Vancouver, WA. Bank of America announced Meals on Wheels People as its 2019 Neighborhood Builder grant recipient for the Portland-Vancouver market. The Bank of America award includes a $200,000 gift that is being used to open a first-of-its-kind diner for seniors and community members in Vancouver. David Reiter, Senior Vice President, Bank of America, and Suzanne Washington, Chief Executive Officer, Meals on Wheels People, cut the ribbon with the Vancouver Chamber of Commerce for The Diner Vancouver’s grand opening on May 20th.
The Diner Vancouver is located at 5303 E. Mill Plain Blvd. in Vancouver, Wash. It’s open from 7:00am to 2:00pm daily.
More about The Diner Vancouver, including the menu offerings, is at the link: www.thediner.org.
Marcie Kessel, Development Officer, Meals on Wheels People, with the check from Bank of America.
The diner’s unique model aims to achieve several things: provide choice for senior diners, create a welcoming atmosphere with high quality, locally sourced food, and establish an eating establishment that appeals to seniors, families and the business community. Those age 60 and older who enroll in the Meals on Wheels People program have the option of ordering off a special menu, which meets Older American Act dietary guidelines, and is available on a donation basis. Revenue from paying customers will help support the Meals on Wheels program in Clark County and allow the nonprofit organization to better serve more rural parts of the county. The diner is open daily for breakfast and lunch, is on a bus line for access, and serves comfort food sourced from local ingredients.
Tony Staser, from Meals on Wheels People, poses with attendees from the Vancouver Chamber of Commerce.
Marcie Kessel, Development Officer, Meals on Wheels People, holding the Neighborhood Builders Award with David Reiter, Senior Vice President, Bank of America.
Through the Neighborhood Builders program, each year the bank provides a local nonprofit with a unique combination of leadership training, $200,000 in flexible funding, volunteer support, and a network of peer organizations across the country. Last year’s local winner was All Hands Raised.
“In every community we serve, we’re continuously assessing that community’s changing, evolving needs. And while many of our core clients are homebound seniors who benefit from our home delivery services, our research showed that more seniors locally are actually healthy and mobile and would benefit from more socialization opportunities. Out of that, the idea for this new diner was born,” said Suzanne Washington, Chief Executive Officer of Meals on Wheels People.
Washington adds that seniors will now have choices around when, what and with whom to eat. She noted that today’s seniors do not fit into the same demographic as seniors a decade or two ago, as they want more menu choice, flexibility in dining times and a more traditional restaurant experience. Besides providing a reliable place for seniors to get a meal, the restaurant — which is called The Diner Vancouver — also allows them to socialize with family, friends, neighbors and patrons.
“This is a new approach that hasn’t been done before within the Meals on Wheels organization. Here in the Portland-Vancouver area, we’re both an entrepreneurial and philanthropic community, and the thoughtfulness that went into this new diner model really interested us at Bank of America. This project is truly addressing an identified community need in a creative and innovative way,” said Roger Hinshaw, Bank of America’s market president for Oregon and Southwest Washington. “This unique project is an example of what our Neighborhood Builders program seeks to support, which is impactful programs and solutions that address local community needs.”
Monique Barton, senior vice president at Bank of America, added: “Over the many years that we’ve partnered with Meals on Wheels and supported them philanthropically, we’ve seen first-hand how impactful their work is. We’re excited to be directing this additional support to ensure even more local seniors have nutritious options while maintaining their independence. We’re optimistic that this new diner will make a real difference in helping Meals on Wheels People achieve even more financial sustainability, to further expand its resources to address need in Clark County and throughout the Portland Metro region.” Barton noted that over the past 15 years of the BofA Neighborhood Builders program operating in the Portland market, this is the first time it’s being earmarked for a project in Vancouver, Wash.
Suzanne Washington said that so far, feedback from the community has been strong. “Right out of the gate, business has been robust. In the first few days we were open, we’ve had amazingly positive response from seniors and the community alike. We’ve also seen a lot of multi-generational diners coming in together. The Diner is truly moving us closer towards achieving our vision of no senior going hungry or lonely — all while providing an additional revenue stream, and creating new workforce development opportunities in the region,” she said. “I’d call that a win-win-win!”
