Levé’s Annual Charity Ball Celebrates and Supports Incight

Levé’s Annual Charity Ball Celebrates and Supports Incight

Portland, December 6th, 2014. Levé returned to Leftbank Annex to host its annual Charity Ball.  The event’s proceeds support Incight, an organization that strives to unlock the potential of people with disabilities. Members of “I Have A Dream” Young Leaders Collaborative at the event included: Lisa Hattery, Sophie Banner, Mairwen Eslinger, Ali Murphy, Melissa Gillett mingle at this year’s Charity Ball benefiting Incight.”

"Executive Director of Incight, Dan Friess, gets into the game with Sam Bridgman, 2014 Incight Hall of Fame inductee"

“Executive Director of Incight, Dan Friess, gets into the game with Sam Bridgman, 2014 Incight Hall of Fame inductee”

Dominique Dewese and Alando Simpson enjoying the 11th annual Charity Ball"

Dominique Dewese and Alando Simpson enjoying the 11th annual Charity Ball”

 

"Levé Board and Committee members pose at Leftbank Annex before the start of the 11th annual Charity Ball"

“Levé Board and Committee members pose at Leftbank Annex before the start of the 11th annual Charity Ball”

2014 marks Levé’s 11th year of raising funds to benefit and “lift” local non-profits in the Pacific Northwest. Incight’s unique approach to supporting the disability community, coupled with the celebration of their 10 year anniversary, made for an exciting collaboration between the two organizations.

Attendees enjoyed dancing, drinks, games, a silent auction and plenty of opportunities to contribute to Incight’s cause. Between Levé’s cash contributions, volunteerism and activism, they’ve infused more than $410,600 into the local nonprofit community. Levé is excited to increase that total as they finish off the year with Incight.

From Levé:

Let us back up a bit and tell you about who we are and where we came from. A group of girlfriends founded Levé out of a desire to actively make a difference in our local community. Portland has been our home for the majority of our lives, providing us with a deep connection and passion for keeping the Pacific Northwest’s most vital resources and programming vibrant and successful. For this reason, and the desire to bring together family, friends and the community for a celebration in support of a local nonprofit, Levé hosted its first Charity Ball in 2004.

After our first event, it became quickly apparent that we are in a unique position to catalyze support from a wider network. We feel fortunate to have enjoyed a supportive community in Portland and the consistent encouragement of family and friends in all of our endeavors. For that reason, we share the sentiment that it is our responsibility to give back to the community that has provided us with so much. As young girls, we watched our parents engage with and support the services of local nonprofits. Our action is modeled on their example.

Levé is a completely volunteer-run organization. Our board is made up of young, professional women who are sharing our time, resources and expertise with causes we value. We believe the work we do for Levé is not only making us better individuals and members of our community, but also better employees and students—mastering skills, building leadership and inspiring creativity.

“I Have a Dream” Oregon’s Hideous Holiday Sweater Party a Kick

“I Have a Dream” Oregon’s Hideous Holiday Sweater Party a Kick

Portland, December 14th, 2013. More than 75 party-goers donned their most hideous sweaters for a fun party benefiting “I Have a Dream” Oregon. They raised hundreds for “Dreamers” in donations for the nonprofit at the “Dig A Pony” bar. Mark Langseth, President & CEO, is pictured with Dana Robinson, Hideous Sweater Contest Winner & Katie Jacobson. Shwood sunglasses were given to the “Best” (worst) holiday sweater and “Christmas Vacation” was screened at the bar.

The event raised awareness for “I Have a Dream” Oregon’s programming for low-income students throughout the Portland area. It also served as a celebratory event for staff and friends of “I Have a Dream,” who wore their best “hideous” sweaters to the event  The organization is one of 129 non-profit organization’s selected by Willamette Week as a Give!Guide charity this year.

David Jacobson, Kendall Murphy and Katie Jacobson

David Jacobson, Kendall Murphy and Katie Jacobson

Kari Morin, Vanessa Brooks, Ryland Brooks, Mark Langseth, Kendall Murphy, Tiffiny Hager, Sophie Banner, Katie Jacobson

Kari Morin, Vanessa Brooks, Ryland Brooks, Mark Langseth, Kendall Murphy, Tiffiny Hager, Sophie Banner, Katie Jacobson

Beth Faherty, Steph Garbarino and Tracy Bair

Beth Faherty, Steph Garbarino and Tracy Bair

From I Have  a Dream:

OUR MISSION:To help low-income students succeed in school, college and career.

OUR VISION: Consistent with Oregon’s 2025 aspirational goals for workforce preparation, our vision is that 100% of Oregon students complete high school and that 80% of Oregon students complete some form of post-secondary education.

Ultimately, through post-secondary completion, we want to break the cycle of poverty and change the game at a systemic level for children and families in low-income communities.

Our core theory of change is that communities must take primary responsibility for decreasing low-income student and family barriers, so that educators can focus on teacher effectiveness and classroom outcomes. Leveraging and aligning excisting community resources in highly strategic, comprehensive partnerships with low-income schools is an efficient, cost-effective and replicable approach. An investment in what we refer to as “strategic partnership leadership” is all it takes to move the student success needle.