Portland Opera’s 48th Season kicks off with BIG NIGHT Concert and Gala

Portland Opera’s 48th Season kicks off with BIG NIGHT Concert and Gala

by | Oct 5, 2012 | Events, Features, Uncategorized

Portland, Saturday, September 22nd. It was an inside/outside night of beautiful music for the Portland Opera. Featured soloists Jennifer Forni and Resident Artist Lindsay Ohse enjoying the Notte Grande Gala. Outside the Keller Auditorium, a street fair drew a lively crowd as the Portland Opera staged the 2nd Annual BIG NIGHT.
Hundreds of people enjoyed the an outdoor concert on the Street in front of the Keller Auditorium

Hundreds of people enjoyed the an outdoor concert on the Street in front of the Keller Auditorium. Later they watched the Opera performance on a big screen.

Hundreds enjoy the open air festival.

It was a yet another delightfully warm fall Saturday night which added to the ambiance.

Jason Bray, Joshua Buck, Jaqueline Davis and Silas Davis

Jason Bray, Joshua Buck, Jaqueline Davis and Silas Davis

Lindsey Lux, Keith Daly from Schools Arts Together, Jacob Armstrong and Elizabeth Armstrong

Lindsey Lux, Keith Daly from School and Arts Together, Jacob Armstrong and Elizabeth Armstrong

Portland Opera's Claudie Fisher with Special Guest, Sasha Roiz from NBC's Grimm

Portland Opera’s Claudie Fisher with Special Guest, Sasha Roiz from NBC’s Grimm

Inside the concert was also a hit! This year George Manahan returned to conduct. Jonathan Boyd, Michael Todd Simpson, Jennifer Forni and the Portland Opera Studio Artists joined the Portland Opera Orchestra and Chorus on stage for an evening of opera arias, duets and choral pieces from Rossini, Verdi, Mozart and Wagner.

Portland Opera's BIG NIGHT Concert. (l-r): André Chiang, Caitlin Mathes, Matthew Grills, George Manahan, Jennifer Forni, Jonathan Boyd, Michael Todd Simpson, Lindsay Ohse and Nicholas Nelson, with the Portland Opera Orchestra and Chorus.

Portland Opera’s BIG NIGHT Concert.: André Chiang, Caitlin Mathes, Matthew Grills, George Manahan, Jennifer Forni, Jonathan Boyd, Michael Todd Simpson, Lindsay Ohse and Nicholas Nelson, with the Portland Opera Orchestra and Chorus.

All proceeds from BIG NIGHT benefited Portland Opera’s education and outreach programs: bringing opera to students throughout the state of Oregon!
High-Spirited BACKBONES Scavenger Hunt Raises Awareness About Spinal Cord Injury

High-Spirited BACKBONES Scavenger Hunt Raises Awareness About Spinal Cord Injury

by | Oct 4, 2012 | Events, Features, Uncategorized

Portland, September 9th. At a freewheeling Scavenger Hunt organized by the nonprofit BACKBONES, one person per team was required to be in a wheelchair; some people were trying it for the first time. The hunt started at the Mercy Corps Building and took teams around the Rose City. Participants learned about spinal cord research at the Rehabilitation Institute of Oregon and had a great time doing it. The event marked Spinal Chord Awareness Month and attracted a wide range of attendees.
Ashley Schahfer

Ashley Schahfer holds up a team t-shirt from the Scavenger Hunt.

“Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world.” – Mohandas Gandhi

“Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world.” – Mohandas Gandhi

founder Reveca Torres, founder of BACKBONES,

Reveca Torres, founder of BACKBONES from Illinois, gets a hug from one of the competitors.

The nonprofit was started in the Chicago area by Reveca Torres whose spinal cord was fractured in an automobile accident when she was a teenager. BACKBONES launched in Portland last year.

From BACKBONES:

BACKBONES exists to provide free support for people with spinal cord injury and their families. Through our network we facilitate telephone, in-person, or web-based connections and encourage growth by the sharing of experiences and ideas. As a host to events, BACKBONES creates an inviting atmosphere where people can ask questions, learn from each other informally, and make lasting friendships. If you’d like to get involved, here’s a link: http://backbonesonline.com/

Portland, Oregon Chef’s Table Celebrates Top Recipes

Portland, Oregon Chef’s Table Celebrates Top Recipes

by | Oct 3, 2012 | Features, Lifestyle, Uncategorized

Portland, September 30th. Here’s a lifestyle story…Veteran food Writer Laurie Wolf marked the release of her new book with friends and foodies. Portland, Oregon Chefs Table: Extraordinary Recipes from the City is the first cookbook to gather Portland’s current top chefs and restaurants under one cover.

Laurie had the help of her daughter, Olivia at the booksigning.

Laurie had the help of her daughter, Olivia at the book-signing.

Portland, Oregon Chefs Table: Extraordinary Recipes from the City is the first cookbook to gather Portland's top chefs and restaurants under one cover.

With over 70 recipes for the home cook from more than 60 of the city’s most celebrated restaurants, Portland, Oregon Chefs Table is a celebration of what the New York Times calls the city’s “Golden Age” of dining and drinking.

Lisa Schroeder from Mother's Bistro and Mirna Attar from

Lisa Schroeder of Mother’s Bistro and Mirna Attar of Ya Hala

The book-signing took place at Pastaworks on Hawthorne which has a walk-through enterence to the Powells Books next door.

The book-signing took place at Pastaworks on Hawthorne which has a walk-through entrance to the Powell’s Books next door.

