Portland, April 27th, 2013. “The lighted Man” walks through an installation piece by PSU students at the CAP Art Auction. Held for the third time at the Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum, more than 1400 people attended the Cascade AIDS Project fundraiser. Highlights included performances by Taylor Dayne and a Portland Gay Men’s Chorus a cappella group called Cascade. There were large financial gifts by several Patrons: a paddle raise match of $50,000 by Nike and another at $20,000 from the Ray Hickey Foundation. Several auction items were sold at a premium — including a piece by Gus Van Sant for $5,750 and a studio piece by Dale Chihuly for $9,500. (Photo Credit, Monty Herron)
Art handlers carry “Boy Girl” by Gus Van Sant
Patrons dined, bid and danced to live music by Taylor Dayne and Cascade a cappella group in the elegantly transformed halls of the Memorial Coliseum
Taylor Dayne belts a powerful note for the crowd while singing, I’ll be your Shelter
Every year since 1990, CAP has hosted an art auction and party to raise money to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and provide service to those infected or affected by HIV in the Northwest. Portland’s art community first organized this iconic event and they remain the backbone of the Art Auction today. The event has grown over the past two decades, now encompassing 250 works of art and over 1,000 guests. The event was co-chaired by Ann and Mark Edlen and presented by the Hedinger Family Foundation.
The event is a draw for hundreds of generous Portlanders (photo credit Andie Petkus Photography)
Members of the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus (Photo credit Andie Petkus Photography)
The event was co-chaired by Ann and Mark Edlen (photo credit Andie Petkus Photography)
Supporters bid in silent auction on some 240 donated works of art in the Grand Event
Dr Raymond Frye and the Bling Dental Table, the Entertainment Sponsor of the evening
Jeff Miller of Travel Portland raises his paddle during the fund-a-need portion of the event
Robert Goman of Nike pitches a $50,000 match challenge to the crowd
All funds raised support the vital work of Cascade AIDS Project. Our mission is to prevent HIV infections, support and empower people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS and eliminate HIV/AIDS related stigma.
The gala could not have happened without the grand gestures of the hundreds of artists and galleries that participated by donating art.
About Cascade AIDS Project Incorporated in 1985, Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is the oldest and largest AIDS Service Organization in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our mission is to prevent HIV infections, support and empower people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS, and eliminate HIV/AIDS-related stigma.
With a staff of 60, and a volunteer corps that includes over 700 individuals providing more than 29,000 hours of service each year, CAP manages a diverse array of programs and an annual budget of $5.8 million. Fifteen percent of CAP’s staff are individuals living with HIV, 25% identify from communities of color, and 30% are bilingual. Our programs serve the broad and diverse set of communities impacted by HIV, from community-specific programs focused on teens, Latinos, the gay community, individuals and families living with HIV, to the thousands of individuals throughout the state who seek education though our AIDS/STD hotline each year. A committed 19-member volunteer Board of Directors provides strategic guidance and oversight to ensure CAP accomplishes its mission and continues to operate with integrity and transparency. www.cascadeaids.org
Far Hills, N.J. (May 9, 2013) – The United States Golf Association (USGA) announced Portland (Ore.) Golf Club as the host site of the 2015 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. The dates of the championship are Aug. 10-16 of 2015.
“Portland Golf Club holds a very special place in golf history,” said Thomas J. O’Toole Jr., USGA vice president and chairman of the Championship Committee. “The USGA is proud to bring another championship to the club and add another page to the Portland Golf Club history book.”
This will be the 33rd USGA championship conducted in the state of Oregon and the third held at Portland Golf Club. In 1982, the club hosted the first of Miller Barber’s record three U.S. Senior Open Championship victories, while Bill Ploeger won the 1999 USGA Senior Amateur Championship.
