Oregon Historical Society Hosts History Makers Gala

Oregon Historical Society Hosts History Makers Gala

Portland, OR. The Oregon Historical Society’s (OHS) annual Oregon History Makers Awards & Dinner recognizes contemporary individuals and organizations who are positively shaping the history, culture, and landscape of Oregon. Pictured above are OHS Board President Mort Bishop, and 2023 Oregon History Makers Sarah Mensah, Brian B. Obie, Tillamook County Creamery Association CEO Patrick Criteser, and Liz Shuler. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

About the recipients:

Brian Obie’s revolutionizing leadership has left an indelible mark on Eugene, Oregon, creating upscale environments that celebrate local art, food, and businesses.

Sarah Mensah has forged a pathbreaking career in both the professional sports and athletic apparel industries.

Liz Shuler made history in 2021 when she was elected as the first woman president of the AFL-CIO, a federation of 56 unions with 12.5 million members.

Tillamook County Creamery Association operates production facilities in both Tillamook and Boardman, employing more than 900 people throughout Oregon. It recently exceeded $1B in retail sales.

Pat Reser and William Westphal

The gala on October 1st also raises funds for the Oregon Historical Society’s important work to collect, preserve, and interpret Oregon’s past.

Anne Naito-Campbell and Mary Lang Bishop

From The Oregon Historical Society:

Each year, the Oregon Historical Society honors living leaders and organizations that are making history through scientific discovery and exploration; innovations in business, communications, and the arts; or service in their communities. Whether they were born here, lived here, or work here, these Oregon History Makers represent the best of what the state has to offer.

Here’s more about the 2023 Oregon History Makers:

 

Sarah Mensah – TRANSFORMATIVE SPORTS INDUSTRY EXECUTIVE

A graduate of Aloha High School and the University of Oregon, Sarah Mensah has forged a pathbreaking career in both the professional sports and athletic apparel industries. She spent almost two decades with the Portland Trail Blazers, eventually becoming one of the highest-ranking woman executives in professional sports. In 2013, Mensah joined Jordan Brand, and in 2021 made history as the first Black woman to lead Nike, North America. This year, Mensah returned to Jordan Brand as President, the first woman to hold that position. Throughout her career, Mensah has excelled at developing, empowering, and guiding culturally diverse cross-functional teams through periods of change and growth.

 

Brian B. Obie – VISIONARY BUSINESS AND CIVIC LEADER

Brian Obie’s revolutionizing leadership has left an indelible mark on Eugene, Oregon, creating upscale environments that celebrate local art, food, and businesses. As president and principal owner of Obie Companies, Inc., his catalog of commercial and development accomplishments includes two nationally-acclaimed hotels in Eugene — the luxurious Inn at the 5th and the art-centric Hotel Gordon, named after his father — and a third, The Inn at 500 Capitol, located in Boise, Idaho. Obie is also responsible for the development of the 5th Street Public Market, and the new, beautifully designed Market Alley in Eugene. As a community volunteer, Obie has served on the Eugene City Council, as Mayor of Eugene, and as president of the University of Oregon Foundation.

 

Liz Shuler – PATHBREAKING UNION PRESIDENT

A native of Milwaukie, Oregon, Liz Shuler made history in 2021 when she was elected as the first woman president of the AFL-CIO, a federation of 56 unions with 12.5 million members. The daughter of parents who both worked for Portland General Electric, Shuler began her career working for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Oregon (IBEW) before becoming chief of staff for the IBEW president. A visionary leader and longtime trade unionist, Shuler believes the labor movement is the single most powerful vehicle for progress and that unions are a central force in leading lasting societal transformations.

 

Tillamook County Creamery Association – BELOVED OREGON BRAND

Founded in 1909 as a farmer-owned cooperative, Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) prides itself on its commitment to bringing to market the best-tasting, highest-quality dairy products made in the most natural way possible. Guided by the belief that everyone deserves real food that makes them feel good every day, Tillamook® produces internationally recognized, award-winning cheese as well as exceptional dairy products including ice cream, butter, and yogurt. Today, Tillamook® is in one in four households in the United States and recently exceeded $1 billion in retail sales. TCCA operates production facilities in both Tillamook and Boardman, Oregon, and employs more than 900 people throughout the state. As a Certified B Corporation®, TCCA upholds a commitment to being good stewards of cows, farms, communities, and the environment.

 

The Oregon Historical Society is dedicated to making Oregon’s long, rich history visible and accessible to all. For more than a century, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platform, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and rich as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.

Oregon Historical Society
1200 SW Park Ave
Portland, OR 97205

Support OHS: The Oregon Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Federal Tax ID 93-0391599.

Ride Connection’s 30th Anniversary Party Celebrates Transportation for All

Ride Connection’s 30th Anniversary Party Celebrates Transportation for All

Portland, OR. Nearly 300 guests came together in celebration of Ride Connection’s 30th anniversary at its annual Going Places gala. A gracious customer, Carolyn Tracy, shared her story of how having access to transportation changed her health and her life. Elaine Wells, Ride Connection’s Executive Director of 24 years will be retiring in June; she was honored by Julie Wilcke Pilmer, Ride Connection’s deputy director and incoming Executive Director. The event on May 18th raised a record-breaking $119,000 and brought the organization only $5,000 away from its ambitious three year campaign to raise $1 million, which ends June 30th. The night ended with a heartfelt standing ovation to the organization’s outgoing Executive Director of 24 years, Elaine Wells. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus) 

Ian Jaquiss, Disability Awareness Trainer & Outreach Specialist at OHSU, and Jan Campbell, Information Specialist at Aging and Disability Services at Multnomah County

Kim Wilson, Owner at Holst Architecture with Kirsten Gwynn and Ben Ott, Designer at Holst Architecture

Carolyn Tracy shared her powerful story of how Ride Connection’s services saved her life.

