Top Ten Portland Society Page Stories of 2017

Top Ten Portland Society Page Stories of 2017

Portland, OR. It’s our privilege to be the only nonprofit news resource for local charities and the supporters who love them! Did you miss any stories? Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter by CLICKING HERE! Have a great idea for 2018? Contact Editor & Publisher Elisa Klein, at [email protected].

Here’s the list of the top ten stories (in reverse order to build your suspense) on PortlandSocietyPage.com during 2017.

#10. Jesuit High School’s 49th Auction Raises Over $1 Million

Portland, OR. Cultivating Tomorrow was the theme of Jesuit High School’s annual auction. The event on April 29th was held in the school’s Knight Center and drew 650 supporters. Principal Paul Hogan, posed for a photo with action co-chairs Wendy Pernas, Kim Takla and Jesuit President Tom Arndorfer.  JHS cleared the million-dollar mark with $1,020,916 raised in gross revenue. Organizers thanked their Presenting Sponsors – Clearview MRI, Touchmark and Colleen and Werner Nistler. Jesuit’s auction is the school’s largest fundraiser.

Here’s a link to the story for more: https://www.portlandsocietypage.com/2017/06/04/jesuit-high-schools-49th-auction-raises-over-1-million/

#9. National Charity League Honors Class of 2017

Portland, OR. After six years of service to the community, 26 high school seniors from The National Charity League, Inc. Portland Chapter were honored at a special celebration at the Sentinel Hotel on April 30th.  Most of the young women, including Bailey Cook, Shannon Kehoe, Genevieve Klein, and Jennie Menendez, began volunteering with their mothers during seventh grade and in total, the seniors worked 3,700 hours.

Here’s a link to the story for more: https://www.portlandsocietypage.com/2017/05/13/national-charity-league-honors-senior-class-of-2017/

#8. French American International School’s Fête du Vin Celebrates Community

Portland, OR. Fête du Vin on November 4th brought together some of Oregon’s best wineries and restaurants, uniting the diverse and progressive community that surrounds the French American International School. FAIS Parent & Alumni relations Manager, KaDo Gorman posed for a photo with Fete Committee members Raphaelle Robert, Julia Bannon, Michelle Reeves, and Paul Willenberg.

Here’s a link to the story for more: https://www.portlandsocietypage.com/2017/11/25/french-american-international-schools-fete-du-vin-celebrates-community/

#7. Top Ten Portland Society Page Stories of 2016

Portland, OR. This story had the list of the top ten stories on PortlandSocietyPage.com for 2016.

Here’s a link for more: https://www.portlandsocietypage.com/2016/12/31/top-ten-portlandsocietypage-com-stories-of-2016/

#6. Ignite 2017 Black & White Ball Draws 1,000 People

Portland, OR. Ignite 2017, the Black & White Ball, was Oregon’s largest LGBTQ gala and dance party and biggest fundraiser of the year. Nearly 1,000 people attended the November 4th benefit for Basic Right Oregon including Val Solorazano, Shannon Scott and Bill Dickey. More than $320,000 was raised at the Black & White Ball to support policy, advocacy and education work statewide to ensure that LGBTQ Oregonians in every community in Oregon experience equality.

Here’s a link for more: https://www.portlandsocietypage.com/2017/11/11/ignite-2017-black-white-ball-draws-1000-people/

#5. Oregon Food Bank Gala Honors Hunger Heroes & Breaks Fundraising Record

Portland. OR. Oregon Food Bank’s warehouse underwent a glittering transformation for the Oregon Harvest Dinner and by the end of the evening, attendees and sponsors had contributed more than $760,000 to support hunger relief in Oregon and Clark County, Washington. Mary Ellen Hannigan and outgoing Oregon Harvest Dinner event chair Syd Hannigan celebrated the record-breaking success of the gala. 500 guests enjoyed silent and live auctions, blues music by Reggie Houston and a seated dinner at the October 21st benefit.

