St. Mary’s Academy’s Food for Thought Tuition Assistance Luncheon Lifts Spirits

St. Mary’s Academy’s Food for Thought Tuition Assistance Luncheon Lifts Spirits

Portland, November 30th.  The 19thannual Food for Thought Tuition Assistance Luncheon raised more than $355,000 toward the school’s commitment to financial aid for the current year. Olympian and 2012 Food for Thought keynote speaker Joan Benoit Samuelson, student speaker Ellen Patterson and Food for Thought Committee Chair Mariah Scott enjoyed the event. The signature annual event was held at the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower and drew more than 740 attendees united in their passion for ensuring that a St. Mary’s Academy education remains accessible to all young women.

Missy  and Jamie Hartnell

Missy and Jamie Hartnell

From St. Mary’s Academy:

  • Founded in 1859 by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, St. Mary’s Academy is Oregon’s oldest continuously operating secondary school, with nearly 10,000 alumnae.
  • St. Mary’s is the only school in Oregon to have received three U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Schools Program Awards.
  • St. Mary’s celebrates the achievements of the 152 accomplished young women comprising the Class of 2012: two National Merit Scholarship Program Finalists, seven National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Scholars and two National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars. These seniors earned nine National Art Honor Society Honor Cords, 57 Service Honor Cords, 44 Scholar Athlete Cords, 19 Thespian Honor Cords, 21 Tri-M Music Honor Cords, 14 OSAA Music Scholar Cords and 64 National Honor Society Stoles.
  •  On Advanced Placement exams, 92 percent of students earned a three or better, with 35 percent of students earning the highest score of a five. Tests are scored from one to five, and a score of three or better will earn college credit at many universities.

More information at http://www.stmaryspdx.org/

 

 

Guide Dogs for the Blind Fall Luncheon is Sold Out

Guide Dogs for the Blind Fall Luncheon is Sold Out

Portland, November 2nd. The Oregon Zoo Cascade Crest Banquet Center was filled with four-legged friends for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Fall Luncheon. 330 people attended and raised $75,000. Proceeds support programs at GDB’s Oregon campus in Boring including training for dogs and students and veterinary care for working guides and puppies in training. (Photo Credit, Deb Ryan)

The program featured a dog training demonstration, a keynote address by Paralympic Downhill Skiing Bronze Medalist Danelle Umstead with her Guide Dog Bettylynn, as well as the ever-popular puppy delivery where puppy raisers received their new charges.

The program featured a dog training demonstration, a keynote address by Paralympic Downhill Skiing Bronze Medalist Danelle Umstead with her Guide Dog Bettylynn, as well as the ever-popular puppy delivery where puppy raisers received their new charges.

Guide Dogs for the Blind veterinarian Dr. Patti Van de Coevering and Arnie.

Guide Dogs for the Blind veterinarian Dr. Patti Van de Coevering and Arnie.

Guests at Guide Dogs for the Blind's Oregon Fall Luncheon.

Guests at Guide Dogs for the Blind’s Oregon Fall Luncheon.

CEO of Guide Dogs for the Blind, Paul Lopez and his wife Deirdre enjoying the Oregon Fall Luncheon hosted by Guide Dogs for the Blind.

CEO of Guide Dogs for the Blind, Paul Lopez and his wife Deirdre enjoying the Oregon Fall Luncheon hosted by Guide Dogs for the Blind.

From Guide Dogs for the Blind:

It all began with a dream—the dream of creating the first guide dog training school on the West Coast. It was a dream shared by Lois Merrihew and Don Donaldson, who volunteered their efforts along with many others. They recognized the need to help wounded servicemen who would return from World War II without their sight. They believed in the potential of dogs to serve as guides for the blind.

Our school was incorporated in May of 1942 and began instruction of students in a rented home in Los Gatos, California, south of San Jose. A German Shepherd named Blondie was one of the first dogs trained. Blondie had been rescued from a Pasadena dog pound. She was later paired with Sgt. Leonard Foulk, the first serviceman to graduate from the new school.

Today…

In 1947, the school moved to our present 11-acre location in San Rafael, California, 20 miles north of San Francisco. In October of 1995, we held the first graduation at our new campus in Boring, Oregon, 25 miles east of Portland. We have graduated more than 10,000 teams since our beginnings in 1942.

Both campuses house students in exceptional dormitory facilities which include dining rooms, exercise rooms, libraries, computer rooms and social areas. Both are located near major metropolitan centers, providing graduated training from quiet rural areas to congested city streets and public transit. The dogs and puppies are cared for in meticulous kennels and state-of-the-art veterinary clinics. Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever crosses are the breeds used. Professional staff and veterinarians nurture, groom, train and prepare the dogs for their futures as guides.

