Portland, OR. It was high-fives all around as Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) raised $1.4 million at its 17th annual Wonderball gala on October 7th. Leaders Rosemary Colliver, founder Regina Ellis and Andy Lytle celebrated the donations which will fuel CCA’s mission of prescribing joy to seriously ill children and their families. Organizers welcomed nearly 850 supporters to the Oregon Convention Center for an “Age of Aquarius” themed night they say was inspired by the abundant love and optimism of the Woodstock era.
Singer-songwriter, Kyle Craft, sings Bob Dylan’s The Times They Are A-Changin’ and is joined onstage by CCA-served kids and teens.
Regina Ellis, CCA Founder & Chief Joy Officer, stops to thank raffle ticket sellers, Moxie and Aven.
Albert Menashe, CCA Board Member, Attorney & Shareholder at Gevurtz Menashe; Julie Menashe; Grant Feltz, Wieden+Kennedy; John Christianson, Estate Planning Attorney at Gevurtz Menashe
Andrea Corradini, CCA Board Member, Senior Director, Women’s NSW Footwear at Nike; Regina Ellis, CCA Founder & Chief Joy Officer
Party guests included Sandy Bodecker, VP Special Projects, Nike Inc.; Tanya Cerda; Cholee Thompson, Ryan Artists; David Brown, longtime CCA Chemo Pal; and their friends.
Andy Lytle, CCA Board Chair, Division VP – Western US at Jackson Family Wines; Jim Haven, Creative Director; Jessi Duley, CCA Board Member, Founder & Instructor at Burn Cycle; Mary Lytle
Keynote speakers, Andy and Ruth Soria Zuniga, share their family’s story with Wonderball guests.
Chris Funk, CCA Board Member and multi-instrumentalist with The Decemberists, starts the show with a guitar solo guests call, thrilling.
Party guests included Clare Hamill, CCA Founding Board Chair, Vice President, Nike Growth Initiatives at Nike; Heidi O’Neill, President, Direct to Consumer, Nike Inc.; Patrick O’Neill; Marcus Harvey, Owner, Portland Gear; Sarah Marshall, MyMusicRx ATX Champion; and their friends.
Paul Gulick, CCA Board Chair Emeritus, 2008-10, and his table guests
Lead Sponsor PDX Property Group filled the table with guests that included John Powers, CCA Ambassador Board Co-Chair, Broker of PDX Property Group at Keller Williams Realty and Chris Suarez, Principal Broker, CEO of PDX Property Group of Keller Williams.
Presenting Sponsor, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield’s table, which included Scott Burton, Director, Revenue Management & Portfolio Positioning, Cambia Solutions; Angela Dowling, President, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, and Chief Sales Officer; and their guests.
Jeff Nyburg, Regional Director at Carter’s | OshKosh B’gosh; CS Sheffield, CCA Ambassador Board Co-Chair, Senior Therapeutic Specialty Consultant, Pfizer Oncology; Jennifer Nyburg; Angela Sheffield.
CCA staff members welcome guests at registration amid tapestries and Wonderball branded prayer flags.
Macie House, CCA Board Member, Managing Director, Baird, Regina Ellis, CCA Founder & Chief Joy Officer; Suzann Baricevic Murphy, CCA Board Member, Owner/President at (W)here Inc.
Steve Blake, CCA Board Member and former NBA Player; Regina Ellis, CCA Founder & Chief Joy Officer; Kristen Blake, Health & Wellness Coach
Serene Perkins,(center) CCA Board Member, Director of Surgical and Clinical Research, Legacy Research Institute Legacy Health, Regina Ellis, CCA Founder & Chief Joy Officer
Served by CCA as a teen and now a pre-med student at PSU, Sarah Florig shared her emotional story with Wonderball guests.
Guests enjoyed silent and live auctions, a seated dinner, inspiring family speakers and live, Woodstock era music throughout the night. Portland jam band frontman Lewi Longmire’s LT Red and the Hazy Visions kicked off the live performances, which included a rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s “Star-Spangled Banner” performed by Chris Funk of The Decemberists. Other performers included Brandon Nicolai and New York-based cabaret singer Amber Martin.
