Bank of America Offers $100 Donation for Hunger Relief For Every Employee Who Gets Covid Booster

Bank of America Offers $100 Donation for Hunger Relief For Every Employee Who Gets Covid Booster

Vancouver, WA. Bank of America is kicking off 2022 with a donation to the Oregon Food Bank and Clark County Food Bank. For each employee who gets their booster shot and notifies the bank before January 31, 2022, the bank will donate $100 to the local hunger relief organizations. (Clark County Food Bank volunteers are seen above sorting produce.) According to Oregon Food Bank officials, since the start of the pandemic, they’ve seen nearly double the number of people seeking assistance.

Oregon Food Bank Network officials say communities that have experienced disproportionate rates of hunger have been hit especially hard: people of color, immigrants and refugees, trans and gender-nonconforming communities, and single moms and caregivers.

The move to get employees boosted shows how companies are reacting to soaring Covid-19 cases by trying to incentivize their workforces to get fully vaccinated and boosted.
“This is a direct investment in your health, and in the wellbeing of the communities where we work and live,” Bank of America executives wrote in the memo. “Medical experts and health officials continue to emphasize that receiving a booster shot is critical to protecting your health and safety, and that of your family, friends and community.” In a memo, Bank of America officials said they will direct a $100 donation to local food banks and hunger relief organizations for each employee who updates their booster card info in the employee vaccine portal before the end of January.
Bank of America does not have a vaccine mandate but strongly encourages employees to get fully vaccinated, including boosters.
According to CNN, some companies have offered bonuses to vaccinated workers. Last August, amid the Delta wave, Vanguard offered employees $1,000 to get vaccinated. Bank of America said it plans to host several on-site booster clinics across the country this month for employees.
Brian Kropp, head of Gartner’s human resources practice, said companies need to offer both carrots and sticks to get employees vaccinated.
“For employees that are vaccinate hesitant, $100, $200 or $300 worth of incentives doesn’t seem to be enough to get them over their concerns,” Kropp told CNN in an email. “While a donation to a charity is a good thing for companies to pursue, most employees would prefer to get $100 cash.”
Eleanor Bloxham, founder and CEO of The Value Alliance and Corporate Governance Alliance, a firm that advises boards on corporate governance practices, said, “This is a very positive example of good corporate citizenship that I would hope others would emulate. Good for the company: good for the community.”
Bank of America said this effort could direct up to $10 million to fight hunger across America and is on top of the bank’s ongoing commitment to the cause. Bank of America said it has donated nearly $150 million toward hunger relief since 2015.
“Millions of Americans suffer from food insecurity each day,” Bank of America said in the memo. “The pandemic has not only increased the challenges faced by many American families, but also the non-profit organizations who deliver vital resources to families across the country.”
Bank of America Helps Fund Vaccine Outreach to Oregon’s Hispanic-Latino Communities

Bank of America Helps Fund Vaccine Outreach to Oregon’s Hispanic-Latino Communities

Portland, OR.  Bank of America is offering additional support for Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center’s vaccination efforts. A $150,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation will be used by the nonprofit to support infrastructure designed to better reach Oregon’s Hispanic-Latino populations, which have been among those hardest hit by the pandemic. Virginia Garcia offers health care at 17 locations across Washington and Yamhill counties. The grant is part of Bank of America’s ongoing efforts to support the equitable distribution of coronavirus vaccines in Oregon and Southwest Washington,

Here’s a link with information on getting the vaccine.

As families look to get vaccinated before going back to school Virginia Garcia will continue to host ongoing vaccination events across Washington and Yamhill counties, providing both first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine at key locations such as school-based health centers and high schools.

As of July 26, 45.7 percent of the Hispanic-Latino population is vaccinated, according to state data.

“Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center relies on partnerships like the one with Bank of America to ensure vulnerable communities continue to have access to high-quality care – even during a pandemic,” said Stefanny Caballero, Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation Interim Executive Director. “The investments into our community as well as the PPE donations they have provided have helped increase our ability to serve our Latino/a/x communities.”