 

Camp Starlight Integrates into Cascade AIDS Project’s Programming

Camp Starlight Integrates into Cascade AIDS Project’s Programming

Portland, November 15th. After 15 years of bringing joy, support, and just plain fun to hundreds of HIV/AIDS-affected and –infected children, Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) announced that Camp Starlight is now an official program within the agency’s Housing and Support Services department.

Though housed at CAP since 2007, Camp Starlight was not fully incorporated into CAP programs until October 2012. This integration gives CAP full administrative, programming and financial oversight for Camp, including recruiting volunteers, raising the money needed to fund the effort, and collaborating with organizations to make sure HIV-impacted families throughout Oregon and SW Washington are aware of the opportunity to send their children to the free, week-long Camp on the Oregon Coast. The Camp Starlight Commission will serve as the Camp Planning Committee offering invaluable insight, volunteer support in planning and implementing the camper experience, assisting in fund raising activities and keeping Camp successful.

Though integrated with the Kids’ Connection program, cash and in-kind gifts specifically designated for Camp Starlight will be applied solely to Camp Starlight expenses.

“With so much to celebrate, 2013 is going to be an absolutely incredible year for kids who are affected by HIV/AIDS,” said Kristin Kane, CAP’s Director of Housing and Support Services.

Incorporating Camp fully into CAP has another advantage: Camp Starlight and Kids’ Connection can be even more closely coordinated. Kids who are affected by HIV will not only benefit from a fun week away at Camp, but they’ll have the opportunity to get year-round support and stay connected to each other, to our volunteers, and to CAP staff.

“The integration of camp with Kids’ Connection only makes sense. Many of the kids are served by both programs,” said Kevin Cook, aka Poison Waters, of the former Commission and Current Advisory Committee. “This creates a powerful opportunity to support the campers year round. I’ve been involved for 13 years and look forward to continuing on the committee, raising funds and donating while encouraging others to volunteer and donate as well.”

To solidify the transition, in January 2013 CAP staff and the former Camp Commission, now the Camp Advisory Committee, will hold a retreat to review volunteer positions, Camp policies, and map out next steps for the next Camp Starlight, which will be held in August 2013. Also, details about volunteering for Camp will be posted on CAP’s volunteer resources page of our website next year.

Information submitted by Michael Sorensen | Director of Development
Cascade AIDS Project

Animal Lovers Unleash Passion at Sold Out DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital’s DoveAdore

Animal Lovers Unleash Passion at Sold Out DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital’s DoveAdore

Portland,  November 9th. More than 400 of Portland’s finest packed the Portland Art Museum to raise over $288,000 for DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital. Beverly Young celebrates wildly after winning an exhilarating live auction bidding war to claim a surprise behind-the-scenes auction package for the hit NBC television series, Grimm. (Photo Credit, K&K Graphics and Erik Schultz of Rad Photography)

The sold-out gala and fashion show benefited Portland’s Nonprofit Emergency Animal Hospital’s Unrestricted Fund, which supports the hospitals donor-funded community programs, including one of America’s largest volunteer-based animal blood banks, a nationally recognized pet loss support program, 24-hour stabilizing care for lost, stray, abused and wild animals, and financial assistance for low income families.

The highly anticipated mystery model, Azazyel a six-month-old Nigerian Dwarf Goat, strutted in a one-of-a-kind jacket designed by Lifetime’s Project Runway winner Seth Aaron Henderson. Azazyel was accompanied by his owner and DoveLewis Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lee Harold.

The highly anticipated mystery model, Azazyel a six-month-old Nigerian Dwarf Goat, strutted in a one-of-a-kind jacket designed by Lifetime’s Project Runway winner Seth Aaron Henderson. Azazyel was accompanied by his owner and DoveLewis Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lee Harold.

Over 400 guests raised a glass to celebrate DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital at the inaugural DoveAdore featuring Boutiques Unleashed gala event.

Over 400 guests raised a glass to celebrate DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital at the inaugural DoveAdore featuring Boutiques Unleashed gala event.

Event emcees; KPTV’s Wayne Garcia and Kimberly Maus, hosted the event which combined a dinner, live and silent auction and Boutiques Unleashed, a fashion show for both ends of the leash.

Event emcees; KPTV’s Wayne Garcia and Kimberly Maus, hosted the event which combined a dinner, live and silent auction and Boutiques Unleashed, a fashion show for both ends of the leash.

Visionary DoveLewis donor, Howard Hedinger, celebrated with guests, Morgan Lutgens and Annie Heisey.

Visionary DoveLewis donor, Howard Hedinger, celebrated with guests, Morgan Lutgens and Annie Heisey.