In addition to sharing the news about 2019’s Neighborhood Builder winner, BofA’s Hinshaw also relayed that going forward, the Portland-Vancouver market will select two local nonprofits each year to be recipients of Neighborhood Builder $200,000 awards, up from one in recent years. Local nonprofits can learn more at www.bankofamerica.com/neighborhoodbuilders.
From Bank of America:
Through the Neighborhood Builders program, we deploy capital and build cross-sector partnerships to advance nonprofit leaders addressing economic mobility and social progress issues in the communities we serve. Since 2004, we’ve invested more than $220 million in 49 communities — including Portland — partnering with more than 1,000 nonprofits and more than 2,000 nonprofit leaders by delivering flexible funding, leadership development and a network of peers. Fifteen years on, Neighborhood Builders is one of the nation’s largest philanthropic investments in nonprofit leadership development. Learn more at www.bankofamerica.com/about or www.bankofamerica.com/oregon.
From Meals on Wheels People:
Meals on Wheels People has been changing lives one meal at a time since 1970. They provide 5,000 nutritious meals every weekday at dozens of neighborhood dining sites throughout Multnomah, Washington and Clark counties and through Meals on Wheels delivery to homebound elderly. Their service not only alleviate hunger and social isolation, but allow seniors to live independently with dignity in their own homes. Aging in place reduces depression, falls and hospitalization as well as the high cost of institutional care. For more information, visit www.mowp.org.
Portland, OR. This year’s “must have bags” were up for bid at the 12th annual Power of the Purse (POP) Gala on March 17th. At the benefit notable Portlanders and designers joined forces to create one-of-a-kind purses which are auctioned off to benefit Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest. (Photo credit, Jennifer Rogers)
Kennedy, helped entertain supporters, she’s a Girls Council member.
Local designers, including Ellington Handbags, Looptworks and new to the event, designer Denise Tjarks, created purses together with this year’s “Purse-o-nalities.” 14 local celebs, including KGW reporter Cassidy Quinn and BurnCycle founder Jessi Duley showed their passion for empowering young girls. Unique creations were showcased by school-aged Girls Inc. in a live runway auction.
Organizers say, over the past decade, the Power of the Purse Gala has been recognized as one of Portland’s most fashionable fundraising gala and has raised more than $2.5 million to support Girls Inc. programming in the Portland metro area, and the greater Pacific Northwest. The nonprofit works to inspire and empower girls, ages 6 to 18, to be strong, smart, and bold through after-school groups, mentorship and educational opportunities. Together, with support from partners, funders, and the Pacific Northwest communities they serve, Girls Inc. gives every girl the opportunity to realize the “Power of Her.”
The nonprofit works to inspire and empower girls, ages 6 to 18, to be strong, smart, and bold through after-school groups, mentorship and educational opportunities. Together, with support from partners, funders, and the Pacific Northwest communities they serve, Girls Inc. gives every girl the opportunity to realize the “Power of Her.”
Rapper Wynne performed at the event.
This year’s Power of the Purse Gala kicked off with an exclusive POP Up Shop and reception prior to the runway event. The POP Up Shop featured hand-picked, local vendors, with 25 percent of all proceeds raised going to support Girls Inc. programming. Vendors included Amira Jewelry, Fetch Eyewear and many others. In addition, this year the POP Up Shop featured a “Girls Experience” opportunity, allowing for party-goers to give towards educational and empowering opportunities for the girls.
This year’s 2017 Purse-o-nalities were:
• Tiffany Boyd, co-founder, What the Festival;
• Eden Dawn, style editor, Portland Monthly;
• Stacey Dodson, market president, U.S. Bank;
• Jessi Duley, owner, BurnCycle;
• Susan Fairchild, owner; S Fairchild Designs;
• Paula Hayes, CEO and founder, Hue Noir;
• Kathleen Lewis, philanthropist;
• Peggy Maguire, senior vice president, corporate accountability and performance, Cambia Health Solutions;
• Hon. Adrienne Nelson, judge, Multnomah County Circuit Court;
• Kate Norris, founder, winemaker, and general manager, SE Wine Collective;
• Cassidy Quinn, reporter, KGW News;
• Angela Sheehan, principal, CFO, Glumac;
• Kelsey Troy, senior vice president, human resources, KinderCare Education; and
• Susan Wilkerson, vice president and general manager of strategic global accounts, Lam Research
Featured purse designers were:
• Leather Girl Kelley;
• Mari Lassa;
• Ellington Handbags;
• Scott Hamlin of Looptworks;
• Susan Fairchild of S Fairchild Designs;
• Christina Castillo of Christina Castillo Handbags;
• LOURDES é EVA;
• COLTY;
• Janny Downey of Minou-Minou;
• Denise Tjarks;
• SOREL;
• Jeff Amrhein of Hand and Hide; and
• Mia Scofield of Mo&Co.
