Portland, November 14, 2015. Make-A-Wish® Oregon raised more than $600,000 at this year’s sold-out Wish Ball at the Portland Art Museum. The event was presented by Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys and U.S. Bank and drew more than 600 guests and brought wish kids and their families, donors, supporters and board members together for one night to celebrate the power of a wish. More than 20 wish children and their families took part in the event and shared their stories of how the wish experience impacted them. Grown-ups like Kari Chisholm, Carrie Wynkoop, Make-A-Wish Oregon CEO Laila Cook, Charles Turner and Jennifer Turner had the opportunity to take a memorable photo with some of this year’s wish children, including 11-year-old Madison and 7-year-old Fynn. (Photo Credit, Jeff Hinds Photography)
Wish kid Ellerie, 3, gasps in excitement as she takes center stage during the Wish Ball’s VIP dinner.
Wish kid Lexi, 4, lights up the dance floor as she gives her best twirl for KATU anchor Debora Knapp, who emceed the event.
5-year-old wish child Lexi with Make-A-Wish Oregon Board Member Erika Miller. Lexi designed and painted special wish wands for guests to bid on at the VIP Fundraising Dinner.
11-year-old wish child Madison and 7-year-old wish child Fynn. (Back L to R) Carey Cox, Kristine Cox, Wendi Sinclair and Make-A-Wish Oregon Board Chair Geoff Sinclair.
Guests of Wish Ball helped raise money for the organization through a live and silent auction, ticket raffles and more. The silent auction featured artwork that local wish kids created to depict their unique wish experience. In addition to the auction, guests participated in the Wall of Wine and a pop-a-balloon game that featured fun date night packages and experiences. Everyone also enjoyed live music and dancing to cap off an unforgettable night.
Make-A-Wish Oregon is one of the 62 chapters across the country supporting the Make-A-Wish® mission to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. In fiscal year 2015, Make-A-Wish Oregon granted a record 211 wishes. In fiscal year 2016, with the help of volunteers and supporters, we hope to grant the wishes of 225 local children.
Portland, November 10th, 2016. More than 300 people attended the The Dougy Center’s Annual Fall Event, Portraits of Courage, at Portland’s Sentinel Hotel on November 10, raising over $65,000 for programs to help grieving children and families.
Stephanie Willard: Dougy Center parent speaker for the 2015 Portraits of Courage Fall Event with her daughter Raphaella who attends a support group at The Dougy Center
Jennifer R. Saliba: President, Rhino Consulting, and 2015 Fall Event Chair
There were over 300 attendees at the 2015 Portraits of Courage Fall Event
Reuben Broadfoot: Senior Director of Application Services, Nike, and Dougy Center Board Chair.
Event Chair, Jennifer R. Saliba, President of Rhino Consulting, and Reuben Broadfoot, Senior Director of Application Services at Nike and Dougy Center Board Chair, took the podium to speak to attendees about the invaluable services and resources The Dougy Center offers grieving children and families in the community. Dougy Center participants Bailey Thomas and Stephanie Willard courageously shared their stories of grief and loss, as well as their positive experiences of finding belonging, hope, and support at The Dougy Center.
This year’s event marks the first Portraits of Courage luncheon with new Dougy Center Executive Director, Brennan Wood, at the helm of the organization. Brennan and Donna Schuurman, Senior Director of Advocacy & Training and Executive Director Emeritus, joined each other on stage for an inspiring and emotional passing of the baton.
From The Dougy Center:
Founded in 1982, The Dougy Center provides support in a safe place where children, teens, young adults and their families who are grieving a death can share their experiences. Locally, The Dougy Center serves 450 children and 300 adult family members each month with peer support groups in Portland, Hillsboro and Canby. Through the National Center for Grieving Children & Families, The Dougy Center also provides information and training locally, nationally and internationally to individuals and organizations seeking to assist children in grief. The Dougy Center does not charge families for its services, and relies solely on generous donations from individuals, corporations and foundations.
