Portland, October 24th, 2015. Southwest 2nd and Ash was closed down for several hours so dozens of thriller dancers could take to the streets and strut their scary stuff. The group is part of an international coalition which coordinates the flash mob of dancers across the globe each year. Portland organizers charge $5 for participants and raise money for Portland’s Sexual Minority Youth Resource Center.
The group is the Portland branch of a worldwide, simultaneous Thriller dance. This is their ninth year dancing as zombies.
Here’s a video of their big Thriller Dance:
The international organization which spearheads the Thriller dance flash mobs got the ball rolling in 2006. It honors the famous Michael Jackson video which was released in 1982. Thriller featured a “film within a film” horror theme. The video is below.
Here are some stats from the worldwide, simultaneous Thriller dance which took place last year:
There were approximately 6,451 Zombies at 134 events in 22 countries and 6 continents.
Estimated Funds Raised: Over $68,000 plus food/clothing/charitable donations.
The event in Portland event helps the Sexual Minority Youth Resource Center. Here’s more information about that nonprofit:
Portland’s Sexual Minority Youth Resource Center provides a safe, supervised, harassment-free, and alcohol- and drug-free space for sexual & gender minority youth 23 and younger. Youth gather to participate in positive activities like art, music, community organizing, youth development, education, peer support, support groups, case management, counseling, and job readiness preparation. SMYRC focuses on key youth development benchmarks through referrals and programming, like increasing academic success, increasing access to jobs, reducing poverty, and preventing juvenile crime. The support that youth find at SMYRC helps them stay in school, become leaders in their communities, and make empowered personal decisions.
Gearhart, September 25th, 2015. The 13th Annual Martin Hospitality Open drew 72 golfers to the Gearhart Golf Links. The event raised $13,000, adding to the more than $143,000 raised since the inception of the tournament. Mike Thayer, Kristy Thayer, Sarah Burton and Jim Caughlin enjoyed the event. All proceeds benefit the Martin Memorial Scholarship Fund which provides support for educational opportunities that Steve Martin supported at The Dalles High School, Seaside High School and Mt. Hood Community College.
Stephanie Snyder and her longtime friend and supporter of the tournament, Sydney Van Dusen, at the 13th Annual Martin Open.
Casey Corkery, Dave Butler, Jay Halderman, Ron Logan
Fred Hamel, Larry Perkins, Paul Tadei, Ron Williams
Jason Kunde, Kevin Lacoste, Kyle Walker, Michael Smith
The tournament chair was Marcy Wood
Martin Open plaque
The net proceeds from the 2015 Martin Open was donated to the newly established Catherine Bigelow Gullickson Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will provide nursing students with four year scholarships and an endowment for nursing scholarships into perpetuity. Jeff and Catherine Gullickson have been longtime friends of the Martin Hospitality family.
Portland, October 8th, 2015. Hundreds of supporters gathered at the De La Salle North Catholic High School’s annual scholarship dinner. Community enthusiasm for the school is high; instead of only tuition, the innovative high school’s programs are augmented with a Corporate Work Study Program where students work at paid internships one day every week.
One of De La Salle’s sponsors, Guardian Property Management, hired a student who works at their organization and learns about the field of property management.
In addition to revenue earned by working students, donations help keep the North Portland high school affordable for students. De La Salle North Catholic High School’s annual scholarship dinner raised $470,000.
Jan Jacobsen poses with David and Gay Jacobsen. Gay was honored for her outstanding volunteer work at De Lasalle North Catholic.
Barb Heffernen catches up with friends at the cocktail hour.
Nani Warren & Penny Guest look over auction items.
Barb Silver and Ashleigh de Villiers enjoy the evening.
De La Salle North provides a rigorous faith-based education emphasizing math, science, and language arts.
This video helps tell the story.
