has funded $2.6 billion in funding to research, screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs serving millions of people in more than 30 countries worldwide.
Portland, September 12th, 2015. The pavilions and courtyards of Lan Su Chinese Garden were the scene of the fourth annual Under the Moonlight Fundraising Dinner. KGW Anchor Tracy Barry was the emcee for the evening. Supporters donated more than $72,000 to help support Lan Su Chinese Garden’s mission of engaging visitors in the rich cultural history of China. The funds will help support award winning cultural programming, garden and plant maintenance and fill the gap between the reduced price Lan Su charges for school groups to visit and their actual cost.
Vanessa Abahashemi, Lan Su Chinese Garden Director of Philanthropy; Table Host Christina Wilson
Connie Hiram – Board Director; Soren Jorgensen; and Henry Bruns
Bartender Adam Simpson creates the famed Spanish Coffee from Huber’s Restaurant on the lakeside terrace of Lan Su Chinese Garden
Ian Lindsay, event auctioneer; Terry Smith – Board Director; SaTina Smith
Jonathan and Laura Wilson
A Cena assistant chef creates risotto with Chef Enrico Merendino from A Cena Ristorante
The evening featured eight of Portland’s best chefs and restaurants treating attendees to a unique and exciting three and four-course meal under the evening sky at Lan Su Chinese Garden. Limited to only 100 guests, this experience is one of Portland’s best-kept secrets. Under the Moonlight at Lan Su Chinese Garden
Participating chefs and restaurants included Adelé Nofield from Wilf’s Restaurant & Bar with appetizers and custom drinks; Chef Cory Schreiber from the Art Institute of Portland; Chef Enrico Merendino from A Cena Ristorante; Chef Mark Hosack from Gracie’s in Hotel DeLuxe; Chef John Eisenhart from Nel Centro; Chef Alex Diestra from Saucebox; and Chefs Ed Ross and Gabe Rosen from Biwa + Noraneko. Additionally bartender Adam Smith from Huber’s Café created Huber’s signature Spanish Coffee on the lakeside terrace as an after-dinner treat.
From Lan Su Chinese Garden:
Lan Su Chinese Garden depends on visitors, members and donors to maintain the garden as a center of calm, culture and beauty in the in the heart of the city.
Supporting Lan Su Chinese Garden is easy and impactful. Become a member and enjoy the hundreds of programs a year or make a donation in honor or memory of a loved one. Provide your employees with a place to decompress with a business membership or sponsor an event to highlight your company’s commitment to cross-cultural engagement.
Thank you for giving. Your support of Lan Su ensures that Lan Su is always there for young children to discover, for friends and families to connect, and for people to find a place of calm when they need it most.
Portland, September 18th, 2015. Neighborhood House honored its supporters at an annual Leadership Circle Dinner held at the Cedarwood Waldorf School—formerly the historic Neighborhood House building. Guests began the event with a tour of the historic site and visited classrooms where Neighborhood House’s tradition of providing anti-poverty services and educational support for low-income neighbors originated. In recognition of its Century+10 anniversary celebration, local historian Arnie Panitch gave a presentation about the founding of Neighborhood House and the community it has served for the past 110 years. The nonprofithelps low-income, recent-immigrant and other vulnerable people overcome challenges so they can achieve success, stability and independence.
Local historian Arnie Panitch vividly described the founding of Neighborhood House and its impact on the community.
This Historic plaque marks Neighborhood House’s long-standing tradition.
Executive Director Rick Nitti and Dave Carboneau.
Throughout the evening, guests had the opportunity to view illustrations depicting images of what affordable housing could possibly look like at the Neighborhood House site in Multnomah Village.
The dinner celebration closed with remarks from Dave Carboneau of Home First Development about the future of affordable housing in Portland. Afterwards, guests had an opportunity to see illustrations of one vision for proposed affordable housing at Neighborhood House’s Multnomah Village location.