Décor included Indian tapestries, marigold garlands, and buttons and prayer flags with the reimagined protest slogan “Cancer is not Healthy for Children and Other Living Things”. A Moroccan menu and Summer of Love themed drinks were served to complete the aesthetic. Late night revelers also enjoyed an after-party with DJ Anjali at Spirit of 77.
A record-breaking paddle raise was led by auctioneer Kelly Russell of Artisan Auctions following Regina Ellis’ keynote speech and PSU pre-med student, Sarah Florig’s, inspiring story. CCA-served family, Ruth and Andy Soria Zuniga, also shared the many ways CCA has supported their family during their 2-year-old daughter’s treatment.
“At CCA, we are JOY seekers. For the last 22 years, we have asked ourselves repeatedly: what can JOY do?” said Regina Ellis, Founder and Chief Joy Officer of Children’s Cancer Association in her address. “We are the only organization working to position JOY as best practice in pediatric hospitals across the nation by delivering innovative programs that transform a moment with music, friendship and nature. Because of the generosity in this room, last year we served 31 percent more children and teens, how, when and where they preferred, and delivered over 92,000 service interactions across the United States.”
This event was made possible by the presenting sponsor, Regence BlueCross Blue Shield of Oregon. Additional sponsors included PDX Property Group and Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel.
About Children’s Cancer Association (CCA)
The Children’s Cancer Association knows that for seriously ill children and their families every moment is precious. That’s why our programs leverage music, friendship, play, and resources to create transformative moments of joy for 20,000 children, teens, and their family members each year. We believe kids deserve long, wonderful lives. Or at the very least, short wonderful lives. Unlike many organizations dedicated to the worthy goal of someday finding a cure for cancer, CCA is all about creating joy today. See our programs in action at JoyRx.org.
Portland, OR. The Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) welcomed nearly 800 of their most passionate supporters on September 24th to the 16th annual Wonderball. Analia Earhart, CCA Board Member; Regina Ellis, CCA Founder and Chief Joy Officer; and Jani Iverson, VP, Stand for Children enjoyed the star-studded Havana-themed nightclub experience that raised more than $1.3 million to further CCA’s mission of delivering joy to seriously ill children and their families. Billed as ¡El Baile! (The Dance!), and presented by Regence BlueCross BlueShield, the evening celebrated the vibrant colors, sounds, flavors, and styles of 1950s Havana. (Photo credit, Megan Henson)
Mary and Andy Lytle, CCA Board Chair & Division VP of Western US, Jackson Family Wines
Jeff and Susie Perkins, Andrea Corradini, (CCA Board Member & Women’s Global Senior Footwear Product Director, Nike Sportwear) and David Brown
Regina Ellis, CCA Founder and Chief Joy Officer; Ron and Lynn Penner-Ash, Penner-Ash Wine Cellars; Pieter De Temmerman, CEO, Pacific Data Partners
Tony Starlight, The Starella Sisters and Melao de Cuba get the Havana nightclub-themed party started
Tanya Cerda and Sandy Boedecker, VP Special Projects, Nike
Party guests included Scott Burton, CCA Board Member and Director of Community & Business Relations for Presenting Sponsor – Regence BlueCross BlueShield; Mark Mantei, CEO, Vancouver Clinic; Angela Dowling, President, Regence BlueCross BlueShield; and Sam Burton.
Foundation; David Lucas, Executive Director, Maurice Lucas Foundation; and Kaylyn Jones, Nike
Michelle DeCourcy, CCA Ambassador Board Member and Fashion Designer; and Seann McKeel, MyMusicRx Champion & Creative Director, You Who Rock Show for Kids
Wonderball Lead Partner, Thrivent Mutual Funds fills a table.
Keynote speaker, John Grothe, is the head PGA professional at Willamette Valley Golf Club. His family was served by CCA in 2014.