This is the second grant the bank has awarded Virginia Garcia since the onset of the pandemic. In 2020, Bank of America awarded the nonprofit $100,000 to help it scale mobile coronavirus testing capabilities to prevent the spread of the disease. The bank’s partnership has also helped Virginia Garcia improve its distribution of language and culture-specific information about the virus to Hispanic-Latino communities.

“The historic, systemic challenges communities of color face have been compounded and accelerated by the pandemic,” said Roger Hinshaw, president, Bank of America Oregon and Southwest Washington. “We have a role to play in helping communities move forward. By directing philanthropic capital and resources to our local nonprofit organizations, we are helping address the most pressing needs while working to mitigate some of the disproportionate economic and health risks these communities face.”

In communities across the country, Bank of America also worked with local partners to provide resources — namely, personal protective equipment (PPE) in the form of face masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer — to vulnerable and underserved communities hardest hit by the coronavirus. In Oregon and Southwest Washington, the company supplied 255,000 masks to local partners serving those in need.

The latest local recipients of the bank’s PPE distribution efforts include Central City Concern, the Albany School District and the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla. The bank’s PPE donations build upon $2.7 million in funding distributed in Oregon and Southwest Washington last year as part of the bank’s local coronavirus relief and economic mobility efforts.

“Even though we are on the cusp of widespread vaccination, community partners continue to play a critical role in the face of ongoing uncertainty,” says Juliana Lukasik, Director of Public Affairs, Central City Concern. “As we work to help those experiencing homelessness and in need of our assistance, Bank of America has been an instrumental partner in our continued efforts. Being named as their Neighborhood Builder was a big boost for us. And their donation of critical PPE has allowed CCC to continue safely providing our counseling, housing and other support services at a time of unprecedented need.”

Thus far, Bank of America has donated more than 25 million masks, 160,000 eight-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer, and 4 million gloves to underserved communities across the country. These local investments are part of Bank of America’s $100 million global effort to address coronavirus-related challenges in local communities and are connected to its nationwide $1.25 billion, five-year commitment to address racial equality and economic opportunity.

From Virginia Garcia:

Virginia Garcia serves more than 47,000 people in the community each year. We have 18 clinics providing care in two counties. There are more than 60 languages spoken at the clinics and our more than 600 employees work every day to provide high quality, culturally-appropriate care to our patients.

We work hard every day to provide this kind of care, but we couldn’t do it without the support of our generous donors. Want to get involved but don’t know how? Check out our Friends of Virginia Garcia and Corporate and Community pages for more information.

From Bank of America:

At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. For more information on how the bank is supporting employees, clients and communities during this time, see latest updates here.

Top Ten Portland Society Page Stories of 2019 Feature Variety of Local Nonprofits

Top Ten Portland Society Page Stories of 2019 Feature Variety of Local Nonprofits

Portland, OR. What a year! PortlandSocietyPage.com has featured over 500 local nonprofits in 2019. Those admirable organizations have raised millions of dollars for worthy beneficiaries. It’s our privilege to be the top 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 2019? Contact Editor & Publisher Elisa Klein, at [email protected].

So…here’s the list of the top ten most viewed stories (in reverse order to build your suspense) on PortlandSocietyPage.com during 2019.

#10 – Riverdale School District Casino Royale Benefit Raises $216,000

Portland, OR. 270 guests raised $216,000 to support the PTC of Riverdale Grade School and Riverdale High School at its 007-themed gala. Parents Heather Burton, Niki Seawright, Wendy Domreis, Wendy Tolls & Kristen Best enjoyed the Casino Royale theme. The benefit on February 23rd was held at The Redd on SE Salmon Street. Nearly $70,000 will be passed through directly to the schools to help fund a “Let’s Play” paddle raise initiatives such as playground updates at the Grade School and new activity/athletic van and a Freedom Climber for the gymnasium at the High School. Read More

#9 – Record-Breaking “OMSI 2019 Gala: Celebrating 75 Years” Raises Over $1.5 Million

Portland, OR. More than 500 people attended the annual Oregon Museum of Science and Industry’s (OMSI) Gala to support efforts to spread science education across the Pacific Northwest. Governor Kate Brown, Piper Park, Kathy Rudd and Pat Reser were on hand for the May 4th gala. The benefit, which took place at OMSI, grossed more than $1.5 million through sponsorships, ticket sales and an auction, making it the nonprofit museum’s most successful event to date. This year’s gala, titled ‘Diamond Jubilee,’ commemorated OMSI’s 75th anniversary. Read More.