Portland, November 15th, 2015. Wonderland Tattoos raised $5,850 in support of Audubon Society of Portland by donating an entire day of their work devoted to bird-themed tattoos.
Customers and bird enthusiasts started lining up at 6:30 a.m. in the rain to secure their spot to get an original tattoo by one of the artists at Wonderland.
In preparation for the fundraiser, artists from Wonderland Tattoo came out to Audubon Society of Portland’s sanctuary to gather real-life inspiration and images of their education birds including Aristophanes the Raven, Finnegan the Peregrine Falcon, and Jack the American Kestrel.
Kelly Babbitt got her tattoo in memory of her grandmother. “She was an avid birder and Audubon member, and we used to bird together. She passed away a couple of years ago, but I wanted to come today to try and get a bird tattoo in memory of her.”
Staff donated their time and all proceeds to Portland Audubon.
Blake Brady, one of the first customers in line, came down from Olympia, Washington. “I like the fact that the tattoo shop and the Audubon Society of Portland came together. It’s a really cool collaboration and something unique that you’re not going to find anywhere else. I love birds. I love all different types of birds. I think these artists are definitely the ones to see if you want that type of tattoo.”
Amy Yum drove down from Seattle, leaving her home at 3:30 a.m. and arriving at 6:40 a.m. “I loved Wonderland Tattoo to begin with, but the fact that they are teaming up for a such a great and awesome event prompted us to drive down from Seattle to get here at 6:40 a.m. so we could get a tattoo and support Portland Audubon at the same time.”
Portland Audubon was on hand to talk to Wonderland customers about how they can get involved to help birds and other wildlife. You can see many of the designs online, here::
Portland, November 21st, 2015. The concept is simple, you know about “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday.” Well, local nonprofits would like to introduce you to “Give Tuesday!”
The Date for “Give Tuesday” is December 1st, 2015. It’s a day of giving to help nonprofits like the local dance companies which hold free classes outside for kids. Organizers explain, “Whether you were born here, or chose this place as your home, you make Oregon what it is today – and you can play a part in a brighter tomorrow. #OregoniansGive will bring together people from every city, town, and rural community, in a statewide #GivingTuesday celebration of what it means to be Oregonian.”
Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center, is an ecological wonderland that’s been preserved for the future through the hard work of a great nonprofit and the continual generosity of many Oregonians. #oregoniansgive
In just four year’s time, #GivingTuesday has become a global day of giving which nonprofits from around the world have had success with reaching new donors, inspiring more giving, and recruiting new volunteers. And #GivingTuesday has experienced massive growth, between 2011 and 2012, the event saw a 53% increase in donations year-over-year. And a 90% increase over last year. As more nonprofits participate, #GivingTuesday’s reach expands to an ever increasing base of supporters.
So the countdown to Give Tuesday is on, but if you’d like, you don’t have to wait. We’ve got the links to the local nonprofits welcoming you donations, now and after Thanksgiving. As organizers say:
Portland, November 9th, 2015. More than 500 corporate and community leaders, philanthropists and fundraising executives came together to celebrate philanthropy and the 2015 Philanthropy Awards honorees. Susannah Morgan CEO Oregon Food BAnk presented the Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation award to Mark Ganz, President/CEO Cambia Health Solutions, along with Master of Ceremonies Gwyneth Gamble Booth. Many extraordinary contributions to our community were celebrated at the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Philanthropy Awards Luncheon at the Portland Hilton & Executive Tower. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Presenters and Receipients: Jean DeMaster, retired Exectuive Director Human Solutions; Joan Foley, President ARCS Portland; Cheryl Ramberg Ford; Pat Reser board member Medical Teams International; Brian Gard; Allyn Ford; Bill Furman.
Vollum Award for Lifetime Philanthropic Achievement recipient Bill Furman accepting his award. (background: Dr. Edward J. Ray, President Oregon State University who presented the award.
