Portland, August 27th, 2013. The Oregon Area Jewish Committee’s (OAJC) Board of Directors is delighted to announce that Joanne Van Ness Menashe has been named OAJC Executive Director with an effective date of Sept. 3, 2013.
Joanne Van Ness Menashe has been named OAJC Executive Director
Joanne brings an outstanding history of community leadership and is an effective advocate for causes that positively impact people’s lives with two decades of successfully bringing together multiple facets of the community.
OAJC Policy Statements:
DOMESTIC CONCERNS
Combating Anti-Semitism and Extremism
The protection of Jewish rights and the protection of all minorities from extremist and anti-Semitic attack is part of OAJC’s mission. We remain vigilant against these threats. OAJC regularly monitors trends in attitudes toward Jews and other minorities.
OAJC supports legislation mandating severe penalties for hate crimes and the collection of reliable statistics about the incidence of such outrages.
Religious Freedom and Church-State Separation
The First Amendment guarantees both the freedom to practice one’s religion – or not to practice a religion – without interference from the state. The separation of church and state is crucial to the freedom and security of Jews and all other Americans. Assertions that the United States is a Christian country marginalize those of other or no religion, and undermine the First Amendment.
OAJC supports government funding of secular social service programs operated by religiously affiliated organizations, where effective church-state separation safeguards are in place.
Religion in Public Schools
OAJC believes that no public school should sanction or sponsor prayer or other religious activities.
While opposed to religious proselytization in the public schools on both constitutional and public-policy grounds, OAJC believes that qualified teachers may teach about religion objectively, and instruct their students about the important role that religion has played in advancing civilization.
Public Education
OAJC believes that there must be a re-prioritization of resources for public education on the national, state, community, and family levels, so that the public schools can fulfill their promise as democratic institutions and launching pads of opportunity for all children.
Schools and communities must provide all students, including minority, immigrant, and economically disadvantaged children, with effective schooling, extra educational help, and support systems necessary to meet the educational standards demanded by today’s society. OAJC believes that for all students to succeed the following are needed:
– equitable school financing – qualified teachers – effective school and school district leadership – parental involvement – afterschool programming – early learning programming – a secure and positive educational environment
OAJC views tuition tax credits and vouchers for sectarian elementary and secondary schools as a violation of church-state separation and a danger to the public school system.
OAJC opposes voucher proposals that would divert public money to private schools, whether parochial or secular.
Intergroup Relations
OAJC believes that just as there is no “American” religion, so there is no “American” ethnicity or “American” race: Americans are united by a common adherence to the principles of our democratic system. Indeed, democracy is strengthened, not weakened, when individuals of similar religious, racial, or ethnic background associate together to promote their spiritual, political, social, or cultural interests, so long as such groups respect the rights of other groups to do the same. Moreover, each group may find that it can further its interests through cooperation and coalition with others.
The extensive intergroup and interreligious coalitions and programs sponsored by OAJC reflect its commitment to the pluralistic ideal. OAJC maintains ongoing dialogue with Catholic, liberal Protestant, and LDS, as well as with Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu groups.
We also engage in frequent conferences and joint projects with Latinos, African American, Asian American, and other racial and ethnic communities. Taking into account the rapidly changing demographics of America, we seek opportunities to build alliances and coalitions with such groups for joint advocacy on issues of shared concern.
Equal Rights
OAJC is unalterably opposed to discrimination based on race, religion, ethnic group, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation, whether in employment, education, housing, or public accommodations.
Affirmative Action
OAJC supports flexible goals and timetables and, where there has been a demonstrated pattern of discrimination, we support selectively applied preferences. Affirmative action should not mean hiring, promoting, or admitting unqualified persons.
OAJC supports a thoughtful and well-balanced affirmative action policy as an important tool in achieving a society free of racism and sexism, where every individual may realize his or her potential to the fullest based on merit.
National Security and Civil Liberties
OAJC has a long tradition of civil rights advocacy balanced with an unwavering commitment to national security. We urge our local, state, and national law enforcement agencies to respect the delicate balance between the measures necessary to strengthen law enforcement’s ability to combat terrorism and our constitutional protections.
Energy Independence
OAJC supports as a primary national goal, a comprehensive policy to substantially reduce U.S. dependence on oil. American dependence on foreign oil sources makes the country susceptible to pressure from oil-producing nations and affects our economic well-being. We support an overall effort to move away from an oil-based economy, including efficiency and conservation, stringent environmental safeguards, and investment in sustainable sources of energy and transportation.