“We are honored to partner with the USGA in hosting the 2015 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship to kick off our second century of Portland Golf Club,” said Ed Ellis, co-chairman of Portland Golf Club’s U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship Committee. “We have a rich tradition of bringing major tournaments to Portland Golf Club, and we know our challenging and nationally renowned greens will provide the world’s best amateur women golfers with an excellent test of their golf skills. Our members and volunteers promise to provide an exceptional experience for everyone.”
Nestled along Fanno Creek, Portland Golf Club was established in 1914 by a small group of businessmen who built the initial course based on its proximity to frequent passenger rail service from downtown Portland via the Oregon Electric Railroad. Today, the course features century-old trees, rolling hills and undulating and lightning-fast greens.
Portland Golf Club hosted the 1946 PGA Championship, which was won by Ben Hogan, but it is perhaps best known for helping to revive the Ryder Cup by hosting the 1947 matches after a 10-year hiatus for World War II. The USA Team, which was captained by Hogan and included Walter Hagen, Jimmy Demaret, Sam Snead and Byron Nelson, defeated the British team, 11-1.
Champions of other tournaments hosted by Portland Golf Club include Snead, Jack Nicklaus, Cary Middlecoff, Greg Norman, Gary Player, Payne Stewart, Fred Couples, Billy Casper, Kathy Whitworth, Donna Caponi and Nancy Lopez.
This will mark the sixth time the Women’s Amateur has been conducted in Oregon, the most recent championship being Amanda Blumenherst’s 2008 victory at Eugene Country Club.
The U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship was first conducted in 1895 as one of the USGA’s first three championships. It is open to female amateurs who have a USGA Handicap Index® not exceeding 5.4. The 2013 championship will be conducted Aug. 5-11 at the Country Club of Charleston in South Carolina, while the 2014 championship will be held Aug. 4-10 at Nassau Country Club in Glen Cove, N.Y. In 2016, the championship will be conducted Aug. 8-14 at Rolling Green Golf Club in Springfield, Pa.
About the USGA
The USGA conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open, as well as 10 national amateur championships, two state team championships and international matches. Together with The R&A, the USGA governs the game worldwide, jointly administering the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status, Equipment Standards and World Amateur Golf Rankings. The USGA’s working jurisdiction comprises the United States, its territories and Mexico.
The USGA is a global leader in the development and support of sustainable golf course management practices. It serves as a primary steward for the game’s history and funds an ongoing “For the Good of the Game” charitable giving program. Additionally, the USGA’s Course Rating and Handicap systems are used on six continents in more than 50 countries.
For more information about the USGA, visit www.usga.org.
Portland, April 6th, 2013. Yellow and purple tulips were the perfect springtime touch for The Northwest Catholic Counseling Center (NCC)’s Benefit at Riverside Golf and Country Club. (Photo Credit, Juan Kis) More than 110 supporters, including Pat McCormick, Sr. Sarah Deeby, and Christine Tracey, joined the annual celebration and donated over $42,000.
The evening had many highlights.The local swing trio Boy and Bean kept everyone entertained.Pat McCormick and Fr. Jack Mosbrucker, both early members of NCC’s Board of Directors, received the Compassionate Heart Award in recognition of their long commitment to NCC’s mission of providing mental health services for all in need, regardless of faith or finances.
During the event, board members, past clients, friends and families all spoke of the extraordinary work done by NCC, which began in 1986 in borrowed space.Over 27 years, the Center has grown into a thriving counseling agency, employing a staff of nineteen.45% of NCC clients have no health insurance and 97% receive some subsidization of fees.NCC sees more than 1,300 clients a year, and offers not only counseling to clients ages six to 95, but also psychiatric medication management, graduate training to interns, premarriage counseling, and workshops.NCC operates on a combination of fees, donations and grants.
Sponsors of the evening included ClearStar, Providence Health and Services, Servants of Mary, Stevens Printing.Alpha Broadcasting was the media sponsor and Jerry and Carol Bitz were the matching grant sponsors
Find more information on NCC and how to support mental health care at www.nwcounseling.org or call 503-253-0964.
