Portland, OR. What a year! PortlandSocietyPage.com has featured over 500 local nonprofits in 2019. Those admirable organizations have raised millions of dollars for worthy beneficiaries. It’s our privilege to be the top nonprofit news resource for local charities and the supporters who love them! Did you miss any stories? Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter by CLICKING HERE! Have a great idea for 2019? Contact Editor & Publisher Elisa Klein, at [email protected].
So…here’s the list of the top ten most viewed stories (in reverse order to build your suspense) on PortlandSocietyPage.com during 2019.
Portland, OR. 270 guests raised $216,000 to support the PTC of Riverdale Grade School and Riverdale High School at its 007-themed gala. Parents Heather Burton, Niki Seawright, Wendy Domreis, Wendy Tolls & Kristen Best enjoyed the Casino Royale theme. The benefit on February 23rd was held at The Redd on SE Salmon Street. Nearly $70,000 will be passed through directly to the schools to help fund a “Let’s Play” paddle raise initiatives such as playground updates at the Grade School and new activity/athletic van and a Freedom Climber for the gymnasium at the High School. Read More
Portland, OR. More than 500 people attended the annual Oregon Museum of Science and Industry’s (OMSI) Gala to support efforts to spread science education across the Pacific Northwest. Governor Kate Brown, Piper Park, Kathy Rudd and Pat Reser were on hand for the May 4th gala. The benefit, which took place at OMSI, grossed more than $1.5 million through sponsorships, ticket sales and an auction, making it the nonprofit museum’s most successful event to date. This year’s gala, titled ‘Diamond Jubilee,’ commemorated OMSI’s 75th anniversary. Read More.
Portland, OR. Over 600 guests including current parents, alumni, past parents and friends enjoyed a festive evening at Jesuit High School’s 51st Annual Auction: Jazz Night in New Orleans. The Knight Center was transformed into a jazz club with music, Creole cuisine and colorful décor. Auction Chair Katherine Kreutzer, Major Program Director Anne Robinson, JHS President Tom Arndorfer, Auction Co-Chair Mary Murphy celebrated at the festive evening on May 4th. This year’s auction exceeded expectations with over $1,045,000 raised. Read More
Portland, OR. Drawing a record 450 guests, Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare’s 2019 Transformation Gala raised nearly a quarter million dollars in support of the nonprofit’s whole health care and outreach services. Attendance was the highest in the Gala’s three-year history, growing by 100 supporters over last year. Lisa Oyler, Chiki Nussbaumer, Gayathrai Ramprasad, Toc Soneoulay-Gillespie and Tamara Pedrojetti were among the hundreds who enjoyed the night. Read More.
Portland, OR. The Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) raised $1.27 million at its 19th annual Wonderball gala on September 28th. It was CCA’s biggest event of the year, which helps fuel its mission to prescribe joy to seriously ill children through free innovative programming that leverages music, friendship and nature. Founder Regina Ellis, who is pictured with friends and family, welcomed more than 950 supporters to the Oregon Convention Center for the gala. A Joie de Vivre theme celebrated French culture and the joy of life. Read More.
Portland, OR. DoveLewis has been selected as one of seven 24-hour animal hospitals that will be featured in a live National Geographic TV show called Animal ER Live. The series starts on Saturday, March 30th and will air from 6 to 8 p.m. Show creators promote the program, writing: “Be just a heartbeat away from the action as the team at DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital, the Northwest’s nonprofit 24/7 animal hospital, treats animals in the midst of emergencies on Nat Geo WILD’s new live TV series, Animal ER Live.” Read More.
Portland, OR. Starting on February 7th, more than 100 illuminated installations, artists, performers, interactive activities, and events will brighten the Portland cityscape for the 2019 Portland Winter Light Festival (PDXWLF). This free annual program of the nonprofit Willamette Light Brigade is expanding to its largest footprint yet. Read More.
Portland, OR. Eight hundred guests gathered for the 35th Annual Classic Wines Auction and raised $3 million dollars for five nonprofit partners. This brings the total raised, over 35 years, to nearly $50 million. The benefit was at the Oregon Convention Center on March 2nd. The nonprofit beneficiaries this year were: Metropolitan Family Service, New Avenues for Youth, Friends of the Children – Portland, YWCA Clark County, and Unity Center for Behavioral Health. (Photo credit, John Valls) Read More.
Portland, OR. More than 350 supporters joined forces for Portland Opera’s Flora + Fauna Fall. The September 14th benefit, at the Sentinel Hotel featured a performance by Broadway star Sutton Foster. Portland Opera raised over $1 million dollars. Organizers say proceeds from the Flora + Fauna Fall Ball will strengthen Portland Opera’s ability to serve audiences throughout the region, by supporting operational costs as well as special programming and projects. (Photo credit, Garrett Downen) Read More.
