Portland, October 6th. “Keep Oregon WARM!” That was the theme of Oregon HEAT’s 2012 Annual Dinner & Benefit Auction at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in NE Portland. Longtime Oregon HEAT supporter and sponsor, Janey Greenlees is joined by friends, Diane Wilcox, Kelly Heinonen and Kristine Creger. Drew Carney was the Emcee. The event raised over $28,000 to help those in need of heat and lights during winter months. (Photo credit, Miriam Fisk)
Keynote Speaker, Oregon’s First Lady, Cylvia Hayes
Supporters had the opportunity to listen to Oregon’s First Lady, Cylvia Hayes speak passionately about the need to help our fellow Oregonians with basic needs like heat, food and shelter. Supporters also had the chance to listen to the Lee Garret Quartet; featuring Janice Scroggins.
It was a great evening of fundraising for Oregon HEAT’s mission to develop and coordinate resources to help low-income Oregonians meet their energy needs and to achieve energy self-reliance through energy education and advocacy.
It is estimated that nearly 1 in 4 Oregon families may not have the money to pay for heat or keep the lights on when needed most. Oregon HEAT is an independent nonprofit organization founded just over 20 years ago to help low-income Oregonians and hard-working families keep those vital utilities on during unforeseen emergency situations.
At Oregon HEAT, we are people just like you who want to ensure area families are safe and warm in their own home. Together, we are neighbors helping neighbors, providing warmth and kindness through heartfelt donations.
Matt Joerin and Auction Chairwoman, Lisa Joerin enjoy Oregon HEAT’s auction festivities.
Keynote Speaker and Oregon’s First Lady, Cylvia Hayes; Governor John Kitzhaber;Oregon HEAT’s Board President, David Symes and wife Anne Symes
Portland, September 29th. Two hundred supporters attended Write Around Portland’s annual fundraiser: XY&Z. Heidi Bazille and Kara Pierce tried their hand at the “Word Salad” activity board. The party raised $44,000 to help fund Write Around Portland’s creative writing workshops held at places like the Oregon Burn Center, The Sexual Assault Resource Center, Portland Youth Builders, Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, and Helensview High School.
Allison Bick and Kara Bader
Event Chairs Kari Easton, Georgia Hussey, Kate Rood and Alexandra Walford credited generous donors for their success. They also thanked venue hosts, “Design Within Reach” saying the modern furniture studio was the perfect setting for vintage typewriters and a cocktail party atmosphere that made XY&Z special.
Jenni Leasia, Steve Leasia and Anne Scott enjoy XY&Z, Write Around Portland’s Annual Fundraiser.
Stephanie Barr is excited to offer her support at XY&Z.
From Write Around Portland:
Write Around Portland transforms lives and our communities through the power of writing. The organization brings free 10-week creative writing workshops to nearly 500 adults and youth each year in hospitals, schools, homeless youth shelters, senior centers, low income apartments, prisons, social service agencies and treatment facilities. Workshops culminate in community readings and three beautifully designed books annually. Write Around Portland also offers writing workshops for the general public. They offer regular workshops at Powell’s Books and HOTLIPS Pizza. For more information, visit www.writearound.org.
Portland, October 1st. The Classic Wines Auction supports the good work of Oregon non-profit organizations by providing funds to pre-selected entities benefiting children and families. The Classic Wines Auction partners with organizations with the following characteristics: mission compatibility, effective organizational management, sound financial practices, Board-led fundraising, sustainability, and a solid volunteer network. Participation is by invitation only. Classic Wines Auction does not anticipate any available openings for new charity partners for 2013 events.
The 2013 beneficiaries are:
Metropolitan Family Service, which helps to strengthen families and individuals while enhancing their participation in community life.
New Avenues for Youth, which helps homeless youth overcome tragic childhoods, exit the streets, and become productive members of our community.
YWCA Clark County, offering life-changing services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and homelessness.
Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel, one of Oregon’s largest providers of pediatric inpatient and trauma services, providing excellent care to infants, children and teens in Portland and the Northwest.
Here are some upcoming events for The Classic Wines Auction.
November 13-15, 2012 – Fall Winemaker Dinners
February 25, 2013 – Walla Walla Wine @ Pure Space
February 19-21 and 26-28, 2013 – Spring Winemaker Dinners
March 1, 2013 – Ambassadors Dinner
March 2, 2013 – Classic Wines Auction
Over the past several years, the Classic Wines Auction has also supported the following children’s charities: Trillium Family Services, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington, SMART® (Start Making A Reader Today), The Boys and Girls Aid Society of Oregon, The Christie School and Tuality Healthcare (dba ¡Salud!).