Climate Change
Climate change has the potential to disrupt our way of life, irreversibly harm the natural environment, create ongoing humanitarian crises, and undermine our efforts to keep ourselves safe and secure. OAJC recommends prompt action, including education and advocacy, directed at mitigating and adapting to climate change by reducing emissions.
Immigration
Because “we were once strangers in the land of Egypt” American Jews have consistently maintained a deep interest in United States immigration and refugee policy. OAJC supports a fair and generous comprehensive federal immigration policy, including the following: an increase in the flow of legal immigrants increased “family unification” immigration efforts to reduce the flow of illegal immigration within the context of established civil liberties protections generous immigration policies regarding refugees who are fleeing persecution programs designed to educate and integrate new citizens OAJC opposes the denial of government benefits to non-citizen legal immigrants.
Poverty
OAJC affirms its commitment to a multi-pronged approach to combating poverty and its ill effects, including:
1. Protecting the most vulnerable. Jewish tradition requires us to care for the vulnerable in our communities and to ensure that their basic needs are met. It is the responsibility of government to ensure that the most basic needs of society’s neediest members for food, clothing, housing, safety, and health care are met. OAJC supports policies that both foster independence and protect families from destitution and hardship. OAJC supports efforts to assure the financial health of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
2. Supporting struggling families. OAJC supports policies that ensure that working families can afford rent and/or achieve home ownership and have access to education and training. This includes – but is not limited to – a meaningful minimum wage, quality child and elder care, wage supplements through the Earned Income Tax Credit, SNAP (formerly food stamps), job creation policies, health care and health insurance for low-wage workers and their families, and appropriate housing policies.
OAJC calls for government to make the reduction of poverty a priority and to commit significant resources to identify the causes of poverty in the United States and to root it out wherever it persists.
Reproductive Rights
OAJC supports a woman’s right to choose.
Marriage Equality
OAJC believes that an adult has the right to marry the individual of his or her choice.
INTERNATIONAL CONCERNS
Israel
OAJC believes that the United States should remain committed to Israel’s security, well-being, rightful place in the community of nations, and its character as a Jewish state. OAJC urges the United States continue to recognize the unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel.
OAJC supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: a Jewish State of Israel existing in peace and security beside a Palestinian Arab state established through direct negotiations requiring compromise by both parties.
To assure the success of negotiations, OAJC believes that Palestinians must take decisive action against terrorism and violence. OAJC believes that Israel must commit to help create the conditions for a viable Palestinian state.
OAJC believes Israel should recognize that expansion of the territorial footprint of Israeli settlements poses a challenge to reaching an agreement with the Palestinians. Israel should take timely and meaningful action to address this issue, in order to move the peace process forward.
OAJC also believes that, while settlements, borders and other final status issues will be critical subjects of negotiation, the end of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the realization of full Arab-Israeli peace, lies ultimately in the recognition by the entire Arab world of Israel’s fundamental legitimacy and right to exist in the region as a Jewish state.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Israel, and should be formally recognized as such. As soon as a peace settlement between Israel and the Palestinians is finalized, we urge the United States to move its embassy to Jerusalem, thus removing the anomaly that the American embassy in Israel is the only one in the world not situated in the host nation’s designated capital.
Human Rights
With a universal concern, OAJC calls attention to human rights issues of core importance to the Jewish community, i.e., religious intolerance, combating discrimination whether based on race, religion, national origin, gender, or sexual identity. OAJC believes that de-humanization and indifference to discrimination and intolerance can lead to genocide. OAJC believes that human rights violations should be condemned impartially and throughout the world. The protection of human rights is a responsibility of the international community and should be a central factor in U.S. foreign policy, U.S. domestic policy, and the policy of our state(s) and cities.
Lake Oswego, August 16th, 2013. Fifteen new Gallery Without Walls sculptures were unveiled by the Arts Council of Lake Oswego. Supporters joined in a celebration at Millennium Plaza Park and were treated to a show by the Northwest Dragon & Lion Dance Association.
They also had the chance to meet artists and learn more about their creative process, the context of their work, and the techniques that are part of creating their sculpture.
Jennifer and Jeff Krenek
Supporters were able to tour the new sculptures by bus.