PORTLAND, Ore.- Gerry Frank is known for so many things, as an author, a speaker, a veteran, a statesman, a businessman, a volunteer, and a fourth-generation Oregonian with degrees from Stanford and Cambridge. Now the Portland Rose Festival Foundation has added one more title to his illustrious career: Grand Marshal of the 2013 Spirit Mountain Casino Grand Floral Parade. Frank, who was introduced to an enthusiastic crowd at a special ceremony in Macy’s downtown store, Thursday evening May 9, will be featured in the ‘Celebrate Oregon’ section of the parade Saturday, June 8 starting at 10 a.m.
Gerry Frank, Rose Festival Parade Grand Marshal
“Gerry Frank and Mark Hatfield did more for Oregon than anybody,” says Brett Baker, Spirit Mountain Casino Grand Floral Parade Chairman. “You can go to any community in the state and see a building, a bridge or public space that Mark and Gerry helped make happen. Together they brought light rail to Portland.”
The superlatives and accolades for Oregon’s own Gerry Frank cannot be easily summarized. Simply stated, Gerry Frank is Oregon. As Chief of Staff to former US Senator Mark O. Hatfield for twenty years Gerry earned the nickname “Oregon’s third Senator.” As a trustee to literally dozens of Oregon community institutions, Gerry has contributed his energy and expertise to Oregon’s evolution. He has served on countless boards, both corporate and volunteer, including being an honorary director of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation since 1969.
“Gerry has built a long career out of his love for the State of Oregon.” said Todd Johnston, President Portland Rose Festival Foundation. “There is not an Oregonian alive today who hasn’t been impacted by his work. We are honored to pay tribute to someone who has done so much for us.”
The filling of this year’s Grand Floral Parade includes three sections with special celebration themes, as well as many festival favorites, like the Royal Rosarians and the One More Time Around Again Marching Band presented by Standard TV and Appliance. For the first time in five years the Rose Festival Court will be presented on a float, a replica of one from 1946 sponsored by Radio Cab. Another new float sponsor, Life Flight, features an entirely different form of transportation, a helicopter! And the Spokane Lilac Festival celebrates their 75th Anniversary with a special appearance in the Northwest’s grandest parade.
Grand Floral Parade indoor reserved seat tickets are $30 and include the Queen’s Coronation presented by Pacific Power; outdoor prices are $30 for premium chairs and $25 for reserved bleacher seating (all ticket purchases are subject to handling fees). Tickets are available on-line at www.RoseFestival.org, the Rose Quarter Box Office or charge by phone at 1-877-789-ROSE (7673).
The Portland Rose Festival Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit that serves families and individuals with programs and events that promote the arts, education and volunteerism. We value environmental responsibility, diversity, patriotism and our historic & floral heritage.
Portland, April 27th, 2013. More than 1,700 local Comcast employees and their families, including Nicole and Natalie Pepin who painted together at Faubion School, joined together to “make change happen” as they volunteered to improve more than 20 nonprofits throughout Oregon and SW Washington—five of which were in the city of Portland.
Girls Inc. of NW Oregon volunteers join Cares Day at Faubion School for some painting. Pictured: Zane Grout, Connor Music (in the back), Sadaf Assadi, Florisela Herrejon, Fardowsa Idris, Lauren Munoz-Tremblay and Rob Bush. Photo by Andie Petkus.
Comcast HR manager Kelly Lajoie and customer service rep Bernard Lorenzo help with refuse at Oregon Humane Society. Photo by Taylor Foster.
Guest volunteers Cathy and Pete Cornett join the Comcast Care Day team at the Oregon Food Bank to pack more than 14,000 pounds of carrots for Oregon and Clark County families in need. Photo by Art Hillsbery.
Kailan and dad, Comcast employee trainer Walter Smith dig in at Hacienda CDC’s Salon Communal. Photo by Andie Petkus.