What began as a small group of friends exchanging wine from personal collections to raise funds for Portland’s Metropolitan Family Service, the Classic Wines Auction has evolved into one of the top ten charity wine auctions in the United States according to Wine Spectatormagazine, prompting organizers to form a separate nonprofit entity in July 2004.
Since 2005, the Classic Wines Auction has raised an average of at least $2 million each year and since inception, the Auction has raised over $28 million. Classic Wines Auction’s expanded events now benefit over 82,000 children & families annually served by our charity partners. Classic Wines Auction charities are providing services, hope and opportunity to change the lives of thousands in our community.
Portland, Monday, September 24th. Over 65 Nonprofit leaders raised their glasses at The Treasury Ballroom to celebrate the release of the fifth edition of The Oregon Nonprofit Corporation Handbook. Authors Cindy Cumfer and Kay Sohl were on hand to sign hot-off-the-press copies of the essential resource. They also had a chance to enjoy appetizers, wine, and beverages generously donated by Vibrant Table.
Alice Forbes, Nonprofit Association of Oregon Interim Executive Director and Alissa Beddow, Nonprofit Association of Oregon Communications & Design Coordinator take a look at the new book.
Carrie Kaufman, Director of Development & Communications and Warren Bechotolt Jr.
The only complete guide for Oregon nonprofits, the Handbook is four great reference books in one: legal, tax exemption, management, and accounting.
The Nonprofit Association of Oregon was very appreciative of the generous donation of catering services from Vibrant table.
The mission of the Nonprofit Association of Oregon is to strengthen the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of nonprofits to enrich the lives of all Oregonians.
What We Value
The Role of Nonprofits in Our Society We believe nonprofits play an exceptional and vital role in our communities and in our state. The sector enriches community life, offers people a way to participate, stands up for underrepresented people, provides needed services, and pioneers solutions to social and economic problems. To fulfill these roles, the nonprofit sector needs a strong collective voice.
Innovation, Investment, Stewardship We believe the role of nonprofits is central to addressing social challenges and opportunities. Nonprofits are critical to the creation of a better future through their innovation, entrepreneurship, creative use of resources, and ability to engage communities in shared visions. We believe strongly in investing in the capacity of nonprofits to build the systems and infrastructure they need to develop effective and sustainable organizations. We are careful stewards of all human, financial, and natural resources. We use the time and talents of those working with us effectively, we spend the funds invested in us wisely, and we are environmentally responsible.
The Diversity of the People of Oregon We respect and include all of Oregon’s people, cultures, regions, and political views. We believe that nonprofits play a leadership role in establishing cross-cultural effectiveness.
Portland, September 9th. At a freewheeling Scavenger Hunt organized by the nonprofit BACKBONES, one person per team was required to be in a wheelchair; some people were trying it for the first time. The hunt started at the Mercy Corps Building and took teams around the Rose City. Participants learned about spinal cord research at the Rehabilitation Institute of Oregon and had a great time doing it. The event marked Spinal Chord Awareness Month and attracted a wide range of attendees.
Ashley Schahfer holds up a team t-shirt from the Scavenger Hunt.
“Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world.” – Mohandas Gandhi
Reveca Torres, founder of BACKBONES from Illinois, gets a hug from one of the competitors.
The nonprofit was started in the Chicago area by Reveca Torres whose spinal cord was fractured in an automobile accident when she was a teenager. BACKBONES launched in Portland last year.
From BACKBONES:
BACKBONES exists to provide free support for people with spinal cord injury and their families. Through our network we facilitate telephone, in-person, or web-based connections and encourage growth by the sharing of experiences and ideas. As a host to events, BACKBONES creates an inviting atmosphere where people can ask questions, learn from each other informally, and make lasting friendships. If you’d like to get involved, here’s a link: http://backbonesonline.com/
NONPROFIT BENEFIT TICKET GIVEAWAYS!
Sign up for our free weekly highlights for the chance to win two tickets terrific nonprofit events! If you "like" us on facebook, or sign up for our weekly news highlights, you'll be entered to win! Sign up today!
Look for another ticket giveaway soon! Are you a nonprofit looking to bolster your publicity with facebook and tweets? Email us and we'll run a contest with tickets to your event! [email protected]