Portland, OR. The annual Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) Gala garnered significant support for science education initiatives across the Pacific Northwest. With more than 350 attendees, the gala on May 6th, hosted within OMSI’s historic Turbine Hall, achieved a remarkable milestone by raising over $1 million through various avenues, including sponsorships, ticket sales, paddle raises, and an auction. Above, Presenting Sponsor, Jordan Schnitzer, and Renata Baranow posed for a photo at the Gala’s cocktail hour. The theme of this year’s gala, aptly titled ‘Kaleidoscope,’ embraced the vibrant colors and playful spirit of OMSI’s recently revitalized brand.
Portland Garment Factory created a photo lounge backdrop in the theme of Kaleidoscope for guests to enjoy at the May 6th event Here, Presenting Sponsors Christine and David Vernier, and Kimberly Cooper and Jon Jaqua, get their photos taken by KLiK Concepts.
Joe Bingold, OMSI’s incoming Board Chair, kicks off the Gala program with an inspiring story.
Guests generously express their commitments to science education through the Gala’s paddle raise. Included at the table in the foreground are Mike and Karie Richardson and their guests, Mike Erickson, David Lucas, Jeff Heatherington, Ruslan Kamalov, Jimmie Herrod, Michael and Marietta Harrison, Cheri Cooley-Hick, and Ken Hick.
OMSI President and CEO Erin Graham
Erin Graham, President and CEO of OMSI, expressed, “For OMSI, this year represents a period of exciting growth, rejuvenation, and the sowing of seeds for the future. OMSI plays a unique role in our community by uniting individuals in envisioning and cultivating a greener, more equitable future. The funds generated from the gala will further OMSI’s mission to ignite a passion for discovery in people of all ages.”
Founded in 1944 by a dedicated group of volunteers, OMSI has been a pillar of science education for over 75 years, offering innovative and high-quality learning experiences. As a privately funded nonprofit, OMSI heavily relies on the support of its members and donors to make a lasting impact. The gala underscores the belief that everyone can become a successful science learner, and the funds raised during the event will be channeled into enhancing OMSI’s diverse range of programs and making them more accessible to children and adults from various communities across the region.
The gala’s Presenting Sponsors included Jordan Schnitzer/The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, Vernier Science Education, and the Jon V. Jaqua and Kimberly B. Cooper Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation. Attendees were treated to delectable cuisine and cocktails provided by Devil’s Food Catering, enjoyed a performance by Jimmie Herrod, a local singer-songwriter and finalist from America’s Got Talent, and were moved by a heartwarming story highlighting OMSI’s impact through inclusive and accessible bilingual Play Labs for young children and their families. The event also featured eleven live auction packages, ranging from local experiences to international travel.
Love Centerwall, Vice President of Development at OMSI, shared, “The OMSI Gala embodies a celebration of science, community, and curiosity, and this year our supporters truly stepped up, contributing over $1 million! The enthusiasm for our mission and our vision for the future was palpable—tonight, we witnessed an extraordinary commitment to OMSI and our mission to deepen and expand our programs throughout the region.”
About OMSI: 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 that relies on admissions, memberships, and donations to sustain its educational mission, programs, and exhibits. You too can join OMSI in its ongoing mission to promote science education across Oregon and the broader Pacific Northwest. Visit [www.omsi.edu/donate](www.omsi.edu/donate) or contact [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) for more information.
Portland, OR. More than 350 people attended the annual Oregon Museum of Science and Industry’s (OMSI) Gala on May 7th to support OMSI’s efforts to spread science education across the Pacific Northwest. David Lucas and Mike Richardson, seen above, enjoyed the cocktail reception, sponsored by Alliant Insurance. The gala, which took place inside OMSI’s historic Turbine Hall, grossed over $1.1 million through sponsorships, ticket sales, and an auction. This year’s gala, titled ‘Renaissance,’ commemorates a revival of in-person opportunities to gather, learn, and celebrate science, and connects to OMSI’s featured exhibit, The World of Leonardo da Vinci. (Photo credit, KLiK Concepts)
OMSI Emeritus Board Chair Gary Maffei, Dan Stueber, OMSI President Emeritus Nancy Stueber, and Marc Lintner reconnect during the cocktail hour.
