Top Ten Portland Society Page Stories of 2020

Top Ten Portland Society Page Stories of 2020

Portland, OR.  A message from editor, Elisa Klein. First, thank you for caring about our local nonprofits! At Portland Society Page, our coverage is often of exciting events held to raise money for worthy causes. We also spotlight inspiring volunteers who are the lifeblood of many local charities. Necessary Covid-19 restrictions meant that most volunteers had to stay away from the charities they love. Supporters who usually flock to galas were social distancing in 2020 and lamenting the fact that large gatherings had to be prohibited. All the while, nonprofit professionals put forth Herculean efforts to keep their organizations afloat, many from their home offices. Some sectors, like human services, have seen a surge of donations, while arts organizations have struggled mightily without the benefit of ticket sales.

Yet through these exceptional times, the generosity of our community remains constant. Nonprofits promoting social justice have seen renewed interest. Donations have brought hope to thousands of our friends and neighbors. The thankful include the elderly living alone receiving hot meals, children with learning differences finding support through zoom, brilliant performance artists feeding their families with grant money, and bone-tired frontline workers using donated personal protective equipment.

2020 zoom photo, Elisa Klein

Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope.” Your interest in the nonprofit community offers hope. Together, let’s look forward to a better and brighter 2021!

Thank you, Elisa Klein

 

 

Now, we’ll share the stories you read most this year in reverse order.

TOP TEN PORTLAND SOCIETY PAGE STORIES 2020

10. OMSI Raises $1 Million and Finds New Ways to Celebrate During Pandemic

OMSI Raises $1 Million and Finds New Ways to Celebrate During Pandemic

 

9. Christmas Ships Parade Sticks to Holiday Schedule Despite Pandemic

Christmas Ship

Christmas Ships Parade Sticking to Holiday Schedule Despite Pandemic

8. Pre-pandemic: VIPs Flock to Portland International Auto Show Sneak Peek Charity Preview

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VIPs Flock to Portland International Auto Show Sneak Peek Charity Preview

7. Experience The Oregon ZooLights Like Never Before

Experience The Oregon ZooLights Like Never Before

6. Willamette Falls Trust Continues to Engage Community

Willamette Falls Trust Continues to Engage Community

5. Pre-pandemic: Oregon Episcopal School Virtual Auction Raises Over $600,000

Oregon Episcopal School Virtual Auction Raises Over $600,000

4. Portland Art Museum Continues Providing Inspiration During Pandemic

Portland Art Museum Continues Providing Inspiration During Pandemic

3. Virtual Volunteer Opportunities Available Now

 

Virtual Volunteer Opportunities Available Now

2. Pre-pandemic: Riverdale Roaring ’20s Auction Raises a Cool $181,000

Riverdale Roaring ’20s Auction Raises a Cool $181,000

  1. Pre-pandemic: Oscar Nomination Adds Golden Glow to Oregon’s Film Scene

Oscar Nomination Adds Golden Glow to Oregon’s Film Scene

So there you have it, the most-read stories of 2020 on Portland Society Page! We look forward to providing our coverage of local nonprofit news in 2021. Upward on onward!

’80s-Themed OES Auction is “Like, Totally Aardy”

’80s-Themed OES Auction is “Like, Totally Aardy”

Portland, OR. Supporters donated $530,000 at the “Like, Totally Aardy: The OES ’80s Auction.” 377 guests gathered at Montgomery Park to support Oregon Episcopal School at its ’80s-themed auction. Auction Chairs were Hilary O’Hollaren and Diane Engelhard Jones. Decked out in their best ’80s costumes, from leg warmers to punk rock leather jackets, supporters raised funds for key school programming, including professional development and a community-based tutoring program. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus and Jenny Bowlden)

OES fans raise their paddles to support student success.

OES theater arts teacher Peter Buonincontro served as the evening’s emcee at the March 11th benefit, while auctioneer Kelly Russell of Artisan Auctions kept the evening moving.

Viju and Aishwarya Deenadayalu

Carey Killian celebrates an auction win.

From OES:

OES is an independent Pre-K–12 school in southwest Portland with over 850 students. Its mission is to prepare students for higher education and lifelong learning by inspiring intellectual, physical, social, emotional, artistic, and spiritual growth so that they may realize their power for good as citizens of local and world communities. 

Oregon Episcopal School serves 860 students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, including 60 boarding students from around the world in Grades 9-12.

www.oes.edu

Oregon Episcopal School  Celebrates Leadership Philanthropy at annual 1869 Dinner

Oregon Episcopal School Celebrates Leadership Philanthropy at annual 1869 Dinner

Portland, October 22nd, 2015. Oregon Episcopal School honored its leadership donors at its annual 1869 Appreciation Dinner held on the Nicol Road campus. Nearly 200 parents, alumni and supporters gathered together as Head of School Mo Copeland and Board President Kate Lieber thanked attendees for their strong support of the school in the previous year. The keynote presentation focused on the development of a unique form of student government geared toward greater inclusion and the opportunity to invite and develop different forms of leadership in the upper school student body. Head of Upper School Jordan Elliott presented with faculty administrators Deri Bash and Deb Walsh. (photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Key parent volunteers celebrate a successful year.

Key parent volunteers celebrate a successful year.

SA15-105

Deri Bash lead an Interactive presentation and table discussion.

Deri Bash lead an Interactive presentation and table discussion.

From OES:

Oregon Episcopal School prepares students for higher education and lifelong learning by inspiring intellectual, physical, social, emotional, artistic, and spiritual growth so that they may realize their power for good as citizens of local and world communities.