Portland, OR. An annual fundraiser called “Impact Oregon’s Future” raised a record $270,000 for the Children’s Institute. Marta and Ken Thasher (above) celebrated Ken receiving the Children’s Institute’s 2020 Alexander Award for his long-standing passion is to make a difference for children and families in Oregon.
The virtual event, held on October 20th, was emceed by CI’s Senior Early Education Advisor Soobin Oh. It highlighted the nonprofit’s work across Oregon to increase access to critical early childhood programs including preschool, home visiting, child care, and many other services. The virtual benefit included recorded messages from VIP supporters.
Jordan Schnitzer toasts Ken Thrasher on receiving the 2020 Alexander Award.
Governor Kate Brown congratulates Ken Thrasher on receiving the 2020 Alexander Award.
Cindy and Duncan Campbell stepped up as presenting sponsors for the 2020 Impact Oregon’s Future event. Duncan founded Children’s Institute over 16 years ago and served on the board for many years.
Children’s Institute CEO and President Swati Adarkar reflects on the nonprofit’s achievements.
Swati Adarkar commented, “It’s really incredible to witness the growth of the movement to support Oregon’s children. Strategic investment in our youngest Oregonians is a sure way to impact our state now and into the future. We’re pleased and grateful that so many people, parents, leaders, and community partners see the value of the work we do and have donated critical resources to fuel our work forward.” Swati Adarkar explained why the nonprofit is grateful. “Every dollar helps us continue the work we’ve been doing for more than sixteen years, connecting young children across Oregon to vital programs and services that support their healthy development and early school success.” The Children’s Institute honored Ken Thrasher with the Alexander Award at the event.
The award was named for Richard C. “Dick” Alexander, one of Oregon’s foremost business and civic leaders, who was committed to improving the lives of Oregon children with a focus on early childhood.
“Ken truly embodies the spirit of the Alexander Award,” Adarkar said. “His commitment to children and families has been exemplary and he has had an extraordinary imprint on advancing Oregon’s early childhood agenda. Ken’s deep, long-standing passion is to make a big difference for children and families in Oregon, and he has. I was thrilled to celebrate him.”
Others who added their gratitude and thanks for Ken’s service and commitment to Oregon’s children during the event included Governor Kate Brown; Martha Richards, Executive Director of the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation; philanthropist Jordan Schnitzer; and Beaverton School District Superintendent Don Grotting.
From Children’s Institute:
Founded in 2003 by a group of business and philanthropic leaders, the Children’s Institute brings Oregonians together to support the early learning and healthy development of young children, prenatal to eight years old.
We believe in starting early because investments in young children’s education, health, and safety are proven to improve lifetime outcomes for children who experience barriers to opportunity due to poverty, race, disability, and/or geographic location.
Through advocacy, research, policy, and practice, Children’s Institute works to ensure that young children have the programs and services they need to nurture their love of learning and prepare them for success in school and beyond.
Join us to make sure every child in Oregon has the best start in life.
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.
Trond Ingvaldsen, Turid Owren, Jon Jaqua, Kimberly Cooper and Wally Van Valkenburg
Marcia Randall and Kristin Rogers
Beaverton Mayor Denny Doyle and wife Ann visit with Senator Ron Wyden (center)
Marcus Lintner, Linda Rae Hickey and OMSI Emeritus Board Chair Gary Maffei strike a pose in the Durham and Bates Photo Lounge. Photos by KLiK Concepts (Kenton Waltz and Erin Riddle)
Courtney Cooper, Christine Vernier, OMSI President & CEO Nancy Stueber, Dan Stueber and OMSI Emeritus Trustee David Vernier enjoy the cocktail reception.
Sisters Kathy Deggendorfer and Sally Bany visit with OMSI Emeritus Board Chair Gary Maffei during the cocktail hour.
Guests are showered with confetti as the record-breaking $1,535,000 total is announced.
Governor Brown celebrates the evening with the Starella Sisters.
Guests enjoy the Gala After Dark after-party.
Thomas Lauderdale, China Forbes and the entire Pink Martini collective entertain OMSI’s guests at the Gala After Dark after-party.
OMSI celebrates the notion that everyone can be a successful science learner. Regardless of where they live or how much money they have – everyone has the right to feel the joy of curiosity, the thrill of exploration and the power of innovation and problem solving. This is why funds raised at the gala are used for the museum’s statewide education outreach efforts, financial aid programs and a multitude of learning and development initiatives.
“It’s so important for everyone to have access to science and technology,” said Nancy Stueber, president and CEO of OMSI. “Science learning starts with the spark of curiosity and asking questions. We want to keep the spark alive with hands-on learning experiences. The money we raised at the gala will help us further our goals for science learning, both in the experiences we will create and the access we can provide.”