From De La Salle North Catholic High School:
De La Salle North Catholic High School provides a faith-based, college preparatory high school education to underserved students from the Portland area. Our goal is to develop tomorrow’s community leaders by making high-quality education accessible to motivated young people in a learning environment that values cultural, spiritual, and ethnic diversity. Our educational approach provides each student with the opportunity to succeed through small classes, high expectations, and active participation in our Corporate Work Study Program. We don’t turn away any capable, motivated or interested student because they cannot afford our tuition.
The De La Salle North Catholic Code
De La Salle North Catholic students are expected to follow a code of ethics: As a student of De La Salle, I am focused on my future; therefore, I am responsible for what I say and what I do; I respect my teachers, my peers, and my school; I am on time; I am prepared; and I demand the most of my ability.
Founded in 2001, De La Salle North Catholic was the first school in the nation modeled after Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago. The Cristo Rey Network of schools was established for students in communities that have limited access to private education. Thirty Cristo Rey schools in 19 states and the District of Columbia provide a quality, Catholic, college preparatory education to 6,500 young people who live in urban communities with limited educational options. Member schools utilize a rigorous academic model, supported with effective instruction, to prepare students with a broad range of academic abilities for college success. Cristo Rey Network schools employ an innovative Corporate Work Study Program that provides students with real world work experiences. Every student works five full days a month to fund the majority of his or her education, gain job experience, grow in self-confidence, and realize the relevance of his or her education.
We are part of the International Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, commonly known as the De La Salle Christian Brothers; and since 1868 we have been dedicated to creating communities of learning in the western United States. Today the Brothers and Lasallian partners of our district serve more than 10,000 students in four western states: Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington. Administrative offices are at the De La Salle Institute, located at Mont La Salle in Napa, California. The district also collaborates with the other districts of the USA/Toronto Region and the worldwide Institute.
Portland, October 25th, 2014. Some worthy local nonprofits, like the Sunshine Division, are benefiting this fall from Windermere Stellar‘s foundation. It’s annual golf tournament raised $50,000 to help local low-income children and families.
Beneficiaries of the donations often include nonprofits like Big Brother Big Sisters Columbia Northwest and Project Lemonade.
Tim Hershey, a Big Brothers Big Sisters board member, stands with his Little Brother Felix.
The sixth annual golf tournament, presented by Penrith Home Loans, was held in July at Columbia Edgewater Country Club.
Windermere Stellar Brokers Kendall Woodworth and Cary Perkins plan out their strategy.
Presenting sponsor Penrith Home Loans’ Brian Allen, Brad Unger, Erik Hand, and Cliff Taylor.
Brokers from Windermere Stellar tee up for charity at the sixth annual Windermere Stellar Golf Tournament benefitting the Windermere Foundation, which provides support to low-income children and families. (from left to right) Lynn Thompson, Teri Beatty, Libby Benz, and Joan Allen (Co-Owner and Vice President).
Windermere Stellar broker, Nihad Aweidah, participates in the Windermere Foundation Golf Tournament that he has spearheaded for the past six years with the support of other Windermere brokers and staff.
Broker Will Rader checks in before teeing off at the Windermere Stellar Golf Tournament.
Another sponsor, First American Title, showed up in force to support the Windermere Foundation
Windermere Stellar broker, Nihad Aweidah, created the golf tournament in 2009 and has been spearheading it with support from other Windermere Stellar brokers and staff. Through sponsorships, raffles and golf packages, the tournament has raised nearly $225,000 in total for the Windermere Foundation over the past six years.
“Windermere Stellar is a team whose reputation is built on providing our best to each client. The golf tournament is an opportunity for us to give the same to our community and have fun doing it,” said Aweidah. “We couldn’t be more thankful for everyone’s support, which allows us to help those who need it most.”
The golf tournament is one of the many fundraising campaigns that Windermere Stellar launches throughout the year in support of the Windermere Foundation. The personal donations made by the brokers and other annual events — such as auctions, sales and galas — have raised over $2.5 million and benefited more than 135 local organizations. All of these efforts hold a common thread of supporting low-income children and families in our communities.
