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Cascade AIDS Project’s Art Auction Inspires

Portland, April 28th. The 23rd Annual Cadcade AIDS Project Art Auction drew over 1,000 people and raised $570,000. The Portland Gay Men’s Chorus Inspired supporters (Photo Credit, Garbero Photography) Every year since 1990, CAP has hosted an art auction to raise money to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and provide service to those infected or affected by HIV in the Northwest.

Robert Goman and Tim Hershey discuss the art available in silent auction. (Photo Credit, Mike Burt)

Paul Tibbits, Former Governor Barbara Roberts and Andrew Shayde (Photo Credit, Garbero Photography)

Volunteer Art Handler, Ryan Ficek carries "Water Wheel' by Laura Ross-Paul across the Live Auction stage for consideration by patrons. (Photo Credit, Mike Burt)

Portland’s art community first organized this iconic event and remains the backbone of the Art Auction today. The event has grown over the past two decades and this year featured 250 works of art. There was a special section with five pieces donated by prominent art collectors, including Arlene Schnitzer and Kurt Beadell. Guest Curator for 2012 was Bonnie Laing-Malcomson, Curator of Northwest Art at the Portland Art Museum.

Jazz Singer, Nicole Henry wows the crowd with her rendition of "Get Here". (Photo Credit, Mike Burt)

Guests of Nike, including Mayor Sam Adams, are agog after hearing of Tim Hershey's challenge. (Photo Credit Mike Burt)

Honorary Chairs of the 2012 Cascade AIDS Project Art Auction were Bing and Carolyn Sheldon. Cascade AIDS Project’s mission is near to the Sheldons’ hearts. During Carolyn’s tenure as the Portland Public School’s Director of Student Services, she instigated training for teachers and staff on creating a safe and accepting environment for LGBT students and students with gay or lesbian parents. The Sheldon’s son, Graham, is gay, giving the family firsthand experience with harm stigma can create.

From CAP:

Incorporated in 1985, Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is the oldest and largest AIDS Service Organization in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our programs serve the broad and diverse set of communities impacted by HIV, from community specific programs focused on teens, Latinos, the gay community, individuals and families living with HIV, to the thousands of individuals throughout the state who seek education though our AIDS/STD hotline each year. A committed 21-member volunteer Board of Directors provides strategic guidance and oversight to ensure CAP accomplishes its mission and continues to operate with integrity and transparency.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.