“The need for science literacy has reached new peaks and urgency over the past few years,” said Erin Graham, President and CEO of OMSI. “OMSI has a unique role in our community to bring people together in imagining and creating a better future. All of the money raised at the gala will support OMSI in continuing the exciting, hopeful work we do to ignite a passion for discovery in people of all ages.”
Rick Nagore and Tracy Curtis prepare for an evening of fun to support science education.
OMSI and KLiK Concepts created a photo lounge in the theme of Renaissance for guests to enjoy, courtesy of KETURI Investments.
OMSI President and CEO Erin Graham, and Gala Emcee Galen Ettlin celebrate the more than $1.1M raised through the event.
From OMSI:
Founded in 1944 by a group of volunteers, OMSI was built by the community for the community and has provided innovative and high-quality science learning experiences for more than 75 years. The gala celebrates the notion that everyone can be a successful science learner, and that is why funds raised through this event are used to uplift OMSI’s multitude of programs and make them more accessible for kids and kids-at-heart across the region and from diverse communities.
Presenting Sponsors of the gala were Vernier Software & Technology, the Jon V. Jaqua and Kimberly B. Cooper Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, and The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation/Jordan Schnitzer. Attendees were treated to fine food and cocktails provided by ChefStable, a performance by Reyna Tropical, one of NPR’s up-and-coming artists, and a heart-warming story of OMSI’s impact through a partnership with Witch Hazel Elementary School, the largest Title I School in Hillsboro. Eleven live auction packages were also sold, from local experiences to international travel.
“After two years of virtual galas the excitement to be back in person was palpable,” said Love Centerwall, Vice President of Development at OMSI. “OMSI is a privately funded nonprofit and OMSI members and donors have a huge impact on our ability to deliver accessible science education at the museum, across Oregon, and throughout the region. Our community has faced many challenges; we were all excited about coming together in support of OMSI’s ambitious, optimistic, and inclusive vision for the future.”
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. 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.
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!
Portland, OR. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) transformed its annual Gala into a virtual evening called Celebrating Science. With the help of KGW-TV, the May 2nd virtual benefit met its original fundraising goal of more than $1 million dollars in contributions.
Over Zoom (pictured above) OMSI thanked sponsors in the top row, Presenting Sponsors Kimberly Cooper and Jon Jaqua of the Jon V. Jaqua and Kimberly B. Cooper Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, Christine and David Vernier of Vernier Software & Technology. In the second row: Gina and Max Williams, Emily Karr, and Sally Bany. And in the third row: Chris and Jill Hall, Kristin Luck and Su Embree, and Janeese Jackson and Ross Lienhart. Fourth Row: Penny and Peter Serrurier, and Tom Liu and Holly Coit.
On camera, OMSI COO and Incoming President Erin Graham, Gala Chair Jordan Schnitzer, and OMSI President and CEO Nancy Stueber announce a demonstration to celebrate science with a bang.
OMSI Educator Meng Vue demonstrates a hydrogen balloon explosion during Celebrating Science.
During the Celebrating Science program, kids tour the water play area in the newly refreshed Science Playground at OMSI.
Jean Paul, Gregory Chaillé, and Adrienne Chaillé Celebrating Science with OMSI from home.
Innovating in response to the pandemic shutdown, OMSI partnered with KGW, Meyer Pro, and Sisbro Studios to broadcast and stream the Celebrating Science program, sharing entertaining science and inspiring curiosity with 500 Gala guests and the broader Oregon community.
Gala guests enjoyed Oregon snacks and fine wine from packages picked up at OMSI before the event and hosted Zoom tables to share the evening. Meanwhile, new community members joined existing donors as Sustaining Supporters of OMSI, with their contributions matched $200,000 by long-time OMSI partners. In Celebrating Science, OMSI’s talented educators ignited exciting explosions, led viewers on a “sneak peek” tour of two newly-constructed areas at OMSI—Science Playground and the Teen Tech Center—introduced insects and reptiles from the Life Sciences Hall, and presented an inspiring segment documenting the profound impact of OMSI statewide outreach programs, featuring a visit to rural Crane, Oregon. Viewers could call-in to become sustaining members and to purchase never-before offered OMSI experiences, such as a virtual program for a household with an OMSI educator.