Guest volunteer Mary Perkins enjoys the weather and helping out in the garden at Native American Youth and Family Center. Photo by Tamara Branderhorst.
Comcast Cares Day is Comcast and NBCUniversal’s signature day of service and the nation’s largest single-day corporate volunteer effort.Across the entire Oregon and SW Washington region, more than 1,700 volunteers cleaned, painted and fixed items to give back to their communities.
In the city of Portland alone, more than 300 volunteers donated their time to five different projects. At Faubion School (by far the largest project in the region) more than 250 employees and community volunteers transformed the school indoors and out and hosted a series of digital literacy classes for parents of Portland Public Schools. Landscaping, gardening and grounds maintenance projects were completed at the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA), Oregon Humane Society and Hacienda CDC’s Salon Comunal. Digital literacy was also taught at Salon Comunal, and Comcast Cares Day volunteers contributed to packing more than 14,000 pounds of fresh carrots at the Oregon Food Bank. Comcast partnered with Hands On Greater Portland to involve community volunteers on Cares Day in the Portland metro area.More than 10 other projects were completed in surrounding metro cities.
Charisse Lillie, Comcast Corporation VP of Community Investment, joins the Oregon Southwest Washington crew to garden at Faubion school. Photo by Andie Petkus.
Comcast technicians Neil Edge and Nathan Pancoast spray-paint a basketball hoop at Faubion School. Photo by Andie Petkus.
John Avgiris and Cathy Avgiris, Comcast executive VP & general manager of communications & data services, joins Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith at Faubion School for a day full of gardening, painting and cleaning and Faubion School. Photo by Andie Petkus.
LaShawn Lee, Faubion School principal; Carole Smith, Portland Public Schools superintendent; and Rodrigo Lopez, Comcast regional vice president, burst with excitement for Faubion’s day of restoration on Comcast Cares Day. Photo by Andie Petkus.
This year more than 70,000 Comcast volunteers participated in over 600 projects across the country, and for the first time Comcast Cares Day expanded internationally with NBCUniversal operating various project sites in London. Comcast achieved an important milestone of 3 million volunteer hours and half a million volunteers since Comcast Cares Day started in 2001.
“We are thankful for the key community organizations, volunteers and employees and their families who helped make this Comcast Cares Day a success,” added Rodrigo Lopez, Regional Vice President.“We are so proud and touched by the 1,700 volunteers who donated their time to make change happen in the Oregon and Southwest Washington region.Their efforts will have a lasting impact in the lives of others.”
The Comcast Foundation will also provide grants to local community partner organizations across the country on behalf of each employee and family member who volunteers on Comcast Cares Day.The grants will help Comcast’s community partners continue their mission of serving the community throughout the year.To date Comcast has committed more than $12 million in grants to organizations nationwide.
Comcast has been committed to serving local communities since our founding 50 years ago. For more information on Comcast’s volunteer and community investment initiatives, visit www.comcast.com/community.
About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) is a global media and technology company with two primary businesses, Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable is the nation’s largest video, high-speed Internet and phone provider to residential customers under the XFINITY brand and also provides these services to businesses. NBCUniversal operates 30 news and entertainment cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures and Universal Parks and Resorts. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
About the Comcast Foundation
The Comcast Foundation was founded by Comcast Corporation in June 1999 to provide charitable support to qualified non-profit organizations. The Foundation primarily invests in programs intended to have a positive, sustainable impact on their communities. The Foundation has three community investment priorities—promoting service, expanding digital literacy, and building tomorrow’s leaders. Since its inception, the Comcast Foundation has donated more than $123 million to organizations in the communities nationwide that Comcast serves. More information about the Foundation and its programs is available at www.comcast.com/community.
Portland, April 19th, 2013. The 13th Annual “Celebrate Success” was sold out and raised $300,000. The diamond dig was a popular activity sponsored by “Diamonds by Passerini.” The event has grown from a luncheon for 200 to a sell-out dinner for over 500 of business and community leaders who support Dress for Success. The annual gala raises funds to help women in poverty move towards self-sufficiency. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus) The gala was held at the Portland Art Museum and the theme this year was springtime in Paris.