Author Laurie Wolf and PortlandSocietyPage.com editor, Elisa Klein

Author Laurie Wolf and PortlandSocietyPage.com editor, Elisa Klein (Laurie’s our neighbor – we’re fans!)

Karen Parkin, Graeme Parkin, D'Mark Mick and Cathy Mick

Karen Parkin, Graeme Parkin, D’Mark Mick and Cathy Mick

Bruce Wolf is Laurie's husband and the award winning photographer for the book. He's pictured with Rick Gehrke and Kate Wagle

Bruce Wolf is Laurie’s husband and the award winning photographer for the book. He’s pictured with Rick Gehrke and Kate Wagle

The Book is available on line at at bookstores including Powell’s.

Featured chefs included:
Amber Webster of 23 Hoyt,
Jobie Bailey of DOC,
Kevin Gibson of Evoe,
Chris Israel of Grüner,
Erik Van Kley of Little Bird Bistro,
Tracy Olsen of Random Order Coffeehouse & Baker,
Ben Bettinger (or sous) of Rum Club,
Erin Eberlein-Sage (pastry chef) of Screen Door,
David Gaspar de Alba of Yakuza Lounge,

Here’s some additional information:

Review:

“Laurie Wolf’s book has made me fall in love with Portland all over again. I moved to this city precisely because of the fantastic food scene, and seeing it captured so vividly through Laurie’s writing, the pitch-perfect recipe selection, and Bruce Wolf’s gorgeous photography simply confirms the premise that Portland is paradise. Now anyone can experience the charms of the city, and even enjoy the flavors in their own kitchens.” Martha Holmberg, founding editor of MIX magazine, and author of Modern Sauces

Review:

“In the same vein as Under the Tuscan Sun and A Year in Provence gave the reader a sense of place via the foods of the area, this beautiful book conveys what is most wonderful about Portland.” Marcy Blum, celebrity event planner

Synopsis:

Celebrating Portland’s best restaurants and eateries with recipes and photographs,Portland, Oregon Chef’s Table profiles signature “at home” recipes from over 40 legendary dining establishments. A keepsake cookbook for tourists and locals alike, the book is a celebration of Portland’s farm-to-table way of life.

About the Author

Laurie Wolf was the food editor at Child magazine for eighteen years. She is also an accomplished food stylist whose work has been featured in Vogue, New York, Glamour, and more. She is the author of Candy Countdown and The Do It Myself Cookbook, among others. Visit her at foodfiendpdx.com. Bruce Wolf, an award-winning photographer, has shot commercial photography for numerous clients, including Martha Stewart, Vogue, New York, Architectural Digest, Viking, Jenn Air, G.E., and more.
Children’s Cancer Association’s Hero Gala Draws Over 500 Supporters

Children’s Cancer Association’s Hero Gala Draws Over 500 Supporters

by | Sep 29, 2012 | Events, Features, Uncategorized

Portland, September 22nd. The Children’s Cancer Association’s Hero Gala was neon-bright at the Portland Art Museum. Founder, Regina Ellis, (pictured with KINK’s Sheila Hamilton and local fashion designer, Michelle DeCourcy) introduced a new upbeat program called Give Get Share. CCA parent Chunda Starr shared her personal experience with program and evening ended with a paddle raise, which raised $380,000. (Photo credit, Mariel Klein)

Demi Stinson and Sierra Archer

Demi Stinson and Sierra Archer

Debbie and Nels Lewis with Anita and Grey Wooldridge

Debbie and Nels Lewis with Anita and Grey Wooldridge

Dave Stamey, Kevin Boie, Marcy Boyd, Kevin McBride, Emily McBride, James Hankel, Dawn Dee Hankel and Christina Stamey

Dave Stamey, Kevin Boie, Marcy Boyd, Kevin McBride, Emily McBride, James Hankel, Dawn Dee Hankel and Christina Stamey

Annie Diess and Steve Diess

Annie Diess and Steve Diess

Meg Byrteck, Matthew Shelley, Michele Shelley, Mukund Pai, Rupa Pai

Meg Byrtek, CCA Chief Operating Officer, with Matthew Shelley, Michele Shelley, Mukund Pai, Rupa Pai

Angela Sheffield, C.S. Sheffield and Krystal Ten Kley

Angela Sheffield, CCA Board Member C.S. Sheffield and Krystal Ten Kley Communications Specialist at CCA

Angela Sheffield, C.S. Sheffield, Regina Ellis, Any Lytle and Mary Lytle

Angela Sheffield, C.S. Sheffield, Regina Ellis, Andy Lytle, CCA Board Chair, and Mary Lytle

Norm Daniels, Rickie Daniels and Claire Hamill

Norm Daniels, Rickie Daniels and Clare Hamill, CCA’s Founding Board President and Nike VP.

Judy and Scott South

Judy and Scott South

Upbeat Children's Cancer Association supporters filled the silent auction area.

Upbeat Children’s Cancer Association supporters filled the silent auction area.

From CCA:

MISSION STATEMENT
When seriously ill children and their families need more than medicine, CCA’s innovative programs create joy one moment at a time.
VISION STATEMENT
Joy Rx becomes the standard of care for every seriously ill child and family.
WHO WE ARE
CCA is a local non-profit founded in Portland, Oregon with national reach. It is the only organization of its kind, created to fill a need for non-medical care that was unmet by hospitals and community organizations.
 CCA was founded in 1995 by the Ellis family after their daughter Alexandra died from cancer at 5-years-old.
CCA is honored to be recognized as a national leader bringing Joy Rx at no cost to thousands of children and their families each year.
Last year, 1,788 volunteer positions were filled and volunteers donated 14,898 hours of service, valued at more than $381,260 invested back into the community.
WHO WE SERVE
 Annually, CCA provides free services, resources and support 392,992 times to children, families, medical professionals and community members nationwide.
CCA’s programs serve children with life threatening illnesses from cancer, to cystic fibrosis, premature birth, diabetes, cerebral palsy and the families who care for them across the nation.
CCA operates in 25 pediatric units in seven regional medical centers providing free patient care at: The Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, The Center for Medically Fragile Children at Providence Child Center, Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital, CARES Northwest, Shriner’s Hospital for Children and The Dougy Center. CCA’s Music Rx program can also be found in California at Miller Children’s Hospital and Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA, and educational resources are found in every children’s hospital across the nation.

