Portland, OR. The Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation is announcing a significant increase in funds that will be distributed to nonprofits throughout Oregon and Washington. The foundation, founded by Dave and Sally Bany in 1998, is named for Sally’s grandmother, Marie Lamfrom seen above. Marie Lamfrom, who lived from 1896 to 1982 was the mother of Columbia Sportswear Company Chairman Gert Boyle. The foundation received additional funds after the passing of Gert Boyle in 2019. Currently, the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation has approximately $150 million in assets to support its mission and is on track to donate $9 million this year.
Marie Lamfrom’s Family: Sally Bany, Eva Labby, the late Gert Boyle and Rachael Bany Sneddon. Sally serves as the Chairman of the Foundation, while her daughter, Rachael Sneddon, is CEO. Additional trustees include Sally’s daughter, Annie Bany, and Sally’s son-in-law, Russell Sneddon.
With the increase in giving capacity, the Foundation will continue to support nonprofit organizations focusing on education and mentorship, arts and creativity, and health and well-being, with the majority of funds benefiting programs based in the Pacific Northwest. “I started this Foundation with my late husband, Dave, 23 years ago to honor the life of my amazing grandmother, Marie Lamfrom,” said Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation Chairman Sally Bany. “ At age 18, Marie served in World War I as a nurse on the Russian front, then returned to Germany, where she married and had three children. As the Nazis rose to power, Marie and her family fled to Portland, Ore.
After her relocation, Marie became known as Bluebird thanks to her support of the Girl Scouts, where she served as a troop leader at Shriners Hospital for Children.
“I feel so fortunate to come from a family of such strong, independent, and philanthropic women,” said Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation CEO Rachael Sneddon. “I grew up watching my mother and my grandmother continue the work of my great grandmother Marie, and I feel so honored to step into that role as we continue the Foundation’s support of so many important nonprofits. We want to encourage nonprofits doing work in education and mentorship, arts and creativity, and health and well-being to reach out. We would love to hear your story and explore ways we might be able to collaborate.”
The Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation was established by Dave and Sally Bany in 1998 to support nonprofit organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest. The Foundation now focuses on nonprofit programs that support education and mentorship, arts and creativity, and health and well-being. The Foundation was named for Sally’s grandmother, Marie Lamfrom. For more information, please visit marielamfrom.org.
The Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation, a local non-profit founded by Dave and Sally Bany in 1998. Named for Sally’s grandmother, Marie Lamfrom, the foundation has recently been granted additional funds after the passing of Marie’s daughter and Sally’s mother, Columbia Sportswear Company Chairman, Gert Boyle.
The current fund amount of $150 million will be used to support nonprofit organizations focusing on education and mentorship, arts and creativity, and health and well-being, with the majority of funds benefiting programs based in the Pacific Northwest. Past recipients of the Foundation include everything from Dress for Success and Girl Scouts Beyond Bars to Oregon Food Bank and the Pleasant Hill Community Theatre.
For decades, Marie gave to the people of her city and state through her numerous volunteer efforts and support of community causes. She served in World War I as a nurse, working on the Russian front at the age of 18. At the end of the war, she returned home to Germany and married Paul, then had three daughters. As the Nazis rose to power, Marie and her family fled to Portland, Oregon.
Marie (fondly known as “Bluebird”) was involved in Girl Scouts for over 44 years as a troop leader, board member and delegate to the national convention. She is lovingly remembered for her 20-year commitment to her Girl Scout troop at the Shriners Hospital for Children. She held an annual barbecue in the parking lot, and all the children attended, even wheeled down in their beds.
Perhaps her greatest legacy is the founding of a similar troop at Providence Hospital, a troop that continues today with 28 members. All the Girl Scouts are medically fragile, but–just as with Marie’s Shriners troop–they give back to their community by preparing and serving meals to the elderly.
Marie Lamfrom inspired countless young women. Girl Scouts is better because of her dedication, compassion, energy and commitment. Her long, rich legacy of Girl Scouting is now in its fourth generation.
The example that Marie set for all of us remains the goal even today. Since 2013 the Girl Scout Marie Lamfrom Women of Distinction Luncheon each year showcases the women who have followed her lead in choosing to make an impact with their work.
Portland, OR. Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington will recognize the outstanding leadership and community contributions of Rukaiyah Adams and DJ Wilson at the Marie Lamfrom Women of Distinction Luncheon. There are still tickets available for the September 26th luncheon at the Portland Hilton Hotel, located at 921 SW 6th Ave, with a reception at 11 a.m. and a luncheon at noon.