#8 – Jesuit High School’s 51st Annual Auction Raises Over $1 Million

Portland, OR. Over 600 guests including current parents, alumni, past parents and friends enjoyed a festive evening at Jesuit High School’s 51st Annual Auction: Jazz Night in New Orleans. The Knight Center was transformed into a jazz club with music, Creole cuisine and colorful décor. Auction Chair Katherine Kreutzer, Major Program Director Anne Robinson, JHS President Tom Arndorfer, Auction Co-Chair Mary Murphy celebrated at the festive evening on May 4th. This year’s auction exceeded expectations with over $1,045,000 raised. Read More

#7 – Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare Strengthens Mission of Whole Health Care at 2019 Gala

Portland, OR. Drawing a record 450 guests, Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare’s 2019 Transformation Gala raised nearly a quarter million dollars in support of the nonprofit’s whole health care and outreach services. Attendance was the highest in the Gala’s three-year history, growing by 100 supporters over last year. Lisa Oyler, Chiki Nussbaumer, Gayathrai Ramprasad, Toc Soneoulay-Gillespie and Tamara Pedrojetti were among the hundreds who enjoyed the night. Read More.

#6 – Wonderball Raises $1.27 Million for Children’s Cancer Association

Portland, OR. The Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) raised $1.27 million at its 19th annual Wonderball gala on September 28th. It was CCA’s biggest event of the year, which helps fuel its mission to prescribe joy to seriously ill children through free innovative programming that leverages music, friendship and nature. Founder Regina Ellis, who is pictured with friends and family, welcomed more than 950 supporters to the Oregon Convention Center for the gala. A Joie de Vivre theme celebrated French culture and the joy of life. Read More.

#5 – DoveLewis Animal Hospital to Star in National Geographic TV Series: “Animal ER Live”

Portland, OR. DoveLewis has been selected as one of seven 24-hour animal hospitals that will be featured in a live National Geographic TV show called Animal ER Live. The series starts on Saturday, March 30th and will air from 6 to 8 p.m. Show creators promote the program, writing: “Be just a heartbeat away from the action as the team at DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital, the Northwest’s nonprofit 24/7 animal hospital, treats animals in the midst of emergencies on Nat Geo WILD’s new live TV series, Animal ER Live.” Read More.

#4 – 2019 Portland Winter Light Festival Adding New Attractions

Portland, OR. Starting on February 7th, more than 100 illuminated installations, artists, performers, interactive activities, and events will brighten the Portland cityscape for the 2019 Portland Winter Light Festival (PDXWLF). This free annual program of the nonprofit Willamette Light Brigade is expanding to its largest footprint yet. Read More.

#3 – 35th Annual Classic Wines Auction Raises $3 Million for Five Nonprofit Partners

Portland, OR. Eight hundred guests gathered for the 35th Annual Classic Wines Auction and raised $3 million dollars for five nonprofit partners. This brings the total raised, over 35 years, to nearly $50 million. The benefit was at the Oregon Convention Center on March 2nd. The nonprofit beneficiaries this year were: Metropolitan Family Service, New Avenues for Youth, Friends of the Children – Portland, YWCA Clark County, and Unity Center for Behavioral Health. (Photo credit, John Valls) Read More.

#2 – Portland Opera’s Flora + Fauna Fall Ball Raises Over $1 Million

Portland, OR. More than 350 supporters joined forces for Portland Opera’s Flora + Fauna Fall. The September 14th benefit, at the Sentinel Hotel featured a performance by Broadway star Sutton Foster. Portland Opera raised over $1 million dollars. Organizers say proceeds from the Flora + Fauna Fall Ball will strengthen Portland Opera’s ability to serve audiences throughout the region, by supporting operational costs as well as special programming and projects. (Photo credit, Garrett Downen) Read More. 

