2013 Governors’ Gold Award Celebration Raises $880,000 for Special Olympics

Portland, October 29th, 2013. Governor John Kitzhaber was joined by former Governors Kulongoski, Roberts and Atiyeh to present awards for greatness to Oregonians in a sold out Oregon Ballroom at the Oregon Convention Center. Receiving the awards were: ESCO Corporation; Mark B. Ganz, President and CEO, Cambia Health Solutions; Bob Moore, Founder and President, Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods; Arlene Schnitzer, Founder, The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation/Harsch Investment Corp.; Dutch Bros. Coffee; and Bill Schonely. Two additional awards are presented each year. The Al and Pat Reser Civic Leadership Award was presented to Margaret Carter and the Gert Boyle Greatness Award was presented to The Oregon Delegation of Team USA 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

The Governors’ Gold Awards is presented as a fundraiser on behalf of Special Olympics Oregon (SOOR) and raised $880,000 to serve thousands of individuals with intellectual disability statewide through SOOR’s life changing programs.

Mark Ganz, president and CEO of Cambia Health Solutions, was honored with a 2013 Governors’ Gold Award for his lifetime contributions to the state of Oregon in the areas of health care, economic development and leadership through community service. Presented by Oregon’s living governors, Governors’ Gold Awards are received annually by a select number of esteemed businesses and individuals who have delivered significant contributions to the state during their lifetimes.

In presenting Ganz with the award, former Governor Ted Kulongoski remarked, “Mark Ganz is a national leader within the health care industry. He has given so much to this state. He doesn’t seek a high profile. His belief in service, community and families is more about his contribution to making life better for all of us.”

The Governors’ Gold Awards are presented annually by Oregon’s four living governors, Governor John Kitzhaber, Governor Ted Kulongoski, Governor Barbara Roberts and Governor Vic Atiyeh. The Governors’ Gold Awards ceremony benefits Special Olympics Oregon, serving Special Olympics athletes statewide since 1972.