Congratulations to 100 Oregon Nonprofits Honored by Oregon Business Magazine as Best Places to Work

Congratulations to 100 Oregon Nonprofits Honored by Oregon Business Magazine as Best Places to Work

by | Sep 28, 2012 | Features, News, Uncategorized

Portland, September 28th. Oregon Business magazine announced its fourth annual 100 Best Nonprofits to Work for in Oregon. Our House and Cascade AIDS Project were two of the organization honored.  The rankings were revealed Thursday night at the Portland Hilton. The magazine surveys employees and organization representatives about benefits, then spotlights the winners in the nonprofit sector.

There’s more info in the October issue of Oregon Business magazine and the magazine website.

Here are some of the results of the survey:
LARGE   ORGANIZATIONS
•••••50   OR MORE OREGON EMPLOYEES•••••
RANK   2012 2011 ORGANIZATION CITY SENIOR EXECUTIVE EMPs OR / TOTAL PURPOSE
Total
WEBSITE TITLE
1 7 Life Flight Network Aurora Michael Griffiths 90 Emergency air medical   services for heart attack, injury, accident, etc. 516.33
lifeflight.org CEO 196
2 1 Oregon Research Institute Eugene Byron Glidden 220 Human-behavior research 515.41
ori.org Administrative Director 240
3 4 Oregon Gymnastics Academy Beaverton Lisa Havelind 60 Gymnastics programs for   children of all ages and abilities 508.02
ogagym.org Executive Director 60
4 9 Tualatin Valley Water District Beaverton Greg DiLoreto 117 Special district and   water utility 507.06
tvwd.org CEO 117
5 NR Energy Trust of Oregon Portland Margie Harris 86 Helps utility customers   save energy and tap renewable resources 503.07
energytrust.org Executive Director 86
6 2 REACH Community Development Portland Dee Walsh 96 Affordable housing   development and management, free home repairs, etc. 500.49
reachcdc.org xecutive Director 96
7 NR B’nai B’rith Camp Beaverton Michelle Koplan 130 Summer overnight camp   for Jewish children 498.36
www.bbcamp.org Executive Director 130
8 9 Our House Portland Wayne Miya 59 Provides health and   housing services to people living with HIV/AIDS 498.17
ourhouseofportland.org xecutive Director 59
9 3 Mary’s Woods at Marylhurst Lake Oswego Marvin Kaiser 200 Continuing-care   retirement community 490.51
maryswoods.com CEO 200
10 NR Open Meadow Alternative Schools Portland Andrew Mason 80 Educates youth in   personal responsibility, academics and community service 489.71
openmeadow.org Executive Director 80
11 11 Northwest Family Services Portland Rose Fuller 50 Professional counseling,   job readiness, positive youth development, etc. 487.74
nwfs.org Executive Director 50
12 8 Catholic Charities Portland Pietro Ferrari 200 Pregnancy   support/adoption, immigration/refugee aid, youth services 482.37
catholiccharitiesoregon.org Executive Director 200
13 NR Children’s Nursing Specialties Portland Patti Sadowski 76 Home-based nursing for   medically fragile children and young adults 479.62
cnsnursing.org Executive Director 76
14 28 Living Opportunities Medford Roger Hassenpflug 162 Services for people with   developmental disabilities 478.06
livingopps.org CEO 162
15 12 Metropolitan Family Service Portland Judy Applegate Strand 82 Programs for children,   families and older adults; parent education 477.37
metfamily.org CEO 82
16 NR Maps Credit Union Salem Mark Zook 170 Credit union 476.08
mapscu.com CEO 170
17 NR Rose Villa Senior Living Portland Vassar Byrd 120 Continuing-care   retirement community 474.36
rosevilla.org CEO 120
18 10 Childpeace Montessori School Portland Sue Pritzker 50 Independent Montessori   school for toddlers through 8th grade 470.89
childpeace.org Head of School 50
19 NR NW Energy Efficiency Alliance Portland Susan E. Stratton 60 Accelerating   energy-efficient products, services, practices in the Northwest 469.84
neea.org Executive Director 60
20 17 Cascade AIDS Project Portland Michael Kaplan 51 Prevention of HIV   infection, support for people affected by HIV/AIDS 468.85
cascadeaids.org Executive Director 51
21 21 Community Counseling Solutions Heppner Kimberly Lindsay 93 Outpatient mental-health   and addiction treatment, residential mental health, etc. 468.59
communitycounselingsolutions.org Executive Director 93
22 NR Cascade Health Solutions Eugene Cheryl Boyum 130 Home health, hospice,   occupational medicine and community wellness 465.46
cascadehealth.org CEO 130
23 23 Partnerships in Community Living Monmouth Zellee Allen 675 Services to people with   developmental disabilities in their homes and jobs 464.01
pclpartnership.org xecutive Director 675
24 NR Human Solutions Portland Jean DeMaster 86 Helps low-income and   homeless achieve self-sufficiency 460.91
humansolutions.org Executive Director 86
25 NR SAIF Corporation Salem Brenda Rocklin 807 State-chartered workers’   compensation company 456.4
saif.com President andCEO 807
26 NR Pentagon Federal Credit Union Eugene Chris Martin 360 Credit union 456.33
penfed.org VP, Regional Svc. 1442
27 20 La Salle Catholic College   Preparatory Milwaukie Denise L. Jones 65 Catholic, co-ed college   preparatory school, transformative education 454.97
lsprep.org President 65
28 13 Family Building Blocks Salem Sue Miller 80 Early-childhood and   therapeutic family support services 453.29
familybuildingblocks.org Executive Director 80
29 31 Edwards Center Aloha Jessica Leitner 200 Residential and   employment support for adults with developmental disabilities 449.86
edwardscenter.org Executive Director 200
30 15 Mercy Corps Portland Neal Keny-Guyer 200 Alleviates suffering,   poverty and oppression internationally 449.76
mercycorps.org CEO 4,000
31 NR United Cerebral Palsy OR/SW WA Portland Ann Coffey 118 Developmental disability   advocate and service provider 445.98
acommunityforeveryone.org Executive Director 118