Here’s a link for more: https://www.portlandsocietypage.com/2017/11/04/oregon-food-bank-gala-honors-hunger-heroes-breaks-fundraising-record/

#4. Portland Art Museum’s 125th Anniversary Gala Sparkles

Portland, OR. More than 700 people attended the Portland Art Museum’s 125th Anniversary Gala and After Party celebration on September 23rd, featuring a performance by the Grammy Award-winning, Portland-raised jazz musician Esperanza Spalding. The event raised more than $750,000 in additional support to help ensure that the innovative exhibitions, education programs, and partnerships that have been the Museum’s hallmarks will continue to thrive. Guests like Anne and Jim Crumpacker enjoyed red carpet treatment and had dinner in the historic galleries designed by Pietro Belluschi.

Here’s a link for more: https://www.portlandsocietypage.com/2017/10/06/portland-art-museums-125th-anniversary-gala-sparkles/

#3. Rock Stars Help Raise $1.4 Million to Benefit Oregon Military Museum

Portland, OR. Gene Simmons joined KISS guitarist and Portland native Tommy Thayer — along with KISS bandmates Paul Stanley and Eric Singer —for a surprise performance at the close of the “All-Star Salute to the Oregon Military” fundraising gala Feb. 18th. The exclusive event raised $1.4 million toward completing the construction of the $20 million Oregon Military Museum named after Tommy’s father, Brigadier General James B. Thayer. Rockers Alice Cooper, Robby Krieger of the Doors, Danny Seraphine from the band Chicago, and Will Lee from The Late Show with David Letterman, also performed.

Here’s a link for more: https://www.portlandsocietypage.com/2017/03/04/big-name-entertainment-stars-help-raise-1-4-million-to-benefit-oregon-military-museum/

#2. Children’s Cancer Association’s Annual Wonderball Raises $1.4 Million

Portland, OR. It was high-fives all around as Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) raised $1.4 million at its 17th annual Wonderball gala on October 7th. Leaders Rosemary Colliver, founder Regina Ellis and Andy Lytle celebrated the donations which will fuel CCA’s mission of prescribing joy to seriously ill children and their families. Organizers welcomed nearly 850 supporters to the Oregon Convention Center for an “Age of Aquarius” themed night they say was inspired by the abundant love and optimism of the Woodstock era.

Here’s a link for more: https://www.portlandsocietypage.com/2017/10/21/childrens-cancer-associations-annual-wonderball-raises-1-4-million/

#1. “Classically American” Oregon Symphony’s Gala Raises Over $1 Million

Portland, OR. The popping of celebratory champagne, the Rex Putnam High School Marching Band, and applause from the nearly 400 attendees provided a fitting end to the Symphony’s annual gala, which marked another first in the organization’s 120-year history – shattering the $1 million gala fundraising mark. Guests of Oregon Symphony’s Gala 2017, “Classically American” arrived to a tented reception in the Park Blocks adjacent to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. In attendance were State Architect Alice Wiewel, Liz Fuller, President of Gard Communications, Representative Brent Barton, Jordan Schnitzer, OSA President Scott Showalter, Portland State University President Wim Wiewel, and Mayor Ted Wheeler.

Here’s more on the story: https://www.portlandsocietypage.com/2017/04/08/classically-american-oregon-symphonys-gala-raises-over-1-million/

Well, there you have it, the top 10 Portland Society Page stories of the year. Society Page is a free community platform where you can make a difference. If you enjoy reading our positive news about the great things happening in our area, you can help and here’s how:

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We are excited to continue “Building Your Community” in 2018!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Elisa Klein, Editor

[email protected]

Portland Art Museum’s 125th Anniversary Gala Sparkles

Portland Art Museum’s 125th Anniversary Gala Sparkles

Portland, OR. More than 700 people attended the Portland Art Museum’s 125th Anniversary Gala and After Party celebration on September 23rd, featuring a performance by the Grammy Award-winning, Portland-raised jazz musician Esperanza Spalding. The event raised more than $750,000 in additional support to help ensure that the innovative exhibitions, education programs, and partnerships that have been the Museum’s hallmarks will continue to thrive. Guests like Anne and Jim Crumpacker enjoyed red carpet treatment and had dinner in the historic galleries designed by Pietro Belluschi.  (Photo credit, Andrea Lonas Photography)

There are several special exhibits and programs to commemorate Portland Art Museum’s 125th Anniversary, you can learn more about them here: portlandartmuseum.org/125th

Bob, Nani, Liz, and Betsy Warren arrive at the gala

Bob, Nani, Liz, and Betsy Warren arrive at the gala. (Photo credit, Rebeka Johnson)

