Portland, March 10th. The Oregon Convention Center was filled with over 800 people to celebrate 10 years of service for The ALS Association of Oregon and SW Washington Chapter. Honorary Co-Chair, Jordan Schnitzer, is all smiles with his colleague, Randy Kyte, Senior Vice President of Development for Harsch Investment Properties, Jane Gilbert, CEO and President of The National ALS Association, and Lance Christian, Executive Director for The ALS Association Oregon and SW Washington Chapter.
Auctioneer Graham Crow rallied the 800+ guests to raise over $400,000 for the vital mission of The ALS Association.
Over $400,000 – furthers the nonprofit’s mission of providing free, hands-on services to local families living with ALS as well as funding nationwide advocacy and international research efforts. The ALS Association of Oregon and SW Washington Chapter is helping to lead the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support. (Photo credit, Randy Boverman Photography)
Jordan Schnitzer and a representative from Harsch Investment Properties’ Las Vegas office conspired to surprise the audience with a gift of $12,500 from the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation in an effort to round the Make a Difference paddle raise portion of the evening to $150,000 – the best to date for the local chapter.
The ALS Association covers all the bases — research, patient and community services, public education, and advocacy — in providing help and hope to those facing the disease.
From ALS Association of Oregon and SW Washington:
Since its inception in 2002, our local chapter of The ALS Association is the central source for services and education for people with ALS, their families, caregivers, and health care professionals in all of Oregon and the six counties of SW Washington. The progression of ALS varies significantly from one person to another. Responding to each person’s individual needs, our local chapter is available to provide vital services and reliable information.
A sampling of services provided free of charge:
- One-on-one consultations to assess the needs of those living with ALS, suggest equipment and help families plan for the future.
- A Medical Equipment Loan Program that provides mobility equipment when insurance and other programs cannot fund needed items.
- A comprehensive Alternative Communication and Assistive Technology Program.
- Caregiver support groups, Share the Care™ guidance, and respite care grants to relieve stress and “caregiver burnout.”
- Monthly support groups for people with ALS, family members, caregivers and friends.
- Partnerships in ALS multidisciplinary clinics staffed by professionals with ALS expertise.
- Outreach to the local medical community with updates on current ALS needs and solutions
The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS.