Outstanding Volunteer Group Award to Medical Teams International Volunteers represented by (l to r): Dr. Dale Canfield, Dr. Mary Burry, Helen Unfred, MC Gwyneth Gamble Booth, Presenter and MTI Board Member Pat Reser, and volunteer Dr. Tom Hoggard
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Brian Gard who along with John Mohlis (absent) raised money for the Unite for the Knight on behalf of OHSU. Pictured with Gwyneth Gamble Booth and L.Keith Todd, President OHSU Foundation
Here’s a list of all of the winners:
The 2015 Philanthropy Awards honoring volunteers, donors, business and nonprofits:
Vollum Award for Lifetime Philanthropic Achievement Bill Furman
Outstanding Philanthropists Allyn Ford and Cheryl Ramberg Ford
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Brian Gard and John Mohlis
Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation Cambia Health Solutions
Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation ARCS Foundation
Outstanding Volunteer Group Medical Teams International Volunteers
Outstanding Innovative Project The Rosewood Project (by Human Solutions)
The funds raised through this luncheon help our local AFP chapter advance philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practice ethical and effective fundraising. The core activities through which AFP fulfills this mission include education, training, mentoring, research, credentialing and advocacy.
Portland, November 6th, 2015. Edison High School welcomed 380 guests at the Oregon Zoo for their annual Partner with Edison Breakfast. The event generated over $220,000 to help support financial aid, technology, and professional development at the school. Supporters heard from senior Nicu Carter-Baldwin and former student Jesse Rapport. Current parent, Phyllis Talley, spoke about the importance of Edison High School and the positive impact the school has had on her son, Jason. In addition to being a fund-raiser this event gives the school the opportunity to raise awareness about learning differences and the innovative programs at Edison. (Photo Credit, Andie Petus)
David Carter, Nicu Carter-Baldwin and Jamie Baldwin. Proud parents David and Jamie congratulate their son, student speaker Nicu, after his speech receives a standing ovation.
Parent speaker Phyllis Talley explains how Edison is critical to the success of students with learning differences.
Former Blazer Terry Porter enjoys an original song performed by Edison students.
Alumni student speaker Jesse Rapport and mom Ginger Rapport. After receiving her masters in Higher Education Leadership, Jesse is now the Coordinator of Student Activities at University of California, San Diego.
Table Captain Karen Fox and Edison Director Patrick Maguire are ready to greet guests.
Parent Greg Roderick and Board Member Patrick Becker show their support.
From Edison High School:
“Some kids have learning differences. All kids have dreams.”
Welcome to Edison High School, the only high school in Oregon and Southwest Washington dedicated to serving students with complex learning differences. Our work here is powerful and profound: helping every student reach his or her full potential.
As a small, private school, Edison High School offers an individualized curriculum that meets each student’s special needs, and maximizes the ability to learn. We also provide the emotional support that builds confidence and maturity. By empowering students with learning differences to experience academic success and personal growth, Edison does more than prepare teens for the future. We change lives.
Portland, October 1st, 2015. Over 550 people gathered at the Portland Art Museum to celebrate women who’ve made a difference in Oregon. The benefit was the most successful to date for the Center for Leadership (CWL) and raised nearly $145,000 to support the leadership ambitions of girls and women. Located on the campus of Portland State University within the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, the organization offers a new women’s leadership initiative for college students. On hand for the event were: Executive Director Sunny Petit, Program Director Mariana Lindsay, Chief Judge Ann Aiken, Governor Barbara Roberts, Latino Network Executive Director Carmen Rubio, Conscious Coils Founder Amber Starks, and Former CEO of U.S. Bank of Oregon/SWW Malia Wasson.
