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. Noted philanthropist Arlene Schnitzer died on Saturday, April 4th in her home. Her son Jordan reports she was suffering from some intestinal issues, she was 91. Arlene Schnitzer was responsible for a plethora of major philanthropic gifts, most recently a record-breaking $10 million to Portland Art Museum. Arlene Schnitzer and her son, Jordan, created the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation. Both stayed up to date with social causes, even recently releasing a statement on the impact of the COVID-19 virus.
This is an excerpt from the recent message by Jordan Schnitzer:
My mother and I are deeply concerned about the impact the COVID-19 virus is having on our community. First and foremost is the concern we have for the health and safety of all of us and our families. Nothing is more important than our health.
My mother has often said “this too shall pass”, and hopefully we can start rebuilding our non-profits that have served our community and state so wonderfully for years!
Arlene is survived by her son, Jordan, and four grandchildren. (Jordan and Arlene Schnitzer in 2015 at the PNCA Grand Opening.)
Barbara Hall, who directs the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer Care Foundation, told OPB that people in Portland know Arlene Schnitzer as the woman whose name is on the concert hall downtown, but in addition to their public gifts, the Schnitzers funded many causes anonymously. In particular, programs that gave financial aid to families caring for critically ill children. Below are several articles from the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation website about the work of the foundation. Harold Schnitzer died in 2011.
“My father, Harold Schnitzer, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at age 42 and spent the rest of his life managing his illness. He followed the latest developments and supported diabetic research but was most passionate about patient care. He knew many were not as fortunate as he was to receive the best care available. In 2007, my father and … Read More
$1 Million Gift from Arlene Schnitzer and Jordan Schnitzer to Support Judaic Studies at PSU Contribution will provide new scholarships and fund a visiting scholar from Israel Portland State University today announced a $1 million grant through the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer Family Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation (OJCF), on behalf of Arlene Schnitzer and Jordan D. Schnitzer. The philanthropic investment will … Read More
On July 17, the Beaverton Arts Foundation announced the anonymous lead donor, Patricia Reser, who pledged $13 million to the new center for the arts in Beaverton, and the official name, the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, which was previously referred to as the Beaverton Center for the Arts. “The dream of a vibrant stage and central gathering place … Read More
The above articles explore just a few of the recent contributions of Arlene Schnitzer. Many people in Portland’s nonprofit community will remember Arlene Schnitzer with fondness and gratitude.
Portland, OR. These are the renderings for plans to turn the Wapato facility into a place called the Bybee Lakes Hope Center (BLHC). Owner, Jordan Schnitzer and the nonprofit Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Centers are hoping to transform the never-occupied, 155,000 square foot Wapato Corrections Facility into a trauma-informed, transitional housing facility to support Multnomah County community members experiencing homelessness. The Helping Hands organization has been successfully providing transitional housing since 2002. The organization has grown to include eleven facilities in four Oregon counties. Now it’s taking on Wapato.
Photos from Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Centers. Credit: Designer Stuart Emmons, Artist Craig Holmes.
Photos via Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Centers. Credit: Designer Stuart Emmons, Artist Craig Holmes.
The 15-year-old Wapato Jail – about 20 minutes northwest of Portland – has never been used. The $58 million facility was built as a prison in 2004, but never opened. On October 10th, Facility owner Jordan Schnitzer said the building would be demolished in the next few months unless political leaders could come up with a way to use it. In December, the Helping Hands plans for the facility were announced.
Helping Hands was founded by Alan Evans, who was homeless for over 25 years. Evans started Helping Hands to give other homeless people what he himself had needed: a helping hand to a sustainable life.
Jordan Schnitzer, (fourth from right) has said in the past he’s willing to invest $1 million to help Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Centers run a reentry program and emergency shelter out of the facility, but $2 million to $3 million is still needed to launch the operation.
For more information about the fundraising effort, here is a link to the program:
Beaverton, OR. The Beaverton Arts Foundation announced a $13 million dollar pledge from Pat Reser, through the Reser Family Foundation, to help fund a new center for the arts in Beaverton. Chris Ayzoukian, Jordan Schnitzer, Lani Faith, Pat Reser, and Mayor Denny Doyle were on hand for the announcement on July 17th. It brings the private fundraising goal down to a little over $9M. With this news also came the announcement of the official name of the facility, the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Patricia Reser poses with the sign stating that the official name of the facility will be the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts.