32 NR NeighborImpact Redmond Sharon Miller 180 Serves the economically   disadvantaged of Central Oregon 445.06
neighborimpact.org Executive Director 180
33 32 ColumbiaCare Services Medford Robert C. Beckett 238 Promotes mental health   with regional system of behavioral heath care facilities 442.75
columbiacare.org Executive Director 244
MEDIUM   ORGANIZATIONS
•••••20-49   OREGON EMPLOYEES•••••
RANK   2012 2011 ORGANIZATION CITY SENIOR EXECUTIVE EMPs OR / TOTAL PURPOSE
Total
WEBSITE TITLE
1 1 Full Access Eugene Margaret Theisen 35 Case coordination and   fiscal support for adults with intellectual/develop. disabilities 532.58
fullaccess.org CEO 35
2 12 Northwest Housing Alternatives Milwaukie Martha McLennan 29 Affordable housing and   homeless services 522.44
nwhousing.org Executive Director 29
3 20 Sponsors Eugene Paul Solomon 26 Re-entry for people with   criminal histories, transitional to permanent housing 518.08
sponsorsinc.org Executive Director 26
4 15 Saving Grace Bend Janet Huerta 28 Domestic violence and   sexual assault agency in Central Oregon 511.5
saving-grace.org Executive Director 28
5 2 Ronald McDonald House Charities   OR/SW WA Portland Tom Soma 24 Provides a “home   away from home” to families with seriously ill children 507.5
rmhcoregon.org Executive Director 24
6 5 Oregon Partnership/Lines for Life Portland Judy Cushing 28 Ending substance abuse   and suicide through 5 crisis lines and education 503.6
linesforlife.org CEO 28
7 NR Bradley Angle Portland Deborah Steinkopf 20 Domestic-violence   services 500.35
bradleyangle.org Executive Director 20
8 11 NEDCO Springfield Claire Seguin 23 Revitalizes communities,   builds affordable homes, financial management services 495.53
nedcocdc.org Executive Director 23
9 NR Bark Portland Alex P. Brown 26 Empowering Oregonians to   protect and restore Mt. Hood National Forest 493.93
bark-out.org Executive Director 26
10 6 Ride Connection Portland Elaine Wells 47 Safe, reliable   transportation options to help maintain individuals’ independence 489.46
rideconnection.org Executive Director 47
11 NR Bend Area Habitat for Humanity Bend Mark Quinlan 22 Builds and sells   affordable housing 485.19
bendhabitat.org Executive Director 500
12 14 JOIN Portland Marc Jolin 21 Homeless street outreach   and housing 482.9
joinpdx.com Executive Director 21
13 10 Portland YouthBuilders Portland Jill Walters 24 High-school completion,   vocational training and leadership dev. for low-income youth 480.72
pybpdx.org Executive Director 24
14 NR CASA of Oregon Sherwood Peter Hainley 20 Affordable housing,   neighborhood facilities for underserved communities 480.19
casaoforegon.org Executive Director 20
15 30 Rural Development Initiatives Eugene Craig Smith 26 Builds leadership   networks and rural communities 475.85
rdiinc.org Executive Director 26
16 NR Dogs for the Deaf Central Point Vaughn Maurice 29 Rescues dogs from   shelters, trains and places them with those needing help 474.48
dogsforthedeaf.org General Manager 29
17 NR Ashland Supportive Hsg. &   Comm. Outreach Ashland L. Sue Crader 32 Housing and direct-care   support for people with developmental disabilities 473.7
ashlandash.org Executive Director 32
18 NR Eugene Hearing & Speech Center Eugene Doris Towery 24 Provides audiological   and speech language services 472.41
eugenehearingspeech.org Executive Director 24
19 5 South Coast Business Employment   Corp. Coos Bay J. J. McLeod 42 Senior services,   workforce services to low-income, dislocated adults and youth 472.09
scbec.org CEO 42
20 13 National Indian Child Welfare   Association Portland Terry L. Cross 23 Technical-aid training,   information and advocacy for Indian child welfare 471.21
nicwa.org Executive Director 23
21 NR The Freshwater Trust Portland Joe Whitworth 29 Freshwater restoration,   conservation and education 470.38
thefreshwatertrust.org President 29
22 33 Travel Oregon Salem Todd Davidson 31 Tourism promotion for   the state of Oregon 470.06
traveloregon.com CEO 31
23 NR Friendly House Portland Vaune Albanese 40 Neighborhood center and   social services for children, families, adults and seniors 456.62
friendlyhouseinc.org Executive Director 40
24 NR Conservation Biology Institute Corvallis James R. Strittholt 21 Scientific expertise to   support conservation and recovery of biological diversity 456.11
consbio.org Executive Director 30
25 27 Growing Tree Children’s Center Bend Tammy Rundle 25 Year-round early   childhood education 453.8
thegrowingtree.org Executive Director 25
26 28 Sunstone Montessori School Portland Cathy Newman 21 Preschool and elementary   Montessori school 450.27
sunstonemontessori.org Head of School 21
27 24 Oregon Medical Association Portland Joanne K. Bryson 23 Physician membership   association 449.79
theoma.org EVP andCEO 23
28 NR The Next Door Hood River Janet Hamada 45 Prevention and treatment   services for children and families 449.6
nextdoorinc.org Executive Director 45
29 29 SMART (Start Making A Reader   Today) Portland Chris Otis 33 Recruits volunteers to   read one-on-one with pre-K to third-grade children 449.07
getsmartoregon.org Executive Director 33
30 26 Friends of Trees Portland Scott Fogarty 21 Tree planting and   community building 448.01
friendsoftrees.org Executive Director 21
31 23 Portland Community Reinvestment   Initiatives Portland Maxine Fitzpatrick 30 Affordable housing to   provide family stability, self-sufficiency 447.35
pcrihome.org Executive Director 30
32 NR Family Tree Relief   Nursery Albany Renee Smith 25 Child-abuse prevention   program 445.39
Executive   Director 25
33 16 HIV Alliance Eugene Diane Lang 38 Supports those living   with HIV/AIDS and prevents new infections 436.33
hivalliance.org Executive Director 38
SMALL   ORGANIZATIONS