“August Trunk,” the 2011 People’s Choice award-winning sculpture by Alisa Formway Roe.was recently relocated there by the Arts Council to enhance and beautify Boones Ferry Road.
The council recently announced the winner of this year’s People’s Choice Award. It is Cloud Totem by Riis Burwell.
One of the new sculptures now on display.
If you’d like to experience the art walk you can download the brochure. The Arts Council of Lake Oswego was formed to support the arts in Lake Oswego. It promotes education and appreciation for all arts by maintaining the City of Lake Oswego’s art collection through exhibits, tours, lectures and performance art.
Timberline, August 23rd, 2013. The 12,600 runners and 3,600 volunteers work to minimize environmental impact. The Hood To Coast and Portland To Coast Relays are making a sustained effort to integrate policies and programs throughout all operational aspects to minimize its environmental impact along the 199 mile course.
Lopez Lamong (center) 2008 USA Olympic flag bearer and 2012 Olympian, fresh off his return from the Moscow World Championships is ready to tackle the course and keep it green.
The start was a bit damp, but runners charged out of the gates up at timberline.
With a nod to sustainability, organizers suggested the following:
Plastic recycling receptacles at ALL Exchanges, as well as Start and Finish Areas!
As a benefit to all participants, all handbooks are printed on post-consumer recycled paper.
Honored with RecycleWorks Award by The City of Portland for environmentally sustainable business practices.
Mandatory online registration
Use of biodegradable plates/utensils at Finish Area Food Garden and catering.
All race bibs are recycle-friendly!
Donation past season merchandise, race and volunteer shirts.
They said, “We challenge participants to engage in more environmentally connected and conscious actions to protect the beauty of the local Oregon terrain. HTC/PTC continues to strive to understand and offset the effects of participant activities, thus creating long-term environmental programs that benefit everyone.”
The race also benefits the nonprofit Providence Cancer Center this year. Here’s some information about the nonprofit:
At Providence Cancer Center, patients and families benefit from some of the finest, most complete cancer services in the world, including the best in diagnostic imaging, state-of-the-art treatments, nationally renowned-research, and compassionate counseling and support. Funds raised for Providence Cancer Center will support cancer research, patient support services, and cancer treatment.
Portland, August 13th, 2013. Blue skies greeted the 500 search engine marketers who gathered on the rooftop of the Embassy Suites for the SEMpdx Rooftop Networking Party. In its fifth year for the event and sold out once again.
SEMpdx’s President Mike Rosenberg provides KGW reporter Joe Smith with his insight of where digital marketing is heading and the skills needed for today’s young ambitious marketers. Rosenberg delves into SEMpdx’s role in the community — to increase the education of the workforce for search engine marketing (SEM) and digital marketing.
While a live DJ spun tunes, attendees socialized with the city and mountain views as a backdrop and picked up new skills. Each year, SEMpdx selects a Charity of Choice to support for a 12 month period, this year it’s the Cat Adoption Team. (CAT) is the Pacific Northwest’s largest nonprofit, limited admission/adoption guarantee cat shelter (they are able to take in cats as they find homes for the cats in the shelter).
Recognition at events and in collateral materials
Opportunity to display collateral materials at monthly events
A complimentary booth at SearchFest
Pro-bono SEM consulting services from SEMpdx board members and volunteers
10% of year-end profit
SEMpdx’s Charity of Choice Board Member, Michael Cottam provides KGW reporter Joe Smith with his expertise on the skill set of marketers and the transition of where search engine marketing (SEM) is headed and the need to be digital.
Search Engine Marketing Professionals of Portland (SEMpdx) was created to provide a resource for both local SEM professionals and area businesses.
With digital marketing becoming more relevant for today’s marketplace, the SEMpdx mission is to nurture the development of the search engine and social media marketing industry in the northwest, while also providing resources for local businesses, such as monthly educational events.
The event was co-hosted by the Computer-Human Interaction Forum of Oregon, Oregon-Columbia chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators, Oregon Entrepreneur Network, Public Relations Society of America, Social Media Club of Portland and the Technology Association of Oregon.
Event sponsors include Migration Brewing, PSU’s Center for Executive and Professional Education, MOZ PRO, SyCara, SEMrush, Exults, Mac’s List and American Marketing Association PDX Chapter.
