Portland, August 1st. The Portland Japanese Garden announced the largest gift in its history, a $1,000,000 endowment donation from The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation to establish The Arlene Schnitzer Curator of Culture, Art & Education. (Arlene is pictured in the Japanese Garden in 2010 with her late husband. Harold Schnitzer, the Portland real estate and philanthropic powerhouse, died in 2011 from complications related to cancer and diabetes. He was 87.)
“As a citizen of Oregon it is important to me to ensure the longevity of Portland’s prestigious Japanese Garden, which is considered to be one of the finest examples in the world outside of Japan,” says Arlene Schnitzer. “I am thrilled, along with the other trustees, to help maintain the Garden’s celebrated status by granting a significant gift to their upcoming expansion capital campaign.”
The gift fulfills one-third of the $3 million goal for endowment support needed toward the Garden’s planned expansion. The endowment will help fund the permanent curatorial position at the Garden that develops and oversees cultural, art, and education programs. The Portland Japanese Garden will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2013.
This series of programs was launched in 2007 under the leadership of Diane Durston, who will now be named the The Arlene Schnitzer Curator of Culture, Art & Education. New and enhanced programs presented at the Garden over the past five years include annual public lectures by nationally and internationally known speakers, authentic Japanese cultural festivals, the annual Art in the Garden exhibition series, and new programs for teachers and underserved school children. The goal of these programmatic advances is to bring new audiences to the Garden, enhance the visitor experience, and raise awareness of the broader cultural context in which Japanese gardens evolved.
Speakers in the Garden’s lecture series have included world-class experts in Japanese gardens and related fields such as Hoichi Kurisu, Shiro Nakane, and Marc Peter Keane. The groundbreaking Parallel Worlds: Art of the Ainu of Hokkaido and Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest drew more than 26,000 visitors to the Garden in June 2009. Other exhibitions have included internationally recognized artists in the field of traditional and contemporary Japanese arts including sculpture, prints, bonsai, and more.
“The creation of this endowment will support the Garden’s efforts to be a world leader in the field of Japanese gardens and culture,” says Steve Bloom, CEO of the Portland Japanese Garden. “The gift is a significant endorsement for the important work of the organization and the planned expansion project. We are fortunate to be the recipient of Arlene’s inspiring generosity.”
The Portland Japanese Garden is in the process of planning for an expansion designed to preserve and enhance the tranquility of the existing Garden, respond to increased visitor numbers, and take advantage of opportunities in the areas of education, environmental sustainability, revenue generation through visitor amenities, and enhancing visitor and member services.
Arlene Schnitzer and her family have a long history with the Garden. She and her late husband, Harold Schnitzer, made a significant gift to the Garden’s renovation of the iconic Zig Zag Bridge in 2010. Arlene’s sister-in-law Mildred Schnitzer was a founding board member of the Garden, her son Jordan Schnitzer is a past president of the Board of Directors, and her nephew Alan Davis is currently on the Garden’s Board of Directors. Arlene is also an active member of the Garden’s Golden Crane Society and its International Advisory Board.
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About the Portland Japanese Garden:
The Portland Japanese Garden is the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan. Situated on more than 5 acres nestled in the scenic west hills of Portland, the Garden features five traditional garden styles. The Garden is located above Washington Park at 611 SW Kingston Ave. in SW Portland, Oregon and is open daily except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Visit the Garden online at www.japanesegarden.com.
Portland, July 2nd. The Classic Wines Auction, Inc. handed out 1.7 million dollars to four worthy local nonprofits. Classic Wine Auction (CWA), presented by Bank of America and US Trust, delivered a check for $455,000 to Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) . The donation will help MFS continue to service 37,000 low-income individuals and families. Pictured (from right to left) are: George Hosfield, CWA Board Member; Karen Hinsdale, CWA Board Member; Eva Kripalani, MFS Board Vice Chair; Jim Fitzhenry, CWA Board Member; Keith Barnes, CWA Board Member; Krista Larson, MFS Executive Director; and Heather Martin, CWA Executive Director.
Metropolitan Family Service is the original auction beneficiary and remains highly involved with CWA to this day. “With the support of the community, the Classic Wines Auction has been able to help four charities serve roughly 44,000 children and families annually in Oregon and southwest Washington,” said Roger Hinshaw, Bank of America President of Oregon & Southwest Washington. “I am so honored to be part of an organization that gives back to such deserving charities as Metropolitan Family Services.”
Brian Rice (New Avenue’s Board President and KeyBank District President), and Roger Hinshaw (CWA Board Member and Bank of America president of Oregon & Southwest Washington) display the over-sized check of $505,000 presented to New Avenues for Youth from the Classic Wines Auction.
The Classic Wines Auction, Inc. delivered a check for $505,000 to New Avenues for Youth. The amount reflected the second largest disbursement New Avenues has received from CWA in more than eight years. New Avenues is a Portland-based nonprofit that prevents and intervenes in youth homelessness.