•••••FEWER   THAN 20OREGON EMPLOYEES•••••
RANK   2012 2011 ORGANIZATION CITY SENIOR EXECUTIVE EMPs OR / TOTAL PURPOSE
Total
WEBSITE TITLE
1 2 Oregon Environmental Council Portland Andrea Durbin 17 Safeguards clean air and   water, an unpolluted landscape and healthy food 537.33
oeconline.org Executive Director 17
2 NR Coquille Indian Housing Authority Coos Bay Anne F Cook 10 Indian housing programs 528.62
coquilleiha.org Executive Director 10
3 NR Aim High Academy of Martial Arts Beaverton Dan Sikkens 19 Martial arts education   and development for youth and adults 524.82
aimhighma.org Executive Director 19
4 7 Western Rivers Conservancy Portland Phil Wallin 11 Conservation of river   ecosystems through land acquisition 523.68
westernrivers.org President 14
5 20 Family Relief Nursery – Cottage   Grove Cottage Grove Heather Murphy 16 Child-abuse prevention   and therapeutic family support services 521.58
frncg.org Executive Director 16
6 4 Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp Portland Kaleen Deatherage 9 Outdoor experiences for   individuals with disabilities for personal growth, inclusion 521.21
mhkc.org Executive Director 9
7 NR Friends of the Columbia Gorge Portland Kevin Gorman 13 Protects scenic,   natural, cultural and recreational resources in the Columbia Gorge 516.4
gorgefriends.org Executive Director 13
8 23 Macdonald Center Portland Patricia Janik 11 Outreach, housing,   support for low-income adults with disabilities 515.38
macdcenter.org Executive Director 11
9 16 Galt Foundation Salem Dennis Moore 10 Temporary staffing   services employing individuals with disabilities 515.25
galtfoundation.org Executive Director 20
10 30 Society of St. Vincent de Paul Portland Anna Plaster 14 Emergency food, rent and   utility assistance 513.66
svdppdx.org Executive Director 14
11 NR Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lane   County Eugene Sari M. Pascoe, Ph.D. 11 Mentoring programs 508.34
bbbslane.org CEO 11
12 6 Northwest Pilot Project Portland Susan Emmons 15 Assists low-income   seniors in finding affordable housing and in living independently 508.32
nwpilotproject.org Executive Director 15
13 NR Sitka Center for Art and Ecology Otis Eric Vines 7 Art and ecology   workshops, artist residencies, annual contemporary art show 501.78
sitkacenter.org Executive Director 7
14 NR Portland Homeless Family Solutions Portland Brandi Tuck 14 Temporary emergency   shelter for homeless families with children, etc. 501.49
pdxhfs.org Executive Director 14
15 13 “I Have a Dream” Foundation –   Oregon Portland Mark Langseth 11 Helps low-income   children succeed in school and college 500.57
ihaveadreamoregon.org President andCEO 11
16 4 Valley Credit Union Salem Jean Wheat-Palm 18 Credit union serving the   health care and postal service fields 495.98
vhpecu.org President andCEO 18
17 NR Elders in Action Portland Leslie Foren 6 Quality-of-life advocacy   for older adults 494.59
eldersinaction.org Executive Director 6
18 NR Compassion First Beaverton Mike Mercer 3 Aftercare and legal   advocacy for child-sex trafficking survivors, police training, etc. 493.74
compassionfirst.org President 16
19 NR Gresham Chamber of Commerce Gresham Alison Hart 3 Chamber of commerce 493.22
greshamchamber.org CEO 3
20 NR Growing Gardens Portland Debra Lippoldt 8 Promotes home and school   food gardening 491.25
growing-gardens.org Executive Director 8
21 5 Playworks Portland Jonathan Blasher 19 Supports safe, healthy   and inclusive play and physical activity in schools 490.57
playworks.org Executive Director 450
22 NR Young Entrepreneurs Business Week Salem Kelly O’Brien 2 Entrepreneurship,   finance, career readiness, etc. for high school students 489.34
yebw.org Executive Director 2
23 NR Oregon Wild Portland Sean Stevens 11 Protecting and restoring   Oregon’s wild lands, wildlife and waters 486.23
oregonwild.org Executive Director 11
24 14 Sustainable Northwest Portland Martin Goebel 11 Nonpartisan support for   a community-oriented, conservation-based economy 485.89
sustainablenorthwest.org President 11
25 25 Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest Portland Jeanne Haster 18 Recruits full-time   volunteers for social service, env., school and health programs 485.87
jvcnorthwest.org Executive Director 18
26 NR Pacific Rivers Council Portland John Kober 6 River conservation 484.62
pacificrivers.org Executive Director 6
27 26 Portland Women’s Crisis Line Portland Rebecca Nickels 9 Domestic- and   sexual-violence intervention and response 483.62
pwcl.org Executive Director 9
28 NR Clean Energy Works Oregon Portland Derek Smith 18 Energy-efficiency   upgrades that create jobs and energy savings 482.85
cleanenergyworksoregon.org CEO 18
29 NR Caldera Portland Tricia Snell 17 Year-round youth-group   mentoring through the arts 482.68
calderaarts.org Executive Director 17
30 12 Northwest Catholic Counseling   Center Portland Erin Peters 17 Behavioral-health   services for all who seek counseling regardless of faith or finances 480.03
nwcounseling.org Executive Director 17
31 NR Centro LatinoAmericano Eugene Marcela Mendoza 11 Social services, mental   health and substance- abuse services for Latinos 479.28
centrolatinoamericano.org Executive Director 11
32 NR Volunteers in Medicine Clinic Springfield DeLeesa Meashintubby 18 Free medical services   for low-income, uninsured adults in Lane County 478
vim-clinic.org Executive Director 18
33 NR Jewish Federation of Greater   Portland Portland Marc N. Blattner 13 Fundraising and   community building 474.23
jewishportland.org President andCEO 13
34 33 Americans Overseas Domestic   Violence Crisis Center Portland Paula Lucas 11 Serving American victims   of abuse in foreign countries 471.25
866uswomen.org Executive Director 11
 