Susan and Jim Winkler (Photo credit, Rebeka Johnson)

(Photo credit, Nina Johnson)

(Photo credit, Nina Johnson)

Cooper DuBois and Sanda Stein

Cooper DuBois and Sanda Stein. (Photo credit, Andrea Lonas Photography)

Esperanza Spalding, Brian Ferriso, and Poison Waters

Esperanza Spalding, Brian Ferriso, and Poison Waters. (Photo credit, Andrea Lonas Photography)

Julie Stott and Janet Geary. (Photo credit, Andrea Lonas Photography)

Andrea Lonas Photography

Poison Waters with Tony and Marti Belluschi. (Photo credit, Andrea Lonas Photography)

Willie Kemp, Poison Waters, Mary Dick, and Mary Lee Boklund

Willie Kemp, Poison Waters, Mary Dick, and Mary Lee Boklund. (Photo credit, Andrea Lonas Photography)

From the Portland Art Museum:

The mission of the Portland Art Museum is to engage diverse communities through art and film of enduring quality, and to collect, preserve, and educate for the enrichment of present and future generations.

Philosophy and Core ValuesThe Portland Art Museum strives to be an inclusive institution that facilitates respectful dialogue, debate, and the free exchange of ideas.  With a deep commitment to artists – past and present – and freedom of expression, the Museum and Northwest Film Center’s collections, programs and staff aspire to reveal the beauty and complexities of the world, and create a deeper understanding of our shared humanity.  We are a Museum for all, inviting everyone to connect with art through their own experiences, voices, and personal journeys. 

Honoring History, Embracing the Present, and Looking Ahead

On December 12, 2017, the Museum marks a milestone anniversary—125 years of bringing the world to Oregon and Oregon to world. During the next nine months, join us as we reflect on our history and embrace the future through exhibitions, programs, interviews, archival photos, and more.EXHIBITION: PICTURING OREGON

Through August, 2019
On the eve of the Museum’s 125th anniversary, Picturing Oregon offers an extraordinary opportunity to reflect on the importance of place and to celebrate the incredible geographic diversity of Oregon, and the artists whose work it inspired. Picturing Oregon presents paintings and photographs inspired by the distinct regions that comprise the state—the Coast, Greater Portland, Mt. Hood/The Gorge, Willamette Valley, Central Oregon, Eastern Oregon, and Southern Oregon. Featuring works from the late-1800s, including Oregon’s pioneer period, and touching on contemporary pieces—all from the Museum’s permanent collection.
PROGRAM: ART & BEER: PITCHERING OREGON

November 4, 2017
Join us for a statewide exploration of place, history, and art through the lens of Oregon beer and cider. Breweries from around our beautiful state have been invited to make new beers inspired by paintings and photographs from the Museum’s permanent collection, many of which are on view as part of the Picturing Oregon exhibition. Each artwork depicts or evokes Oregon, with the beers collectively creating a drinkable portrait of the place we call home.Participating breweries include: Breakside Brewery, Claim 52 Brewing, de Garde Brewing, Deschutes Brewery, Fort George Brewery, Ecliptic Brewing, Great Notion Brewing, Heater Allen Brewing, Hopworks Urban Brewery, Leikam Brewing, McMenamins, pFriem Family Brewers, Standing Stone Brewing, Steens Mountain Brewing, Terminal Gravity Brewing, Widmer Brothers Brewing.
PROGRAM: MILLER FAMILY FREE DAY BIRTHDAY EXTRAVAGANZA

December 10, 2017
This Miller Family Free Day is a joint birthday celebration and recognition of the Museum’s admission access mission. Visit the Museum for free all day long, including the special exhibition, Animating Life: The Art, Science and Wonder of LAIKA, take part in activities, and eat cake!
PROGRAM: CURATOR CONVERSATIONS

Bi-monthly beginning October 2017
This new series in celebration of the 125th Anniversary spotlights the Museum’s curators and permanent collection. Through one-on-one conversations between director Brian Ferriso and each of the curators, gain insight into the collections and hear curatorial visions for the future. The series kicks off with Curator of Prints and Drawings Mary Weaver Chapin, Ph.D. on October 17, 2017.
Follow us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for photos from the archives, curator essays, and more.