Here’s a link for tickets:
Here’s more about these distinguished honorees.
Rukaiyah Adams is the Chief Investment Officer at Meyer Memorial Trust. Under her leadership, Meyer invests in a diversified portfolio of global equities, fixed income, private equities, real estate, commodities and hedge funds. Before joining Meyer, she ran the $6.5 billion capital markets fund at The Standard. Adams is also the Chair of the Oregon Investment Council. Adams holds a BA with academic distinction from Carleton College, a JD from Stanford Law and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
DJ Wilson is president and general manager of the KGW Media Group in Portland, Oregon, a position she has held since July 2007. Wilson has held numerous community board positions over the last 20 years. She is currently the Board Chair of the Oregon Association of Broadcasters and The Classic Wines Auction, and the Chair Elect for the Portland Business Alliance. In 2012, Wilson was inducted into the Edward R. Murrow Hall of Achievement and was the recipient of the Portland Business Alliance “No Glass Ceiling” award. Wilson is also a past Portland Business Journal Women of Influence/Orchid Award recipient, recognizing top female leaders in the Portland region.
The Marie Lamfrom Women of Distinction Luncheon recognizes outstanding women leaders for their contributions to the community. Honorees exemplify the Girl Scout mission as women of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
Luncheon proceeds allow GSOSW to provide the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE), enhance four priority program areas: Financial Literacy, Healthy Living, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), and Outdoor Leadership, and support various Girl Scout activities and programs for nearly 15,000 girls throughout Oregon and SW Washington.
Please contact Shannon Spencer at (503) 977-6843 or [email protected] for any questions.
For information on sponsoring the 2017 Marie Lamfrom Women of Distinction Luncheon, contact Shannon Spencer at (503) 977-6843 or [email protected].
Here’s a look at some of the photos from last year’s event:
Marie Lamfrom’s Family: Sally Bany, Eva Labby, Gert Boyle and Rachael Bany Sneddon
Both Girl Scout Alumni, KGW Anchor/Emcee Laural Porter and KGW General Manager DJ Wilson
Laural Porter, KGW News Anchor and host of KGW’s current affairs show, emceed the event on September 19th with more than 560 Girl Scout alumnae and community supporters in attendance. The event raised over $160,000 to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and enhance programs in financial literacy, healthy living, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and outdoor skills for more than 14,000 girls throughout Oregon and SW Washington.
Jyoti and Karina Shah, both Girl Scout Highest Award recipients. Karina was the 2016 Gold Award speaker at the luncheon sharing her project of providing technology training to older adults in retirement facilities.
Girl Scout Alumni Robyn Shuey and GSOSW Board Member Barbara Gibbs proudly display their uniform sash.
Honorees and – Judge Adrienne Nelson, 2015 Honoree, Peggy Maguire, 2015 Honoree, Dr. Judith A. Ramaley, 2016 Honoree, Sally Bany, 2016 Honoree, Governor Barbara Roberts, 2013 Honoree, Barbara Alberty, 2014 Honoree, and Mary Shaver, 2014 Honoree
A testament to the value of investing in girls’ leadership, Girl Scout Gold Award recipient Karina Shah shared her experience in the leadership program. “Looking back at my 12 years in Girl Scouts, it’s hard to think of what I would do and who I would be without this organization. Girl Scouts has taught me so many important life skills and values. It has shown me how to be a leader, to respect myself and others, to build healthy relationships, to advocate for myself and to think about other people. The experiences Girl Scouts has brought me are endless and I can’t thank enough the people who have made my Girl Scouting experience possible.”
The event’s success was bolstered by a $25,000 Challenge Grant generously given by Wells Fargo. The match was met and exceeded thanks to the incredible support of alumnae and community. The event’s Gold Sponsors included The Standard and Portlandia Club Inc. Silver sponsors are Brown and Brown, Ferguson Wellman, Cambia and Garrett Hemann Robertson P.C.
“You know what Bluebird would say… a Girl Scout can do anything,” honoree Sally Bany reflected on her grandmother, Marie Lamfrom who served as a troop leader for a special needs troop in Portland for 35 years. She served on the Girl Scout council’s board of directors and received the highest award a Girl Scout adult can receive, the Thanks Badge. Lamfrom co-founded the company that would become Columbia Sportswear.