Portland, August 11th, 2013. It’s the third-largest community bike ride in the world with courses ranging from 13 to 36 miles. There are attractions along the way, like Portland Takohachi’s high energy Japanese drummers on the Marquam Bridge. Providence Bridge Pedal riders have the chance to cross of nearly every Willamette River bridge in Portland, many of which are usually off limited to bicyclists and pedestrians.
The Burnside Bridge offered a view of the “Portland Oregon” sign.
Bicyclists stopped on the top deck of the Fremont bridge to listen to the cellists.
Rick Bauman, who founded the ride in 1996, is pleased with the way it has evolved. In its first year, there were 7,500 riders; this year 18,000 took to the road.
A portion of the Providence Bridge Pedal proceeds supports community programs and initiatives that improve the health of our community. This year’s beneficiary is Play Smart Youth Heart Screenings.
Oregon City, August 9th, 2013. Rose Festival Queen Hannah Rice volunteered with Deena Jensen at the Portland Rose Festival Foundation Golf Tournament. Hannah is from Madison High School and caddies during the summer at Rose City Golf Course. She’ll attend University of Oregon this fall on a Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship. At the Stone Creek Golf Club, event Chair Darci Hansen welcomed 21 teams to the Festival’s annual links event which was presented this year by Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon. Proceeds benefit the mission based events and programs of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation. (Photo credit, Deena Jensen)
Justin Apmadoc – Local Sales Manager, Comcast Spotlight, Jerry Scott – President/CEO, Elmer’s Restaurants, Inc., Al Wiegert – Director of Sales, Comcast Spotlight and John Cordova – Director of Operations, Elmer’s Restaurants, Inc.
Patrick McCreery, KPTV/KPDX General Manager and Larry Adoff, KPTV/KPDX Research Director gear up for tee time.
From the Portland Rose Festival Foundation:
The Portland Rose Festival Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit dedicated to serving families and individuals and events that promote the arts, education, and volunteerism. The Foundation values environmental responsibility, diversity, patriotism, and our historic and floral heritage.
The Rose Festival Foundation annual auction will be on October 11th, at Montgomery Park. The theme is a Tailgate & Roses Dinner. More information is available at:
Portland, August 4th-10th, 2013. Fans volunteered alongside Timbers players, club mascot Timber Joey, and Portland Thorns players, to lend a hand with 30 different community projects. All available Timbers players volunteered their time, for example, midfielder Rodney Wallace helped coach a soccer clinic at the Hacienda Futsal Court during Stand Together Week. (Photos courtesy Portland Timbers)
Many volunteers at Beaverton’s Kennedy Community Gardens saw meeting Timbers as extra motivation for signing up.
This is the second year the Portland Timbers have teamed up with Hands on Greater Portland for Stand Together Week. The goal is to spotlight nonprofit projects and volunteer opportunities across the metro area.
Portland Timbers midfielder Kalif Alhassan joins volunteers to plant seeds at Supa Fresh Youth Farm in Tigard. Its mission is to train underserved teens in workforce skills, entrepreneurship, organic sustainable agriculture, nutrition and life skills.
Timber Joey and volunteers box cereal at the Oregon Food Bank during Stand Together Week.
Defender David Horst gardens at HB Lee Middle School on August 6th.
The work crew poses for a photo at H.B. Lee. It’s one of two middle schools in the Reynolds School District adopted as part of the nation’s first Dreamer School. “I Have a Dream” Oregon will follow the students through high school to ensure they gain access to every resource necessary to graduate from high school and pursue post-secondary education. The ultimate goal is to help Dreamer students become economically independent adults.
Portland Thorns midfielder Becky Edwards joins Alaska Airlines volunteers to help pack food for Portland Police Bureau Sunshine Division. Since 1923, the Portland Police Bureau Sunshine Division has been providing emergency food and clothing relief to Portland families and individuals in need.
The Schoolhouse Supplies organization gets help from Stand Together. Schoolhouse Supplies is an award-winning nonprofit that supports public education in Portland by giving students and teachers free classroom supplies.
The Portland Timbers forward Sebastián Rincón helps clean up with Growing Gardens volunteers.
Bright Dike and the 4 Worlds United Soccer Alliance play soccer with local kids in SE Portland.
Stand Together Week included the maintenance of walking paths and removal of invasive weeds in an 18-acre natural area at Dairy Creek Park, with Timbers players Diego Chara, Jack Jewsbury, Will Johnson and Diego Valeri.