This year the CWL honored five women who have made a difference in Oregon through their leadership in the arts, politics, law, and business. This year’s awardees were Governor Kate Brown (Lifetime Achievement Award), Honorable Chief District Judge Ann Aiken (Law, Policy & Advocacy Award), Latino Network Executive Director Carmen Rubio (Nonprofit Award), Conscious Coils Founder Amber Starks (Emerging Leader Award), Former U.S. Bank of Oregon/SWW President Malia Wasson (Civic/Business Award).
State Senator Elizabeth Steiner-Hayward, Commissioner Loretta Smith, State Senator Margaret Carter, Representative Val Hoyle
Honorable Chief District Judge Ann Aiken was honored with the Law, Policy & Advocacy Award.
Katya Gibson-Gallardo, Arlene Amaya, Alexa Jakusovszky, Dana Ghazi (Alumna & PSU Student Body President)
B of A President Roger Hinshaw (right) presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Governor Kate Brown accepted by Oregon’s First Gentleman Dan Little (left) as she was dealing with the immediate aftermath of the tragedy in Roseburg.
From The Center for Women’s Leadership:
The CWL was honored to have Bank of America as the first ever Presenting Sponsor at the 9th Annual Power Lunch. Bank of America makes it possible for girls and women to visualize and pursue leadership in their schools, neighborhoods, cities, the state, and beyond.
The Center for Women’s Leadership believes equitable leadership will lead to better solutions for the complex problems vexing our world. With an average 15% of women in leadership across all sectors, we know increasing women’s involvement will create lasting and necessary change. We envision an Oregon where women have equal representation in leadership positions and lead confidently in their chosen fields. The Center aims to be an advocate, an authority, and a resource that provides women with the knowledge and networks needed to take on leadership roles throughout Oregon.
Our Mission Statement: Through dedicated outreach, education and skill training, the Center for Women’s Leadership empowers women and girls in Oregon to embrace their voice, lead confidently, and change the narrative of their leadership.
Portland, November 6th, 2015. Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) raised a record-breaking $57,000 at this year’s sold-out Oregon Fall Luncheon event at the Nines Hotel in Portland. During the event, eight puppies born at GDB were introduced to the Portland-area local families who will care for them, and teach them basic obedience and manners, during the first year of their lives. Many of GDB’s local puppy raisers have mentored more than 10 puppies on behalf of GDB. After their time with the puppy raisers, the dogs return to one of GDB’s campuses for formal training. GDB is the largest guide-dog school in North America.(Photo credit, Morry Anne Angell)
Barbara Coit Yeager, local philanthropist and long-time GDB supporter (seated), greets a puppy starting its journey to become a guide dog.
Christine Benninger, the CEO of the nonprofit, sits with local philanthropist and long-time GDB supporter Howard Hedinger as he meets a puppy in training.
More than 300 guests gathered to hear blind long-distance hiker and motivational speaker Trevor Thomas talk about his relationship with his guide dog, Tennille, a partnership GDB made possible. GDB was the only guide-dog training organization willing to try to fulfill Thomas’ dream of continuing to hike despite losing his sight.
Tennille rests on stage at the event.
“All the other groups told me that guide dogs don’t do what I wanted one to do. I was even told that I was setting a bad example for the blind,” Thomas said. “GDB is progressive. It caters to the changing needs of the blind.” He and Tennille were matched and trained by GDB in 2012. Since then, they have hiked approximately 20,000 miles together. “There are so many trails left to hike and beliefs about blindness that need to be stamped out. Tennille and I are doing it together,” Thomas added.
In addition to learning how to lead a person safely around obstacles, Guide Dogs are also trained in “intelligence disobedience”: if they are given an unsafe command, they are taught to not obey it (for example: refusing to step out into the street when there is oncoming traffic). Guide Dogs are also trained to have impeccable manners (for all those times they must visit places of public accommodation, such as restaurants, grocery stores and public transportation), and are capable of avoiding distractions (such as cats!). In addition, all Guide Dogs possess an eagerness to please and a willingness to work.