For more information, or to express interest in sponsoring the 2017 Women of Distinction Luncheon, contact Shannon Spencer at [email protected] or call 503-977-6843.
About Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington
Our council serves nearly 15,000 girl members in 37 counties with the help of over 10,000 adult members. The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Every opportunity in Girl Scouting develops these essential skills in an all-girl, inclusive, safe environment. Our century of success is demonstrated by the fact that 70 percent of female CEOs on the Fortune 500 list and 59 percent of women serving in the U.S. Congress are Girl Scout alumnae.
Portland, OR. Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington honored Sally Bany and Dr. Judith A. Ramaley with the 2016 Marie Lamfrom Women of Distinction Award for their distinguished service, excellence in leadership and important contributions as role models for girls. Honorees included women like Judge Adrienne Nelson, 2015 Honoree, Peggy Maguire, 2015 Honoree, Dr. Judith A. Ramaley, 2016 Honoree, Sally Bany, 2016 Honoree, Governor Barbara Roberts, 2013 Honoree, Barbara Alberty, 2014 Honoree, and Mary Shaver, 2014 Honoree. (Photo credit, Andrea Lonas)
Marie Lamfrom’s Family: Sally Bany, Eva Labby, Gert Boyle and Rachael Bany Sneddon
Both Girl Scout Alumni, KGW Anchor/Emcee Laural Porter and KGW General Manager DJ Wilson
Laural Porter, KGW News Anchor and host of KGW’s current affairs show, emceed the event on September 19th with more than 560 Girl Scout alumnae and community supporters in attendance. The event raised over $160,000 to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and enhance programs in financial literacy, healthy living, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and outdoor skills for more than 14,000 girls throughout Oregon and SW Washington.
Jyoti and Karina Shah, both Girl Scout Highest Award recipients. Karina was the 2016 Gold Award speaker at the luncheon sharing her project of providing technology training to older adults in retirement facilities.
Girl Scout Alumni Robyn Shuey and GSOSW Board Member Barbara Gibbs proudly display their uniform sash.
Honorees and – Judge Adrienne Nelson, 2015 Honoree, Peggy Maguire, 2015 Honoree, Dr. Judith A. Ramaley, 2016 Honoree, Sally Bany, 2016 Honoree, Governor Barbara Roberts, 2013 Honoree, Barbara Alberty, 2014 Honoree, and Mary Shaver, 2014 Honoree
A testament to the value of investing in girls’ leadership, Girl Scout Gold Award recipient Karina Shah shared her experience in the leadership program. “Looking back at my 12 years in Girl Scouts, it’s hard to think of what I would do and who I would be without this organization. Girl Scouts has taught me so many important life skills and values. It has shown me how to be a leader, to respect myself and others, to build healthy relationships, to advocate for myself and to think about other people. The experiences Girl Scouts has brought me are endless and I can’t thank enough the people who have made my Girl Scouting experience possible.”
The event’s success was bolstered by a $25,000 Challenge Grant generously given by Wells Fargo. The match was met and exceeded thanks to the incredible support of alumnae and community. The event’s Gold Sponsors included The Standard and Portlandia Club Inc. Silver sponsors are Brown and Brown, Ferguson Wellman, Cambia and Garrett Hemann Robertson P.C.
“You know what Bluebird would say… a Girl Scout can do anything,” honoree Sally Bany reflected on her grandmother, Marie Lamfrom who served as a troop leader for a special needs troop in Portland for 35 years. She served on the Girl Scout council’s board of directors and received the highest award a Girl Scout adult can receive, the Thanks Badge. Lamfrom co-founded the company that would become Columbia Sportswear.
For more information, or to express interest in sponsoring the 2017 Women of Distinction Luncheon, contact Shannon Spencer at [email protected] or call 503-977-6843.
About Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington
Our council serves nearly 15,000 girl members in 37 counties with the help of over 10,000 adult members. The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Every opportunity in Girl Scouting develops these essential skills in an all-girl, inclusive, safe environment. Our century of success is demonstrated by the fact that 70 percent of female CEOs on the Fortune 500 list and 59 percent of women serving in the U.S. Congress are Girl Scout alumnae.
