Ronald McDonald House Charities Hearts & Hands Gala Raises Over $630,000 to Support Families with Seriously Ill Children

Ronald McDonald House Charities Hearts & Hands Gala Raises Over $630,000 to Support Families with Seriously Ill Children

Portland, OR. More than 450 people gathered at the Oregon Convention Center to celebrate life’s silver linings at the annual Hearts & Hands Gala supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC) of Oregon & Southwest Washington. The event, presented by the John L. Scott Foundation, raised over $630,000, making it the most successful fundraising event in RMHC’s history. Current Ronald McDonald House guests, the Moser family, from Central Point, Oregon, spoke about their 23 days at Portland’s Ronald McDonald Houses and the impact it has had on their family while son Dagan was recovering from being hit by a car. Dagan’s parents and two sisters joined him on stage.

The event also recognized RMHC’s 2017 Partner of Distinction – Coca-Cola Company – for its contributions to RMHC. Picture are, Jessica Jarratt Miller, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ann Tousignant, Coca-Cola Company and, Mary Ransome, RMHC Board Emeritus.

“Coca-Cola Company has provided tremendous support and funding for our Oregon Ronald McDonald Houses for more than three decades. They have made a difference in the lives of thousands of seriously ill children and families who come to stay and heal at our Houses,” said Jessica Jarratt Miller. “We are thrilled to recognize Coca-Cola Company as the 2017 Partner of Distinction.”

John L. Scott Foundation was the Presenting Sponsor.

The benefit on October 14th began with a red carpet greeting from Ronald McDonald, followed by a silent and live auction. Top auction items included a trip to Avignon France, private ocean front Kauai home, a trip to Napa Valley on a private jet, and an Oregon-themed “City Slickers” package.

From Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington:

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with this year’s Hearts & Hands Gala and the tremendous impact it will have on our families with seriously ill children,” said Jessica Jarratt Miller, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington. “Our Houses provide silver linings for families who must travel far from home to get medical care for their children, and we are beyond grateful for the amazing outpouring of support of our sponsors and attendees.”

With over $630,000, – more than ever before – the impact to the three Oregon Ronald McDonald Houses is substantial. It costs RMHC $150 to host a family for one night, and the Gala’s success allows the organization to provide a loving “home away from home” for families for over 4200 nights. For families who must travel far from home and grapple with the stress and uncertainty of having a sick child, having a homey place to stay and a supportive community is priceless.

The sponsors who made the event possible, included: John L. Scott Foundation (Presenting Sponsor); Coca-Cola Company (Platinum Sponsor); Hoffman Construction Company, McDonald’s Owner/Operators, US Bank (Gold Sponsors); Baird, OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Golden State Foods, Portland Trail Blazers, Turner Construction (Silver Sponsors); Kaiser Permanente, Netrush, Northwest Consulting and Marketing, Inc. (Bronze Sponsors); Barran Liebman, LLP, Moss Adam, LLC,

Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Inc., Health Net, Douglas & Gloria Rumberger Foundation, DDI Benefits (Special Experience Sponsors). 

Can You Volunteer for a Nonprofit? We’re Bringing The Standard’s 2015 Volunteer Expo to You!

Can You Volunteer for a Nonprofit? We’re Bringing The Standard’s 2015 Volunteer Expo to You!

Portland, September 10th, 2015. If you couldn’t join the thousands who flocked to Pioneer Courthouse Square for The Standard’s Annual Volunteer Expo, you’re in luck. We’ve got all the information and website links to explore over 125 local nonprofits that could use your time.

A full list of links of nonprofits is at the bottom of our story.

R. Richard Crockett, (left) is the Program Operations Director & Volunteer Coordinator

R. Richard Crockett, (left) is the Program Operations Director & Volunteer Coordinator at Chess for Success.

Classroom Law Project is a non-profit organization of individuals, educators, lawyers, and civic leaders building strong communities by teaching students to become active citizens.