Chris Funk, The Decemberists; Abby Guyer, CCA VP of Brand; Andy Lytle, CCA Board Chair and Division VP – Western US Jackson Family Wines
Paul Schneider, owner, TWIST; Clare Hamill, CCA Founding Board Chair and VP Global Growth Initiatives, Nike; Doug Fish, President, Fish Marketing; and Morgan Dance
Wonderball Celebration Partner, Alaska Airlines was in the house. Pictured are Sana Gebarin (Horizon Air), Susie Desmond, Liz Skayhan (Alaska Airlines), Lou Ames (Horizon Airlines), Brad Lambert (Horizon Air), Gabby Lambert, Kaylyn Jones (Nike), and David Lucas (Maurice Lucas Foundation)
Katherine Durham, CCA Board Member and Chief Marketing Officer and VP, Individual Disability Insurance, The Standard; and Brad Durham
Latin American singer and songwriter, Edna Vasquez, along with Melao de Cuba, close out the evening
Albert Menashe, CCA Board Member, Co-Founder and Senior Shareholder, Gevurtz and Menashe; Regina Ellis, CCA Founder and Chief Joy Officer; and Michael Preisz, President & Founder, Preisz Financial
Sarah and Cedric Berry; Allison Clarke, CCA Ambassador Board Co-Chair, President, Allison Clarke Consulting; and Todd Dickens
Guests were treated to live music from Son de Cuba, classic cars on display from the Portland Roadster Show, and Cuban-themed food and drink. Tony Starlight, ¡El Baile! nightclub host, channeled Desi Arnaz for a festive conga solo and, along with dancers The Starella Sisters, introduced high energy performances from Melao de Cuba Orquesta, tap dancer Tony Palomino, salsa dancers Jennie Fremont & Rob Hilario, and a special guest appearance by Latin American singer-songwriter, Edna Vazquez, to close out the night.
From CCA:
“For 21 years CCA’s programs have been provided at no cost and today, we serve over 20,000 kids and their families annually,” said Regina Ellis, Founder and Chief Joy Officer of the Children’s Cancer Association in her address. “Make no mistake. With the power of JOY, we are out to change the world.”
Portland, OR. Over 450 guests attended the 21st Hope Gala at the Sentinel Hotel. Jordan Schnitzer was one of the presenters who helped honor Donald and Suzanne Krahmer with the “Living and Giving Award.” Leon Alzola, the President of the JDRF Board of Directors, was also on hand for the presentation. The event was chaired by Larry & Suzanne Mackin and raised over $610,000 to fund diabetes research. Each year at the Hope Gala, the JDRF Oregon/SW Washington Chapter presents the “Living and Giving Award” to individuals or a company who are outstanding philanthropists, not only to JDRF, but to our community at large. This honor recognizes those who stand out as exemplary leaders and who have, for a long time, set the standard for “giving back” in many ways.
Celebrity Emcee Elizabeth Dinh, Fox 12 Oregon and Auctioneer, Don Jones of Stokes Auction Group.
JDRF 2016 Hope Gala.Judy Summers, Executive Director presents flowers to Suzanne and Larry Mackin, Hope Gala Co-Chairs.
Craig Wessel, Publisher, Portland Business Journal, Celebrity Guest Speaker and close friend of the Krahmers, gives a special welcome to Gala Patrons at the May 7th benefit.
From JDRF:
JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 (T1D) diabetes research. In the last twelve years, JDRF has funded over $3 million dollars in grants to research taking place in Oregon.
The Oregon/SW Washington Chapter provides support services to those newly diagnosed and families and children and adults living with type 1 diabetes that include Parent Coffee Groups, Children’s Art Group, Adult Supper Club, an Educational Summit, Adult and Teen Care Kits and the Bag of Hope Program for newly diagnosed children.
Note: JDRF is the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Since 50% of new diagnoses of type 1 diabetes are adults and 50% are children, we want all of our constituents to know that we are serving them, so we no longer spell out our full name.
