2012 Special Olympics Oregon State Games Inspire

2012 Special Olympics Oregon State Games Inspire

Newberg, July 14th and 15th. The 2012 Summer State Games showcased the best of athleticism, sportsmanship and fun. Special Olympics athletes in Oregon competed in: track & field, bocce, golf, and softball.  All participants trained in their hometowns for eight weeks prior to the Summer Games and have qualified to compete at the Summer Games at a regional level competition.

Here’s are snapshots of the inspiring fun from Jason Allen Images.

From Special Olympics Oregon:

Here in Oregon, while Special Olympics Oregon serves more than 10,000 participants throughout the state, nearly 70,000 people with intellectual disabilities could benefit from participating in Special Olympics. Still growing, Special Olympics Oregon is efficiently expanding programs to get closer and closer to serving every individual with intellectual disabilities that qualifies to participate in Special Olympics.

Special Olympics Oregon offers training and competition opportunities in 14 different Olympic-style sports. There are three sports seasons throughout the year, with statewide competitions and training in winter, summer and fall.

Special Olympics Oregon holds events in every region of the state, every month of the year, providing athletes the opportunity to be competing and training as often as they choose.

Special Olympics athletes train intensely for eight weeks prior to each State Games event. Volunteer coaches are responsible for training the athletes. Volunteers must complete a certification program prior to becoming Special Olympics coaches and must attend training schools before each season.

Special Olympics Oregon (SOOR) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization incorporated in the state of Oregon to provide sports training and athletic competition for persons with intellectual disabilities. SOOR is accredited by Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI) and responsible for following the policies and rules established by SOI in the delivery of services in Oregon. It is known as a Program of SOI. A volunteer Board of Directors provides policy decisions and long-range planning for SOOR. The Board employs a staff of people to implement the day-to-day operations.

Thanks to the generous support of A-dec and the amazing city of Newberg, these games will be held annually in Newberg, Oregon. Thanks to the generous support of Ken and Joan Austin of A-dec and the amazing city and community of Newberg, for making these games happen .

“A Night to Chip In” Sparkles With Javier Colon, Winner of “The Voice”

“A Night to Chip In” Sparkles With Javier Colon, Winner of “The Voice”

Beaverton, June 23rd. The stars were out at The Tiger Woods Center on the Nike World Campus for “A Night to Chip In”, the Caddies 4 Cure’s annual benefit in support of Northwest children and families. The event, which took place before an annual golf tournament, was hosted by Jerome Kersey and drew hundreds of people. (Photo Credit, Andie Petkus)

 

Javier Colon performance

Javier Colon performance

“Javier has been a long time supporter of our charity and we are thrilled he is returning to perform this year,” said Ryan DuChene, co-founder and president of Caddies 4 Cure. “It is through the generosity of our celebrity guests, supporters and sponsors that we’ve been able to make such a positive impact in our community, and this year’s event is shaping up to be one of our best.”

Jerry Rice was a popular guest and many asked for photos with the sports star.

Jerry Rice, who won three Super Bowl rings playing for the San Francisco 49ers was a popular guest.  Many asked for photos with the sports star.

Kenny Lofton and Ozzie Smith

Six-time Major League All-Star, Kenny Lofton and baseball legend, Ozzie Smith

Mike Hill and Jay Harris welcomed the crowd.

Mike Hill and Jay Harris from ESPN welcomed the crowd.

Flex Alexander made the rounds.

Flex Alexander made the rounds.

Grant Fuhr smiled with the other guests.

Grant Fuhr smiled with the other guests.

Sterling Sharpe enjoyed a round of blackjack.

Pro Football Hall of Famer, Sterling Sharpe enjoyed a round of blackjack.

, Jordan Babineaux and George Gervin supported the cause.

Tennessee Titans’ Jordan Babineaux and basketball great, George “The Iceman” Gervin supported the cause.

