Portland, November 7th. After publishing 384 stories about local nonprofits and racking up over 120,000 page views, PortlandSocietyPage.com is marking its first anniversary by handing out the “Bright Spot Award” to Big Brothers/Big Sisters Columbia Northwest. The award recognizes an event which captured the imagination of our readers, and in this case prompted them to give our Big Brothers/Big Sisters story the most “thumbs-up” votes of any article on the website. We made the announcement at a gathering for The Baltazar Ortiz Community Mentoring Initiative where we visited with Danielle, who’s pictured with me, Editor Elisa Klein, and her program little sister, Kyara. It was a chance to learn more about the new program.
The Baltazar Ortiz Community Mentoring Initiative (BOCMI) is an innovative program that connects Hispanic teens who serve as mentors to younger neighborhood children helping them to improve their positive social skills and academic achievement.
Emanuel and Jerry enjoy the program. The Baltazar Ortiz Community Mentoring Initiative is a partnership between Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hacienda CDC, and Multnomah County. The mentoring takes place at the Multnomah County Health Clinic located at the Baltazar Ortiz Community Center.
Moses and Torrence are part of the program. Teenage volunteers like Torrence meet with their Little Brothers or Sisters once a week, for one hour. Together they participate in activities which might include playing sports, doing homework, learning a new hobby or working on a craft project; organizers say it’s beneficial for both.
Jacqui and Estrella are learning first hand BOCMI is a win-win situation. The organized activities prevent both teen mentors and their matches from becoming “latch-key” kids.
Abby Herrera, Bryan Ortega, Christina Starr and Drea Robideau help the kids become successful.
We were pleased to honor Big Brothers/Big Sisters with PortlandSocietyPage.com Bright Spot Award. In addition to added community exposure for the nonprofit and a monetary donation, the award includes a chance to publicize an upcoming event with an advertisement which now appears on the sidebar of our site. The ad has information about Big Brothers/Big Sisters’ 10th annual Start Something Breakfast which is coming up on Thursday, November 15th. Tickets are still available.
PortlandSocietyPage.com is a the only website devoted to nonprofit news in Portland. If we publish an article about your favorite nonprofit, please give it a “thumbs up”. Each story we post has as a “like” button at the bottom. Just press that button and you’ll help select our next “Bright Spot” recipient. There’s an ongoing tally which can be seen on the right-hand side of the page.
About PortlandSocietyPage.com: Launched in the fall of 2011 as a free public platform for nonprofit news, PortlandSocietyPage.com is thriving. We have the most comprehensive nonprofit event calendar in our area. Our coverage is always free. We’re also looking for advertisers! Please let us know if you’d like to reach our terrific readers with your marketing message! The PortlandSocietyPage.com website has additional information about this opportunity. Here’s a link: http://www.portlandsocietypage.com/advertise/
Portland, October 13th. 475 guests joined forces to support “I Have a Dream” Oregon at the Nines Hotel. The annual “Dream Big” auction raised $285,000, a 20% increase over last year. Abbey Gibb of KGW was the host for the evening and Timber Joey came out to help. The “I Have a Dream” Oregon program serves over 1,200 Dreamers in Oregon, from pre-K through college. Advocates works collaboratively with other local organizations to provide mentors, access to social and academic wraparound services, and create a “culture of college and career” within schools and Dreamer families.
Dreamers from the “I Have a Dream” Oregon Dreamer School in Reynolds School District before going on-stage at Dream Big 2012
Sara Caldwell-Kan, Class 9’s College Access Coordinator with Class Sponsors Julie & Robb Ball and President & CEO Mark Langseth
Board Member Kay Hall with her husband Dan Hall and “I Have a Dream” President & CEO Mark Langseth smile for the camera in front of art from famed artist Tom Cramer during the social hour
Dreamer School Dreamers help show off the live auction artwork handcrafted with the support of “I Have a Dream” Oregon’s friend Polly Spencer and Alder Elementary Dreamers.
Class 9 Dreamer, Arthur Jackson, delivers a heart-felt special appeal speech about how the Dreamer Program has made all the difference in his life as he approaches high school graduation. Arthur received a standing ovation.
Special guest Timber Joey!
From “I Have a Dream” Oregon:
We believe that, with the right supports, low-income students can overcome barriers to a great education. For over 20 years, we have been helping Dreamer students with three proven core services: long-term relationships with caring adult mentors; access to wraparound services; and creating a “culture of college and career” within schools and Dreamer families.
While our service delivery model has changed, our mission remains the same: to help low-income students succeed in school, college and career.
National: In 27 cities across 17 states – over 14,000 student “Dreamers”
Oregon: Nearly 900 student Dreamers served since the first student class was ‘adopted’ in 1990, with 655 additional Dreamers being served at the Dreamer School at Alder Elementary.