Margaret Hinshaw, Roger Hinshaw (President of Bank of America Oregon and SW Washington), and Peggy Willer
Tara Kinateder, Barb Attridge, and Vince Whiting
Priscilla Lewis with daughters, Summer Lewis and Noelle Webster
Karen Fishel, Dress for Success Oregon Board of Directors and Co-Founder of Dress for Success Oregon, and Lisa Lucas, Dress for Success Oregon Board of Directors.
Celebrate Success 2013 Diamond Sponsor, Todd Passerini, from Diamonds by Passerini
Amy and Kathleen Larson
From Dress for Success:
Dress for Success Oregon is a nonprofit organization that has been helping low-income women successfully transition back into the workforce since 1999. We promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
Dress for Success Oregon is the local affiliate to a worldwide organization Dress for Success. All money raised for Dress for Success Oregon stays in our local community. We receive no tax dollars and are 100% funded by the generosity of people like you.
Portland, April 25th, 2013 . 251 supporters joined forces to raise $49,017 for the continued success of the “Think to the Future Initiative” education program. Through it The Black United Fund of Oregon provides much-needed guidance and support to under-served students on the path to higher education and career success. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus Photography)
“The Oregon Lottery team was a master sponsor at the Black United Fund of Oregon’s 16th Annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon. They presented a $1500 scholarship later that afternoon to a deserving African American high school student.“
The funding assists in the social and economic development of Oregon’s low-income communities and to contribute to a broader understanding of ethnic and culturally diverse groups. The Black United Fund of Oregon’s 16th Annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon was held at the Governor Hotel and chaired by Michele Cruse.
From the Black United Fund:
Mission
To assist in the social and economic development of Oregon’s low-income communities and to contribute to a broader understanding of ethnic and culturally diverse groups.
How do we do it?
We partner with organizations right here in our community, who believe as we do that every person matters and every dollar counts. We support organizations with a proven track record of improving social and economic conditions by increasing opportunities in underserved neighborhoods. Because we know this is the only way to have a truly healthy community.
History
We are committed to providing financial support and life-changing programs for Oregon’s low-income communities, and have been for 27 years and counting. In 1983, leaders in North and Northeast Portland noticed that many philanthropic organizations were not giving as much support to communities of color. To combat this inequity, they started the Black United Fund of Oregon to channel charitable funds to low-income areas and since that time, big changes have occurred. We have raised over $4 million to help thousands of our most vulnerable citizens. Last year alone, we served 75,000 Oregonians with grants to more than 30 organizations.
Portland, April 20th, 2013. Guests kicked up their heels to support support SEI programs at the Party with a Purpose benefit. Kris Aman and Robin Givens captivated the crowd as did student performers and artist Mike Phillips. Vice President of Jordan Brand Howard “H” White, was honored as a living example of SEI’s motto: Life Has options.
Tony and Carla Hopson with Howard & Donna White
The Presenting sponsor the event was Wells Fargo, all funds go to support the award winning inner-city youth development programs of Self Enhancement, Inc.
Party with a Purpose! Here+Now, delighted over 300 guests.
SEI coordinators help with school homework and life’s lessons. They attend school functions, parent-teacher conferences, and graduations.
Howard White and Tony Hopson, Sr.
Carla Penn-Hopson with Russell and Denise Hornsby
Loretta Smith
Gary and Karen DeStefano
From SEI:
We are Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI), a nonprofit organization supporting at-risk urban youth. In 31 years, SEI has grown from a 1-week summer basketball camp to a flourishing agency serving thousands of students each year in the greater Portland, Oregon area, with plans to replicate across the country.