Clackamas, August 14th, 2015. The spirit of 1945 was alive as the Historical Outreach Foundation, and supporters of the Brigadier General James B. Thayer Oregon Military Museum, gathered to honor Oregon’s military heritage. Amy Maxwell, KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer, Melanie Vogelpohl and Lisa Lucas were at the Camp Withycombe benefit. With the help of an Albertson’s-Safeway campaign, over $400,000 was raised for the museum which is currently under construction.
Guests helped raise money for the museum, library, surrounding park and gardens.
Kingsley Field Command Chief Master Sergeant Mark McDaniel of the Oregon Air National Guard accepted David Kingsley’s Hall of Valor induction.
Guests enjoyed 1940s music by the Dr. T. Band, dancing, and great company. Brigadier General James Thayer and his son, Tommy Thayer were honored. The keynote speaker at the gala was Major General (Ret) Raymond “Fred” Rees, Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of the Army, Training, Readiness and Mobilization and the 2nd longest serving Adjutant General for the state of Oregon.
Albertson’s-Safeway held a major fundraising campaign during the month of July running ads on KGW and allowing its customers to “round-up” their purchases and presented a large check to the Historical Outreach Foundation during the event.
In addition to the dinner and dancing, guests were able to participate in the live auction and raffle drawing to bid on exciting items like a trips to Italy and Cabo, a Timber’s package including a signed Timbers soccer ball, a Portland Thunder package, and a $500 gift certificate to Packouz Jewelers.
The funds help perserve the artifacts, including photographs, of Oregon’s military history.
This photo shows Camp Adair in Astoria. It operated from 1942–1946. From 1944–1946-07-23, Camp Adair served as a prisoner-of-war camp, housing German and Italian POWs.
This photos shows Oregon National Guard National Guard Troops serving in the Iraq War.
There’s a $14.6 million Capital Campaign to renovate the The Brigadier General James B. Thayer Oregon Military Museum. It’s under construction with a variety of funding sources. The federal government has funded a large majority of the construction. The state of Oregon has recently passed a funding request to start the exhibit design. Clackamas County and the City of Happy Valley have funded a portion of the exhibits that will be displayed in the Park portion of the Museum and over $2 million has been raised in private and corporate donations.
With close to $7.5 million secured, the Museum is on its way to becoming a reality in the next couple of years. Additional fundraising to raise the remaining $6 million will take place through naming opportunities, events, a sustainment program and continued partnerships like the Albertson’s-Safeway partnership and additional state funding.
Here’s a video about the project from the Clackamas County Government Channel:
To follow the progress, email [email protected] to be added to the email list or follow on Facebook. Donations are always accepted at www.historicaloutreach.com or by check at Historical Outreach Foundation, P.O. Box 1822, Clackamas, OR 97015 or call 503-683-6161.
Portland, October 10th, 2015. The Oregon Convention Center was a sea of elegant red dresses and red ties at the annual Hearts & Hands Gala to support Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC) of Oregon and Southwest Washington. At the benefit, Jen Clason was joined on stage by her 8-year-old son Sam, they talk with RMHC CEO Jessica Jarratt Miller about their experience of staying at Ronald McDonald Houses more than 20 times. With 475 attendees, the event raised a record-breaking $521,000 gross, making it the most successful fundraising event in RMHC’s history.
RMHC honored Marquis Companies as the 2015 Partner of Distinction for their years of service and support to Portland’s two Ronald McDonald Houses. Angie Fogg (left) is joined by RMHC CEO Jessica Jarratt Miller and Board Chair Grant Jones along with Marquis CEO Phil Fogg (right)
Hearts & Hands Gala Committee Member and board member Cindy Luckman (second from the right) is joined by husband Steve and Ted and Kathi Austin
RMHC Board Member Mona Westhaver (left) is joined by Ronald McDonald and Sarah & Carter Beyl
“We couldn’t be more thrilled with this year’s Hearts & Hands Gala and the tremendous impact it will have on our families with seriously ill children,” said Jessica Jarratt Miller, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington. “From the amazing support of our sponsors to the outpouring of generosity from attendees, the evening’s success allows us to provide loving “home away from home” for the thousands of families who stay with us each year.”