Chez Joly Catering hosted a table for the evening with guests; Charles Frasier, Annette Joly, Chrys Martin, Christian Joly, Dawn Davis, Steve Rickles and Jack Pessia.

Chez Joly Catering hosted a table for the evening with guests; Charles Frasier, Annette Joly, Chrys Martin, Christian Joly, Dawn Davis, Steve Rickles and Jack Pessia.

Charlie Swindells, representing the Ann and Bill Swindells Charitable Trust, raises his paddle during the live appeal. The Ann and Bill Swindells Charitable Trust generously offered a $100,000 matching gift to the DoveLewis building fund over the next year.

Charlie Swindells, representing the Ann and Bill Swindells Charitable Trust, raises his paddle during the live appeal. The Ann and Bill Swindells Charitable Trust generously offered a $100,000 matching gift to the DoveLewis building fund over the next year.

Oregon Ballet Theater’s Principal Ballerina, Allison Roper, walked with Twinkie in the Boutiques Unleashed fashion show.

Oregon Ballet Theater’s Principal Ballerina, Allison Roper, walked with Twinkie in the Boutiques Unleashed fashion show.

Many local celebrities graced the runway, including KGW’s Drew Carney who shared the spotlight with Zoey the dog.

Many local celebrities graced the runway, including KGW’s Drew Carney who shared the spotlight with Zoey the dog.

Crowd favorite, Rojo the Llama, and his handler Shannon Gregory made an appearance at this year’s fashion show. Rojo, a certified therapy animal, is a regular at many DoveLewis events.

Crowd favorite, Rojo the Llama, and his handler Shannon Gregory made an appearance at this year’s fashion show. Rojo, a certified therapy animal, is a regular at many DoveLewis events.

 

“The compassion and generosity of the Portland community never ceases to amaze me,” says Ron Morgan, DoveLewis Chief Executive Officer. “To sell out the event and see so many people turn out to support the work we do in the community is truly amazing. We couldn’t be happier.”

This year, the re-imagined event put a fashionable spin on the typical gala and featured a dinner, exhilarating live and silent auctions, and culminated with the outrageously popular Boutiques Unleashed fashion show for both ends of the leash. KPTV personalities Kimberly Maus and Wayne Garcia emceed the event which featured special runway celebrities; KGW’s Drew Carney, K103FM’s morning radio personalities Bruce Murdock, John Erickson and Janine Wolf, KOIN’s Jenny Hansson, and The Oregon Ballet Theatre’s Principal Ballerina Allison Roper. The night’s special surprise model, a six-month-old Nigerian Dwarf Goat named Azazyel, made a fashionable statement in a one-of-a-kind ensemble designed by Lifetime’s Project Runway winner Seth Aaron Henderson.

 

About DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital

DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital, established in 1973 and based in Portland, Ore., is the only nonprofit, 24-Hour Emergency and Intensive Care Unit in the region. DoveLewis provides donor-funded programs to the community including one of the United States’ largest volunteer-based animal blood banks, a nationally recognized pet loss support program, 24-hour stabilizing care for lost, stray and wild animals and financial assistance for qualifying low-income families and abused animals. For more information, please visit dovelewis.org.

 

9th Annual Whisker Wonderland Sets Record for Cat Adoption Team

9th Annual Whisker Wonderland Sets Record for Cat Adoption Team

Portland, November 3rd. It was the most profitable Whisker Wonderland in Cat Adoption Team history with over $127,000 raised for programs. (Photo credit, Lamm Photography) Cat Adoption Team (or CAT) volunteers Diane and Miranda Yearous were in the Whisker spirit. Organizers say the charity benefit at the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower was purr-fect!

Kristi Brooks, Karen Green (incoming Exec Director), Kathy Covey, and Sharon Sipprell (end) with Board Member Robin Russell (if you want to reword that the order is l-r: Kristi, Karen, Kathy, Robin, Sharon)

Kristi Brooks, Karen Green (incoming Exec Director), Kathy Covey, Board Member Robin Russell and Sharon Sipprell at the benefit.

Kris Otteman, CAT Board President, trying out the Whisker drink luge

Kris Otteman, CAT Board President, trying out the Whisker drink luge

Bidding on some great silent auction items

The silent auction had popular items for cat lovers.

CAT is based in Sherwood.

CAT will also have a Black Friday sale, November 23rd, featuring $5  adoptions for black or mostly black adult cats at CAT’s Sherwood shelter.

From the Cat Adoption Team:

Whether a homeless cat is sick, injured, or perfectly healthy and simply in need of a home, your donation ensures that a cat receives help when he or she needs it.

The Cat Adoption Team is a 501(c)(3) publicly supported charity.