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, October 29th, 2015. More than 200 guests convened at the Nines Hotel to support Raphael House of Portland’s mission to provide a safe haven from domestic violence. The benefit raised $230,000. Gala emcee, Brenda Braxton of KGW-TV, received a standing ovation for her 10+ years supporting the event. Portland Board Chair Rick Lesniak gave her a “thank you” bouquet. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus) Destinations is named in honor of the domestic violence survivors served by Raphael House of Portland. For families fleeing violence, getting to Raphael House is a key milestone in their journey, and this accomplishment is often a turning point in their lives.
Katrina Wheeler, Raphael House of Portland Executive Director Teri Lorenzen and State Treasurer Ted Wheeler pose for a photo.
Guest speaker Rolando Cruz and his wife Araceli give generously during the special appeal, as fellow supporters hold their bid cards high.
Staff from Bronze Sponsors Nike/Jordan gather for a photo in the Nines Hotel ballroom.
Lisa Watson and Shannan Troyer of Cupcake Jones pose with Andrew Tweedie of Wells Fargo Bank.
Stacy Dalgarno and Annemie Willaims of 100 Women Who Care Portland say cheers to Raphael House during cocktail hour.
Raphael House of Portland Board Members Rick Lesniak and his friends enjoy a selection of Blue Star Donuts won during the Dessert Dash.
House Speaker Tina Kotek calls out the evening’s Golden Ticket Raffle winner, who took home the live auction package of their choice.
Brenda Braxton started the night’s program which included dinner, a live auction featuring 14 packages, and a dessert dash. State Treasurer Ted Wheeler took the stage and described Raphael House’s local impact. “Raphael House is there every step of the way to attack domestic violence on every front,” Wheeler said. “They’re there to educate. They’re there to intervene and they’re there to provide community outreach. When there are domestic violence survivors who exercise that tremendous courage that’s required to leave an abusive relationship, Raphael House is there to help them and provide safety and security.”
The evening’s theme centered around Raphael House’s education and prevention programming, which works to fulfill the organization’s mission of preventing future violence through innovative, awareness-raising services. As the only domestic violence agency in Portland with a full-time Education Coordinator, Raphael House was recently asked to support a program within all eleven Portland Public high schools called Coaching Boys into Men. This curriculum provides athletic coaches with the resources they need to promote respectful behavior among their players and help prevent relationship abuse, harassment, and sexual assault.
“We are grateful to the community for sharing our commitment to making the Portland Metro a healthier and safer place for everyone,” said Executive Director Teri Lorenzen. “This generous support not only helps us provide assistance for people experiencing violence, but also helps us break the cycle of violence through prevention and education.”
This fundraising effort was made possible thanks to generous supporters and guests. The Standard served as the evening’s Silver Sponsor with additional major support from Cambia Health Solutions, Nike/Jordan Brand, Wells Fargo Bank, and Brown & Brown Northwest. Challenge Match Sponsors included Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, Meyer Memorial Trust, and the Detwiler Family Foundation. Z’IVO Wines, Stoller Vineyards, Bethel Heights Vineyard, Girardet Vineyards, Lemelson Vineyards, and Owen Roe Winery donated the evening’s wine selections.
From Raphael House of Portland:
As the largest domestic violence shelter in Multnomah County, our agency has been providing life-saving services to families for more than 37 years. Annually, we provide 130 adults and children with emergency shelter; support more than 1,200 callers on a 24-hour access line; and offer ongoing self-sufficiency programming and housing assistance to an additional 400 survivors.
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