Geno Biggi and Beaverton City Councilor Mark Fagin
Mark Reser, David Vernier, Christine Vernier, Francesca Kim, Julie Vigeland, Roy Kim, Bill Westphal
Vocalist Julianne Johnson with Mayor Denny Doyle and the ACMA Jazz Band
A large crowd gathered to hear the announcement
Here’s more information about the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts;
The Vision
Art has the power to transport us and inspire our imaginations—it enables us to imagine the unimaginable.
Art connects us to the past, the present and the future, sometimes simultaneously.
Art lets us see ourselves and our own community through a different and more compassionate lens.
Art dares us to dream.
Beaverton has always been a city where anything is possible and for years, our community has dreamed of a dedicated performing arts center in the heart of the city—a world-class destination that makes the arts possible for all and celebrates a thriving arts community.
With thought-provoking performances, stunning visual arts, educational programming and unique multicultural expression, the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts will be a breathtaking leap forward for our entire community.
As a state-of-the-art facility, the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts will present the best in local, regional and national concerts and touring productions. The center will welcome all and serve as a catalyst for personal, cultural and economic growth, as well as increased civic pride and engagement.
Features include:
Modern, well-equipped multipurpose theatre
Classrooms, meeting and conference rooms
Art gallery and exhibit space
Café
Outdoor plaza
Lobby and gathering areas
Visit the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts page on the City of Beaverton’s website to learn more.
The Location
The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts will be nestled adjacent to The Round, between SW Cedar Hills Boulevard and SW Hall Boulevard, accompanied by a public parking garage and just steps away from light-rail transit.
Why Now?
Greater Beaverton is an ethnically diverse area with so much to share, truly an international community poised to be the artistic and cultural jewel of Washington County. That’s why building a modern performing arts center is a key component of the Beaverton Community Vision action plan — and it’s why various partners and stakeholders have been planning for the Center for the Arts since 2004 (see The History below).
Together, we’ve created a vision that values connection to the arts and healthy collaboration, community access — so that every resident feels ownership — and excellence in design, amenities and impact. The time to make it happen is now.
“We know that arts impact communities in deep, meaningful and measurable ways. Arts of all types help to educate, entertain, bring together neighbors, newcomers and tourists, and ultimately celebrate the immense and beautiful assets of our diverse and culturally rich community. “
– Lorraine Clarno, ACE, President/CEO, Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce
The Campaign
A unique public-private partnership was created to fund the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, and 80% of the funding has already been secured. The Beaverton Arts Foundation is proud to serve as the project’s private fundraising partner, leading the drive to secure $9.6 million in remaining private capital needs. Ready to be a partner with us?
Portland, OR. Following a drum roll by the Obo Addy Drummers, Oregon Symphony President Scott Showalter took the stage at the 2018 Oregon Symphony Gala to announce that $1.15M was raised in support of the orchestra. This marks the fourth consecutive year the Symphony has broken its fund raising record, making it one of the highest grossing benefits in the region. Attendees at the April 14th gala cheered loudly as a fireworks display lit up ten large video screens in the Portland Art Museum’s Kridel Ballroom. Chanteuse Storm Large, Oregon Symphony Music Director Carlos Kalmar, Oregon Symphony President Scott Showalter, and songwriter Naomi LaViolette all took time for a photo together.
A photo set complete with musical instruments was a fun addition to the cocktail hour in Portland Art Museum’s Field’s Ballroom. Pictured here are Jeffrey & Kristen Johnson, Oregon Symphony Board President Bob Harrison with his wife, Janis and Carey & Lance Killian. (Photo credit, Rachel Hadiashar)
Scott Showalter presented the Fourth Annual Schnitzer Wonder Award to Metropolitan Youth Symphony Executive Direct Diana Scoggins and Music Direct Raúl Gómez. The Schnitzer Wonder Award was created in 2015 by Jordan Schnitzer to honor his parents, Harold and Arlene Schnitzer. The award honors an individual or organization that directly works to build community through the next generation of artists and/or student musicians.