#1 – 2019 Christmas Ships Parade Schedule Brings Wave of Excitement

Portland, OR. This December will mark the 65th launch of the Christmas Ships Parade season. Parades on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers will last for 15 nights beginning on Thursday, December 5th through Sunday, December 22nd. There are seven nights where the fleet with be combined. Read More.

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:

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and encourage your friends to do the same. Click here.

Share our good news on your social channels.

Send us your story ideas and submit your events for our calendar.

Purchase an advertisement to reach our thousands of philanthropic readers.

We are excited to continue “Building Your Community” in 2019!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! HERE’S TO 2020!

Elisa Klein, Editor

[email protected]

Groundbreaking Diner Opens as Meals on Wheels People Receive $200,000 Bank of America Grant

Groundbreaking Diner Opens as Meals on Wheels People Receive $200,000 Bank of America Grant

Vancouver, WA. Bank of America announced Meals on Wheels People as its 2019 Neighborhood Builder grant recipient for the Portland-Vancouver market. The Bank of America award includes a $200,000 gift that is being used to open a first-of-its-kind diner for seniors and community members in Vancouver. David Reiter, Senior Vice President, Bank of America, and Suzanne Washington, Chief Executive Officer, Meals on Wheels People, cut the ribbon with the Vancouver Chamber of Commerce for The Diner Vancouver’s grand opening on May 20th.

The Diner Vancouver is located at 5303 E. Mill Plain Blvd. in Vancouver, Wash. It’s open from 7:00am to 2:00pm daily. 

More about The Diner Vancouver, including the menu offerings, is at the link: www.thediner.org.

Marcie Kessel, Development Officer, Meals on Wheels People, with the check from Bank of America.

The diner’s unique model aims to achieve several things: provide choice for senior diners, create a welcoming atmosphere with high quality, locally sourced food, and establish an eating establishment that appeals to seniors, families and the business community. Those age 60 and older who enroll in the Meals on Wheels People program have the option of ordering off a special menu, which meets Older American Act dietary guidelines, and is available on a donation basis. Revenue from paying customers will help support the Meals on Wheels program in Clark County and allow the nonprofit organization to better serve more rural parts of the county. The diner is open daily for breakfast and lunch, is on a bus line for access, and serves comfort food sourced from local ingredients.

Tony Staser, from Meals on Wheels People, poses with attendees from the Vancouver Chamber of Commerce.

Marcie Kessel, Development Officer, Meals on Wheels People, holding the Neighborhood Builders Award with David Reiter, Senior Vice President, Bank of America​.

Through the Neighborhood Builders program, each year the bank provides a local nonprofit with a unique combination of leadership training, $200,000 in flexible funding, volunteer support, and a network of peer organizations across the country. Last year’s local winner was All Hands Raised.

“In every community we serve, we’re continuously assessing that community’s changing, evolving needs. And while many of our core clients are homebound seniors who benefit from our home delivery services, our research showed that more seniors locally are actually healthy and mobile and would benefit from more socialization opportunities. Out of that, the idea for this new diner was born,” said Suzanne Washington, Chief Executive Officer of Meals on Wheels People.

Washington adds that seniors will now have choices around when, what and with whom to eat. She noted that today’s seniors do not fit into the same demographic as seniors a decade or two ago, as they want more menu choice, flexibility in dining times and a more traditional restaurant experience. Besides providing a reliable place for seniors to get a meal, the restaurant — which is called The Diner Vancouver — also allows them to socialize with family, friends, neighbors and patrons.

“This is a new approach that hasn’t been done before within the Meals on Wheels organization. Here in the Portland-Vancouver area, we’re both an entrepreneurial and philanthropic community, and the thoughtfulness that went into this new diner model really interested us at Bank of America. This project is truly addressing an identified community need in a creative and innovative way,” said Roger Hinshaw, Bank of America’s market president for Oregon and Southwest Washington. “This unique project is an example of what our Neighborhood Builders program seeks to support, which is impactful programs and solutions that address local community needs.”