Supported by partners adidas, Alaska Airlines, CenturyLink, Coca-Cola and Providence Health & Services, Stand Together Week, with the help of Hands On Greater Portland benefited more than 20 organizations focused on youth and the environment.
Portland, August 4th, 2013. “Barbies” and “Gym Bunnies” slugged it out to raise over $14,000 at the Bat ‘n Rouge. The humorously competitive softball tournament raised funds for the Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund and Camp KC, a fun and safe summer camp for local kids affected or infected with HIV/AIDS. It’s a program of Cascade AIDS Project. This is the second year of the event.
The Barbies raised the most money. Organizers had the perfect description of the team, “Decked out in all of Barbie’s accessories, they’ll hit a home run AND be home in time to cook Ken dinner.”
The Biker Chicks were a popular group and made it to the finals of the Bat ‘n Rouge. Explained organizers, “This team is ready to play ball and possibly repair your car.”
Female impersonators Monica Boulevard and Poison Waters
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence served as umpires for the Bat ‘n Rouge
The Gym Bunnies were a crowd favorite.
Event Organizers Bekah Telew and Andrew Shayde
Sara McCrimmon and Erin Northrup from Camp KC
The Gay Nerds started reading in the infield during the game between the Barbies and the Biker Chicks.
In the end, the Barbies in heels took the top honors by raising more money then the other three teams: the Gym Bunnies, the Nerds, and the Biker Chicks.
About Camp KC:
Camp KC (Kids Connection), is Cascade AIDS Project’s lakeside summer camp for HIV/AIDS affected children in the age range of 5-14. The one week camp experience is a unique component of our yearlong program for children and families, Kids Connection. Campers enjoy arts &crafts, swimming, canoeing, music and more all while in the supportive community of trained and dedicated volunteers.
About the Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund: Audria was a gay rights activist, a devoted mother of six (four of whom were GLBT), and the second president of the Portland Chapter of Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (P-Flag). In the fall of 1987, Audria M. Edwards passed away. The following spring, her children established the Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund in tribute to Audria’s passion for continued education. Today, it is administered by Peacock Productions, Inc.; an organization funded by donations, the proceeds of variety shows and community fundraisers. Those eligible for the scholarship are Oregon residents of one year, who are seeking post-secondary, or under-graduate education in an accredited institution, and are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, or have a LGBT parent.
Portland, August 1st, 2013. With the mission to heighten awareness and raise funds for amfAR, celebrities like John Corbett and friends cruised through town on the fourth annual Kiehl’s LifeRide for amfAR. The multi-day charity motorcycle ride, organized by the Kiehl’s skin care company and sponsored by Harley Davidson, started on July 31st in Seattle and ended on August 8th in Los Angeles.
Actor John Corbett was along for the ride.
During the Portland stop, shoppers mingled with the riders like Sex in the City’s Gilles Marini (center). Charlie Hales proclaimed August 1st Kiehl’s LifeRide Day in Portland.
Kiehl’s is a New York-based ski care company with a Portland location on NW 23rd. Company president, Chris Salgardo lead the LifeRide and brought along a $125,000 donation to amfAR. LifeRide riders were a combination of celebrities and top-level execs. This year actors John Corbett (Big Fat Greek Wedding), Gilles Marini (Sex in the City and Brothers & Sisters), Teddy Sears (House of Cards) and Kurt Yaegar (Sons of Anarchy) joined Kiehl’s USA President Chris Salgardo and amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost.
With the mission to heighten awareness and raise funds for amfAR, Kiehl’s embarked on the fourth annual Kiehl’s LifeRide for amfAR, a multi-day, multi-stop charity motorcycle ride
There was a special guest appearance by Portland’s own Project Runway Season 11 winner Michelle Franklin Lesniak. Local singer Stephanie Schneiderman entertained fans. Shoppers enjoyed Scoop ice cream, Picklopolis pickles and root beer and orange cream soda courtesy of Mt. Angel Brewing Company. The Kiehl’s at 712 NW 23RD is offering a limited edition product that was created special for the ride. 100% of Kiehl’s net profits from the sale of this product, up to $25,000, will benefit amfAR.