Symphony supporters gather for festivities at the Portland Art Museum.
One highlight of the evening was a special appearance by Storm Large, who sang Roxy’s Lullaby, a song written as part of the Lullaby Project, in which Oregon Symphony partnered with Portland Homeless Family Solutions to connect local musicians with mothers in need, to compose and record original lullabies for their children.
Oregon Symphony’s biggest supporters came out in full force to celebrate and contribute to the evening’s record results. Shown here are guests of Umpqua Bank (clockwise from back row left): Brian Detman, Katherine Deumling, Rosalie Mcdougall, Umpqua Bank Executive Vice President and Oregon Symphony Board member Eve Callahan, Cherrie Abraham, Keith Lykins, Nandi Ngubentombi, Scott Taylor, Rose Bond, and Georgina Hayns.
Oregon Symphony Gala co-chair Dan Drinkward dressed up for a photograph with Scott Showalter and Maestro Carlos Kalmar.
Jordan Schnitzer, President and Director of gala sponsor The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer Care Foundation, made an impromptu speech about the importance of funding for the arts in schools. His remarks came at the beginning of the paddle raise which would go on to raise a record-setting $1.15 million. He’s shown here with benefit auctioneer Johnna Wells.
Drummers from the Obo Addy Legacy Project, led by Alex Addy, thrilled the audience and built momentum leading towards the announcement of the grand total.
OSA Board member Kris Kern and her husband Michael Kern were among the named sponsors of the event. Shown here are Oregon Symphony Associate Concertmaster Peter Frajola, Oregon Symphony Concertmaster Sarah Kwak, Michael Kern, Kris Kern.
The evening began with the Symphony’s annual community concert held at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Showalter welcomed a capacity crowd of nearly 3,000 music lovers including over 400 gala attendees who enjoyed a free classical concert led by Music Director Carlos Kalmar. The program, titled “Classically Unexpected,” showcased the virtuosity of the Symphony’s resident musicians who performed as solo artists in works by Derek Bermel, Antonio Vivaldi, Mikhail Glinka, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Richard Strauss.
Between pieces, the 2018 Schnitzer Wonder Award, created by Jordan Schnitzer in honor of his parents Harold and Arlene Schnitzer, was presented to the Metropolitan Youth Symphony (MYS), represented by Music Director Raúl Gómez and Executive Director Diana Scoggins. The award included a $10,000 contribution to MYS. After the concert, gala guests walked across the South Park blocks to the Portland Art Museum where they enjoyed a cocktail hour with a surprise fanfare by the Brass Quartet of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony followed by a three-course dinner in the Kridel Ballroom.
The program included a poignant solo performance by celebrated Portland vocalist, Storm Large. The room fell silent as she stood alone in a pool of light with her ukulele and sang “Roxy,” a tender lullaby which she wrote with a new mother as part of The Lullaby Project, a collaboration between the Oregon Symphony and Portland Homeless Family Solutions – and a part of the Oregon Symphony’s ambitious 2017/18 Sounds of Home season which brought awareness to timely community issues of immigration, the environment, and homelessness.
Moved by the success of the evening, Showalter expressed his gratitude to all the guests noting, “This support, along with that of all of our annual donors will make possible the broadest and most diverse array of outreach programs in the state. I look forward to our future!”
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ABOUT THE OREGON SYMPHONY:
The Grammy-nominated Oregon Symphony ranks as one of America’s major orchestras. Led by Music Director Carlos Kalmar, it serves over 300,000 people annually through more than 110 concerts and through its award-winning education and community engagement programs. Now in its 122nd year, the Oregon Symphony is the oldest orchestra west of the Mississippi.
An unprecedented 2016/17 Season broke records in virtually every category, drawing historic attendance and revenue. These numbers were propelled by a 20% increase in the number of classical concerts, three groundbreaking SoundSights concerts, and the broadest-ever range of repertoire. Its 2017/18 Season builds on this success in a trailblazing new series, The Sounds of Home, which combines music and art to reflect on three critical issues in our community – immigration, the environment, and homelessness.
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