Portland, OR. This December will mark the 65th launch of the Christmas Ships Parade season. Parades on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers will last for 15 nights beginning on Thursday, December 5th through Sunday, December 22nd. There are seven nights where the fleet with be combined. Read More.
Well, there you have it, the top 10 Portland Society Page stories of the year. Society Page is a free community platform where you can make a difference. If you enjoy reading our positive news about the great things happening in our area, you can help and here’s how:
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and encourage your friends to do the same. Click here.
Share our good news on your social channels.
Send us your story ideas and submit your events for our calendar.
Purchase an advertisement to reach our thousands of philanthropic readers.
We are excited to continue “Building Your Community” in 2019!
Portland, OR. It’s time to focus on year-end charitable donations! On our partner’s page, there are live links to hundreds of your favorites. They’re listed by categories like animals, arts, and education. Please explore PortlandSocietyPage.com for ideas, and watch for our features about many worthy local charities. If you’d like to suggest your favorite nonprofit for a feature, contact us at [email protected]
At Big Brothers/Big Sisters Columbia Northwest‘s Baltazar Ortiz Community Mentoring Initiative, editor Elisa Klein visited with Danielle and her program little sister, Kyara.
The website, Charity Navigator is a research tool for donors and evaluates how charities use money. The organization also offers these tips for smart giving:
Be Proactive In Your Giving Smart givers generally don’t give reactively in a knee-jerk fashion. They don’t respond to the first organization that appeals for help. They take the time to identify which causes are most important to their families and they are specific about the change they want to affect. For example, they don’t just support generic cancer charities, but instead have targeted goals for their giving, such as providing mammograms to at-risk women in their community.
Hang Up The Phone / Eliminate The Middleman Informed donors recognize that for-profit fundraisers, those often used in charitable telemarketing campaigns, keep a large portion (in some cases all) of each dollar they collect (read our report about telemarketing for more specifics on the costs affiliated with this form of fundraising). Wise donors never give out their personal information – like credit card accounts, social security numbers – over the phone. If they like what they hear in the pitch, they’ll hang up, investigate the charity on-line and send their contribution directly to the charity, thereby cutting out the middleman and ensuring 100% of their donation reaches the charity. Taking it a step further, donors may want to reconsider supporting a charity that uses an inefficient telemarketing approach and instead identifies a charity that does not use telemarketing to raise funds.
Be Careful Of Sound-Alike Names Uninformed donors are easily confused by charities that have strikingly similar names to others. How many of us could tell the difference between an appeal from the Children’s Charity Fund and the Children’s Defense Fund? Their names sound the same, but their performances are vastly different. Would you be surprised to learn that the Children’s Charity Fund is a 0-star charity while the Children’s Defense Fund is a 3-star charity? Informed donors take the time to uncover the difference.
Confirm 501(c) (3) Status Wise donors don’t drop money into canisters at the checkout counter or hand over cash to solicitors outside the supermarket. Situations like these are irresistible to scam artists who wish to take advantage of your goodwill. Smart givers only support groups granted tax-exempt status under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All of the charities evaluated by Charity Navigator meet this basic requirement.
Check The Charity’s Commitment To Accountability & Transparency In 2011, Charity Navigator added an Accountability & Transparency dimension to its rating system. It tracks metrics such as whether the charity used an objective process to determine their CEO’s salary, whether it has an effective governance structure, and whether it has a whistleblower policy. This data is critical because charities that follow good governance and transparency practices are less likely to engage in unethical or irresponsible activities. So, the risk that such charities would misuse donations is lower than for charities that don’t adopt such practices.
Obtain Copies Of Its Financial Records Savvy donors know that the financial health of a charity is a strong indicator of the charity’s programmatic performance. They know that in most cause areas, the most efficient charities spend 75% or more of their budget on their programs and services and less than 25% on fundraising and administrative fees. However, they also understand that mid-to-large sized charities do require a strong infrastructure therefore a claim of zero fundraising and/or administrative fees is unlikely at best. They understand that a charity’s ability to sustain its programs over time is just as important as its short-term day-to-day spending practices. Therefore, savvy donors also seek out charities that can grow their revenue at least at the rate of inflation, that continue to invest in their programs and that have some money saved for a rainy day. All of this analysis is provided on Charity Navigator’s website for free, but when considering groups not found here, savvy donors ask the charity for copies of its three most recent Forms 990. Not only can the donor examine the charity’s finances, but the charity’s willingness to send the documents is a good way to assess its commitment to transparency.