OMSI leaders—including Nancy Stueber, who retires at the end of this month after 20 years as President and CEO, and current COO and Incoming President Erin Graham—along with Gala Chair and community leader Jordan Schnitzer, also made special appearances. OMSI has benefited from Stueber’s science background, focus on students and visitor experiences, knowledge of effective STEAM programs that inspire young learners, world-class exhibits, robust partnerships, community engagement, successful fundraising, team development and exemplary leadership throughout her tenure, and looks forward to building on these successes through the presidency of Graham.
OMSI celebrates the notion that everyone can be successful science learners. Funds raised through the Gala are used for OMSI’s multitude of programs, including current work in digital programming and emergency relief childcare for families of frontline workers. “We rely on the support of everyone in our region to help us continue to provide our unique services. Your support of any amount will help to make sure OMSI will always be here to welcome you and your family,” said Stueber.
David and Christine Vernier, co-founders of Vernier Software & Technology and long-time contributors to OMSI, discussed their ongoing support as Presenting Sponsors of the OMSI Gala 2020: Celebrating Science in this way: “Now more than ever, Oregon needs a scientifically literate community, and OMSI provides experiences that help people understand how science affects all of our lives. Through STEM education … we all become part of the solution to the most pressing issues of the 21st century.”
At the conclusion of the program, Graham gratefully expressed, “Thanks to the support of everyone watching, OMSI can continue to improve and deliver on our mission. We have always been a place by and for our community, and you all came together and proved that once again.”
Anyone can get involved and assist OMSI in its ongoing efforts to extend science-learning across Oregon and throughout the Pacific Northwest. Visit omsi.edu/donate or send an email to [email protected] for more information. To watch Celebrating Science again or share it with a friend, visit https://www.facebook.com/95214830735/videos/219530146015165/.
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. More information at omsi.edu.
Portland, Or. The Portland Winter Light Festival (PDXWLF) presented by Portland General Electric featured over 100 artists in varied media such as video projection mapping, fire sculpture, and live performance. This was the fifth year for the festival and the theme was Into the Dreamscape. The festival weekend kicked off on February 6th and showcased installations like Mihaly’s Gate which was originally created for the Pacific Fire Gathering on the Oregon Coast.
Ring of Fire by Wildstone Arts.
Here’s a video about the festival:
Circus Luminescence is a local circus entertainment group performing at the festival.
Some special highlights included fire dancing, hoop performances, circus acts, a lantern parade, and an illuminated bike ride. It also had the Glow Bar featuring artisan cocktails and a Silent Disco dance party, pop-up art installations by local design and architecture firms, which includes an immersive 2,500 square foot “Light Forest” by Henry V.
Winter Light Festival 2018. Photo by Brooke Hoyer.
Below is another video showing some highlights from 2019 Winter Light Festival:
The Portland Winter Light Festival is an annual event of the Willamette Light Brigade, a non-profit arts organization. PDXWLF is presented to guests for free, and builds community by bringing art and technology to inclusive audiences while invigorating Portland in the winter. Our 5th year will take place February 6-8, 2020. If you would like to find out more, explore our website for information on artists, performer schedules, and to see full maps. Last year’s PDXWLF showcased over 114 illuminated art installations, over 60 vibrant performances and live events, educational programs, stunning kinetic fire sculptures throughout our city, and hosted over 150,000 guests. Our 2020 festival promises another year of magic and art.
The Willamette Light Brigade (WLB) founded PDXWLF in an effort to propel forward its mission of connecting community and enriching the public realm through artful lighting. The Festival began as a coalescence of ideas in 2016, and was propelled into existence by dedicated community members too numerous to mention. We are committed to keeping the Portland Winter Light Festival family-friendly, free to attend, and open to everyone. So bundle up and celebrate the power of light and community with us!
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