Monique Barton, senior vice president at Bank of America, added: “Over the many years that we’ve partnered with Meals on Wheels and supported them philanthropically, we’ve seen first-hand how impactful their work is. We’re excited to be directing this additional support to ensure even more local seniors have nutritious options while maintaining their independence. We’re optimistic that this new diner will make a real difference in helping Meals on Wheels People achieve even more financial sustainability, to further expand its resources to address need in Clark County and throughout the Portland Metro region.” Barton noted that over the past 15 years of the BofA Neighborhood Builders program operating in the Portland market, this is the first time it’s being earmarked for a project in Vancouver, Wash.

Suzanne Washington said that so far, feedback from the community has been strong. “Right out of the gate, business has been robust. In the first few days we were open, we’ve had amazingly positive response from seniors and the community alike. We’ve also seen a lot of multi-generational diners coming in together. The Diner is truly moving us closer towards achieving our vision of no senior going hungry or lonely — all while providing an additional revenue stream, and creating new workforce development opportunities in the region,” she said. “I’d call that a win-win-win!”

In addition to sharing the news about 2019’s Neighborhood Builder winner, BofA’s Hinshaw also relayed that going forward, the Portland-Vancouver market will select two local nonprofits each year to be recipients of Neighborhood Builder $200,000 awards, up from one in recent years. Local nonprofits can learn more at www.bankofamerica.com/neighborhoodbuilders.

From Bank of America:

Through the Neighborhood Builders program, we deploy capital and build cross-sector partnerships to advance nonprofit leaders addressing economic mobility and social progress issues in the communities we serve. Since 2004, we’ve invested more than $220 million in 49 communities — including Portland — partnering with more than 1,000 nonprofits and more than 2,000 nonprofit leaders by delivering flexible funding, leadership development and a network of peers. Fifteen years on, Neighborhood Builders is one of the nation’s largest philanthropic investments in nonprofit leadership development. Learn more at www.bankofamerica.com/about or www.bankofamerica.com/oregon.

 

From Meals on Wheels People:

Meals on Wheels People has been changing lives one meal at a time since 1970. They provide 5,000 nutritious meals every weekday at dozens of neighborhood dining sites throughout Multnomah, Washington and Clark counties and through Meals on Wheels delivery to homebound elderly. Their service not only alleviate hunger and social isolation, but allow seniors to live independently with dignity in their own homes. Aging in place reduces depression, falls and hospitalization as well as the high cost of institutional care. For more information, visit www.mowp.org.

Top Ten Portland Society Page Stories of 2018

Top Ten Portland Society Page Stories of 2018

Portland, OR. It has been our biggest year to date at PortlandSocietyPage.com. We have tens of thousands more readers and featured over 500 local nonprofits in our stories during 2018. Those admirable organizations have raised millions of dollars for worthy beneficiaries. 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 2019? Contact Editor & Publisher Elisa Klein, at [email protected].

So…here’s the list of the top ten stories (in reverse order to build your suspense) on PortlandSocietyPage.com during 2018.

10. Oregon Symphony 2018 Gala Raises Record $1.15M

Portland, OR. Following a drum roll by the Obo Addy Drummers, Oregon Symphony President Scott Showalter took the stage at the 2018 Oregon Symphony Gala to announce that $1.15M was raised in support of the orchestra. This marks the fourth consecutive year the Symphony has broken its fund raising record, making it one of the highest grossing benefits in the region. Attendees at the April 14th gala cheered loudly as a fireworks display lit up ten large video screens in the Portland Art Museum’s Kridel Ballroom. Chanteuse Storm Large, Oregon Symphony Music Director Carlos Kalmar, Oregon Symphony President Scott Showalter, and songwriter Naomi LaViolette all took time for a photo together. READ MORE

9. Oregon Made Film About Father/Daughter Living in Forest Park Premieres at Sundance

Park City, UT. Leave No Trace premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaimDirector Debra Granik adapted the screenplay for the film with her writing partner, Anne Rosellini, from the Peter Rock novel, My Abandonment, which was based on the true story of a father who lived with his teenage daughter in Forest Park for four years. READ MORE