Classroom Law Project is a non-profit organization of individuals, educators, lawyers, and civic leaders building strong communities by teaching students to become active citizens.

The Standard’s Volunteer Expo has repeat participants year after year, here’s a look at some nonprofits which continue to recruit volunteers:

Jenny Bedell-Stiles and Andy Meeks from Friends of Trees

Jenny Bedell-Stiles and Andy Meeks from Friends of Trees

PHAME Academy's Katie Farewell talks with Casey Rhodes and Clark Hays.

talks with Casey Rhodes and Clark Hays.

Jenny chu from Literary Arts

Jenny Chu from Literary Arts

New Avenues For Youth were a hit because they dished out the Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream!

New Avenues For Youth volunteers are a hit every year because they dish out the free Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream!

Rachel Rundles from Oregon Historical Society

Rachel Randles from Oregon Historical Society

The Volunteers of America recruited some new volunteers!

The Volunteers of America recruited some new volunteers!

Special Olympics Oregon was recruiting volunteers.

Special Olympics Oregon has room for coaches and event volunteers.

Newspace Center for Photography

Newspace Center for Photography promoted its multidimensional photography resource center and community hub for students, working artists, professional photographers, educators, and photo-enthusiasts of all types.

Latino Network's Edgar Ortega

Latino Network’s Edgar Ortega

Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro Area had a colorful display.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro Area had a colorful display.

Donations to Work for Art’s Community Fund and Arts Education Fund support more than 80 vital arts and culture organizations every year—encompassing dance, visual arts, music, literary arts, media arts, theater, cultural arts, and arts education

The Work for Art’s Community Fund and Arts Education Fund support more than 80 arts and culture organizations every year—encompassing dance, visual arts, music, literary arts, media arts, theater, cultural arts, and arts education.

IMPACT NW drew interested prospective volunteers who learned that each year over 60,000 low-income children, youth, families, seniors, and adults with disabilities participate in Impact NW’s comprehensive anti-poverty programs.

IMPACT NW drew prospective volunteers who learned that each year over 60,000 low-income children, youth, families, seniors, and adults with disabilities participate in Impact NW’s comprehensive anti-poverty programs.

The YMCA was handing out information about programs.

The YMCA was handing out information about programs.

People who stopped by The Q Center booth were met with a friendly smile.

People who stopped by The Q Center booth were met with a friendly smile.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Oregon Chapter staffers promoted their many volunteer options.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Oregon Chapter staffers promoted their many volunteer options.

Reps from the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon explained their work on behalf of local cats and kittens.

Reps from the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon explained their work on behalf of local cats and kittens.

American Red Cross volunteer recruiters had the trademark red vests!

American Red Cross volunteer recruiters had the trademark red vests!

The mission of the Make-A-Wish Oreogn Foundation® is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

The mission of the Make-A-Wish Oreogn Foundation® is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

Northwest Pilot Project began in 1969 as an all volunteer agency to provide basic supports for seniors at risk of losing their ability to live independently.

Northwest Pilot Project began in 1969 as an all volunteer agency to provide basic supports for seniors at risk of losing their ability to live independently.

Miracle Theatre Group is The Northwest's premiere Latino arts and culture organization.

Miracle Theatre Group is The Northwest’s premiere Latino arts and culture organization.

Camp Fire offers opportunities for volunteers who like to work with kids.

Camp Fire offers opportunities for volunteers who like to work with kids.

Kathy Pienovi from Bridge Meadows

Bridge Meadows is a multi-generation housing community serving Oregon’s vulnerable populations; foster youth, adoptive parents and elders (55+).

Here’s a list of links to charities at the The Standard’s Volunteer Expo. Please consider donating your time, and tell them PortlandSocietyPage.com sent you!

Arts, Culture & Humanities

Human Services

Education

Environment, Animals

Health

Public/Society Benefit