Review Executive Compensation Sophisticated donors realize that charities need to pay their top leaders a competitive salary in order to attract and retain the kind of talent needed to run a multi-million dollar organization and produce results. But they also don’t just take the CEO’s compensation at face value; they benchmark it against similar-sized organizations engaged in similar work and located in the same region of the country. To help you make your own decision, Charity Navigator’s analysis reveals that the average CEO’s compensation of the charities we evaluate is almost $150,000. In general, salaries tend to be higher in the northeast and at arts and education charities. Sophisticated donors also put the CEO’s salary into context by examining the overall performance of the organization. They know it is better to contribute to a charity with a well-paid CEO that is meeting its goals than to support a charity with an underpaid CEO that fails to deliver on its promises. (Check out our CEO Compensation Study for more benchmarking data.)
Start A Dialogue To Investigate Its Programmatic Results Although it takes some effort on their part to assess a charity’s programmatic impact, donors who are committed to advancing real change believe that it is worth their time. Before they contribute, they talk with the charity to learn about its accomplishments, goals, and challenges. These donors are prepared to walk away from any charity that is unable or unwilling to participate in this type of conversation.
Concentrate Your Giving When it comes to financial investments, diversification is the key to reducing risk. The opposite is true for philanthropic investments. If you’ve taken the time to identify a well-run charity that is engaged in a cause that you are passionate about, you should then feel confident in giving it a donation. Spreading your money among multiple organizations not only results in your mailbox filling up with more appeals, but it also diminishes the possibility of any of those groups bringing about substantive change as each charity is wasting a percentage of your gift on processing expenses for that gift.
Share Your Intentions And Make A Long-Term Commitment Smart donors support their favorite charities for the long haul. They see themselves as a partner in the charity’s efforts to bring about change. They know that only with long-term, committed supporters can a charity be successful. And they don’t hesitate to tell the charity of their giving plans so that the organization knows it can rely on the donor and the charity doesn’t have to waste resources and harass the donor by sending numerous solicitations.
Portland, OR. It has been our biggest year to date at PortlandSocietyPage.com. We have tens of thousands more readers and featured over 500 local nonprofits in our stories during 2018. Those admirable organizations have raised millions of dollars for worthy beneficiaries. It’s our privilege to be the only nonprofit news resource for local charities and the supporters who love them! Did you miss any stories? Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter by CLICKING HERE! Have a great idea for 2019? Contact Editor & Publisher Elisa Klein, at [email protected].
So…here’s the list of the top ten stories (in reverse order to build your suspense) on PortlandSocietyPage.com during 2018.
10. Oregon Symphony 2018 Gala Raises Record $1.15M
Portland, OR. Following a drum roll by the Obo Addy Drummers, Oregon Symphony President Scott Showalter took the stage at the 2018 Oregon Symphony Gala to announce that $1.15M was raised in support of the orchestra. This marks the fourth consecutive year the Symphony has broken its fund raising record, making it one of the highest grossing benefits in the region. Attendees at the April 14th gala cheered loudly as a fireworks display lit up ten large video screens in the Portland Art Museum’s Kridel Ballroom. Chanteuse Storm Large, Oregon Symphony Music Director Carlos Kalmar, Oregon Symphony President Scott Showalter, and songwriter Naomi LaViolette all took time for a photo together. READ MORE
9. Oregon Made Film About Father/Daughter Living in Forest Park Premieres at Sundance
Park City, UT. Leave No Trace premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim. Director Debra Granik adapted the screenplay for the film with her writing partner, Anne Rosellini, from the Peter Rock novel, My Abandonment, which was based onthe true story of a father who lived with his teenage daughter in Forest Park for four years. READ MORE
8. Classic Wines Auction Raises Nearly $3 Million for Five Local Nonprofits
Portland, OR. More than 825 guests gathered on March 3rd at the Oregon Convention Center for the 34th annual Classic Wines Auction, raising nearly $3 million for five local nonprofits. Guests bid on distinctive auction items while enjoying gourmet cuisine presented by top local chefs and, of course, the gala’s signature fine wines. Proceeds support children and families in our community served by the beneficiaries, including: Metropolitan Family Service, YWCA Clark County, Friends of the Children, New Avenues for Youth and Unity Center for Behavioral Health. Classic Wines Auction events have raised more than $43 million since 1982. (Photo credit, John Valls Photography) READ MORE
