Portland, OR. This year’s Oregon Ballet Theatre gala was a tie-in with OBT’s current production. Patrons flocked to the Alice (in Wonder) Ball which featured a Red Queen’s after party. At the event, OBT Dancer Alexa Domenden, Jordan Schnitzer, and OBT Soloist Eva Burton took time to address hundreds of supporters. The benefit at the Portland Art Museum was on February 3rd.
An OBT school student entertains supporters.
Jimmy Crumpacker, Courtney Singer and Rob Goodman
The many guests included Howard Hedinger and to his left Blake and Mark Bruun.
Pink Martini’s China Forbes serenades the crowd.
Denise Stewart, OBT Artist Director Kevin Irving, Steven Stapp
Oregon Ballet Theatre is staging the west coast premiere of a new full-length ballet: Alice (in wonderland). Created in 2012 by Septime Webre with an original score by American composer and violinist Mathew Pierce, The Washington Post called it a “giddy parade, a pop-art dream, a feat of fevered imagination.” The mad adventure is filled to the brim with the delightful characters found in Lewis Carroll’s classics Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, uniquely brought to life with surreal sets, zany costumes, puppetry, and powerfully expressive dance. Alice (in wonderland) is at the Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St., obt.org. 7:30 pm Thursday-Saturday, 2 pm Saturday, noon Sunday, though March 4.
Here are some photos from the production:
Alice (in wonderland) is at the Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St., obt.org. 7:30 pm Thursday-Saturday, 2 pm Saturday, noon Sunday, though March 4.
From Oregon Ballet Theatre:
Mission Statement
Oregon Ballet Theatre is committed to sharing our passion for the expressive power of ballet, inspiring an enduring appreciation of dance, and connecting in meaningful ways to our community through excellence in performance, training and educational programs.
About OBT
OBT is the largest professional ballet company in Oregon, employing nearly 200 people and attracting artists from around the globe with our reputation for excellence. The company is rooted in the traditions of classical ballet, with a repertoire that ranges from the great classics to premieres from some of the most exciting choreographic voices in the field today. Our mission is dedicated to the vitality of, and access to, world-class ballet performance and training in our region.
Oregon Ballet Theatre seeks to inspire beauty and excellence in the hearts and minds of Oregonians through the creation and preservation of the highest quality classical and contemporary ballet performances. In addition to our 4-show main stage season, we train dancers from 4 years old to 80 years old through the professional and recreational classes at the School of Oregon Ballet Theatre. Many of our students go on to successful professional careers at companies including the Joffrey, the Dutch National Ballet, and within our own organization.
Here’s the list of the top ten stories (in reverse order to build your suspense) on PortlandSocietyPage.com during 2017.
#10. Jesuit High School’s 49th Auction Raises Over $1 Million
Portland, OR. Cultivating Tomorrow was the theme of Jesuit High School’s annual auction. The event on April 29th was held in the school’s Knight Center and drew 650 supporters. Principal Paul Hogan, posed for a photo with action co-chairs Wendy Pernas, Kim Takla and Jesuit President Tom Arndorfer. JHS cleared the million-dollar mark with $1,020,916 raised in gross revenue. Organizers thanked their Presenting Sponsors – Clearview MRI, Touchmark and Colleen and Werner Nistler. Jesuit’s auction is the school’s largest fundraiser.
Portland, OR. After six years of service to the community, 26 high school seniors from The National Charity League, Inc. Portland Chapter were honored at a special celebration at the Sentinel Hotel on April 30th. Most of the young women, including Bailey Cook, Shannon Kehoe, Genevieve Klein, and Jennie Menendez, began volunteering with their mothers during seventh grade and in total, the seniors worked 3,700 hours.
