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