7. Riverdale Auction Raises $140,000 for Programs Including Technology Upgrades and Emergency Preparedness
Portland, OR. City Lights was the theme for the Riverdale School District Auction at the Leftbank Annex. Benefit Chair, Kristen Best and committee member, Allison Williams, helped coordinated the volunteers, donors, student artists, sponsors, attendees, and entertainersat February 24th event. The auction raised funds for Riverdale PTC programs including $50,000 during a paddle raise for District-wide technology and emergency preparedness/safety initiatives. READ MORE
6. Top Ten Portland Society Page Stories of 2017
Portland, OR. “Classically American” Oregon Symphony’s Gala Raises Over $1 Million was the number one story in 2017. 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 included 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. READ MORE
5. Portland Center Stage 2018-2019 Season Will Include ‘Color Purple’ & Return of Storm Large in ‘Crazy Enough’
Portland, OR. Portland Center Stage at The Armory’s 2018-2019 season will feature 11 productions along with a special 10th anniversary return engagement of Storm Large in Crazy Enough, a show that had its world premiere at The Armory in 2009 and became one of the company’s biggest hits. READ MORE
4. Portland Father of the Year Honors Benefit American Diabetes Association
Portland, OR. The American Diabetes Association and the National Father’s Day Council honored four local dads at the “Father of the Year” awards dinner on June 15th on Center Court at the Moda Center. Similar events are hosted in cities across the country to recognize men who have made family a priority while balancing demanding careers and community involvement. 2016 Portland Father of the Year Honoree’s are: Terry Porter, (Former Portland Trail Blazer, Men’s Basketball Coach, University of Portland) Jay Haladay, (Retired CEO, Viewpoint Construction Software) Randy Miller, (President, Produce Row Property Management Company) and Michael Snaadt, (Owner, Helen Bernhard Bakery). The dinner is also a fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association because supporters are encouraged to make donations in support of the honored fathers. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus) READ MORE.
3. VIPs Flock to Portland International Auto Show Sneak Peek Charity Preview
Portland, OR. Hundreds of nonprofit supporters had the VIP treatment at the Auto Show Sneak Peek Charity Preview on January 24th. Lindsey and Brian Holcomb joined Randi Inukai and her husband, Co-owner of Dick’s Auto Group, Scott Inukai at the gala. Last year, the event raised $610,000 for local nonprofits and organizers say they’re on target to raise even more this year. As the official kickoff of the Portland International Auto Show (PIAS), the Sneak Peek has raised over $3 million for deserving charities at the Oregon Convention Center over the past five years. (The auto show dates for the public are Thurs., Jan. 25th – Sun., Jan. 28th.) This year, the charities which benefited include: Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland;Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; Meals on Wheels People; Victory Academy;the Brian Grant Foundation;The Dougy Center; and Self Enhancement Incorporated. READ MORE
2. Poolside Party Makes a Splash for New Avenues for Youth
Portland, OR. 130 friends and neighbors were mixing and mingling at the Dunthorpe home of Mimi and Doug McCaslin on June 27th, to learn more about the work of New Avenues for Youth. The nonprofit is celebrating its 20th year working toward the prevention and intervention of youth homelessness. Since 1997, its programs and services have impacted more than 20,000 young people as they work to overcome barriers, pursue goals, and realize their potential.
1. Opening Night VIP Party for RH Portland Benefits Doernbecher
Portland, OR. Over 1,000 invited guests converged on the new 46,000 square foot Restoration Hardware (RH) gallery store in the Historic Alphabet District for its gala opening. This new four-story showplace, at 474 NW 23rd, features RH furnishings, artwork, and accessories in a gallery-like setting. The VIP opening was also a benefit for the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation and drew supporters like Judi Inglis, Bella Hunter, RH Chairman & CEO Gary Friedman, Maddie Andrews, and Peter Andrews. READ MORE.
Well, there you have it, the top 10 Portland Society Page stories of the year. Society Page is a free community platform where you can make a difference. If you enjoy reading our positive news about the great things happening in our area, you can help and here’s how:
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and encourage your friends do the same. Click here.
Share our good news on your social channels.
Send us your story ideas and submit your events for our calendar.
Purchase an advertisement to reach our thousands of philanthropic readers.
We are excited to continue “Building Your Community” in 2019!
Mt. Angel, OR. Lederhosen and Dirndls are all the rage at the 51st annual Oktoberfest. Musicians said, “Willkommen” to Drew Carney from KGW when he visited the festival. It’s a four day celebration for rural community, 40 miles south of Portland; Oktoberfest runs from Thursday, September 15 through Sunday, September 18, 2016.