#8. French American International School’s Fête du Vin Celebrates Community
Portland, OR. Fête du Vin on November 4th brought together some of Oregon’s best wineries and restaurants, uniting the diverse and progressive community that surrounds the French American International School. FAIS Parent & Alumni relations Manager, KaDo Gorman posed for a photo with Fete Committee members Raphaelle Robert, Julia Bannon, Michelle Reeves, and Paul Willenberg.
#6. Ignite 2017 Black & White Ball Draws 1,000 People
Portland, OR. Ignite 2017, the Black & White Ball, was Oregon’s largest LGBTQ gala and dance party and biggest fundraiser of the year. Nearly 1,000 people attended the November 4th benefit for Basic Right Oregon including Val Solorazano, Shannon Scott and Bill Dickey. More than $320,000 was raised at the Black & White Ball to support policy, advocacy and education work statewide to ensure that LGBTQ Oregonians in every community in Oregon experience equality.
#5. Oregon Food Bank Gala Honors Hunger Heroes & Breaks Fundraising Record
Portland. OR. Oregon Food Bank’s warehouse underwent a glittering transformation for the Oregon Harvest Dinner and by the end of the evening, attendees and sponsors had contributed more than $760,000 to support hunger relief in Oregon and Clark County, Washington. Mary Ellen Hannigan and outgoing Oregon Harvest Dinner event chair Syd Hannigan celebrated the record-breaking success of the gala. 500 guests enjoyed silent and live auctions, blues music by Reggie Houston and a seated dinner at the October 21st benefit.
#4. Portland Art Museum’s 125th Anniversary Gala Sparkles
Portland, OR. More than 700 people attended the Portland Art Museum’s 125th Anniversary Gala and After Party celebration on September 23rd, featuring a performance by the Grammy Award-winning, Portland-raised jazz musician Esperanza Spalding. The event raised more than $750,000 in additional support to help ensure that the innovative exhibitions, education programs, and partnerships that have been the Museum’s hallmarks will continue to thrive. Guests like Anne and Jim Crumpacker enjoyed red carpet treatment and had dinner in the historic galleries designed by Pietro Belluschi.
#3. Rock Stars Help Raise $1.4 Million to Benefit Oregon Military Museum
Portland, OR. Gene Simmons joined KISS guitarist and Portland native Tommy Thayer — along with KISS bandmates Paul Stanley and Eric Singer —for a surprise performance at the close of the “All-Star Salute to the Oregon Military” fundraising gala Feb. 18th. The exclusive event raised $1.4 million toward completing the construction of the $20 million Oregon Military Museum named after Tommy’s father, Brigadier General James B. Thayer. Rockers Alice Cooper, Robby Krieger of the Doors, Danny Seraphine from the band Chicago, and Will Lee from The Late Show with David Letterman, also performed.
#2. Children’s Cancer Association’s Annual Wonderball Raises $1.4 Million
Portland, OR. It was high-fives all around as Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) raised $1.4 million at its 17th annual Wonderball gala on October 7th. Leaders Rosemary Colliver, founder Regina Ellis and Andy Lytle celebrated the donations which will fuel CCA’s mission of prescribing joy to seriously ill children and their families. Organizers welcomed nearly 850 supporters to the Oregon Convention Center for an “Age of Aquarius” themed night they say was inspired by the abundant love and optimism of the Woodstock era.
#1. “Classically American” Oregon Symphony’s Gala Raises Over $1 Million
Portland, OR. The popping of celebratory champagne, the Rex Putnam High School Marching Band, and applause from the nearly 400 attendees provided a fitting end to the Symphony’s annual gala, which marked another first in the organization’s 120-year history – shattering the $1 million gala fundraising mark. Guests of Oregon Symphony’s Gala 2017, “Classically American” arrived to a tented reception in the Park Blocks adjacent to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. In attendance were State Architect Alice Wiewel, Liz Fuller, President of Gard Communications, Representative Brent Barton, Jordan Schnitzer, OSA President Scott Showalter, Portland State University President Wim Wiewel, and Mayor Ted Wheeler.