Kiehl’s commitment:
In 1996 Kiehl’s made HIV/AIDS a key philanthropy. Over the past two decades, the fervent support of HIV/AIDS organizations has been at the heart of Kiehl’s efforts, leading to partnerships with organizations such as amfAR, The Magic Johnson Foundation for AIDS and Youth AIDS. Since 2001, Kiehl’s has raised over $2,000,000 for HIV/AIDS organizations and continues to do so. For additional information on Kiehl’s since 1851, visit www.kiehls.com/LifeRide.
About amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research:
amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. Since 1985, amfAR has invested more than $366 million in its programs and has awarded grants to more than 2,000 research teams worldwide. For additional information on amfAR, visit www.amfAR.org.
About Harley-Davidson Authorized Rentals:
With more than 350 locations in 18 countries and the largest fleet of late-model Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Harley-Davidson Authorized Rentals is the largest provider of motorcycle rentals in the world. In 2012, Harley-Davidson Authorized provided more than 80,000 riding experiences over the course of more than 220,000 days and more than 50 million miles traveled. Every Harley-Davidson Authorized Rental includes a Harley-Davidson helmet and rain gear, short term luggage storage, and 24-hour roadside assistance. Online reservations at any participating dealer can be made 24 hours a day at h-d.com/rentals.
Portland, August 1st, 2013. The Regional Arts & Culture Council announced on Thursday evening that the seventh annual Work for Art campaign raised $761,359, bringing its seven-year total to $4,686,681 raised for local arts organizations. More than 1,900 donors participated in the campaign that began on July 1, 2012 and ended on June 30, 2013, mostly through payroll deduction and other gifts in the workplace.
The campaign results were delivered by Jeff Harvey, president and CEO of Burgerville, at a special reception Thursday evening in the KeyBank Club at Jeld-Wen Field. Harvey was the honorary chair of the 2012-13 campaign, and will lead the 2013-14 campaign as well, with co-chair Mike Golub, COO of the Portland Timbers.
“It is a great thing to celebrate arts and culture in our communities,” said Harvey in thanking all those who participated in the campaign. “In today’s business world… there’s no such thing as too much creativity or too much innovation. Investing in a vital arts community is the same as committing to deep and long-term investment in the vitality and innovation of business.”
More than 75 participating companies were acknowledged on Thursday evening, including the top ten Work for Art campaigns in 2012-13:
1. Portland General Electric
2. NW Natural
3. Burgerville
4. The Standard
5. OHSU
6. State of Oregon
7. City of Portland
8. Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects
9. Multnomah County
10. Stoel Rives
Portland General Electric was the top campaign for the second year in a row, increasing their campaign by 6% for a total of $83,530; President and CEO Jim Piro accepted the company’s award and said that PGE employees were enjoying more arts activities thanks to the Arts Card, a benefit of giving to Work for Art. Jack Graves, Chief Cultural Officer at Burgerville, accepted the “top participation” award for the sustainable restaurant chain, which had the most employee donors (410) of any company. Portland Center Stage was acknowledged for raising the most money among nonprofit organizations ($2,442); the award was accepted by development director Charlie Frasier.
The results reported on Thursday night are down 7.7% from the 2011-12 campaign total (and all-time high) of $824,648. A variety of factors contributed to the downturn, including general anxieties about the economy last fall, and typical fierce competition for contributions during a presidential election cycle. Work for Art leaders remain confident that the campaign will rebound in 2013-14; already several new companies have signed up to participate this year, including Cambia Health Solutions, Gerding Edlen, and Tri-Met. Other company leaders who would like to learn about conducting an employee giving campaign for the arts and culture sector are invited to contact Kathryn Jackson, Work for Art Manager at 503-823-5424 or [email protected].
Work for Art is a program of The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC), which distributes 100% of all proceeds to more than 100 arts and culture organizations based in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties through a competitive grant application process. Although Work for Art is primarily a workplace giving program, anyone can participate by making a donation online at workforart.org. The strength of the campaign has been in its ability to accumulate a high volume of smaller gifts; most donations are $150 or less, and $60 is the amount most commonly donated. Donors who pledge $60 or more receive an Arts Card. Most donations are matched dollar-for-dollar by a matching challenge fund that includes contributions from The City of Portland, Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties, the Firstenburg Family Foundation, Sunshine Dairy Foods, and other private donors.
The 2013-14 campaign is now underway; the goal is to raise $775,000 by June 30, 2014.
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