The Biergarten is drawing crowds who want to stay out of the rain.
Michele Fennimore – Oktoberfest Director
Over the past 51 years, the Oktoberfest organization has donated over three million dollars to Mount Angel schools, churches, civic organizations, youth activities, senior services, hospitals, and scores of other worthwhile causes. Additionally, civic and non-profit organizations also earn money by manning food booths. Last year these grossed $616,000.00. For many, Oktoberfest is their major fund raising activity of the year.
Ted Schacher, Nick Splonski and Bill Bischoff join S-Bahn in singing
Dean and Molly Westbrook have a polka moment
Jim Hoke – Oktoberfest Sponsor
Oregon’s oldest and longest running Oktoberfest began in 1966, following a tradition of over 125 years of harvest festivals under various names and formats. The community founded by German pioneers in 1867, with its surrounding agricultural countryside bears a striking resemblance to rural Bavaria, making an Oktoberfest a natural choice. Organizers expect 350,000 people to come to Mount Angel and soak in the Bavarian charm.
At the festival you’ll find over 50 little food chalets with Bavarian treats; a large arts and crafts show; a new Bavarian Biergarten, family Weingarten and interactive family Alpinegarten. There is free entertainment on the village bandstand featuring the sounds of the alpine country and a free Kindergarten on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy a sports program that includes golf and volleyball tournaments and a high school football classic, a 200-vehicle cruz-n car show and more.
Cannon Beach, OR. SOLVE is organizing beach clean-ups over the holiday weekend. In past years, volunteers collected 850 pounds of debris after the 4th of July. Oregon Parks and Recreation has established 32 drop-offs locations for debris collected on the beach. Debris dropped off at the collection locations must be in official SOLVE bags, which can be picked up at any state park or transfer station in an Oregon coastal county. Here’s a list where you can help out.
Visitors flock to the tide-pools near Haystack Rock during low tide.
Fish, birds, and other aquatic life can mistake small bits of trash for food. This trash travels through the digestive system often resulting in malnutrition, entanglement, and strangulation.
Due to the increased use of plastic and other synthetic materials, marine debris is causing increasing damage to ocean ecosystems and wildlife. Scientists estimate that more than 5 million square miles of the Pacific Ocean is covered with trash, and most of it is believed to be made up of plastic remnants from the world’s shorelines.
SOLVE helps keep Oregon Beaches beautiful.
SOLVE is working with the Oregon Tsunami Debris Task Force which includes representatives of State Police, Parks, Environmental Quality, Fish and Wildlife, Public Health, Transportation and the Marine Board, as well as local and tribal governments, state legislators, community organizations, and federal agencies.
For more information on how to handle beach debris, here’s a website:
SOLVE is a non-profit organization that brings together proud Oregonians (native and newly-transplanted) to improve the environment and to build a legacy of stewardship. By making connections between individuals, business groups, and service and conservation groups through volunteering and education, we are building a stronger tomorrow for this place we all love. This place that, let’s face it, is pretty much the biggest reason why we came (or stayed) here in the first place. We’ll take care of it, together.
The organization originally called S.O.L.V. (Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism) was created by Governor Tom McCall and other community leaders in 1969 to address the need for community action in the ever-growing state. Today SOLVE is building on their vision with a strategic plan that will guide us as we work to improve the environment of Oregon and build a legacy of stewardship.
In response to what is becoming an unprecedented amount of marine debris in Oregon, SOLVE has taken a leading role with partners Surfrider Foundation, Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition, Oregon Sea Grant and Washed Ashore, in forming a plan for a coordinated response. Our group, collectively operating as the Oregon Marine Debris Team, is working in an effort to engage volunteers in cooperation with local, state and federal agencies in marine debris removal projects. A network of 32 drop-off sites on the Oregon coast are now ready to receive beach debris washing ashore from the tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011. The drop-off sites are free and are a combination of state parks and independent recycling and transfer stations located in every county. Visitors and residents can call 211 (or 1-800-SAFENET) to report tsunami debris they see on the beach. The drop-off sites will accept debris in official beach cleanup bags produced by SOLVE. Beach cleanup bags are available at state park campgrounds.There will also be an increased number of beach cleanups scheduled on the Oregon Coast. Join the Marine Debris Team volunteer list if you are interested in helping with this effort.
Pickup trash along the beach the next time you visit the beach. Bags are available at every state park and transfer station along the Oregon coast. Full bags can be left at beach debris drop-off points.
Organize a beach cleanup with SOLVE through the Project Oregon program.
Sign up to volunteer for ongoing beach cleanup efforts.
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