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Portland, OR. The popping of celebratory champagne, the Rex Putnam High School Marching Band, and applause from the nearly 400 attendees provided a fitting end to the Symphony’s annual gala, which marked another first in the organization’s 120-year history – shattering the $1 million gala fundraising mark. Guests of Oregon Symphony’s Gala 2017, “Classically American” arrived to a tented reception in the Park Blocks adjacent to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. In attendance were State Architect Alice Wiewel, Liz Fuller, President of Gard Communications, Representative Brent Barton, Jordan Schnitzer, OSA President Scott Showalter, Portland State University President Wim Wiewel, and Mayor Ted Wheeler. (Photo credit, Jason DeSomer, Andie Petkus and James Clark)
Oregon Symphony’s Associate Conductor Norman Huynh, in the Park Blocks pavilion with party-goers Holly Smith, Adrienne Adelberg, and Eli Wall.
OSA President Scott Showalter in the Park Blocks pavilion, with Ginette DePreist, wife of the late James DePreist, who was Oregon Symphony Music Director from 1980 –2003
The work of the Oregon Symphony is made possible by committed Board Members, including Robyn Gastineau, John Gastineau, Renée Holzman, Robby Cunningham, James Lynch, OSA President Scott Showalter, Veronica Hinkes, Peggy Harris, Rick Hinkes, Tige Harris, and Walt Weyler.
At the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Mayor Ted Wheeler and symphony President Scott Showalter welcomed thousands of the Symphony’s gala patrons and community partners, who enjoyed a free classical concert led by Music Director Carlos Kalmar and sponsored by Umpqua Bank with additional support from FamilyCare Health and NW Natural. The concert, titled “Classically American,” featured works by Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, Aaron Jay Kernis, George Gershwin, and John Williams.
Gala Honorary Chairperson Mayor Ted Wheeler joined OSA President Scott Showalter on stage prior to the Classically American concert. As they concluded their comments, they took a moment to share their support for the Oregon Ducks, who were in the midst of their Final Four game.
The 2017 Schnitzer Wonder Award, created by Jordan Schnitzer in honor of his parents Harold and Arlene Schnitzer, was awarded to Julane Stites, artistic director of Dance West, whose students also performed during the concert. The award included a $10,000 contribution to Dance West. Stites was the third recipient of the award, following Bonnie Reagan (BRAVO Youth Orchestras) in 2015 and Mia Hall Miller (Pacific Youth Choir) in 2016.
Julane Stites receives Schnitzer Wonder Award. The award recognizes arts leaders for their outstanding contributions towards building community through the next generation of artists.
Guests had a photo-op as they entered the hall for the Gala concert, Classically American. Pink Martini vocalist China Forbes arrived in festive attire with Reed Professor Steven Arkonovich.
Following the concert, Gala guests moved to the Portland Art Museum for cocktails and dinner. Upon entering, they were greeted with life-size floral puppets from Michael Curry Design. Michael Curry is the designer and staging director for Oregon Symphony’s upcoming SoundSights concert Perséphone.
In attendance were Daniel Capuia and Dr. Alisha Moreland Capuia, Co-Founders of the Capuia Foundation, former Portland First Lady Nancy Hales, and Ed Tenny.
One of many highlights of the evening was a performance by Native American drum group the Thunder Lodge Singers.
The reception, concert, and cocktail party were followed by an elegant dinner in the Portland Art Museum’s Kridel Grand Ballroom.
Auctioneer Randy Parnell revved up enthusiasm for spontaneous donations during the Special Appeal paddle raise.
Portland native and Miss America 2002 Katie Harmon described how her high school experience with the Oregon Symphony influenced her to pursue her passion for music.
Celebrating the event that night were Suzanne Nance of All Classical radio, Oregon Symphony Associate Conductor Norman Huynh, Holly Smith, Prue Miller, Harry Miller, Gala Co-Chair Renée Holzman, Scott Showalter, philanthropist Lois Schnitzer, and philanthropist and business leader Jordan Schnitzer.
