Portland, OR. The annual Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) Gala garnered significant support for science education initiatives across the Pacific Northwest. With more than 350 attendees, the gala on May 6th, hosted within OMSI’s historic Turbine Hall, achieved a remarkable milestone by raising over $1 million through various avenues, including sponsorships, ticket sales, paddle raises, and an auction. Above, Presenting Sponsor, Jordan Schnitzer, and Renata Baranow posed for a photo at the Gala’s cocktail hour. The theme of this year’s gala, aptly titled ‘Kaleidoscope,’ embraced the vibrant colors and playful spirit of OMSI’s recently revitalized brand.
Portland Garment Factory created a photo lounge backdrop in the theme of Kaleidoscope for guests to enjoy at the May 6th event Here, Presenting Sponsors Christine and David Vernier, and Kimberly Cooper and Jon Jaqua, get their photos taken by KLiK Concepts.
Joe Bingold, OMSI’s incoming Board Chair, kicks off the Gala program with an inspiring story.
Guests generously express their commitments to science education through the Gala’s paddle raise. Included at the table in the foreground are Mike and Karie Richardson and their guests, Mike Erickson, David Lucas, Jeff Heatherington, Ruslan Kamalov, Jimmie Herrod, Michael and Marietta Harrison, Cheri Cooley-Hick, and Ken Hick.
OMSI President and CEO Erin Graham
Erin Graham, President and CEO of OMSI, expressed, “For OMSI, this year represents a period of exciting growth, rejuvenation, and the sowing of seeds for the future. OMSI plays a unique role in our community by uniting individuals in envisioning and cultivating a greener, more equitable future. The funds generated from the gala will further OMSI’s mission to ignite a passion for discovery in people of all ages.”
Founded in 1944 by a dedicated group of volunteers, OMSI has been a pillar of science education for over 75 years, offering innovative and high-quality learning experiences. As a privately funded nonprofit, OMSI heavily relies on the support of its members and donors to make a lasting impact. The gala underscores the belief that everyone can become a successful science learner, and the funds raised during the event will be channeled into enhancing OMSI’s diverse range of programs and making them more accessible to children and adults from various communities across the region.
The gala’s Presenting Sponsors included Jordan Schnitzer/The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, Vernier Science Education, and the Jon V. Jaqua and Kimberly B. Cooper Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation. Attendees were treated to delectable cuisine and cocktails provided by Devil’s Food Catering, enjoyed a performance by Jimmie Herrod, a local singer-songwriter and finalist from America’s Got Talent, and were moved by a heartwarming story highlighting OMSI’s impact through inclusive and accessible bilingual Play Labs for young children and their families. The event also featured eleven live auction packages, ranging from local experiences to international travel.
Love Centerwall, Vice President of Development at OMSI, shared, “The OMSI Gala embodies a celebration of science, community, and curiosity, and this year our supporters truly stepped up, contributing over $1 million! The enthusiasm for our mission and our vision for the future was palpable—tonight, we witnessed an extraordinary commitment to OMSI and our mission to deepen and expand our programs throughout the region.”
About OMSI: The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) inspires curiosity through engaging science learning experiences, fosters experimentation and the exchange of ideas, and stimulates informed action.
OMSI is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that relies on admissions, memberships, and donations to sustain its educational mission, programs, and exhibits. You too can join OMSI in its ongoing mission to promote science education across Oregon and the broader Pacific Northwest. Visit [www.omsi.edu/donate](www.omsi.edu/donate) or contact [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) for more information.
Portland, OR. The Maurice Lucas Foundation held its 10th annual gala on September 18th. The virtual event attracted over 1,000 foundation supporters, and the nonprofit was able to raise over $600,000. Donations will be used for scholarship programs to support under-served students at six high schools in Portland as well as Harriet Tubman Middle School and Parkrose Middle School. It will also go toward the foundation’s academic, character building, and athletic programs for kids and young adults. KOIN-TV news co-anchor Ken Boddie and auctioneer Johnna Lee Wells co-hosted the virtual gala (as seen above). The gala featured videos of students whose lives have been changed through the foundation’s programs.
The Lucas family toasts during the gala. From left: David Lucas, Maurice Jr., and Pam Lucas.
The goal of the Maurice Lucas Foundation is to challenge students to grow and become resilient people and strong leaders through its programs and with counseling, mentoring, and coaching. The nonprofit focuses on students from middle school up to high school and beyond, working to help the kids learn their own potential through sports and education.
Emcee David Lucas holds a photo of his late father, Maurice Lucas.
Nike exec Howard White receives the Enforcer Award.
During the event, the foundation awards its annual Maurice Lucas Enforcer Award to the person who does the best at motivating and empowering kids, which were characteristics Maurice Lucas was well known for. This year the award was given to Nike executive Howard White of Portland.
From foundation board chair Todd Hanchett:
“Throughout his long career, Howard has always shared his knowledge and experience with others to enrich the lives of children and those around him. He has focused on being a positive role model to children around the world through his Believe to Achieve programs. Howard exemplifies the spirit of the Maurice Lucas Enforcer Award.”
From David Lucas:
“We created the Maurice Lucas Foundation in 2010 to honor my dad’s memory and continue his legacy of helping children in the Portland area. Now, after 10 years, we can proudly say we’ve used tutoring, character development, mentoring, sports and partnership to help 2,238 students and their families and another 4,320 youths through basketball camps and teams. We are committed to serving even more in the years to come.”