Classes: 7 in Portland and 3 in Forest Grove/Cornelius
Schools: The first Dreamer School was launched in 2011 at Alder Elementary
According to a study completed by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory in 2009, Dreamers that have participated in “I Have a Dream” Oregon programs have benefited from:
Increased high school graduation/GED rates: In 2011, 94% of our Dreamers graduated from high school – nearly 3x the rate for students with their backgrounds.
Increased college attendance
Increased high school completion rates of teen mothers and decreased discipline problems for all Dreamers, including suspensions, expulsions, and referrals to the judicial system.
Where they are in 2012:
– Dreamers from Class 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are enrolled in colleges and universities around the nation
– Class 9 Dreamers are 12th graders with our programming based out of Benson High School
– Class 10 Dreamers are 8th graders with our programming based out of Vernon Elementary
– The 2011 – 2012 year signaled the first year of implementation for the Dreamer School at Alder Elementary
Portland, October 13th. More than 400 guests gathered in the Grand Ballroom of the Portland Art Museum for Food, Wine & Wishes, a gala auction and dinner to benefit Make-A-Wish Oregon. The event raised $265,000 to grant local wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions. Guests enjoyed wine tastings from some of Oregon’s premier wineries including: Sokol Blosser, David Hill Vineyards and Elk Cove Vineyards. ( Photo credit, Eugene W. Wong)
Jamie Morris and Make-A-Wish CEO Laila Umpleby (right) present Kathryn Morris the Katie Star Award
Members of the Board of Directors, Ambassador Board and Junior Board: Members of the Make-A-Wish Boards gather for a champagne toast
Wish recipients Ella Grace Edmonson and Lily Moser auction off Ella’s art
Wish recipient Denton Holmgren with Make-A-Wish Oregon Board Chair Ross Carey
Make-A-Wish Oregon grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. By granting a wish to a child during a time of turmoil for the entire family, Make-A-Wish is often the light at the end of the tunnel for wish kids and family members. Since 1983, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 2,500 wishes in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Portland, October 21st. The 53rd Annual ACF Chef of the Year Awards Dinner was a delicious event at the Portland Hilton. Timberline’s retired Executive Chef, Leif Eric Benson, won the Chefs de Cuisine’s top award. Chef Benson is the only member to received the honor twice, in 1986, and now in 2012. He encourages others to stay involved, “Your experience and knowledge is always needed and appreciated.”
MC Chef JD Thomas, CEC presenting the Chef of the Year Trophy to Chef Benson with Chapter President Executive Chef Anthony Danna, CEC, AAC
You can find Chef Benson occasionally on TV, special food events or overseas representing and demonstrating food products or styles of cooking when he isn’t consulting. Chef Benson is known as the Culinary Ambassador to Oregon and has the distinction of being the 2010 Chef of the Year for the State of Oregon and the 2012 Chef of the Year for the Oregon Beef Council.
MC Chef JD Thomas, CEC, Executive Chef Leif Benson, CEC, AAC, Retired Chef/Instructor Roy John Sharp, CEC and Chapter President Executive Chef Anthony Danna, CEC, AAC
Portland Hilton Hotel Executive Chef and Chapter Board Member Brian Siegel, CEC, CCA
Ray & Suzanne Gardner
Judith & Joseph Gonzales, FMP
Ms. Polly Summer and Chapter President Executive Chef Anthony Danna, CEC, AAC
Janet and Mike Speer, Patty and Barry Corno both gentlemen are past recipients of the Purveyor of the Year Award.
Jack “Dewey” and Debra Drorbaugh (past recipient of Purveyor of the Year Award)
Chef Ken Dubane and student assistant from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Portland – Sautéed Shrimp-Crab-Mussels-Calamari-Clams Bouillabaisse, Blue Cheese & Endive, Baby Iceberg Salad and Couscous.
Chef Silvia Mejia – Living Salad Bar: Featuring Baby Head Lettuces cut to order w/Assorted House Dressings and Toppings
Chef Lucas Morales – Brasied Calamari, Porchetta w/Rosemary Jus, Shaved Fennel and Red Onion Salad, Polenta w/Acorn Squash and Pecorino.
Chapter Appreciation Award winners
Special Chapter Presidential Award to Joe Graziano Sr. accepted by his daughter Mary Jo Graziano
President Anthony Danna presenting Chef JD Thomas his plaque to keep for being the 2011 Chef of the Year recipient.
The ACF Chefs de Cuisine Society of Oregon past chefs of the year, nominate candidates who meet the criteria and excel in the culinary profession and in volunteerism for the chapter. The winner of the local Chef of the Year will represent the chapter at the Regional Chef of they Year Competition. If he wins he will go to the National Convention and compete for the National title.
Three other awards given were:
Charles Altorfer Professionalism Award –Retired Chef/Instructor Roy John Sharp, CEC
Chef Sharp retired as a culinary instructor after 30+ years of service, has been a member of ACF Chefs de Cuisine Society of Oregon for over 47 years. Chef Sharp is a CIA (Culinary Institute of America) graduate class of 1956. Chef Sharp is married to Carol and is a snowbird between Oregon and Arizona.