Portland, September 18th, 2013. Almost 450 guests gathered for the inaugural Marie Lamfrom Women of Distinction honors. They celebrated Former Governor Barbara Roberts and Oregon Attorney who is pictured with Girl Scout Troop 14105 of Woodburn. The second recipient was General Ellen Rosenblum. The event raised $125,000 ,including a generous matching grant from the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund. The benefit at the Governor Hotel also honored the 19,000 Girl Scouts and 11,600 volunteers who serve them throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.
The family of Marie Lamfrom, for whom the Women of Distinction Award is named: Gert Boyle, Rachel Bany, Sally Bany, Lise Labby Raven, GSOSW board member Eva Labby.
Rachel Geiger, Girl Scout Gold Award recipient and keynote speaker.
2013 Marie Lamfrom Women of Distinction Award recipients: Former Governor of Oregon Barbara Roberts and Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum.
Harriet Mount, Dr. Roger Alberty, Katherine Novy and Barbara Alberty.
Girl Scout program
The focal point of the Girl Scout program is the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE)—the framework for defining what girls do in Girl Scouting. Programs engage girls in three key activities: discovering who they are and what they value; connecting with others; and taking action to make the world a better place. To ensure a high-quality and fun experience, Girl Scout activities use three processes: girl-led; learning-by-doing; and cooperative-learning. Our success is demonstrated by the fact that Girl Scout alumnae make up 53 percent of female business owners, and 59 percent of women serving in the U.S. Congress. The Girl Scout grade levels are:
Girl Scout Daisy: Grades K–1
Girl Scout Brownie: Grades 2–3
Girl Scout Junior: Grades 4–5
Girl Scout Cadette: Grades 6–8
Girl Scout Senior: Grades 9–10
Girl Scout Ambassador: Grades 11–12
Membership
Girl Scouts is open to all girls in grades K–12. Annual membership dues are $15 per year and financial assistance is available for those that qualify. Our organization values diversity and inclusiveness and does not discriminate on any basis. Become a member today! Volunteering
Girl Scouts is a volunteer-driven organization. You can make a difference in the lives of girls! Girl Scouts will match your skills, interests and availability to volunteer opportunities.
Fast facts (FY 2012)
19,291 girl members
11,597 adult volunteers
73 full-time and 23 part-time staff (fluctuates slightly throughout the year)
$6.2 million budget
$136,150 provided in financial assistance; assitance is provided to one in every three girls
Annual cost to support each girl who participates in a volunteer-led experience=$325/girl
Funds raised through product sales, program and camp fees=$25/girl
Amount we need to raise annually=$70/girl; $1,350,370 Girl Scouts OSW total
Our well-known Girl Scout Cookie Program is much more than a fundraiser. This program is a hands-on leadership and entrepreneurial program for girls, teaching five essential life skills: goal setting, money management, decision making, business ethics and people skills. Many successful business women today got their start selling Girl Scout cookies!
Our council’s pre-sales begin in January, cookies arrive in February and booth sales run from mid-February till mid-March. There are eight delicious varieties to choose from: Thin Mints, Samoas® ,Tagalongs®, Do-si-dos®, Dulce de Leche, Trefoils, Thank You Berry Munch™ and new in 2012, Savannah Smiles. In honor of Girl Scouts’ 100th anniversary, this lemony delight pays tribute to the birthplace of Girl Scouting in Savannah, Georgia and – when held just right – looks like a “Brownie Smile!”
Each box of Girl Scout cookies costs $4.00 and proceeds (per box) are distributed as follows:
Troop proceeds $.65 (minimum)
Recognitions $.20 (girl prizes and cookie credits)
Service unit grant $.06 max (used to support troops and volunteers in their community)
Program for girls $1.95 (training, maintaining camp properties, financial assistance, etc.)
Cost of cookies $.95
Other $.14 (costs associated with cookie program – marketing, bad debts, bad checks, etc.)
Community outreach
Hispanic Initiative – The Hispanic Initiative is dedicated to supporting Latina/Hispanic girls and adults throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. Currently the program is focused in Clackamas, Jackson, Josephine, Marion, Multnomah, Lane, Lynn and Washington counties. The work of the Hispanic Initiative resulted in a 28% increase in Hispanic girl membership for our council in 2011. To learn more about the Hispanic Initiative, contact your local Hispanic Initiative Coordinator.
Girl Scouts Beyond Bars –GSBB participants meet twice a month with their mothers who reside at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville. The program provides Girl Scout activities in a safe and supportive environment and focuses on re-establishing relationships, Girl Scout values and healthy decision-making skills.
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]