Portland, September 19th, 2015. Sunny skies welcomed nearly 1,000 supporters who joined forces to raise funds for United Cerebral Palsy of Oregon and SW Washington. At the starting line, the Portland State Viking had a chance to meet super-kid Rohen Zuniga and the Team from Advantis posed for a photo. Organizers are hoping they raise $100,000 by offering participants the choice of a 2.5 mile walk/roll – 5k run or 8k run. United Cerebral Palsy has been committed to advancing the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities since 1955. Today the organization provides supports for adults, children, and families who experience cerebral palsy or other disabilities.
United Cerebral Palsy offer individualized support, information, and advocacy services for people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities throughout the region.
The volunteer foce included Amber Grek and her daughter Hailey. They were helping out Marking Coordinator, Merna Robertson.
To adults we offer in-home, community connection and job supports.
For families, we assist in the navigation of raising a child with a developmental disability such as cerebral palsy from the time a diagnosis is received, and a connection to a support network of other families with similar experiences.
In June of 2014, we added in-home services for children which include attendant care, skills training and respite relief care for their parents.
Mission:To advance the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.
UCP Vision: “A Community for Everyone”
At UCP, we envision a community that values the same important ideas that we do:
Full Inclusion: Individuals, regardless of the severity of their disability, are included in every aspect of life including home, school, workforce, and community.
Empowerment: People with disabilities, and families of children with disabilities, have a right to make decisions about things that affect their lives. We help them identify their options and utilize the same means as anyone else in the community to achieve their choices.
Family Solidarity: Families having a member with disabilities are supported so they may stay together and flourish.
Diversity: All persons are valued and respected for their individual differences.
Teamwork: It takes teamwork to produce positive results. The many people who contribute to our mission are appreciated, encouraged, and supported.
Baker City, September 19th, 2015. 794 people from 48 states took to the road for Cycle Oregon. The seven-day ride courses through a different part of Oregon each year and this year riders moved through eastern Oregon, starting and finishing in Baker City and exploring the scenic Hells Canyon wilderness on the border of Idaho. (photo credit, Cycle Oregon) The organizers of the nonprofit, Cycle Oregon, plan the ride and explain that it includes, “Beautiful campsites, plentiful food, hot showers, live entertainment and a fully supported route. Plus you can enjoy massage, cold microbrews, Oregon wine and cheese, gourmet coffee and many other amenities.”
Team Nossa Familia Coffee takes a break from caffeinating riders to tackle today’s route. peddling way are Augusto Carvalho Dias Carneiro.
Dubbed the “Coolest recumbent shot ever” thanks to some precision stunt riding. John Williams was still going strong on “Day five.”
Here’s the promotional video which enticed riders:
There were riders from six different countries.
Organizers provide the camping spaces, food and entertainment. The cost of the seven-day ride (September 12-19th) was $975. The distance was 387 – 450 miles, depending on the route. Riders had the chance to climb 18,027 – 22,397 ft. Host communities included: Baker City, Farewell Bend State Park, Cambridge ID, Halfway, Wallowa Lake State Park, La Grande.
From Cycle Oregon:
Mission
Cycle Oregon is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming individuals and communities through bicycling.
Proceeds from the ride go to the Cycle Oregon Fund, which helps preserve and protect the special places of Oregon and supports community development projects in the regions through which we ride.
History of Cycle Oregon
The Idea
Jim Beaver, an innkeeper at the Chanticleer Inn in Ashland, Oregon, conceived Cycle Oregon in 1987. Beaver contacted Jonathan Nicholas, a columnist at The Oregonian, and initiated the idea of a sister-city coast ride from Astoria to Ashland. After the local Chamber of Commerce voiced its enthusiastic support, a variation of this route was mapped out and Cycle Oregon was born. Generous support came from the Oregon Department of Tourism, which assumed coordinating responsibilities for the event with the goal of increasing tourism and generating income for Oregon’s rural communities.
The First Ride
The inaugural event took place in September 1988, with 1,006 cyclists from 20 states. The ride covered 320 miles from Salem to Brookings and generated more than $360,000 for participating communities.
25 Years Later
In 2012, Cycle Oregon 25 included 2,200 participants from 46 states and 8 foreign countries. Over that time, the Cycle Oregon Fund has dispersed more than $1.4 million in grants and has generated millions in benefits for communities throughout the state.