EMPLOYEE SURVEY

The survey was voluntary and free of charge. Participating nonprofits had to employ at least 10 Oregon workers (and/or volunteers who worked an average of 20 or more hours per month) at the time of the survey. Organizations were categorized as small if they had fewer than 20 Oregon employees; medium if they employed 20-49; and large if they employed 50 or more in Oregon. For the 2012 survey nearly 5,000 nonprofit workers rated their satisfaction with 169 organizations in 25 workplace qualities — five in each of the following categories:

  1. Work environment: scheduling, diversity, family balance, teamwork, fun, technology, policies and procedures
  2. Management and communications: treatment and feedback from supervisors, workplace communications, discipline for poor performance, rewards and acknowledgement for top performance
  3. Mission and goals: progress of mission, trust in management and board, employee involvement in decisions, community support, workplace pride
  4. Career development and learning: on-the-job training, off-site education and training, growth opportunities, promotion and advancement, job goals and expectations
  5. Benefits and compensation: adequacy and fairness of pay, health and wellness plan, retirement plan, paid time off and leave, opportunities for better pay and benefits

EMPLOYER BENEFITS SURVEY

Organization representatives answered about 50 questions covering a comprehensive set of benefits including health and wellness, time off, family-friendly policies, work scheduling, incentives, retirement plans and culture.

SCORING

The employee survey counted for 5/6 of a nonprofit’s score. For each organization, the average employee satisfaction rating was calculated in each of the five categories above on a scale of 0-100. The benefits survey was also scored on a 100-point scale, accounting for the remaining 1/6 of the overall score, resulting in a total possible score of 600.

HOW TO ENTER THE 2013 100 BEST NONPROFITS:

  1. Eligibility: Any nonprofit 501(c)-type organization, government agency, association, hospital, credit union, etc., with at least 10 employees (and/or volunteers who work an average of 20 or more hours per month) in Oregon will be eligible to enter the 2013 survey. Organizations may be based outside the state but only their Oregon workers may participate.
  2. Survey period: The process for 2013’s list will begin in April and end in June 2013. There is no charge to participate, and organizations that do not make the list will remain anonymous. All participants that complete the process can obtain survey results.
  3. Submitting your workplace: Send an email with your name, title, phone number and email address to: [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
  4. Mark your calendar: The sign-up link will be posted to www.oregon100best.com in April 2013.
Portland Fruit Tree Project Celebrates 200th Harvest

Portland Fruit Tree Project Celebrates 200th Harvest

by | Sep 27, 2012 | Events, Features, Uncategorized

Portland, September 15th.  Portland Fruit Tree Project marked an exciting milestone with a big multi-site urban harvesting event. There were four harvest sites and one team was entirely bike powered – a new harvest method for the nonprofit.

Over 640 pounds of fruit was sent to the NE Emergency Food Program & to Urban Gleaners. (Photo Credit, Amanda Rohde)

Over 640 pounds of fruit was sent to the NE Emergency Food Program & to Urban Gleaners. (Photo Credit, Amanda Rohde)

Over 40 volunteers harvested 1,281.5 pounds of fruit

Over 40 volunteers harvested 1,281.5 pounds of fruit (photo credit Kimi Nam)

About half of the fruit was shared with the harvest volunteers – half of whom are low income themselves.