The event is presented by KinderCare Education, along with supporting sponsors Harold & Arlene Schnitzer Care Foundation, Bank of America, Buchanan Angeli Altschul & Sullivan LLP, Ernst & Young, KeyBank, Portland Trail Blazers, The Standard, U.S. Bank, Nike, Wells Fargo Bank, Hannah Andersson, Delta Airlines, Kaiser Permanente, Markowitz Herbold PC., Burncycle, Sally Morrow Creative, Premiere Press, Cambia, Kassab Jewelers, Randall Children’s Hospital, Cindy Thompson Events, Lam Research and Walsh Construction.
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About Girls Inc.
Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest inspires girls, ages six to 18, to be strong, smart, and bold. Our gender-specific programs and research-based curricula provide girls with the confidence and self-esteem to access a bright and economically-independent future. For more information, please visit www.girlsincpnw.org.
Portland, September 27th, 2014. CCA’s 14th Annual Hero Gala was dubbed an evening of romp & circumstance,. The event rocked the Oregon Convention Center to the tune of $1.16 million with a star-studded crowd. More than 850 guests were entertained by the likes of The Decemberists, Patrick Lamb, Ural Thomas with Ragen Fykes and Moorea Masa, Luz Elana and Tiburones, March Fourth Marching Band, Wanderlust Circus, Sneakin’ Out, and Nu Shooz. Taylor and her Chemo Pal mentor, Alyssa Willamson, were shining bright with their beautiful face paintings.
Dr. Janice Olson, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Program, Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel, Regina Ellis, CCA Founder and CEO, and CCA Board Member, Andrea Corradini, Senior Merchandising Director, Emerging Markets Running, Nike, Inc., get into the spirit of the playful night.
Former Portland Trail Blazer, Terry Porter, Suzie Porter, CCA Board Chair, Andy Lytle, and Mary Lytle.
Nike’s Tinker Hatfield, Vice President, Design & Special Projects, and CCA Chemo Pal mentor and longtime supporter, David Brown, Merchandise Director, NIKE Inc.
The Wanderlust Circus entertained Gala goers throughout the entire Wonderball.
Portland Trail Blazer, Steve Blake, and his wife, Kristen, longtime supporters of CCA.
Artist Rochelle Carr with CCA Ambassador Board Member, Bryce Amato, posing in front of Rochelle’s wall of cheerful and thoughtful artwork.
Regina Ellis, CCA Founder and CEO, with Chris Funk, from The Decemberists and Black Prairie.
Paul Gulick, CCA Board Chair Emeritus, Co-Founder, In-Focus, Founder, Clarity Visual Systems, and Michelle Decourcy of Michelle Decourcy Collection.
Dynamic duo Valerie Day and John Smith, aka Nu Shooz, get Wonderball guests off their feet with a live performance of their Billboard Top 100 song that spent 15 weeks in the Top 40 in 1986 – “ I Can’t Wait.”
Chemo Pal mentor, George Mollas and his mentee, Nicholas, celebrating the occasion in style.
Members of The Decemberists, Patrick Lamb, Ural Thomas with Ragen Fykes and Moorea Masa, Luz Elana and Tiburones, March Fourth Marching Band, Wanderlust Circus, Sneakin’ Out, and Nu Shooz goofing off during rehearsal for the Wonderball.
CCA Founder’s Society member, Marsha Brockmeyer, celebrates with CCA VP Brand, Abby Guyer.
The sign says it all 14th Annual CCA Hero Gala: Wonderball!
Opus Events Agency CEO and CCA Board Member, Grant Hammersley, with CCA Board Member Tim Cooper, Senior Vice President, Brown & Brown Northwest.
The Decemberists front man, Colin Meloy, serenades Wonderball guests with the help of bandmates, Jenny Conlee and Chris Funk (not pictured), and the March 4th Marching Band.