A Night to Chip In is part of Caddies 4 Cure’s annual charity event benefiting Randall Children’s Hospital and the Oregon and SW Washington chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

About Caddies 4 Cure

Caddies 4 Cure was established in 2002 by Ryan DuChene and Justin Marquart. Friends for more than 20 years, Ryan and Justin founded Caddies 4 Cure as a way to raise money for two charities close to their hearts, Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel and the Oregon and SW Washington Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In 2000, Justin and Lisa Marquart’s daughter, Ella Marie, passed away at three weeks old from a congenital heart defect after several weeks in Emanuel’s Pediatric Care Unit. And in 2001, Ryan’s wife, Marci, was diagnosed with MS. Ryan and Marci have become very involved with the National MS Society and hope that their charitable efforts will one day lead to a cure. More information is available at www.caddies4cure.com.

Caddies 4 Cure is also proud to partner with Wears My Shirt to create a t-shirt fundraising campaign at WearsMyShirt.com in support of the events. The T’s will help fundraiser for Caddies 4 Cure and they will also be the purchaser’s entry ticket into a “Photo Contest” where the top 9 “Liked” photo’s will win autographed memorabilia from some of sports all-time greats including Jerry Rice, Ken Griffey Jr. and Moses Malone.  Details of the contest can be found at http://www.wearsmyshirt.com/charities/Caddies-4-Cure.html#/charities/Caddies-4-Cure/contests.html

Dress for Success Charity Lifted by Upbeat Supporters

Dress for Success Charity Lifted by Upbeat Supporters

Portland, June 28th. A volunteer organization called, Women for Success Portland, celebrated two years of fundraising for items that can’t be donated to Dress for Success Oregon. Melissa Marley, Christine Arevalo, Crystal Combs, Courtney Baggett, Julia Chan and Katie Wilkes joined forces for the cause. In just two years, this entirely volunteer-run organization has raised over $25,000 to buy bras and other foundational undergarments for Dress for Success clients. The mission of Dress for Success Oregon is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

The anniversary party, held in the Celie Ballroom at Kells in downtown Portland, brought in an additional $2,000.

The anniversary party, held in the Celie Ballroom at Kells in downtown Portland, brought in an additional $2,000.

 

Roberta Pence Williams and Hannah Acock

Roberta Pence Williams and Hannah Acock

In addition to raising money, a large part of the Women for Success mission is to connect like-minded women who are passionate about helping others become financially independent. New board member Courtney Baggett said, “One of the main reasons why I wanted to become more involved with Women for Success was because of the connections I’ve made at these events.”

The event feature live jazz by Blake Lyman and Jeff Putterman, plus giveaways from Hotel Deluxe, Consign Couture, and Deanna Maio Coaching & Consulting.

Emily Bentley, Kimberlee Jo Buckingham, Megan Fisher

Emily Bentley, Kimberlee Jo Buckingham, Megan Fisher

From Women for Success

Women for Success is a volunteer-run membership organization that supports Dress for Success Oregon by raising funds for items that cannot be donated. Since June 2010, the group has raised over $25,000 for Dress for Success. They are currently in the process of working with a Dress for Success affiliate in North Carolina to start a similar organization based on the Women for Success model. For more information about Women for Success, visit www.womenforsuccesspdx.org.

Art Lovers flock to 49th Annual Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts

Art Lovers flock to 49th Annual Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts

Lake Oswego, June 24th. The Lakewood Center for the Arts earned high praise from supporters enjoying the creative endeavors of  artists like Brandis Sarich who is pictured with her husband, Kevin Sarich.  The Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts attracted an estimated 25,000 visitors during its three day run. The Festival included several art exhibits, food booths, entertainment, a Craft Faire and featured a special juried and invitational show of photography.