Chef Emeritus – Retired Executive Chef Hans-Joachim Heyer
Chef Heyer has been a chapter member for over 40 years. Chef Heyer has owned and operated his own restaurant before retirement.. Chef Hans is currently in Europe with his family and regrets not being able to attend our Chef of the Year Awards Dinner.
Jack Cervetto Memorial Purveyor of the Year –Mr. Steven Edwards of the Portland French Bakery – Portland, Oregon
Since 1985 Portland French Bakery has been servicing the Portland Area with their concept of seven-day-a-week delivery of handcrafted breads, old fashioned fresh baked breads relying on a 120 year old sourdough starter. Portland French Bakery has always assisted our Chapter whenever and whatever our needs are.
From ACF Chefs de Cuisine Society of Oregon, Inc.
We are a non-profit chapter of the American Culinary Federation, established in 1950 celebrating 62+ years of service. Membership is made up of chefs, purveyors and students dedicated to the profession of food preparation, hospitality, fine dining, competition and certification. Goal and objectives are achieved through community projects, volunteerism and reaching out to all those connected with the food industry.
Portland, October 8th. As part of Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good Facebook initiative, Broadway Toyota will present a 2012 Toyota Tundra to Fences For Fido, a Portland-based organization working to improve the lives of dogs living outdoors on chains, tethers or in small kennels by building them a free fenced yard and warm, insulated dog houses. More than 400 dogs have been unchained though the organization’s work in the past 3.5 years. Key Ceremony and Celebration, Friday, October 12, 2012, 2:30 PM will be at Scion Building, 55 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232
Tryke is one of Fences for Fido’s success stories.
Key players include: Babak Mohammdi, General Manager, Broadway Toyota; Traci Stuart, Customer Relations, Broadway Toyota; Kelly Peterson, Co-Founder/Co-Chair, Fences For Fido; Jennifer Adams, Dog House Coordinator/Board Member, Fences For Fido
The key ceremony and celebration will include a LARGE ceremonial key, barbeque, live music, caricature artist, adoptable dogs, dog houses and display, and children who are engaged in the Fences For Fido organization through its Color My World dog house painting and fundraising programs.
“We are grateful beyond words for what this gift from Toyota means to our organization,” said Kelly Peterson, Co-Founder of Fences For Fido. “We are so appreciative to Toyota and all of our friends whose votes helped us win. This is an incredible honor. As we continue to improve our response time to our growing client base, this truck will help our operational programs run more smoothly, swiftly and effectively, delivering dog houses, cozy beds, dog food, and fencing material, on a moment’s notice. With more than 40 dogs on our list awaiting a fence, our first priority is always to delivery shelter and beds to help make them more comfortable.”
Broadway Toyota will present a 2012 Tundra to Fences for Fido as part of the Toyota 2012 100 Cars for Good program. Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program awards 100 vehicles over the course of 100 days to 100 deserving nonprofit organizations based on votes from the public. Five hundred finalists were certified by an independent panel of experts in philanthropy and social responsibility for a chance to win one of six Toyota models. During the voting phase, five organizations were profiled each day on Toyota’s Facebook page, and voters selected the organization they feel will do the most good with a new Toyota vehicle. Voters were able to place one vote per day, each day, over the course of the program at www.100carsforgood.com.
Already active in their local community, Broadway Toyota has enjoyed learning about Fences For Fido, and looks forward to fostering a relationship long after the ceremony. “A lot of our employees and customers are dog lovers and many have four-legged family members, making participation towards this cause near and dear to our hearts,” says General Manager, Babak Mohammadi.
About Fences For Fido
Fences For Fido, an all-volunteer, 501c3 non-profit, improves the quality of life for chained dogs living outside in the elements day and night. We attend to all needs by building a fence, removing the chain, supplying a warm dog house, providing critical vet care and spay/neuter, and returning yearly to ensure the dog lives a safe, un-chained life. To find out more information, please visit website at www.fencesforfido.org.
About Broadway Toyota
One of Portland’s premier Toyota dealerships, Broadway Toyota is a proud recipient of Toyota’s 2011 President Award. Broadway Toyota has been locally owned and operated for over 37 years, and employs over 120 people. Broadway Toyota offers an extensive inventory of both new and used vehicles, along with an indoor showroom and a café. With over 100 years of combined experience in the Parts department and the most certified Master Technicians in Portland, OR customers can be assured their Toyota is in good hands. For more information, please visit Broadway Toyota at www.broadwaytoyota.com
About Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good Program
Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program awards 100 vehicles over the course of 100 days to 100 deserving nonprofit organizations based on votes from the public. Five hundred finalists were certified by an independent panel of experts in philanthropy and social responsibility for a chance to win one of six Toyota models. During the voting phase, five organizations are profiled each day on Toyota’s Facebook page, and voters selected the organization they felt would do the most good with a new Toyota vehicle. Voters could place one vote per day, each day, over the course of the program at www.100carsforgood.com.
Information provided by Kelly Peterson, Co-Founder/Co-Chair, Fences For Fido
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