Heather Martin (Classic Wines Auction Executive Director),Terri Sorensen (Friends of the Children Executive Director) and Ken Thrasher (FOTC Board Chair) display the donation from the Classic Wines Auction.
The Classic Wines Auction, Inc. delivered a check for $390,000 to Friends of the Children, representing the largest distribution from CWA to FOTC since 2008. Friends of the Children is a Portland-based nonprofit that provides vulnerable children a nurturing and sustained relationship with a professional mentor who teaches positive values and has attainable expectations for each child to become healthy, productive members of the community.
The donation to YWCA Clark County from the Classic Wines Auction (CWA) is proudly displayed (from right to left) by: Paul Vogel, CWA Board Member (Pacific Power); DJ Wilson, CWA Board Member (KGW Media Group); Heather Martin, CWA Executive Director; Sherri Bennet, YWCA Clark County Executive Director; and Kelly Walsh, YWCA Clark County Board President (Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt)
The Classic Wines Auction, Inc. delivered a check for $350,000 to YWCA Clark County on June 27, 2012. The donation amount represents roughly fifty percent of YWCA Clark County’s philanthropic-related income for the year.
The majority of the funds given out were raised during the annual Classic Wines Auction fundraising gala this March. As one of the largest fundraisers in Oregon, CWA is dedicated to producing premiere food and wine events to raise funds for local charities.
CWA partners with organizations with the following characteristics: mission compatibility, effective organizational management, sound financial practices, board-led fundraising, sustainability and a solid volunteer network.
Portland, July 18th. The annual event is called, “3 Degrees 2 Unite 1 Community.” Organized by Willamette Valley Development Officers, the networking party at Portland’s Lan Su Chinese Garden offered business and nonprofit leaders the chance to create connections. Debbie Rieke from Project Access Now and Bethany Thomas from Ecology in the classroom and outdoors are pictured with Mary Sullivan from Cleantechopen and Lisa Creamer from Emma Inc. mixed and mingled at 3-Degrees.
Anne Van De Linden from Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, Agnes Zach Executive Director of Willamette Valley Development Officers and Michelle Crimmins from De La Salle North Catholic High School
Engred Chai from Brownstein Rack, Gisel Hillard from Washington Trust Bank, Grant Jones from Perkins & Company
Vibrant Table was one of the generous sponsors of the event. Karen Rich, Emily Michel, Auriana Albree, Kathy Hile and Page Winograd represented Vibrant Table at 3-Degrees.
Jeanne Kojis, Executive Director of the Nonprofit Network of SW Washington, Ron Bertolucci, Vice President of Commercial Banking at Sterling Bank, and Marc Heisterkamp from USGBC
Jill Downing, the program coordinator of WVDO, thanked Jane Demarco, the Executive Director of the Lan Su Chinese Garden
Kathy Swift from Capital Pacific Bank, Nichole Smith from Robert Half Account Temps., Chabre Vickers from Big Brother/Big Sister, and Kristen Connor from Capital Pacific Bank
Roy Abramowitz from Perkins & Company, Sara Patinkin from Donate Life N.W., Eileen Reilly from Jesuit High School
Stephanie Hooper from Pacific Continental Bank and Katharine Quince from Store to Door
Heather Olson from Jack in the Box, Jon Connelly from Portland Business Journal, Jill Downing from WVDO and Ian Harnish from Portland Business Journal
Sara Patinkin from the WVDO Board, Kelsey Pine from “I have a Dream” Oregon, Janet Sams from Candlelighters for Children with Cancer
Graeme Byrd from Net Impact, Jude Lieberman from Portland State and Marc Heisterkamp from USGBC
Graeme Byrd from Net Impact with Kimberlin Butler from Grantmakers for Education
Mark Fulop from Facilitation Process and Bianca McCarthy from the Lan Su Chinese Garden
Brennan Wood from the Dougy Center and James Phelps from JKP Fundraising celebrating the conclusion of a great evening with WVDO Exec. Director Agnes Zach.
3-Degrees was sponsored by: WVDO, Capital Pacific Bank, Perkins & Co., Portland Business Journal, Lan Su Chinese Garden.
In Partnership with: Portland Business Alliance, NetImpact-Portland, Young Professionals of Portland.
From Willamette Valley Development Officers(WVDO) serves people raising funds for nonprofit organizations by linking them with others in the community and providing affordable opportunities for their professional growth and education. WVDO is Oregon’s oldest and largest organization for development professionals, with a current membership of more than 800 individuals representing nonprofit organizations of all types and sizes. Founded in 1977, Willamette Valley Development Officers is our region’s premier service organization for nonprofit professionals and leaders.