Anne Schauffler and Danny Schauffler

Anne Schauffler and Danny Schauffler

Tonya Bunick and Bailey Bunick were volunteering through the National Charity League

Tonya Bunick and Bailey Bunick were volunteering through the National Charity League

 

Robin and Bob Endres

Robin and Bob Endres

 

Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts 2012

Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts 2012

 

 

Bill Warner and Ashley Wase from the Lakewood Theatre Company

Bill Warner and Ashley Wase from the Lakewood Theatre Company

 

Janeen Rundle, Danny Schauffler Norman Sylvester (The Boogie Cat) Kevin Rankin

Janeen Rundle, Danny Schauffler,Norman Sylvester (The Boogie Cat) Kevin Rankin

From The Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts:

The festival is a program division of the Lakewood Center for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization.

The Festival of the Arts takes place at the Lakewood Center for the Arts and George Rogers Park, both on State Street in downtown Lake Oswego, Oregon USA.

In the park, you will find a juried Craft Faire of 110 booths featuring fine arts crafts, a delightful variety of foods at the Food Court, a wine and beer pavilion, and a variety of musical entertainment on the Park Entertainment Stage. The park also features Family Day Activities, and ongoing demonstrations by the artisans of their craft.

At the Lakewood Center for the Arts, several different art exhibits are featured. The largest exhibit is the Visual Arts Open Show with over 1,100 pieces of art submitted by artists from all over the region. In addition, the Festival also presents a Special Juried Exhibit of fine artwork as well as a series of hands-on arts activities. The Festival also partners with the Lake Oswego School District to present a high quality K-12 exhibit and the Lake Oswego Foundation for the Arts to provide the Lake Oswego Arts Chronicle, an invited visual art exhibit.

Mission Statement

The Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts’ primary goal is to educate by promoting, supporting, coordinating, and exhibiting the arts of the region.

History

The Festival was originally started by the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce and moved under the umbrella of the Lakewood Center for the Arts 20 years ago, as an annual activity of the Center. It is sustained by valuable partnerships with the City of Lake Oswego, Clackamas County Tourism and Development Council, the Chamber of Commerce, the Lake Oswego Rotary Club, the School District, small and large businesses, the “Friends of the Festival,” plus more than 500 volunteers who work throughout the year and the weekend to make the Festival the success it is.

The Festival, a sub division of the Lakewood Center for the Arts, a non-profit arts center, is committed to arts education, performance and exhibition. Contributions to the Festival are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Our tax ID number is 93-0700108.

This is a weekend to experience, to be educated and to enjoy!

Make-A-Wish Oregon’s Junior Board Celebrates Summer with a Charity Benefit

Make-A-Wish Oregon’s Junior Board Celebrates Summer with a Charity Benefit

Portland, June 23rd. More than 400 guests gathered at the MotoCorsa Ducati dealership in NW Portland for an unforgettable evening benefiting Make-A-Wish Oregon. Make-A-Wish Junior Board members like Erin Moore, Kelsi Colombi, Joel Parker, Kristin Williams and Kristina Wrobel enjoyed cocktails, dancing, a silent auction, heads or tails games and photo booth while raising $37,000 to grant local wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions. The event was hosted by the Make-A-Wish Junior Board, a dynamic group of young professionals who raise funds and awareness for the cause.
Summer Wishes Guests Whitney Humphrey, Megan Hoy, Justin Janes, Tracy Nagy, Cristina Ciorba and Carla Tosar

Summer Wishes Guests Whitney Humphrey, Megan Hoy, Justin Janes, Tracy Nagy, Cristina Ciorba and Carla Tosar

 

Make-A-Wish Junior Board member and emcee, Danny Decker, leads the crowd in a game of Heads or Tails

Make-A-Wish Junior Board member and emcee, Danny Decker, leads the crowd in a game of Heads or Tails

Make-A-Wish supporters Amy McCammond and Robin Shaughnessy arrive at the annual Summer Wishes event

Make-A-Wish supporters Amy McCammond and Robin Shaughnessy arrive at the annual Summer Wishes event

Make-A-Wish Oregon grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. By granting a wish to a child during a time of turmoil for the entire family, Make-A-Wish is often the light at the end of the tunnel for wish kids and family members. Since 1983, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 2,500 wishes in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Here’s a link with more events: http://orwish.org/news-events/upcoming-events/