Margaret Clark, Ride Connection volunteer and supporter

Ride Connection provides transportation services to older adults and people with disabilities in the Portland metro area. By offering a range of services from rides, training on transit or transit fare assistance, Ride Connection helps people who would otherwise be socially or physically isolated. 

Here’s a video about the program: 

 

For more information: https://rideconnection.org/

 

VIPs Flock to Portland International Auto Show Sneak Peek Charity Preview

VIPs Flock to Portland International Auto Show Sneak Peek Charity Preview

Portland, OR. Hundreds of nonprofit supporters had the VIP treatment at the Auto Show Sneak Peek Charity Preview on January 24th. Lindsey and Brian Holcomb joined Randi Inukai and her husband, Co-owner of Dick’s Auto Group, Scott Inukai at the gala. Last year, the event raised $610,000 for local nonprofits and organizers say they’re on target to raise even more this year. As the official kickoff of the Portland International Auto Show (PIAS), the Sneak Peek has raised over $3 million for deserving charities at the Oregon Convention Center over the past five years. (The auto show dates for the public are Thurs., Jan. 25th – Sun., Jan. 28th.) This year, the charities which benefited include: Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; Meals on Wheels People; Victory Academy; the Brian Grant Foundation; The Dougy Center; and Self Enhancement Incorporated.

Dave Jachter, Greg Remensperger, and Bob Lanphere, Jr. helped kick off the festivities.

The charities help some of the most vulnerable citizens in the Portland area and the auto show is proud to support their efforts, says Greg Remensperger, executive director, PIAS. “You can’t ask for a better neighbor in your community than an auto show or auto dealership,” says Remensperger. “The auto industry has always been generous, and we are honored to help support these important organizations in their mission to serve.”

Melvin Broadous and Roger Batiste enjoyed the show.

Maura and John Becker pose with the Star Wars Storm Trooper display.

This 2019 BMW i8 Coupe is a plug-in hybrid. The price of the car will be announced later, but will likely start just below $150,000.

Rich and Katie Black, from Sponsor Oregon Community Credit Union, brought their Yorkie, Higgins.

Julie and Craig Nichols were on hand. The Nichols Law Group represents a variety of businesses throughout the Northwest. Since 1988, Craig has represented the Oregon Automobile Dealers Association and the Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association.

Andie Petkus and Shaban Demirel check out the cars. Professional photographer Andie Petkus is used to being on the other side of the camera, but was out supporting the nonprofits at this event.

A host of sponsors donated food and beverages to the benefit.

Lisa Elorriaga, Lisa Handley, and Denise Gooding supported the local charities.

Some of the Ferraris on display have prices starting at $350,000.

In addition to hors d’oeuvres and full bar service on the auto show floor, the Sneak Peek offered a look at over 500 automobiles from the world’s automakers. The PIAS is the largest Auto Show in the Pacific Northwest, and the largest show held at the Oregon Convention Center.

Show dates and times for the remainder of the auto show are as follows:

Thurs., Jan. 25 10 am – 10 pm

Fri., Jan. 26 10 am – 10 pm

Sat., Jan. 27 10 am – 10 pm

Sun., Jan. 28 10 am – 7 pm

Ticket prices: Adults (13 and older) $12. Seniors $10. Military (with ID) $10. Children (7 – 12) $7

Here’s a link with more information: Portland International Auto Show (PIAS)

Donations can still be made to the charities including: Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; Meals on Wheels People; Victory Academy; the Brian Grant Foundation; The Dougy Center; and Self Enhancement Incorporated.

Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp Empowers Children and Adults With Disabilities

Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp Empowers Children and Adults With Disabilities

Government Camp, OR. For over 80 years, Mt. Hood Kiwans Camp has partnered with the U.S. Forest Service to provide individuals with disabilities recreational opportunities in the Mt. Hood National Forest. One of the largest programs of its kind in the U.S., each season MHKC offers a unique opportunity for more than 500 campers ages 10 to 55 to experience the outdoors in its fully accessible 22-acre campsite. The nonprofit is now in a year-end fund drive; click here for more information.

On any given day at camp, campers can be seen petting horses, catching a fish in the pond, swinging on their very own adventure course, splashing around in the temperature controlled pool, or perhaps dancing the night away in full costume at an evening event.

On any given day at camp, campers can be seen petting horses, catching a fish in the pond, swinging on their very own adventure course, splashing around in the temperature controlled pool, or perhaps dancing the night away in full costume at an evening event.

Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp offers programming for all individuals with disabilities ages 10 and up. In addition to our Main Camp program, we offer off-site programming for individuals seeking a higher level of independence and adventure.

Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp offers programming for all individuals with disabilities ages 10 and up. In addition to the Main Camp program, MHKC offers off-site programming for individuals seeking a higher level of independence and adventure.

Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp

campslide-01

From Mt. Hood Kiwans Camp:

There are few places where children and adults with disabilities can spend an entire week focusing on their abilities, rather than their disabilities. MHKC is dedicated to the belief that all people regardless of race, economic status or physical/mental ability should experience the joy and personal growth that comes from the adventure of an overnight camp experience.

MHKC has provided more than 17,000 campers with the magic of camp. Thanks to this life-changing experience, our campers’ quality of life has improved, along with their personal growth in self-esteem, communications, social skills, sense of achievement and independence.

The nonprofit is now in a year-end fund drive; click here for more information.