Children’s Center Healing Garden Gala Raises Over $420,000 to Help Those Affected by Abuse and Neglect

Children’s Center Healing Garden Gala Raises Over $420,000 to Help Those Affected by Abuse and Neglect

by | Sep 21, 2018 | Events, Features, News

Portland, OR. Nearly 400 friends gathered at the Embassy Suites Washington Square on September 14th for the Children’s Center’s Seventh Annual Healing Garden Gala. Richard Ransome, Mary Ransome, and Executive Director Tom Soma were among those supporting the Children’s Center’s mission to end child abuse and neglect.  The benefit raised more than $423,000 to serve kids and families recovering from abuse. (Photo credit, Naim Hasan)

Pianist and composer, Michael Allen Harrison, Auctioneer Johnna Wells, and Nike designer Tinker Hatfield

Susanne Olin, Jim Boyer, Executive Director Tom Soma, and Barb Boyer

Event Co-chairs Adel Adams, Lauren Retzlaff, and event host Steve Dunn

The evening’s program was emceed by Steve Dunn of KATU Channel 2 News, and the live auction and special appeal called by international auctioneer champion Johnna Wells. The festivities also included a silent auction in the atrium, dinner, and dancing. Live music was provided by Michael Allen Harrison and Time Machine.

During the appeal, Clinical Director Dr. Cathy Lang gave a moving tribute to staff and families and explained why the work of intervening in cases of child abuse is both vital to community health and meaningful to her personally.

Children’s Center also shared an exciting new development: the launch of a Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program. The program will enable Children’s Center to stay with kids and families on their healing journeys, with ongoing support and care from specialized counselors.

From Children’s Center:

Children’s Center is deeply grateful for the generous investments made to help children affected by abuse change their stories and build stronger futures.

Event Co-chairs
Lauren Retzlaff
Adel Adams

Presenting Sponsor:
Airstream Adventures Northwest

Gold Sponsors:
3 Point Brand Management
Bob’s Red Mill

Silver Sponsors:
OPUS Agency
Reliable Credit Association Inc.
Trails End Dental
Warn Employee Community Impact Project

Bronze Sponsors:
Katie & Zak Callahan
Marianne Cursetjee
Eaton Family Law
Lori & Kevin Faris
Tasca & Paul Gulick
Bill & Lia Halter
Homestreet Bank
NessCampbell Crane & Rigging
Northwest Bank
Gabe & Ken Petersen
Rachel Preston
Providence Health & Services
Mary & Richard Ransome
Safeway/Albertsons Foundation
Hilary & Wes Sand
Amy Stoeber PhD
Troy C. Stoeber, M.D.
Tanner – Mortensen Family
The Thornton Family
United States Drug Testing Laboratories, Inc.
Scott & Beth Ward
John & Ginny Wells
Christina & Gary Yarco

40th Anniversary Shamrock Run Benefits Doernbecher Children’s Hospital

40th Anniversary Shamrock Run Benefits Doernbecher Children’s Hospital

by | Mar 17, 2018 | Events, Features, News

Portland, OR. Founded in 1979, the adidas Shamrock Run Portland is one of the largest running and walking event in Oregon and is the third largest running event in the western United States. On March 18th, an estimated 30,000 participants will celebrate the 40th edition of the event at Waterfront Park. 

Route maps are available at the Shamrock Run website, but expect closures through noon on Naito Parkway, Southwest Barbur Boulevard, and on sections of Capitol Highway and Terwilliger Boulevard. All downtown bridges will remain open in both directions throughout the event. But the ramp from the west end of the Ross Island Bridge to Southwest Barbur Boulevard will be closed from 6 a.m.-1 p.m.

During the past 22 years, Shamrock Run Portland has made charitable gifts totaling more than $1.3 million. Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation has been the principal beneficiary of the Shamrock Run for the past 21 years. Shamrock has donated more than $550,000 to Doernbecher during this time. The Foundation provides power, potential and promise for one of America’s leading pediatric health centers: Doernbecher Children’s Hospital at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland.

The St. Patrick’s Day themed Irish runs feature:  5k, 8k, 15k and half marathon running events, a 4-mile Shamrock Stride walk, and a 1k Leprechaun Lap for kids.  Set on Portland’s downtown waterfront, the event brings live main stage music, a beer garden, hot soup, and a myriad of vendors. 

There’s complimentary beer for finishers 21 and older. Widmer Brothers Brewing beer garden will feature: Russell Street IPA, Steel Bridge Porter, and Hefe. 

The adidas Shamrock Run is sponsored by adidas, Widmer Brothers Brewing, Moda Health, Bob’s Red Mill, GEICO, nuun hydration, iHeart radio and KGW Newschannel 8. The primary beneficiary of the event is Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation, which has been affiliated with Shamrock for the past 21 years.

 
Here’s a video from last years Shamrock Run: 

Shamrock Weekend kicks-off with the adidas Shamrock Run Fitness Fair. This two-day event at the Oregon Convention Center on March 16th and 17th is in conjunction with Shamrock participant bib number and T-shirt pickup. The Fitness Fair features more than 80 running and fitness exhibitors, celebrities and mascots, contests and give-aways and a Leprechaun Lane area for kids. More than 25,000 people attend the Shamrock Fitness Fair, presented by Moda Health.