OMSI has been a part of Oregon’s community for 75 years. Founded in 1944 by a group of volunteers, who wanted to show Oregonians and the world just how special and unique this place is, the museum continues to put the “O” in its name as it serves all of Oregon. From the very beginning, the museum was built by the community for the community.
“This year’s gala was a resounding success because it demonstrates the level of commitment and support we have from the community,” said Love Centerwall, vice president of development at OMSI. “As a private, non-profit organization, about one-third of our annual budget comes from our generous donors. OMSI’s quality experiences, financial aid program, and broad reach would not be possible without them.”
Anyone can get involved and assist OMSI in its ongoing efforts to extend science-learning across Oregon and throughout the Pacific Northwest. Visit www.omsi.edu/donate or send an email to [email protected] for more information.
About OMSI
Our Mission
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 and relies on admissions, memberships, and donations to continue our educational mission, programs, and exhibits.
Portland, OR. This year’s theme for the Ignite benefit was Love, Resist, Sparkle. Organizers of the October 13th Basic Rights Oregon event told supporters, “There must be resistance to create a spark. And together, we can really shine.” Nancy Haque, Governor Kate Brown, and Mat dos Santos were among the guests who attended the fundraiser at the Portland Hilton. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
“Let’s light up the night at Ignite,” was one of the toasts.
Honoree Marcia Alvey & her Mother, Patricia Alvey
A photo booth captured smiles.
Aimee Wilson, House Speaker Tina Kotek
The Main Event dance party closed out the evening.
From Basic Right Oregon:
Our Mission:
Basic Rights Oregon will ensure that all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Oregonians experience equality by building a broad and inclusive politically powerful movement, shifting public opinion, and achieving policy victories. Our Vision
To ensure that all LGBTQ Oregonians live free from discrimination and be treated with dignity and respect in every community in our state.
Our Approach
Basic Rights Oregon works fearlessly and tirelessly to build a strong, vibrant, powerful, and progressive movement for LGBTQ equality. LGBTQ Oregonians exist in every community, and we understand that we have to engage in strategic, values-based coalitions to address the many needs of our communities. As such, building alliances with progressive groups that advocate for working families, racial justice, immigrant rights, reproductive justice, and campaign reform will be essential to winning policies that meet the varied needs of our diverse community.
Our Priority Communities
We recognize that within our LGBTQ communities, many of us experience both privilege and oppression on a daily basis. We know that despite leading the nation in statewide legal protections, LGBTQ Oregonians are far from full legal equality. Our vision is to be a leader in political and policy work that centers the needs of four critically important communities:
LGBTQ people of color, including LGBTQ immigrants & refugees of color, who bear the brunt of homophobia, transphobia, racism, and xenophobia.
Trans, genderqueer and gender nonconforming people, who face astonishing rates of violence and discrimination, and whose basic rights are far from secure.
LGBTQ youth, who face high rates of homelessness, bullying and suicide, and who are present and future leaders for LGBTQ equality and social justice. LGBTQ people beyond the Portland Metro area, who are often isolated, whose needs are distinct from those in Portland, and who face unique barriers to reach the promise of true lived equality.
Portland,OR. Over 350 community leaders came together to support the Portland Opera on September 16th. The Baroque Ball at the Portland Art Museum raised $1 million dollars. Tony and Emmy Award winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth made her Portland concert debut as part of the event. Chenoweth performed musical theatre numbers, jazz tunes and concluded the concert by singing with members of the Tualatin High School choir.
Members of the Baroque Ball Gala Committee: Celeste Rose, Vice President, Community Engagement, Harsch Investment Properties; Gwyneth Gamble Booth, Baroque Ball Co-Chair; Carole E. Morse, Baroque Ball Co-Chair; Sue Dixon, Director of External Affairs for Portland Opera; Kregg Arntson, Member, Portland Opera Board & Executive Director, PGE Foundation Portrait by Gia Goodrich | giagoodrich.com
Portland Opera’s Clare Burovac (Director, Artistic Operations) and Christopher Mattaliano (General Director) Portrait by Gia Goodrich | giagoodrich.com
Curtis T. Thompson, M.D. and Joe Mitchoff; (seated) Alex Chu, Governor Kate Brown, and First Gentleman Dan Little Portrait by Gia Goodrich | giagoodrich.com
Guests enjoyed a lounge curated and furnished by Anthropologie & Co.
BodyVox performs Madonna’s “Vogue”
The Mistress of Ceremonies for the Baroque Ball gala, Poison Waters
General Director Christopher Mattaliano sharing $1M announcement
Governor Kate Brown high-fives an opera supporter
“This was really a celebration of the community, and bringing the art of opera to the city and region that we love,” says Christopher Mattaliano, general director. “We are so inspired by the individuals, businesses, and organizations who elevate Portland Opera by sharing their support and advocacy—and this event set a new standard for our organization.”