Portland, September 18th, 2015. Gregory Gourdet from Departure Restaurant + Lounge won the “Feast Sandwich Invitational” and the People’s Choice Award went to Vitaly Paley from Imperial. (Photo credit, Feast) The cooking contest was just one of the more than 30 foodie events held during the four-day festival – most are sold out. Presented by Bon Appétit, since its inception in 2011, Feast has donated more than $162,000 to deserving organizations dedicated to fighting childhood hunger, including No Kid Hungry. The No Kid Hungry campaign connects kids in need with nutritious food and teaches their families how to cook healthy, affordable meals. The campaign also engages the public to make ending child hunger a national priority.
More information about No Kid Hungry can be found on the nonprofit’s website.
Here are some images from Feast 2015:
Ice cream magic with was created by “Fifty Licks.” The recipe included Buttermilk fudge ice cream with lime zest, peanuts, candied ginger + shaved bottarga.
Organizers rave about all that the region has to offer: “Oregon’s soil produces amazing fruits and vegetables. Our vineyards grow grapes that make award-winning wines. Our hops are the reason Portland has more breweries than any other city in the world. Our ocean provides sustainably caught salmon, Dungeness crab and tuna. And our beef, pork and chicken are organic and raised to the highest standards. We grow much of the country’s hazelnuts, marionberries and green beans. And our forests are home to so many exotic mushrooms the Japanese have us on speed dial. Best of all, we have marvelous chefs who know what to do with all this abundance. So we decided it’s high time we had our own world-class celebration of food, drink and everything else that makes Portland awesome. We’re calling it Feast Portland.”
This dish was dough filled with savory chicken & spicy tamarind creme.
Local wineries had their moment in the sun including The Stoller Family Estate.
Night Market was held in the Zidell Yards.
Last year, Feast Portland helped Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon connect 4,729 kids to healthy summer meals.
Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon is a local, statewide organization that works to prevent hunger.
They advocate with policy makers to help move Oregon families out of poverty, bring conversations about hunger into public view, and strengthen effective public assistance programs like School Meals and SNAP (food stamps).
1 in 4 kids in Oregon is at risk of hunger. Matt Newell-Ching, public affairs
director of Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, believes that “we don’t have to live in a state where hunger exists. Together, we can create an Oregon where everyone thrives.”
Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon’s mission is to raise awareness about hunger,
connect people to nutrition programs and advocate for systemic changes that end hunger before it begins. Visit
From spirited one-of-a-kind large-scale events featuring trendsetting chefs from all over the country and the world, to intimate hands-on classes, collaborative dinners and panels, Feast offers some of the most compelling experiences and original programming in the modern food festival conversation.
Founded in 2012 by Mike Thelin and Carrie Welch, Feast is also a festival with a mission, donating net proceeds towards ending childhood hunger in Oregon and around the country through Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon and Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. Since its inception, Feast has donated more than $162,000 to these deserving organizations dedicated to making childhood hunger history.
Portland, September 11, 2015. Over 300 friends and supporters of Portland YouthBuilders came together to celebrate PYB’s 20th Anniversary with our largest fundraiser yet – The Cornhole Classic III. Thanks to the many sponsors and donors in attendance, including presenting sponsor Walsh Construction, The Cornhole Classic raised over $135,000 for PYB students and programs. The PYB Advocacy Board members were out in force including Amanda Miller, Julie Pylypczak, Cassady Kennebeck, Danielle Radcliffe and inthe back row Licia Sahagun, Bennett Barnwell, Tonia Kovtunovich (staff), Max Hoffman, Abe Kats, Ryan Tenzeldam, and Andrew Fadenrech.
PYB donors Ben and Sue Donora peruse the silent auction table before the program begins
PYB supporters respond generously to the paddle raise
The Cornhole Classic tournament finals went well into the night
Castaway Portland proved to be the perfect venue for The Cornhole Classic’s blend of traditional fundraising elements and a large-scale outdoor cornhole (bean bag toss) tournament. Guests enjoyed playing or watching cornhole while enjoying signature cocktails courtesy of Stone Barn Brandyworks, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, and Starvation Alley Farms. Once the program began, auctioneer Misty Marquam and emcee Chantal DeGroat entertained the crowd and led a spirited Golden Ticket raffle, live auction, and paddle raise before crowning the cornhole tournament champions. Guests at The Cornhole Classic generously met the paddle raise challenges offered by Andersen Construction, The Zidell Companies, and Campbell Foundation on behalf of Duncan and Cindy Campbell.