Scott Showalter takes the stage with the Gala Co-Chairs and special guests to announce the evening’s unprecedented fundraising results. Also on stage (l-r) James Lynch, Renée Holzman, Robby Cunningham, Katie Harmon, Oregon Symphony Music Director Carlos Kalmar.
The 2017 Oregon Symphony Gala Committee was headed by Legacy Chairs Arlene Schnitzer and Howard Hedinger, Honorary Co-Chairs Mayor Ted Wheeler and Jordan Schnitzer, and Gala Co-Chairs Renée and Irwin Holzman and James Lynch and Robby Cunningham.
Commenting on the success of the evening, Symphony President Scott Showalter said, “We are all touched by the immense generosity of our gala patrons and grateful for the support of the countless volunteers who made the event so extraordinary.”
Portland, February 21st, 2016. The Mittleman Jewish Community Center raised $115,000 at its Friends of the Center Brunch. The benefit drew over 300 attendees. Jordan Schnitzer, A.J. Jacobs, Steve “Rosy” Rosenberg and Ellen Lippman were on hand for the event. A.J. Jacobs, is a four-time New York Times Best Selling Author and self-proclaimed “human guinea pig.” He inspired guests with stories about exploring Jewish identity, pursuing a healthy lifestyle and identifying the connections among us. MJCC inducted Mike Golub of the Portland Timbers and David Kahn into the Oregon Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and honored two students: Sydney Kobak and David Menashe with the Harry Glickman Scholar Athlete Award.
David Menashe (left) and Sydney Kobak (right) are congratulated by Harry Glickman (center) after they have been awarded the Harry Glickman Scholar Athlete Award given annually to a Jewish male and female high school student who exemplify excellence on the field, in the classroom and in the community.
Jordan Schnitzer, A.J. Jacobs and Steve Albert, Executive Director of the MJCC.
Since its founding in 1914, Portland’s Jewish community center has provided a wide variety of social, cultural, educational and recreational programming. Today, the Mittleman Jewish Community Center (MJCC) is the core of Portland’s Jewish community– we also offer a welcoming gathering space that is open to our neighbors and people of all faiths.
Our Journey Began in the Early 20th Century
In 1910, the B’nai B’rith Building Association in Portland decided to establish a Jewish community center. The original two-story building, located on Thirteenth Avenue between Market and Mill streets, opened to the community in 1914.
The Jewish Community Center came to life as a beloved gathering place for its members. There was something for everyone in the family to enjoy: meeting facilities, classrooms, athletic facilities, a library, and a billiard room. It was truly a hub of activity, with events ranging from B’nai B’rith Orchestra performances to High Holiday services for the Sephardic community.
Many generations of Jewish Portlanders fondly recall the dances, swimming lessons, social clubs, basketball games, fundraisers, and summer camp activities that were hosted or organized by the center.
We Expanded to Meet Growing Needs
The center moved to its current location in 1971. In 1976, member Harry Mittleman made a generous donation which allowed the community center to retire the building’s mortgage. In acknowledgement of his philanthropy, the center was renamed to honor Harry’s wife, Helen.
The center has expanded over the years: in 1987 a wing was added to accommodate the Portland Jewish Academy, and in 1996 the EarlyChildhood Learning Center was created.
In 2005-07, the building underwent a major renovation, refreshing PJA and adding:
New lobby and café for MJCC
New ballroom with state of the art audio-visual capabilities
New locker rooms, spa facilities and cardio-weight room;
Family changing rooms;
New exercise rooms and renovated gymnasium.
We’re a Center for Today’’s Community
We are proud to continue our tradition as a center for Jewish life while offering a welcoming environment for all of our neighbors. More than 1,000 people come through our doors daily for classes, athletic activities, meetings, special events, and programs.