8. Classic Wines Auction Raises Nearly $3 Million for Five Local Nonprofits

Portland, OR. More than 825 guests gathered on March 3rd at the Oregon Convention Center for the 34th annual Classic Wines Auction, raising nearly $3 million for five local nonprofits. Guests bid on distinctive auction items while enjoying gourmet cuisine presented by top local chefs and, of course, the gala’s signature fine wines. Proceeds support children and families in our community served by the beneficiaries, including: Metropolitan Family ServiceYWCA Clark CountyFriends of the ChildrenNew Avenues for Youth and Unity Center for Behavioral Health. Classic Wines Auction events have raised more than $43 million since 1982. (Photo credit, John Valls Photography) READ MORE

7. Riverdale Auction Raises $140,000 for Programs Including Technology Upgrades and Emergency Preparedness

Portland, OR. City Lights was the theme for the Riverdale School District Auction at the Leftbank Annex. Benefit Chair, Kristen Best and committee member, Allison Williams, helped coordinated the volunteers, donors, student artists, sponsors, attendees, and entertainers at February 24th event. The auction raised funds for Riverdale PTC programs including $50,000 during a paddle raise for District-wide technology and emergency preparedness/safety initiatives. READ MORE

6. Top Ten Portland Society Page Stories of 2017

Portland, OR. “Classically American” Oregon Symphony’s Gala Raises Over $1 Million was the number one story in 2017. 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 included 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. READ MORE

5. Portland Center Stage 2018-2019 Season Will Include ‘Color Purple’ & Return of Storm Large in ‘Crazy Enough’

Portland, OR. Portland Center Stage at The Armory’s 2018-2019 season will feature 11 productions along with a special 10th anniversary return engagement of Storm Large in Crazy Enough, a show that had its world premiere at The Armory in 2009 and became one of the company’s biggest hits. READ MORE

4. Portland Father of the Year Honors Benefit American Diabetes Association

Portland, OR. The American Diabetes Association and the National Father’s Day Council honored four local dads at the “Father of the Year” awards dinner on June 15th on Center Court at the Moda Center.  Similar events are hosted in cities across the country to recognize men who have made family a priority while balancing demanding careers and community involvement. 2016 Portland Father of the Year Honoree’s are: Terry Porter, (Former Portland Trail Blazer, Men’s Basketball Coach, University of Portland) Jay Haladay, (Retired CEO, Viewpoint Construction Software) Randy Miller, (President, Produce Row Property Management Company) and Michael Snaadt, (Owner, Helen Bernhard Bakery). The dinner is also a fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association because supporters are encouraged to make donations in support of the honored fathers. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus) READ MORE.

3. 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 FoundationMeals on Wheels People; Victory Academy; the Brian Grant Foundation; The Dougy Center; and Self Enhancement Incorporated. READ MORE

2. Poolside Party Makes a Splash for New Avenues for Youth

Portland, OR. 130 friends and neighbors were mixing and mingling at the Dunthorpe home of Mimi and Doug McCaslin on June 27th, to learn more about the work of New Avenues for Youth. The nonprofit is celebrating its 20th year working toward the prevention and intervention of youth homelessness. Since 1997, its programs and services have impacted more than 20,000 young people as they work to overcome barriers, pursue goals, and realize their potential.

1. Opening Night VIP Party for RH Portland Benefits Doernbecher

Portland, OR. Over 1,000 invited guests converged on the new 46,000 square foot Restoration Hardware (RH) gallery store in the Historic Alphabet District for its gala opening. This new four-story showplace, at 474 NW 23rd, features RH furnishings, artwork, and accessories in a gallery-like setting. The VIP opening was also a benefit for the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation and drew supporters like Judi Inglis, Bella Hunter, RH Chairman & CEO Gary Friedman, Maddie Andrews, and Peter Andrews. READ MORE.

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:

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and encourage your friends do the same. Click here.

Share our good news on your social channels.

Send us your story ideas and submit your events for our calendar.

Purchase an advertisement to reach our thousands of philanthropic readers.

We are excited to continue “Building Your Community” in 2019!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Elisa Klein, Editor

[email protected]