Portland, OR. Many Oregonians have a longstanding tradition of plunging into frigid waters every February to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Oregon. Members of the law enforcement community, seen above, often headed into the water as a group. But because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the nonprofit won’t be gathering to Plunge together in 2021. Instead, people can sign up for the new Virtual Plunge.
Here’s a video about this year’s plunge:
Here are the options for the 2021 Plunge:
Option 1 – Hit the Great Outdoors:
✓ Plunge down the slopes (sled, ski, snowboard)
✓ Snowball fight/hug a snowman
✓ Snow angels in a swimsuit
✓ Run, walk or roll in the Polar 5K/10K
Option 2 – Chill at Home:
✓ Bucket of cold water
✓ Garden hose/sprinkler
✓ Slip n’ Slide
✓ Water balloons/Super Soakers
✓ Cold shower, tub, or a kiddie pool
✓ Cold drink
Here’s a video about the fundraising effort:
State leaders say through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success.
From Special Olympics Oregon:
Special Olympics Oregon believes in the transformative power and pure joy of athletic competition. Every day across the state, we help children and adults with intellectual disabilities become athletes and grow a strong, supportive community of advocates. Through year-round training and serious competition, Special Olympics participants journey along a proven pathway to better health, essential life skills and lifelong friendships.
Portland, OR. Oregon Energy Fund (OEF) celebrated its 30th anniversary at its annual Power Gala on October 12th. The event raised more than $70,000, which will be used to support OEF’s mission to help Oregonians in financial crisis pay their energy bills. More than 100 guests attended the Roaring ’20s-themed event, which was held at the Sentinel Hotel and emceed by Joe Vithayathil of KPTV-FOX 12. Pictured above, showing off their 1920’s attire, are guests of Gold Sponsor Portland General Electric.
Beaverton Mayor Denny Doyle, Multnomah County Commissioner Lori Stegmann, and OEF Executive Director Brian Allbritton are all smiles at the cocktail hour.
Volunteers John Wheatfall (PGE) and Arielle Freytag (Miss Oregon 2019) get ready to sell some raffle tickets.
Guests of Gold Sponsor McDowell Rackner Gibson PC enjoy their dinner in the Grand Ballroom
The Smut City Jellyroll Society Band serenades the room.
Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on OEF’s 30-year history and its impact on Oregonians across the state, such as a Marine Corps veteran who needed to keep the heat high in his home due to poor health, but was unable to keep up with the resulting costs. “For the last three decades, our work has been driven by the same core values: compassion, collaboration, and innovation,” said OEF Executive Director Brian Allbritton. “The funds raised tonight will help us provide a critical lifeline to the tens of thousands of Oregonians who sacrifice food or medicine to pay their bills each year. We couldn’t be more grateful to our amazing community of sponsors, donors, and friends.”
Board of Directors Vice President Sarah Simmons addresses the room.
Auctioneer Misty Marquam, back for her fifth gala with OEF.
Paige and Beth Sterrett cinch a winning bid in the live auction.
Charity and Christina Spires (Pacific Power) enjoy dessert at the end of the night.
Imagine a life without electricity. No A/C to keep you cool in the summer. No heat to warm your family in the winter. No stove, no refrigerator, no lights, no internet. For thousands of Oregon families, this scenario is all too real. A medical emergency or loss of income can quickly snowball into a financial crisis, leaving families with mounting debt and agonizing decisions. Buy food – or pay the electric bill? Give up light or medicine? Rent or heat? We believe no one should face these questions. The Oregon Energy Fund is a 30-year-old nonprofit that provides energy bill assistance to low-income Oregonians in support of household stability. Since 1989, OEF has helped almost 300,000 people pay their bills in times of crisis, ensuring that families in need don’t have to sacrifice food, rent, or medicine to pay for electricity. Through the direct service of energy assistance, we supply a basic need that prevents the triple traumas of illness, homelessness, and hunger, and gives children and adults alike the support they need to lead healthy and productive lives.
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