Celebrating 20 Years in Boring
Christine Benninger, CEO of GDB, recognized the importance of the Boring campus to GDB’s success, and thanked local donors and volunteers for their strong support. The Boring campus is celebrating its 20th year.
“Every year, approximately 150 people and their guides are trained at our Boring campus, and hone their skills by working their dogs in downtown Portland. The generosity and hard work of our Oregon staff, volunteers and donors play a critical role in helping us fulfill out life-changing mission,” Benninger said.
From Guide Dogs for the Blind:
GDB is the largest guide-dog school in North America. It prepares highly qualified guide dogs to serve and empower individuals who are blind or have low vision. GDB is completely funded by private donations. All of its services are provided free of charge.
GDB has its headquarters in San Rafael, California, and a second campus in Boring, Oregon. Half of the teams that the organization supports are trained at its 13-acre campus in Boring. More than 12,500 teams have graduated since the organization was founded in 1942. Today, there are approximately 2,200 active teams. For more information, visit www.guidedogs.com
Portland, October 22nd, 2015. Oregon Episcopal School honored its leadership donors at its annual 1869 Appreciation Dinner held on the Nicol Road campus. Nearly 200 parents, alumni and supporters gathered together as Head of School Mo Copeland and Board President Kate Lieber thanked attendees for their strong support of the school in the previous year. The keynote presentation focused on the development of a unique form of student government geared toward greater inclusion and the opportunity to invite and develop different forms of leadership in the upper school student body. Head of Upper School Jordan Elliott presented with faculty administrators Deri Bash and Deb Walsh. (photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Key parent volunteers celebrate a successful year.
Deri Bash lead an Interactive presentation and table discussion.
From OES:
Oregon Episcopal School prepares students for higher education and lifelong learning by inspiring intellectual, physical, social, emotional, artistic, and spiritual growth so that they may realize their power for good as citizens of local and world communities.
Portland, October 7th, 2015. The 14th Annual Steve Allen Comedy Show starring Dana Carvey drew nearly 600 guests to the Portland Art Museum. This year’s event raised more than $535,000 for the New Avenues’ program which serves youth at risk of, or currently experiencing, homelessness. The show was sold out which was great news for the local nonprofit.
New Avenues has uplifting programs to keep youth on track moving toward a bright future.
“We are thrilled that New Avenues has continued to put on the comedy event that we founded and even honored Brian’s dad by naming it after him,” said Joan Allen, co-owner of Windermere Stellar and co-chair of the Windermere Foundation. “New Avenues has done a masterful job of keeping our original focus of an evening filled with laughter and joy to raise money to help youth who do not have the resources or the path to a safe, self-sufficient life.”
This New Avenues video explores the need for the program:
The show provides critical support as New Avenues continues to expand its comprehensive services to help youth overcome barriers and realize their potential, including the recent launch of Unity House, Oregon’s first housing program for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness.
“We’re grateful for Windermere Stellar’s longstanding dedication to our mission and our youth,” says Sean Suib, Executive Director of New Avenues for Youth. “Thanks to the generous support of our Comedy guests, New Avenues will continue to have a deeper impact in preventing youth homelessness and invest in innovative solutions to create better outcomes for youth.”
Since 1997, New Avenues for Youth has offered programs and services that empower homeless youth to exit street life. Our values shape how we address the complex issue of youth homelessness and the solutions we offer. New Avenues believes that every young person should have food, shelter, and access to education and job training. We believe we must go beyond meeting basic needs and offer programs that heal young lives and foster growth and independence. Our mission is to work in partnership with our community to prevent youth homelessness and provide homeless and at-risk young people the resources and skills needed to lead healthy, productive lives. New Avenues for Youth takes a complete approach to addressing youth homelessness and its root causes, delivering support and resources that enable foster, at-risk, and homeless youth aged 14-24 to overcome their difficulties.
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