Whereas others see only statistics, we see strong individuals, tomorrow’s business owners and leaders, teachers and citizens. We help our students see themselves and their potential the same way. Then we help them find their strengths, ignite their passion and identify the plan that will move them in the direction of their dream. And we stay with them every step of the way, 24/7, 365 days a year from age eight through 25. Mission statements, vision statements, slogans and credos are displayed on walls and web sites all over for-profit and non-profit America. Some are poignant, some are pathetic. We think that too often they are just words that are pointed to now and then. Not here. Students and staff live by the SEI standards from the moment they walk through our doors.
Who are SEI kids and how do they become a part of the program?
Nationwide and right here in Portland, growing numbers of children are exposed to a host of risk factors such as poverty, abuse, neglect, jailed parents and/or siblings, gangs, substance abuse, absentee or abusive parents, and hunger. As a result, the number of young children with aggressive, noncompliant and acting-out behaviors in schools has been steadily rising.
SEI partners with teachers and school administrators to identify children most at risk, and then those students are individually assessed using the Walker-McConnell Scale and given a “risk” score. The Walker-McConnell Scale of Social Competence and School Adjustment is used to determine the level of risk and social skill deficits. In 2009, 92% of the students enrolled at SEI scored as either severe or high risk.
Student demographics
97% African-American
85% qualify for free or reduced lunch
73% from single parent households
36% are gang affected
30% have a parent or sibling incarcerated
SEI students come from our own SEI Academy (middle school) and public schools including Boise Eliot, Humboldt, Vernon, Woodlawn and Ockley Green K-8 schools, as well as Beaumont middle school, Jefferson, Grant and Benson high schools.
Portland, April 26th, 2013. Over 500 attendees cheered Camp Fire Columbia’s stars as they competed against local celebrities in Camp Fire’s Celebrity + Youth Talent Show at the Crystal Ballroom. Portland Timber player Jake Gleeson, Timber Joey, and players Dave Horst & Ryan Kawulok were a hit with their medley of hip hop classics in their second year as celebrity performers at the event. (Photo credit, Brian Rollins)
Youth performers from Camp Fire’s afterschool program in David Douglas School District pose after nailing their hip hop dance performance in front of 500 guests.
Youth and celebrities performed song, dance, step, and a poetry slam. Attendees determined the winners of each act by voting with donations. The event raised over $136,000 for Camp Fire’s before, during, and after-school programs at 19 local schools.
Gwen Sullivan, President of the Oregon Teachers Union; and Representative Lew Frederick enjoy a moment at the Celebrity + Youth Talent Show. Representative Frederick performed a poem, along with Commissioners Loretta Smith and Amanda Fritz.
Brooke Van Roekel, Camp Fire Columbia Board Chair; and Kali Ladd, Camp Fire Columbia Board Member watched take a moment from cheering on Camp Fire youth and celebrity performers to smile for the cameras.
Youth performers from Camp Fire’s afterschool program in David Douglas had a blast singing a medley of classics, united around the theme of Sunshine (summer is almost here!)
Timber Joey and Scot Thompson, Community Ambassador, of the Portland Timbers perform a hip-hop medley as one of five celebrity acts.
Peter Ames Carlin (author of bestselling Springsteen biography “BRUCE”) and Drew Carney (TV reporter at KGW Channel 8) perform Don Henley’s “Dirty Laundry” as one of five celebrity acts.
Tres Shannon, co-owner of Voodoo Doughnut performs as one of five celebrity acts, with help from Victoria Porter. Shannon channeled his Bobby McFerrin-esque skills in a performance of Mozart, along with juggling and headstands.
From Camp Fire Columbia Camp Fire Columbia is a community based nonprofit organization located in Portland, Oregon (serving eight counties in Oregon and SW Washington) with a mission to build caring confident youth and future leaders. Camp Fire partners with local kids, schools and families to provide diverse, best practices programming that:
Supports academic achievement
Builds social and life skills
Fosters community engagement
Develops career and college readiness
Camp Fire’s programs directly serve over 3,000 kids ages 5-18 each year across an eight-county area, including the greater Portland metro region, and help serve another 11,000 children and families annually through partnerships and special projects.