The evening began with a red carpet greeting from Ronald McDonald, which was followed by a live and silent auction that raised more than $100,000 for families with seriously ill children. Jen Clason, mother of 8-year-old son Sam, spoke about her multiple stays at Portland’s Ronald McDonald Houses and the impact it had on her family while Sam was undergoing treatment for brain cancer. The event also honored and recognized RMHC’s 2015 Partner of Distinction – Marquis Companies – for their countless contributions to RMHC.
“It is hard to fully capture, in words or in dollars, the beautiful impact that Marquis Companies has had on the thousands of seriously ill children and families who come to stay and heal at our “home away from home,” Jarratt said. “From bringing gifts at the holidays, making meals throughout the year, filling welcome bags, raising funds, and lending a hand as RMHC renovates and remodels its 18-year-old East House, we simply couldn’t do what we do without the tremendous support of Marquis Companies.”
McDonald’s and U.S. Bank served as the event’s gold-level sponsors with additional sponsorship support from Dr. Pepper, HealthNet, Northwest Consulting and Marketing, Perkins & Co., Portland Trail Blazers, OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, and Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel. Ken Wright with Ken Wright Cellars donated the evening’s wine pairing.
About RMHC Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington® provides a “home away from home” for families with seriously ill children, and supports initiatives to improve pediatric health. For more than three decades, our dedicated staff and volunteers have offered comfort and support, a well-stocked kitchen and a warm bed to more than 32,000 families. To accomplish this, we rely on the generosity of donors, community partners and the hundreds of volunteers who selflessly give to our organization every year. For more information, visit www.rmhcoregon.org.
Portland, September 25th, 2015. Castaway was the place to support the Latino Network. Latino Network provides transformative opportunities, services, and advocacy for the education, leadership and civic engagement of youth, families and communities. At the party, Woodburn City Council member Teresa Alonso was pictured with Cynthia Gomez, Portland State University; Victoria Lara, Lara Media Services and Latino Network board member; and Oscar Arana, Native American Youth & Family Center.
Governor Kate Brown attended the cocktail reception where she had the opportunity to meet with key Latino leaders and Noche Bella honorees. (photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Mayor Charlie Hales, Governor Kate Brown, Carmen Rubio Latino Network Executive Director and PPS Superintendent Carole Smith
Izzy Ventura, Nanci Luna Jimenez, Jonath Colon, and Melinda Veliz. Jonath and Melinda participated in the Latino Network executive leadership program Unid@s, which Nanci Luna Jimenez facilitates the opening retreat.
Latino Network’s Board of Directors: Annette Campista, Maria Elena Campisteguy, Hector Ignacio, Carmen Rubio, Jilma Meneses, (seated) Hector Chavez, Alan Finn, Nate Waas Shull, Jose Klein (Not pictured: Jessica Howard, Victoria Lara, Santos Cash, Paulina Menchaca)
Representative Joe Gallegos was honored with the Aguila Award, recognizing his outstanding commitment to the Latino community throughout his career, and especially for his recent accomplishment of working with the Legislature to pass the English Language Learner reform bill. Latino Network Board Chair Jilma Meneses presented Rep. Gallegos with the award.
The Oregon Lottery presented our student honoree, Aurora Resendiz, with a surprise scholarship for $2,000. Deputy Director Roland Iparraguirre encouraged Aurora to defy stereotypes by pursuing education. Aurora graduated from Madison HS in June and is now enrolled at Portland Community College.
Lai-Lani Ovalles of United Way of the Columbia Willamette; Sita Symonette, Jesse Beason, of Northwest Health Foundation; and Dani Ledezma, of Gov. Brown’s office
Renowned Mariachi singer, and former Latino Network staff member, Edna Vazquez performed with her mariachi band to start off the night.