People come to the MJCC for services and programs open to the public and found nowhere else in Oregon or southwestern Washington, including community-wide secular Jewish celebrations and performances; Jewish community orchestra and klezmer performances and family activities.
We are immensely proud to offer Jewish cultural arts and social programs; premier fitness and wellness facilities open to all; beautifully-appointed public areas and rental spaces; day camp; programs that serve the elderly, infirm and disabled; and Oregon’s only kosher café.
Our Legacy is the Foundation for Our Future
Since its founding nearly 100 years ago, the Mittleman Jewish Community Center has served the social, cultural, educational and recreation needs ofPortland families without regard to religion, background or ability to pay.
Although the MJCC’s stated mission is to fulfill these needs for Portland’s Jewish community, we have always interpreted that imperative to encompass the entire Portland community. This history of service to a diverse, broad-based community, informed by the Jewish imperative of tikkun olam (repairing the world; making the world a better place) infuses the MJCC’s spirit today.
Throughout the decades, the MJCC has evolved into a “living room” for our community. Every day, the MJCC’s programs impact Oregonians’ quality of life; every day, we see ways in which the impacts of our program will be felt by future generations.
For many of Portland’s Jewish community, it is their center for Jewish living and bears the memories of those who enjoyed the original 1914 facility as well as our modern campus. The MJCC is a link in the chain of generations.
We Provide a Welcoming Environment for All
The MJCC, which has historically been involved with social service organizations, continues to work in partnership with groups such as CedarSinai Park, Cancer Care Resources, Red Cross, OHSU Medical School, and others. We also provide meeting space for local nonprofits at low cost – whether it is a local women’s soccer organization, a Muslim group seeking a space to hold a holiday celebration or a flu shot clinic staffed by OHSU medical students.
We hope that you will come to visit the MJCC – explore our facilities, meet our members, and consider becoming part of the center. We welcome the entire community and we hope to be part of the fabric of your family’s life.
Over 300 guests came to the Portland Art Museum to support Northwest Academy’s scholarship fund. Mary Vinton Folberg, Northwest Academy Head of School is pictured with Jordan Schnitzer, Harsch Investment Properties. Attendees enjoyed a cabaret stage show with Northwest Academy students and faculty, along with a live auction and dinner. Guests bid on silent and live auction items, including a McKenzie River Fishing Excursion, a Private Dinner at Silk and a Personal Tour of the Collection of Arlene and Harold Schnitzer. The evening raised over $150,000 in support of the Northwest Academy Scholarship Fund. Special thanks for Arlene Schnitzer and Jordan Schnitzer, who pledged a challenge grant of $50,000 from the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, and to the Quest Foundation, who offered a challenge grant of $37,050. (photo credit, Andie Petkus Photography)
Crowd shot at the Portland Art Museum
Madeline Ettinger ’16 as Dancer in One NIght in Rio – The Cabaret
Northwest Academy students perform in One Night in Rio stage show
Drew Carney, KGW-TV and Club Cabaret Master of Ceremonies
Angeles Godinez-Valencia, Northwest Academy Alumna (’13)
Wilson Captein ’14 as Tourist in One Night in Rio -The Cabaret
One in four students at Northwest Academy receives financial aid to attend the college preparatory middle and high school located in downtown Portland.
Northwest Academy is an independent school, grades 6 through 12, committed to education through academics and the arts. Founded in 1997 by Mary Vinton Folberg, Northwest Academy offers rigorous academic and arts programs that emphasize and value creative thinking, individual choice, and self-discipline. Classes are taught by master teachers and professionals active in their fields – from dance and the arts to the humanities and sciences. Northwest Academy prepares students for the demands of the twenty-first century through a strong focus on independent thought and problem solving combined with an emphasis on new approaches to contemporary issues. Northwest Academy is located at 1130 SW Main Street, Portland, Oregon 97205; 503-223-3367. For more information, please visit www.nwacademy.org. Follow us on Facebook at Northwest Academy.
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