The event ended with a celebratory lunch while representatives from the NE Emergency Food Program & Urban Gleaners spoke about the impact the fruit from Portland Fruit Tree Project has on their organizations and the people they serve.

The grapes were ripe for the picking! (Photo credit, Kimi Nam)

Amanda Rohde 200th Harvest 9-15-12-1

200th Harvest (Photo credit, Amanda Rohde)

Since 2007 Portland Fruit Tree Project has brought together thousands of diverse Portlanders to harvest and distribute more than 100,000 lbs of fruit that would have otherwise gone to waste from hundreds of neighborhood fruit trees. 50% of fruit harvested by PFTP goes to local food pantries, and the rest goes to harvest participants, the majority of whom are living on low incomes. Since 2007 PFTP has provided fresh fruit to more than 10,000 low income families.

Portland Fruit Tree Project is a grass-roots non-profit organization that provides a community-based solution to a critical and growing need in Portland and beyond: Access to healthy food. By empowering neighbors to share in the harvest and care of urban fruit trees, we are preventing waste, building community knowledge and resources, and creating sustainable, cost-free ways to obtain healthy, locally-grown food. Because money doesn’t grow on trees… but fruit does!

“We organize people to gather fruit before it falls, and make it available to those who need it most. We register fruit and nut trees throughout the city, bring people together to harvest and distribute thousands of pounds of fresh fruit each year, and teach tree care and food preservation in hands-on workshops.”

Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp Benefit Walk, Roll, or Stroll Thrills Campers

Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp Benefit Walk, Roll, or Stroll Thrills Campers

by | Sep 26, 2012 | Events, Features, Uncategorized

Portland, September 15th. This year’s MHKC Walk, Roll, or Stroll had over 275 walkers and volunteers. Camper Jackie Pietka won an iPad for raising the most money. MHKC Board President Dale De Vries presented it to Jackie. The event raised $45,669 to benefit children and adults with disabilities who attend the camp. Supporters gathered at Willamette Park and enjoyed games, food, live music, and a 1K and 5K walk.  Afterwards, participants visited at barbecue lunch.

Walk, Roll, or Stroll Emcee, Jim E. Chonga from Oldies 106.7 fm, MHKC Program Director Lindsay Lowe, and MHKC Executive Director Kaleen Deatherage.

Walk, Roll, or Stroll Emcee, Jim E. Chonga from Oldies 106.7 fm, MHKC Program Director Lindsay Lowe, and MHKC Executive Director Kaleen Deatherage.

The largest and highest fundraising walk team, “Team FNG” raised $6,882.00 and was comprised of MHKC campers and MHKC staff members.

The largest and highest fundraising walk team, “Team FNG” raised $6,882.00 and was comprised of MHKC campers and MHKC staff members.

The Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp was founded in 1933 by the Kiwanis Club of Montavilla to serve low-income youth.

We began serving people with disabilities in 1957. Since 1972, the camp has enjoyed a unique partnership with Portland State University’s Special Education Department which provides planning and personnel support.

Every summer, over 500 children and adults with developmental, physical and/or neurological disabilities enjoy and benefit from their time at Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp.

Funding comes from camper fees, individuals, foundations and community organizations, especially Kiwanis Clubs in Oregon and southwest Washington.

The camp was founded by a Kiwanis Club, and has been lovingly tended since then by many Kiwanis Clubs and their members. We are, however, a separate organization from Kiwanis International and its member clubs.

Many Kiwanis members and other community volunteers help maintain the camp’s 22 acres of US Forest Service land in the Mt. Hood National Forest.

Volunteers also sponsor fund-raising projects and participate in the annual fund-raising auction and dinner.

Funds generated through camp rentals also help finance our mission and vision.

Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp is accredited through the American Camp Association, complying with their standards, code of ethics and applicable state and federal laws.

Literary Arts Feasting on Mark Bittman’s Call to Eat Ethically

Literary Arts Feasting on Mark Bittman’s Call to Eat Ethically

by | Sep 26, 2012 | Events, Features, Uncategorized

Portland, September 20th. At a special Literary Arts presentation, during the celebration of Oregon’s bounty, Portland Feast,  Mark Bittman spoke passionately about what’s wrong with what we eat. Bittman is fiercely political when it comes to food. He links the high consumption of meat to global warming and criticizes the typical American diet. Bittman covers food policy, cooking, and eating as an opinion columnist for the New York Times, where he is also the New York Times Magazine’s lead food writer.

The Literary Arts event  featuring Bittman was at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall and was presented in association with FEAST Portland, Whole Foods, Lewis & Clark College, and the Natural Epicurean Academy of Culinary Arts. One of the sponsors of the event, Lewis & Clark College, hosted a  reception in advance of the lecture. Literary Agent, Betsy Amster, is the wife of Lewis & Clark President, Barry Glassner, and member of the Literary Arts Board.

Mary Bishop, Ed Jensen, Libby McCaslin, Lee Ragen, Gaye Richardson, Betsy Amster and President Barry Glassner.

Mary Bishop, Ed Jensen, Libby McCaslin, Lee Ragen, Gaye Richardson, Betsy Amster and President Barry Glassner.

Michael Powell the architect behind Powell's City of Books and Libby McCaslin

Michael Powell, the architect behind Powell’s City of Books, and Lewis & Clark Trustee Libby McCaslin

The Lewis & Clark reception

The Lewis & Clark reception was at the Heathman Hotel.

During his recent appearance on OPB’s Think Out Loud which was taped in front of a studio audience at Literary Arts, Bittman  explained, “Many of the things we eat do not promote good condition and they are not nourishing. Therefore they are not defined as food.”