Governor Kate Brown and First Gentlemen Dan Little were among the honored guests. Platinum entertainment sponsors included: Joanne M. Lilley; Arlene Schnitzer and Jordan Schnitzer, Directors of The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation; Ellyn Bye and Dream Envision Foundation; and Dorothy Piacentini. Gwyneth Gamble Booth and Carole E. Morse served as co- chairs for the event, joined by committee members Celeste Rose, Kregg Arntson, and Charles Stanton. Gold Level Premiere Corporate Partners included: Artslandia, Broadway Across America, The Standard, and Bill Sweat and Donna Morris, Winderlea Vineyard & Winery.
Mistress of Ceremonies Poison Waters and Auctioneer Ian Lindsay enlivened the festivities throughout the evening and live auction. BodyVox performed a surprise dance piece, in period costume, of Madonna’s “Vogue.” The evening also featured a performance of “Torna a Surriento” by international tenor Ryan MacPherson, accompanied by pianist David Saffert.
Anthropologie & Co. designed an immersive lounge and portrait studio in the Marion L. Miller Gallery, featuring a hand-painted opulent backdrop and furnishings curated by the Portland design team. Award- winning photographer Gia Goodrich of VEV Studios directed and photographed the portrait sittings, creating portraits for each guest.
Due to the smoky conditions from area wildfires, the cocktail reception (originally intended to be held in the Sculpture Garden) was moved indoors to the Fred & Suzanne Field Ballroom. Nonetheless, guests enjoyed performances from the artists of Portland Opera a la Cart, the opera’s mobile music venue, to begin the evening. After the performances, guests moved upstairs to the Kridel Ballroom, for a three- course meal by Artemis Foods, inspired by historical records from the court of King Louis XIV of France. Dinner programming consisted of a golden ticket drawing, live auction, and paddle raise. Wines provided by Winderlea Vineyard and Winery were featured throughout the evening. Chenoweth performed from 9 – 10 PM; followed by the Rococo After Party, hosted by Portland Opera’s Ambassador Board.
A particularly poignant moment of the evening occurred when the announcement was made that, together, the event attendees and supporters had achieved the $1M fundraising mark. “A full standing ovation erupted,” says Kay Abramowitz, board president. “That moment was a testament to our Board of Directors, our amazing supporters, and the great work that this organization produces. We are so proud to be Portland’s Opera – and that moment made it so clear that Portland is also so proud of us.”
From Portland Opera:
Proceeds from the Baroque Ball gala support core Portland Opera programming including arts education, free public performances, main stage opera, and more. Portland Opera exists to inspire, challenge and uplift our audiences by creating productions of high artistic quality that celebrate the beauty and breadth of opera. To learn more about our mission and our work, please visit portlandopera.org.
Portland, OR. The Basic Rights Oregon “Ignite” gala raised over $303,000 to support of the work of equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Oregonians. The benefit at The Loft on SE 8th featured dancing at a Halloween-themed costume ball. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Co-Executive Director Nancy Haque, Governor Kate Brown, former Co-Executive Director Jeana Frazzini, and Co-Director Amy Herzfeld-Copple pose for a photo
Early board Chair Frank Dixon, longtime donor Terry Bean, founding boardmember Harriet Merrick, and first Executive Director Julie Davis pose for photos prior to the dinner
Presenting Sponsor Michael Smira of Smira Group of John L. Scott Realty supporting LGBTQ equality at the Ignite dinner
Supporters Val Salorzano and Kelly Stafford enjoying the Ignite dinner and raising money for LGBTQ equality.
Basic Rights Oregon will ensure that all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Oregonians experience equality by building a broad and inclusive politically powerful movement, shifting public opinion, and achieving policy victories. Basic Rights Oregon is a member of the Equality Federation.
Our Vision
Basic Rights Oregon works fearlessly and tirelessly to build a strong, vibrant, powerful and progressive movement for LGBTQ equality. We understand that LGBTQ Oregonians exist in every community, and that we have to engage in strategic and values-based coalitions to address the many needs of our communities. As such, building alliances with progressive groups that advocate for working families, racial justice, immigrant rights, reproductive justice, and campaign reform will be essential to win policies that meet the varied needs of our diverse community.We recognize that within our LGBTQ communities, many of us experience both privilege and oppression on a daily basis. We know that despite leading the nation in statewide legal protections, LGBTQ Oregonians are far from full legal equality. Our vision is to be a leader in political and policy work that centers the needs of four critically important communities:
LGBTQ people of color, including LGBTQ immigrants & refugees of color, who bear the brunt of homophobia, transphobia, racism, and xenophobia.
Trans, genderqueer and gender nonconforming people, who face astonishing rates of violence and discrimination, and whose basic rights are far from secure.
LGBTQ youth, who face high rates of homelessness, bullying and suicide, and who are present and future leaders for LGBTQ equality and social justice.
LGBTQ people beyond the Portland Metro area, who are often isolated, whose needs are distinct from those in Portland, and who face unique barriers to reach the promise of true lived equality.
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