Presenting Sponsor Portland Development Commission’s Director of Communications and Social Equity John Jackley welcomed everyone to the event, followed by a welcome from Latino Network Executive Director Carmen Rubio.
“Tonight, we are celebrating what we can accomplish when we cultivate the power and the amazing leadership of our community. When community comes together, rooted in our many stories, background and cultures yet reaching for our own futures, our communities thrive.
Our participants are mothers, nursery workers, bussers, teacher aides, students, infants, fathers, abuelos, factory workers, college students, professionals and homemakers. While these people sound diverse, the one thing they all are is leaders. These leaders, big and small, are being supported to lead their families, friends, coworkers and their own futures.”
Guests enjoyed four courses from Mayahuel Catering, which owns and operates Tamale Boy food truck and restaurant in NE Portland. Owner Jaime Soltero, Jr and Chef Abel Hernandez brought together the flavors of Latin America, featuring dishes from Puebla, Oaxaca, and Guadelajara, Mexico as well as Peru and traditional Mayan and Incan dishes.
The organization honored incoming Portland Community College freshman Aurora Resendiz. Aurora participated in our college and career readiness program Escalera, which works with juniors and seniors in high school to support students and parents in achieving graduation and post-secondary success.
Aurora also received a generous, surprise scholarship from the Oregon Lottery, presented by Deputy Director Roland Iparraguirre for $2,000 toward her education.
From Latino Network
Vision
Our thriving Latino community is respected and engaged.
History
Latino Network was founded in 1996 by community leaders who grew concerned about the lack of adequate resources to meet the needs of the growing Latino community. Since that time, we have evolved to become an organization that also encompasses transformational programs aimed at educating and empowering Multnomah County Latinos. Low achievement scores, youth violence and high drop out rates undermine the Latino community’s potential. We address these issues by promoting early literacy, encouraging parent involvement, working with gang-involved and adjudicated youth and families, and providing academic support and activities to high school aged youth.
Focus
Latino Network provides opportunities, services and advocacy for the education, leadership development and civic engagement of Latino youth and families in Multnomah County every year. Our work springs from the core belief in Latino community self-determination—that is, the ability of community members to participate meaningfully in the decisions that affect their lives and the lives of their families.
We Value:
The advocacy, leadership and engagement of Latinos in the decisions that affect their lives.
Our history and languages and our continued connection to them.
The power of partnership and collaboration.
The strength of our community’s rich diversity.
Education and the advancement of our children and youth.
Our programs for children and parents, youth and adults help improve community livability, foster civic participation, and prepare for educational and life success. Our programs for children and parents, youth and adults help improve community livability, foster civic participation, and prepare for educational and life success.
For more information about any of our programs, please contact Edgar Ortega at [email protected]. .
Portland, October 9th, 2015. Animal lovers crowded the halls of the Sentinel Hotel for the Wet Nose Soirée. During the fashion show, Tammy Beckley and Hero took on the catwalk as did Elliot Greene and his Guinea Pig Samuri. The theme was DoveLewis’ version of the Grand Budapest Hotel. Several hundred guests enjoyed a live and silent auction, gourmet dinner, pet and person fashion show and after-party.
Funds raised at the event benefit the nonprofit. DoveLewis is Portland’s nonprofit 24-Hour Emergency and ICU Animal Hospital, offering advanced veterinary care.
Models Genevieve Klein and Nicole Gooding pose with Freddie Klein
Howard Hedinger’s dog, Hero finds his master in the fashion show audience.
From Dove Lewis:
DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital, established in 1973 and based in Portland, Ore., is the only nonprofit, 24-hour emergency and intensive care unit in the region. DoveLewis provides donor-funded programs to the community, including one of the United States’ largest volunteer-based animal blood banks, a nationally recognized pet loss support program, an animal-assisted therapy program, education for veterinary professionals and the animal-loving community, 24-hour stabilizing care for lost, stray and wild animals and financial assistance for qualifying low-income families and abused animals. With over 40 years of service to the community, DoveLewis has treated over 500,000 animals and has been deemed one of Oregon’s Most Admired Nonprofits by The Portland Business Journal for eight years.