The 21st Century Camp Fire Camp Fire launched in 1910, the same year as the first talking motion picture. Much like today’s films, the 21st Century Camp Fire is a whole different animal than it was 100 years ago—or even 20 years ago! Just as films have adapted to emerging technology, Camp Fire has evolved to better meet the emerging needs of kids and families.
While Camp Fire has historically been synonymous with outdoor learning and providing opportunities for women, today’s Camp Fire is a multi-faceted agency that serves all kids through a diverse array of programs.
Did you know…
Camp Fire strengthens local education. We partner with over 20 schools to pick up where schools leave off—keeping kids safe, engaged, and learning.
Camp Fire supports our region’s most vulnerable youth. Our programs are located in 20% of the Title-1 schools in Multnomah County.
Camp Fire supports academic growth. Students in our programs demonstrate significant increases in reading, writing, and math. A recent study found that Camp Fire kids made academic gains at a faster rate than their non-Camp Fire peers.
50% of Camp Fire kids are boys. We’ve been co-ed since 1975. Ask a child if they’re a Camp Fire Girl, and they’ll respond as if you asked them whether they own an 8-track.
Camp Fire welcomes and embraces all youth of diverse cultures, beliefs, experiences, and identities. We are committed to creating a culturally-competent, inclusive, and safe environment for all children and families.
Camp Fire is national in name only. Camp Fire Columbia is 100% locally driven.
Camp Fire is supported by some of the most prominent names in our community, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the City of Portland, and the U.S. Department of Education.
Portland, Ore- Portland Children’s Museum is delighted to announce that a recent gift from Target Corporation will continue the popular Free First Friday, a program that keeps the Museum open for free to visitors from 4 to 8 pm on the first Friday of each month. These evenings are part of the Community Partners program, which focuses on connecting with families facing barriers to accessing the Museum.
“Target Free First Friday makes a huge impact at the Museum,” said Carrie Hoops, Interim Executive Director. “We see record-breaking attendance numbers as a result of this program. The demand for low cost access to the museum is high and growing, and we are able to meet these frequent requests thanks to generous supporters like Target.”
Target First Free Fridays draw an average of 1,000 monthly visitors that otherwise would not have access to the Museum. This year the Museum expects more than 12,000 visitors for Target First Free Fridays alone.
To extend free access and reduced-cost memberships to qualified families, the Community Partners Program collaborates with over 200 organizations including Title I schools, libraries, government agencies, and non-profits to develop strategies that connect underserved communities to the arts. With Target’s help, the Museum’s Community Partners program will reach over 35,000 children and their families this year alone.
“At Target, we are committed to serving local communities where we do business,” said Laysha Ward, President, Community Relations, Target. “That’s why we are proud to partner with the Portland Children’s Museum as we work to strengthen communities and enrich the lives of our guests and team members.”
ABOUT TARGET
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,778 stores across the United States and at Target.com. The company plans to open its first stores in Canada in 2013. In addition, the company operates a credit card segment that offers branded proprietary credit card products. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its profit through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $4 million a week. For more information about Target’s commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target.com/hereforgood.
ABOUT PORTLAND CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Portland Children’s Museum is the museum that doesn’t act like a museum. You won’t find any velvet ropes inside, and playing with and touching our exhibits is strongly encouraged. Our main exhibit is the imagination of the children who play here. Every activity from permanent to travelling exhibits is designed to encourage children to play and wonder while they learn about themselves and the world around them.
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Nationwide and right here in Portland, growing numbers of children are exposed to a host of risk factors such as poverty, abuse, neglect, jailed parents and/or siblings, gangs, substance abuse, absentee or abusive parents, and hunger. As a result, the number of young children with aggressive, noncompliant and acting-out behaviors in schools has been steadily rising.