Mark Bittman at Literary Arts

Mark Bittman at Literary Arts recording a program for OPB. (Literary Arts Photo credit)

For to learn more about Mark Bittman’s concept of eating ethically, here’s a link to his website: http://markbittman.com/

From Literary Arts:

Literary Arts is a community-based nonprofit literary center located in downtown Portland, with a 28-year history of serving Oregon’s readers and writers. Our programs include Portland Arts & Lectures, one of the country’s largest lecture series; Oregon Book Awards & Fellowships, which celebrates Oregon’s writers and independent publishers; and Writers in the Schools, which hires professional writers to teach semester-long creative writing workshops in Portland’s public high schools. We also host guided discussion groups around great works of literature through a program called Delve.

Our Mission

To engage readers, support writers, and inspire the next generation with great literature.

Our Programs

Portland Arts & Lectures brings the world’s most celebrated writers, artists and thinkers to our community. In addition to live events that are broadcast statewide on OPB radio, the program connects readers and writers of all ages with classroom visits and workshops.

Writers in the Schools hires professional writers to teach in Portland’s public high schools for semester-long residencies that span the curriculum, reaching 2,600 students each year. Students share their work at community readings across the city, online and in print anthologies.

Oregon Book Awards & Fellowships celebrates Oregon’s writers. The program promotes Oregon’s literature and provides financial support to writers and independent publishers. The Oregon Book Awards Author Tour connects writers and readers throughout the state with readings, workshops and school visits.

Delve: Readers’ Seminars offers the opportunity to explore great books with an experienced guide in the company of other dedicated readers. Seminars are lively, in-depth discussions led by local scholars.

Kids Cook With The Portland Kitchen and Portland Parks

Kids Cook With The Portland Kitchen and Portland Parks

by | Sep 24, 2012 | Events, Features, Uncategorized

Portland, August 19th. The St. Johns Community Center was the site of a special event called Kids Cook. It was a free, kid-focused exploration of tasting and cooking with healthy, fresh, seasonal produce. The Portland Kitchen chefs were happy to partner with Portland Parks and Recreation for the Kids Cook event. Pictured are Portland Kitchen founders and board of directors: Wendy Kent, board secretary; co-founder Earl Frederick, co-founder Abby Herrera; and board member David McIntyre.

The Portland Kitchen is an emerging culinary after-school program providing high school youth the business skills and nutritional education needed to budget, plan and prepare for life.

The Portland Kitchen created marinated tofu wraps for Kids Cook attendees. Recipe can be found at http://www.facebook.com/ThePDXkitchen

The Portland Kitchen created marinated tofu wraps for Kids Cook attendees. Recipe can be found at http://www.facebook.com/ThePDXkitchen

KOIN news at 6 p.m. watched the demo, too.

KOIN news at 6 p.m. watched the demo, too.

From The Portland Kitchen:
The Oregon Culinary School generously offered up their restaurant, appetizers and a four-course meal to help us raise money to fund 45 ServSafe certificates to our high school youth, when we open. More info about the event is located here.
Mission

Our mission is to help youth experiencing adversity establish a framework for success in the workplace, and the dinner table, by offering them the business skills and nutritional education needed to budget, plan and prepare for life.

Company Overview

We knew there was a disconnect from farm to table. We knew about Portland’s low on-time high school graduation rate. We knew the economic climate was weighing heavily on our older youth, affecting hunger rates, class attendance and the opportunity for an after-school job. We knew we wanted to create long-term positive change in Oregon.

Description

The Portland Kitchen, an Oregon 501(c)(3), is an emerging comprehensive culinary after-school program to help high school students, age 14 to 18, establish success in the workplace, and the dinner table. Students learn how to cook, and try new foods through fun activities, games and working with guest chefs. This is a free program that provides the opportunity for students to become trained and certified for future employment — in addition to positively impacting their health.

General Information

Registration for The Portland Kitchen does not open until we raise year one’s operating budget. Interested students are invited to email [email protected] to add his or her name to the program’s contact list. Inquiries are always welcome.

 

Portland Center for the Performing Arts 25th Anniversary

Portland Center for the Performing Arts 25th Anniversary

by | Sep 23, 2012 | Events, Features, Uncategorized

Portland, September 16th. Julie Vigeland, PCPA Foundation member, Gary Maffei, PCPA Foundation board chair and Jeanne Newmark, donor and namesake of PCPA’s Newmark Theatre, celebrated Portland Center for the Performing Arts 25th Anniversary. Opened in 1987, Portland Center for the Performing Arts launched with the “New Theatre Building”, renamed Antoinette Hatfield Hall in 2008. Developed as a public/private partnership to create much-needed performance spaces in Portland, the building houses three distinct theatres—Newmark Theatre, Dolores Winningstad Theatre and Brunish Theatre.

There were live performances on Main Street and in the Antoinette Hatfield Hall Rotunda.

There were live performances on Main Street and in the Antoinette Hatfield Hall Rotunda.

 

For the 25th Anniversary celebration, PCPA hosted an afternoon filled with free, family-friendly activities open to the public. The day included live performances by Portland Taiko, Tears of Joy Puppet Theatre, Festival Brass and Portland Opera To Go! Visitors were also able to visit with PCPA’s resident arts groups, and take behind-the-scenes tours of the theatres.

From the PCPA Foundation:

The Portland Center for the Performing Arts Foundation is the nonprofit organization that helps PCPA maintain high-quality theaters that attract premier performances to our community. The PCPA Foundation raises capital funds and supports PCPA through region-wide community outreach and advocacy.