The DoveLewis Mission
To provide the best emergency and critical care for companion animals, and to support veterinary professionals and the animal-loving community.
Portland, September 19th, 2015. Columbia Land Trust celebrated 25 years of Northwest conservation at its annual gala and fundraising event, Wild Splendor. Stewardship Lead Lindsay Cornelius presents hydrologist and geomorphologist Will Conley with a glass salmon to honor his work on the Klickitat River.
Betsy Henning, Corey Shields, and Steve Shields of AHA! and Columbia Land Trust Executive Director Glenn Lamb pose in front of Corey Shields’ Northwesterners photography collection. This series of double exposure prints inspired the theme for the event, “share your love for the land that shapes you.”
Attendees enjoyed a live auction, which included local art, tours, and even a shark tagging expedition in San Francisco. An interactive map of the region helped people mark the lands dear to them, whether it was their own backyard or a favorite hiking spot in the Pacific Northwest. The premiere of short film, “A River Reborn.”
The film tells the story of how the Land Trust is helping restore the banks of Washington’s Klickitat River. The video also explores the ways in which the land shapes us at the same time we endeavor to reshape the land.
From Columbia Land Trust: Thank you so much to our donors and sponsors who made this year’s event a resounding success. Together, you raised more than $255,000 for Columbia Land Trust to continue its work conserving and caring for the Northwest that we all love. Also thank you to Swaim Strategies, Streamline Support, Johnna Wells at Benefit Auctions 360, our photographer Andie Petkus, and all of our volunteers and Young Ambassadors who helped make this Wild Splendor our most successful event yet!
At the event, we also shared photos of meaningful Northwest places submitted by our staff and supporters. You can still share images of the lands that have shaped you by using the hashtag #LandShapesUs on Instagram and Twitter.
Portland, September 24th, 2015. De Paul Treatment Centers presented its 16th Annual Samuel C. Wheeler Freedom Award to Richard “Dick” Withnell. The Freedom Award, named after former De Paul board member Sam Wheeler, is an honor given to those who help battle the stigma of addiction by being open about their recovery and giving back to the community in significant ways. Dick Withnell is an influential yet humble leader throughout Oregon. Throughout his decades of sobriety, Dick has been active in public policy for youth safety and education, and is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of the greater community.
Honoree Dick Withnell, Award Presenter Ted Wheeler
Honoree Dick Withnell, Senator Jackie Winters, De Paul CEO Maree Wacker, De Paul Board Director Jack Hopkins, Clackamas County Commissioner Jim Bernard
Board Director Paul Rosenbaum, Board Chair Harry Wilson
Bill Dickey, Representative Jennifer Williamson, Governor Kate Brown, former Governor Ted Kulongoski
Governor Kate Brown speaking to audience about the importance of substance abuse treatment
The luncheon’s inspiring speakers—Governor Kate Brown, past honoree Bill Dickey, Ted Wheeler, Harry Wilson, and honoree Dick Withnell—shared a common message about the importance of investing in treatment for the disease of addiction.
Over 300 guests gathered at the Sentinel Hotel’s Governor Ballroom to celebrate Dick’s achievement and raise funds for the De Paul Youth & Family Center. The event raised nearly $200,000 through sponsorships, tickets, and in room gifts. All event proceeds will go toward De Paul’s lifesaving addiction treatment programs for youth ages 13 to 17, funding the gap between the actual cost of treatment and what is covered by the Oregon Health Plan.
From De Paul Treatment Centers:
De Paul works with individuals, families and communities to create freedom from addiction.
De Paul Treatment Centers provides chemical dependency and co-occurring mental health treatment services to men, women, youth and families. More than 30,000 people have been served by the agency since its incorporation as an independent non-profit in 1977.
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