About The Cornhole Classic:
The Cornhole Classic began in 2012 as a fun and irreverent way to bring awareness and support to PYB among young professionals aged 25-40. PYB’s Advocacy Board conceived of and planned the event for its first two years, and was joined by a larger Event Committee to create this year’s Cornhole Classic. www.thecornholeclassic.com
About Portland YouthBuilders:
Portland YouthBuilders provides a life-changing opportunity for youth to move permanently out of poverty. We fill an educational void for 17-24 year olds who have been unable to finish high school and enter a meaningful career path. Our students graduate from PYB with a strong work ethic, a commitment to individual responsibility, long term support, and the skills to become contributing members of the workforce and their community. www.pybpdx.org
Portland, September 12th, 2015. After almost four years of construction, the $135 million dollar, 1,720-foot-long cable-stayed Bridge of the People is open for business. The first Orange Line train crested Tilikum Crossing led by members of the Grand Ronde tribe.
The party was a great excuse to bring out anything orange! All rides on TriMet buses, MAX trains, Portland Streetcar and the Portland Aerial Tram were free all day.
The grand opening celebration was a two day affair which drew tens of thousands of people who wanted to celebrate the first new bridge to cross the Willamette in over 40 years.
On September 11th, folks gathered to see Tilikum Crossing’s light show. A riverside photo booth was popular and folks got to take home a souvenir Polaroid-style print.
The First Light show, which ran just under 10 minutes, was synchronized with a special All Classical Portland soundtrack and showed the bridge brilliantly lit in every color.
The opening of Tilikum Crossing completes 7.8 miles of bike infrastructure associated with the MAX Orange Line, and introduces new options for thousands of cyclists and pedestrians.
Tilikum Crossing is now the nation’s longest multi-modal non-vehicle bridge.
“People seem to adore the aesthetics of it, the art, the architectural lighting and how well it fits its site,” says Dan Blocher, TriMet’s executive director of capital projects. “It was a three-year process to embrace the city of bridges [and determine] what bridge type would work here. This fits in the environment.”
Trimet created a video to expain more about the process:
U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, speaking at the opening ceremony, noted that he’s attended every MAX and Portland Streetcar opening. “There’s none that’s been more anticipated nor significant than what we’re celebrating here today,” he said. “The Orange Line, the bridge that ties it all together, this is transportation for our future today.”
Portland, September 10th, 2015. The Hispanic Chamber hosted a Celebration dinner at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. The President of the Hispanic Chamber, Gale Castillo was joined by Portland Mayor, Charlie Hales and Oregon Governor, Kate Brown.
Miguel Bustos, Senior Vice President and Regional Director of Wells Fargo Bank was the featured speaker for the event. Mr. Bustos’ experience spans across government – working at the local mayoral level and at the federal level in Congress and with two appointments during the Clinton Administration.
Jilma Meneses from Concordia University was honored with the Latino Community Service Award
The Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber works with all members of the community to increase the economic advancement of Latinos in Oregon and SW Washington.
From the The Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber:
Since 1994, we have provided a vital forum for the Hispanic business community to share ideas, concerns and successes. As local community leaders and Hispanic Chamber members come together, they build partnerships that allow Hispanic businesses and other members of the community to better understand the contribution that each one makes to the growth and development in Oregon and southwest Washington.
We conduct a wide variety of activities including: networking sessions, luncheons and dinners with local and national keynote speakers that are leaders in their areas. The Hispanic Chamber also provides scholarship awards to Hispanic students. The Hispanic Chamber will continue these activities and will also:
Advocate for the full participation of Hispanics in the economic opportunities in Oregon.
Work to increase the opportunities that Hispanic businesses have to compete for public and private contracts.