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)
The purpose of the evening is also to raise funds for diabetes research, education, and advocacy. Since 2000 the Fathers’ Day Council and the American Diabetes Association have partnered to raise more than $40 million for the American Diabetes Association.
Cathy Marshall from KGW helped out at the event.
The event offered the opportunity to educate community members about The American Diabetes Association’s mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. The event supports diabetes education, research and advocacy to benefit nearly 30 million children and adults in the United States who have diabetes.
Honoree Terry Porter was joined by his children, Franklin (20), Brianna (23), his wife Susan and Malcolm (18).
Here’s more information about the men who were honored from the The American Diabetes Association:
Terry Porter, a 17-year NBA veteran player and former NBA head coach, was recently named the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at the University of Portland. Terry was a standout for the Portland Trail Blazers and had his jersey retired by the franchise in 2009. A Milwaukee, Wisconsin native, Terry was the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks for two seasons (2003-05), including leading the team to the 2004 NBA Playoffs. He served one season as head coach of the Phoenix Suns (2008-09) and was also an assistant coach at Minnesota, Sacramento and Detroit. He received the J. Walter Kennedy Citizen Award from the NBA in 1993. Terry graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1993, and was named a Distinguished Alumnus in 1999. A long-time team ambassador for the Trail Blazers since his retirement, has not only been a fan favorite from his playing days, but also one of the biggest community contributors of any Portland-area celebrity. He is a Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame member and still actively participates in many other community ventures. He and his wife Susan have three children Brianna (23), Franklin (20) and Malcolm (18).
Jay and his wife Renee have four children, Scott, Miles, Taryn and Gavin.
Jay Haladay has made many positive impacts in his 25 years as a resident of the Portland area. As a father, an innovative software company executive and real estate developer, his activities have had a very positive impact on Oregon. Jay and his wife Renee reside in Lake Oswego. Their four children, Scott, Miles, Taryn and Gavin, spent their formative years going through the Lake Oswego school system. The family came to Portland in 1991 as an extension of Jay’s career in technology. First with IBM, then later as the owner and CEO of several software firms, the Haladay’s came to Portland so that Jay could focus on one of these firms, Viewpoint Construction Software. For many years, people knew the Haladay’s from sports associated with their children. As either a coach or as a benefactor, Jay was blending his business life with many hours working with young athletes. But in these later years, as Jay has focused his time and creativity in new directions, the business leader has emerged. Under Jay’s leadership, Viewpoint grew into one of the largest software firms dedicated to the global construction industry. In May, 2015, Jay retired from his post as CEO and Chairman of the Board of Viewpoint, but not after seeing the firm grow to almost 800 employees serving 8,000 construction customers in 26 countries. One of the important elements of Viewpoint’s growth was the positive company culture he developed at the firm, assisted by the active involvement of his three sons in Viewpoint’s operation and management. Jay received the 2013 Technology Executive of the Year from the Technology Association of Oregon for his work with Viewpoint. Another side of Jay came thought as he developed the RiverEast Center as Viewpoint’s headquarters. It was a central element of Viewpoint’s vibrant culture and recognized as a catalyst for the growth of Portland’s exciting near in East Side. While retired from his career in technology, Jay continues to devote his time to growing businesses and being a creative developer. The Haladay family has created 10 Branch, an organization that invests in growing Oregon-based businesses. 10 Branch is also helping downtown Lake Oswego renew itself by taking on a major real estate project.
Randy Miller is President of Produce Row Property Management Company and former chairman of the Moore Company. He is currently serving as the Honorary Consulate to the Republic of Lithuania.
A longtime Oregonian, Randy is a graduate of Lincoln High School, holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Boston University, and received his Master’s degree from Portland State.
He is active in a number of civic activities including serving on boards for the PGE Foundation; Greater Portland Inc., the World Affairs Council, Oregon Sports Authority, Central Eastside Industrial Council; the Oregon Business Plan Steering Committee; the International Air Service Committee for the Port of Portland; the Bicycle Transportation Alliance; the Oregon Business Association, the Portland Business Alliance and the OBC Poverty Task Force. He also serves on boards for AAA Oregon/Idaho; Air Advice Corporation; CTL Corporation and the High Desert National Bank.