Contact
Willamette Valley Development Officers 619 SW 11th Ave., Suite 108 Portland, Oregon 97205
Main Website:wvdo-or.org Phone: 503.274.1977 Fax: 503.241.4315
Seattle to Portland, July 14th. Fifteen cyclists peddled 204 miles over two days to raise $25,587 for the Cascade AIDS Project.Ride4CAP is in its 2nd year of raising funds and its first year as a supported cycling team.
“CAP has been looking to add another way folks can get involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” said Michael Kaplan, CAP’s Executive Director and an HIV-positive man. “Portlanders are known for their penchant for cycling, and this allows us to enter the foray of rides as a first effort and eventually create our own ride. We want to ensure on this ride that all know CAP is here to help with testing and linkage to care. Everyone has a status, everyone needs to know theirs. Funds raised here will help us to help others.”
Laura Bancroft refueled for the ride.
The sign says it all!
Riders included: William Patton, David Duncan, William Motter, Laura Bancroft, Benjamin Gerritz, Joseph Sedillo, Jackie Yerby, Sarah Freeman, Robert Lusk, Maje Anderson, Charli Krause, Edwin Kietzman, and Luis Torres.
At no other time has there been more hope for ending the HIV epidemic than today. Funds are the major barrier to making the disease a thing of the past. As reported on National Public Radio on July 12, 2012, the May 2011 National Institutes of Health (NIH) study suggests there is hope for an end to HIV’s spread if people (1) know their HIV status by getting tested regularly, and (2) access care if diagnosed positive. The study is available here: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2011/Pages/HPTN052.aspx.
“I believe it is my duty to ride,” said Benjamin Gerritz, avid cyclist and an HIV-positive man. “I love to ride; I have been blessed with good health because of the excellent medical care I receive and the life I have chosen to live. I am honored to ride with my fellow Ride4CAPers.”
Sponsors for the team included Nike,Central Drug and KINK FM. The team used the Cascade Bicycle Club’s ride as their vehicle for spreading the message of HIV/AIDS prevention and stigma reduction as well as a fund raising tool. The ride started at the University of Washington Campus in Seattle, ended its first day, July 14th, in Chehalis, Washington and picked up on the 15th to end at Holladay Park in Northeast Portland.
About Cascade AIDS Project Incorporated in 1985, Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is the oldest and largest AIDS Service Organization in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our mission is to prevent HIV infections, support and empower people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS, and eliminate HIV/AIDS-related stigma. With a staff of more than 50, and a volunteer corps that includes over 700 individuals providing more than 29,000 hours of service each year, CAP manages a diverse array of programs and an annual budget of $4.9 million. Fifteen percent of CAP’s staff are individuals living with HIV, 25% identify from communities of color, and 30% are bilingual. Our programs serve the broad and diverse set of communities impacted by HIV, from community-specific programs focused on teens, Latinos, the gay community, individuals and families living with HIV, to the thousands of individuals throughout the state who seek education though our AIDS/STD hotline each year. A committed 16-member volunteer Board of Directors provides strategic guidance and oversight to ensure CAP accomplishes its mission and continues to operate with integrity and transparency. www.cascadeaids.org.
Newberg, July 14th and 15th. The 2012 Summer State Games showcased the best of athleticism, sportsmanship and fun. Special Olympics athletes in Oregon competed in: track & field, bocce, golf, and softball. All participants trained in their hometowns for eight weeks prior to the Summer Games and have qualified to compete at the Summer Games at a regional level competition.
Here in Oregon, while Special Olympics Oregon serves more than 10,000 participants throughout the state, nearly 70,000 people with intellectual disabilities could benefit from participating in Special Olympics. Still growing, Special Olympics Oregon is efficiently expanding programs to get closer and closer to serving every individual with intellectual disabilities that qualifies to participate in Special Olympics.
Special Olympics Oregon offers training and competition opportunities in 14 different Olympic-style sports. There are three sports seasons throughout the year, with statewide competitions and training in winter, summer and fall.
Special Olympics Oregon holds events in every region of the state, every month of the year, providing athletes the opportunity to be competing and training as often as they choose.
Special Olympics athletes train intensely for eight weeks prior to each State Games event. Volunteer coaches are responsible for training the athletes. Volunteers must complete a certification program prior to becoming Special Olympics coaches and must attend training schools before each season.
Special Olympics Oregon (SOOR) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization incorporated in the state of Oregon to provide sports training and athletic competition for persons with intellectual disabilities. SOOR is accredited by Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI) and responsible for following the policies and rules established by SOI in the delivery of services in Oregon. It is known as a Program of SOI. A volunteer Board of Directors provides policy decisions and long-range planning for SOOR. The Board employs a staff of people to implement the day-to-day operations.
Thanks to the generous support of A-dec and the amazing city of Newberg, these games will be held annually in Newberg, Oregon. Thanks to the generous support of Ken and Joan Austin of A-dec and the amazing city and community of Newberg, for making these games happen .
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