Work to increase the resources available to Hispanic businesses to help them grow and be successful.
Please join us by participating in events that highlight the contributions of Hispanic-owned businesses and support of the development of our future leaders. We have appreciated your support and we look forward to your continued participation.
VISION: To bridge the economic and educational gaps experienced by Latinos in Oregon and SW Washington.
The Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber works with all members of the community to increase the economic advancement of Latinos in Oregon and SW Washington.
Portland, September 5th, 2015. Art In The Pearl organizers thank the scores of volunteers who believe in the importance of the arts in Portland. The focus of the Labor Day Weekend event is on building a bridge between artist and community. Demonstrations are on-going during the Festival including Blacksmithing and Metals.
The festival takes place in the Northwest Park blocks of Portland between W Davis and NW Flanders at NW 8th Avenue.
Hours are 10am-6pm Saturday and Sunday (September 5th & 6th, 2015)
10am-5pm on Monday (September 7th, 2015)
In 1997 the first Art In The Pearl Fine Arts & Crafts Festival was celebrated in the North Park Blocks of Portland’s Pearl District. The show, organized by fifteen artists who volunteered their time, was created to showcase high-quality, handmade works in a non-intimidating environment.
Arts Education is a passion at Art In The Pearl. Join in the Hands On Art Pavilion for a wide variety of interactive events designed for art lovers of all ages. Get your Hands On Art!
If you go this year, you’ll see:
Over one hundred selected artists showing and selling their work
The Singer/Songwriter Stage presents a variety of original music
An Education Pavillion featuring hands-on art activities for children and adults
Now, as we approach our 20th year, the success of the show is due in large part to the expertise of those founding members. Together they drew upon their experiences in the Oregon Potters Association, Waterstone Gallery and CMAG and their rich history helping to build arts organizations such as Northwest Print Council and shows such as Art and the Vineyard, Local 14, Ceramic Showcase and various other arts events.
In many ways, Art In The Pearl was a response to the demise of ArtQuake, a longtime favorite outdoor arts festival. After 19 years, ArtQuake folded in 1995. The organizers of Art In The Pearl were determined to avoid what they considered the downfall of ArtQuake, namely a heavy reliance on corporate sponsorship money.
In order to keep expenses down, Art In The Pearl was established as a non-profit organization run entirely by a volunteer board of directors. Sponsorship amounts were kept relatively small and were spread over a larger number of donors. The focus would be on promoting the arts and artists and bringing the work directly to the public. There would be no admission fee, quality control standards would be stringent, and only original work would be permitted. Art In The Pearl would be an artist-friendly show organized by artists for artists.
In addition, the board members established the show in the North Park Blocks of the Pearl District rather than a city street. In 1997, the Pearl District was emerging as a hub of artistic activity. Small hardware and car repair shops were slowly giving way to artist studios and galleries. Waterstone Gallery had opened adjacent to the North Park Blocks on 8th and Everett in 1992, and the gallery’s artists recognized the park’s potential for an art event.
When the first Art In The Pearl opened on August 30th, 1997, the show’s mission was “to build an interactive environment between the artists and the community.” In addition to artists’ booths, the show focused on art education, art demonstrations and performance art. An education booth was funded with support from Portland Art Museum, Art Media, Daniel Smith Art Supplies and the Oregon Potter’s Association. Local guilds were invited to give demonstrations, and The Portland Theater Alliance organized an entertainment stage.
The show has undergone many changes since 1997. The art education and demonstration areas have become more prominent, the entertainment stage is now dedicated to the region’s top world music performers, and the quality of art improves with each passing year.
However, Art In The Pearl remains a grass-roots movement. It is still run by scores of volunteers who believe in the importance of the arts in Portland. The show continues to be supported by donors who value the arts more than personal recognition, and the focus is still on building a bridge between artist and community.
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!["People seem to adore the aesthetics of it, the art, the architectural lighting and how well it fits its site," says Dan Blocher, TriMet's executive director of capital projects. "It was a three-year process to embrace the city of bridges [and determine] what bridge type would work here. This fits in the environment."](https://www.portlandsocietypage.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/till.jpg)