He is a recipient of the Port of Portland Compass Award, the Portland Business Alliance President’s Award and the City of Portland’s Spirit of Portland Award.
He is married to wife Jan and they have four grown children, Kelsey, Haley and twins Clayton and Gregory.
Michael Snaadt has been married to his wife, Kellie, for almost 19 years. They have daughters Delaney (14) and Clarissa (11).
Michael Snaadt was born and raised in Tustin, California. He left to attend University of Idaho, receiving his bachelor’s degree in business in 1993. He migrated throughout the northwest as a manager for Consolidated Electrical Distributors for several years. Meeting and marrying his wife, Kellie, along the way in 1997. They settled in Boise, Idaho in 2000, and Michael went to work for Square D, an electrical manufacturer. He worked with local and national sales and engineering for over 10 years. During this time, he received his MBA from George Fox University.
His first day of his MBA program, his youngest daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and at the completion of his degree, in 2010, they moved to Portland to purchase Helen Bernhard Bakery from Kellie’s parents. Michael spends much of his free time with his family and is very involved with the junior youth program at his church, assisting with meetings and missions. Michael also contributes time and treats to Gales Creek Camp, a camp for kids with diabetes, Portland Rescue Mission, Birch Community Services and World Vision.
Michael has been married to his wife, Kellie, for almost 19 years. He has two lovely and talented daughters. Delaney (14) and Clarissa (11) are both fantastic students, athletes, musicians and eager participants in their church youth group and mission trips.
Portland, August 11th, 2015. SEMpdx‘s seventh annual Rooftop Networking Party drew over 550 professionals. Members of the local nonprofit search engine marketing group kicked up their heels, including Founder and former CEO of Moz, Rand Fishkin, SEMpdx advisory board member, Anne Kennedy, and Geraldine DeRuiter.
Members gathered on the rooftop of the Embassy Suites downtown to enjoy the city view, music, food and giveaways (including a chance to win free tickets to SearchFest 2016).
Ten percent of the proceeds from the sellout event will benefit SEMpdx’s new charity of choice, the Brody Borlaug Foundation, which aims to help establish a world-class Pediatric Immunology Program at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Moreover, SEMpdx will provide in-kind digital marketing expertise, such as advice on social media campaigns and SEO strategy, along with ten percent of its proceeds made throughout the year, to the Brody Borlaug Foundation.
Jeff and Tracy Borlaug, founders of the Brody Borlaug Foundation, pose with Alan George, SEMpdx President, and Cassidy Quinn, entertainment reporter at KGW.
SEMpdx President, Alan George, and Events Chair, Robert Frost, announce the winner of one of the many drawings guests were able to enter at the Rooftop Networking Party including a chance to win free tickets to SearchFest 2016. (photo credit, Nina Johnson)
John Alden, Lindsey Stier, Hannah Vincent and Eric Scriven from sponsor Logical Position hang out during the SEMpdx rooftop party.
John McPhee and Kevin Bekker from event sponsor, Oregonian Media Group, enjoyed some great brews provided by the Growler Guys during the SEMpdx Rooftop Party.
The event was sponsored by Moz, The Oregonian, the Growler Guys and Logical Position.
From SEMpdx:
SEMpdx was founded in 2006, because we felt that there was a lot of veteran talent here in PDX, but we weren’t really recognized for it because we were all so busy working that we weren’t self-promoting.
We also knew that the business community in Portland was coming around to SEM, but didn’t really know about the level of talent here in PDX. This led to our rather simple mission “put search on the map in Portland, and Portland on the map in search”. In other words – to get PDX recognized in the national SEM community, and raise awareness for search marketing in PDX.
We’re glad you’re here and we welcome you to become a member. If you’d like to learn more about becoming a member, check out our benefits and sign up information for Portland Oregon’s premier Search Engine Marketing Organization.”
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