Portland, OR. A special celebration dinner and auction held at the Portland Hilton raised over $757,000 for the Maurice Lucas Foundation. The funds will support the foundation’s after-school programs for under-served students at Harriet Tubman Middle School and six high schools throughout the Portland area. A tradition at the gala is presenting the Maurice Lucas Enforcer Award. The recipient this year was the late Howard Hedinger, a philanthropist and friend of Maurice Lucas. His family members were on hand to accept the award. The award presentation photo included Bobby Gross, Bill Walton, Lionel Hollins, Zach Collins, Huston Hedinger, David Lucas, Barkley Hedinger and Hillary Hedinger. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Foundation Academy students ranging from Sixth Grade through college had a chance to have their photo taken with Executive Director David Lucas and High School Program Manager Karen Barker. (Photo by Naim Hasan)
David Lucas with his daughter, Nahla Lucas; mother Pam Lucas; his nephew, Lucas Tiefenthaler; and his brother, Maurice Lucas II. Photo by Andie Petkus.
The gala included over 600 attendees who participated in activities like a paddle raise, silent auction and live auction to raise record-breaking numbers for the Maurice Lucas Foundation. Maurice Lucas was the leading scorer on the 1977 NBA champion Portland Trail Blazers, and an advocate for young people. Following in his father’s footsteps, David Lucas continues to to be involved with the organization in his father’s memory.
The dinner also included students who have benefited from the foundation’s programs. “Our students are hungry for the future, and they stand on the shoulders of so many of you in the room tonight to be able to pursue their dreams,” said David.
Terry Stotts helps auctioneer Brett Richards raise funds at the Maurice Lucas Foundation gala. Photo by Andie Petkus.
Joe Wiser from title sponsor Whittier Trust tells the gala attendees about his long relationship with the Lucas family. Photo by Andie Petkus.
Following in his father’s footsteps, David Lucas served as the gala’s master of ceremonies. Photo by Andie Petkus.
Our mission: Teaching life lessons through education and sport.
Maurice cared immensely for the Portland community. He sought to empower youth by creating opportunity, especially where little existed. He was devoted to helping kids learn, achieve, and grow through sport, helping them build positive values. The Maurice Lucas Foundation is carrying on Maurice’s work by creating these opportunities for inner-city middle school students by providing a combination of education and activity-based after-school programs. Through positive interactions with program coaches, team members, and community role models, we help youth develop their cognitive, emotional, intellectual and social skills in a fun environment. Our youth programs develop personal and life skills, positive adult and peer relationships, and create a supportive environment of learning, mastery, teamwork, and autonomy.
Portland, OR. 600 supporters were on hand for the Maurice Lucas Foundation dinner including, David Lucas, CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard. The seventh annual benefit on raised a total of $520,000 (including proceeds from the dinner on September 22nd and a golf event on the 23rd) to support the foundation’s after-school education, mentoring and sports programs for under-served children in Portland, including its newly established Howard Hedinger College Scholarship Fund.
Damian Lillard and Maurice Lucas Academy students
David Lucas and Howard Hedinger
The benefit was sponsored by Nike, Jordan Brand and the Portland Trail Blazers. A number of current and former Trail Blazers attended the dinner in honor of their late teammate: Bill Walton, Bobby Gross, Lloyd Neal, Lionel Hollins, Corky Calhoun and announcer Bill Schonely from the 1977 NBA Championship team; as well as head coach Terry Stotts, announcer Michael Holton and players Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum, Noah Vonleh and Pat Connaughton from the current roster.
Foundation Ambassador Board members Walton and Hollins joined foundation Executive Director David Lucas in presenting the Maurice Lucas Enforcer Award to Nike executive Larry Miller.
The award is given annually to an individual who best embodies many of the characteristics that its namesake displayed both on and off the basketball court, including motivating and empowering kids. Walton and Hollins are among the award’s past recipients.
2017 Enforcer of the Year Award Larry Miller along with David Lucas, Lionel Hollins and Bill Walton
Bill and Lori Walton
Lionel Hollins and Bill Walton
Vanessa Morgan, Bob Quillin and David Lucas
The After Party
Mercedes Benz of Portland was a sponsor.
Fall Fundraisers for the nonprofit included both a dinner at the Portland Hilton and a Celebrity Golf Tournament on, Sept. 23rd, at the Reserve Golf Course in Aloha. The 14th annual golf invitational attracted 115 competitors and raised $70,000. Each foursome included a celebrity, such as former Blazers Brian Grant, T.R. Dunn, Michael Harper and Terry Porter; and NBA Hall of Fame member Alex English and former player Gus Williams. Wildhorse Resort & Casino served as the presenting sponsor and Mercedes-Benz of Portland served as official vehicle sponsor.
“These funds will enable us to continue providing life-changing opportunities for under-served middle school students,” said Executive Director Lucas, son of the late Maurice Lucas. “Our foundation stands as a continuance of my father’s dedication to helping kids learn, achieve, grow and build positive values. The Maurice Lucas Foundation is proud to carry on his work.”
Maurice Lucas Academy Volunteers along with David Lucas and Pam Lucas
Maurice Lucas Academy Volunteers
John Bladholm, David Lucas, Lionel Hollins, and Bill Schonely
The winning team won the opportunity to compete at the Mercedes-Benz Sectional Championship at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla on Oct. 5-9.
From The Maurice Lucas Foundation:
The Maurice Lucas Foundation teaches kids lessons they can use to help them realize their dreams. Our academies show the importance of hard work, respect and leadership both in the classroom and on the court.
The number 20 hangs in the rafters of The Rose Garden, home to the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, honoring a great man. Maurice Lucas had a storied 14-year career in professional basketball, but off the court is where Maurice built his legacy. Maurice was truly a pillar in the Portland, Oregon community he called home. He touched the lives of many through his giving ways. Maurice passed away on October 31, 2010 at the age of 58. Today, the Maurice Lucas Foundation carries on his legacy by working with youth to help them realize their individual potential.
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