Jennifer and Jeff Nyburg, Wonderball Presenting Sponsors Angela and CS Sheffield, and Wesley Sheffield.
Jordan Roquemore, Beaverton High School Marching Tech, leads members of the Beaverton Marching Ensemble, in a rousing rendition of “When the Saints Go Marching In” to transition revelers to the Portland Ballroom for the evening’s program.
CCA Board Member, Andrea Corradini, Senior Merchandising Director, Emerging Markets Running, Nike, Inc., and Cholee Thompson, Owner and President, Ryan Artists, share a ballerina/fairy bonding moment.
“We invited our best friends to “come out and play with CCA” and that they did. We are blown away by their generosity and so grateful they stand united with us in the belief that JOY MATTERS for seriously ill kids, teens, and their families.” said Regina Ellis, Founder and CEO of CCA.
Oregon City, August 8th, 2014. The Portland Rose Festival Foundation Golf Tournament presented by Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon teed-off at Stone Creek Golf Club. The event raised money for the Rose Festival Foundation and the Returning Veterans Project. At the end of the day after all the hole awards and prizes were handed out, the tournament made a donation of $11,000 to the Returning Veterans Project.
Jerry Scott, President & CEO of Elmer’s Restaurants John Cordova, Director of Operations, Elmer’s Restaurants Terry Hopkins, Vice President, Southern Oregon Elmer’s, LLC Dave Thomason, Owner, Southern Oregon Elmer’s, LLC
Mack Lai, Senior Vice-President, Banner bank showing off his tee shot
Mission Statement
The Portland Rose Festival Foundation is a non-profit that serves families and individuals with programs and events that promote the arts, education and volunteerism. We value environmental responsibility, diversity, patriotism and our historic & floral heritage. The Portland Rose Festival Foundation (PRFF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that oversees the planning and execution of the programs and events of the festival.
Portland, October 25th. The “It’s on The House” luncheon at the Benson Hotel raised funds for Human Solutions‘ programs and services that benefit low-income and homeless individuals and families. Multnomah County Commissioner Deborah Kafoury had a chance to catch up with Jo Ann Hardesty, a member of the Human Solutions board of directors. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus Photography)
Director of Housing, Human Solutions; Jan Laskey, Vice President of Community Development Lending, Bank of America Merrill Lynch; Gail Lannoy, Senior Vice President, Bank of America Merrill Lynch; Jean DeMaster, Executive Director, Human Solutions; Joan Cook, Director of Finance, REACH Community Development; Vincent Chiotti, Regional Advisor, Oregon Housing and Community Services; and Michelle Haynes, Housing Development Director, REACH Community Development.
An “It’s on the House” breakfast was held the day before at Persimmon Country Club in Gresham. A total of 300 people attended both events. The breakfast and the lunch raised $43,000.
Human Solutions’ mission is to help low-income and homeless families and individuals gain self-sufficiency by providing affordable housing, family support services, job readiness training, and economic development opportunities. As the largest provider of homeless family services in Multnomah County, Human Solutions currently provides shelter and/or housing to over 700 homeless people in 230 homeless households on any given night. All told, we touched the lives of more than 84,000 people last year with our wide array of services. This fiscal year, Human Solutions is celebrating 25 years of helping homeless and low-income families build pathways out of poverty.
Human Solutions’ 245-mile service area in outer East Portland and East Multnomah County includes some of the highest poverty neighborhoods in Multnomah County. Since 1988, we have worked not only to address the symptoms of poverty, but also to develop innovative programs designed to overcome the root causes of poverty. In other words, we are not simply a safety net providing emergency services to vulnerable families; we are also the ladder that families can use to build pathways out of poverty.
Our programs help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty that is so devastating for every member of the family, but is particularly damaging to children. We operate two emergency family shelters to give families a safe place to sleep and food to eat. Our goal is to quickly relocate homeless families, whether from shelter or another temporary location, into stable housing as the first step in their journey toward long-term stability. Our Family Advocates work directly with homeless families, providing critical case management services to help them permanently overcome their homelessness. We own and operate 16 high-quality affordable housing complexes containing 608 apartments. Last year, over 620 families, comprised of more than 1,800 people, resided in Human Solutions’ affordable housing.
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