Providence Child Center Heart of Gold Gala Raises $495,000

Carole Vranizan, Dave Rianda, former Governor Barbara Roberts, and Valerie Fisher

Portland, February 12th, 2015. This year’s Providence Child Center Heart of Gold Dinner was an evening full of heartwarming tributes and an outpouring of generosity. Carole Vranizan, Dave Rianda, former Governor Barbara Roberts, and Valerie Fisher enjoyed the evening. The event raised more than $495,000 for Providence’s Center for Medically Fragile Children to support the life enriching programs and therapies that help these children reach their fullest potential.

Jeff Weston, Honoree Joe Weston, Marilyn Weston, and Tiffany Weston

Portland real estate developer and philanthropist Joe Weston was honored with the evening’s Heart of Gold Award for his efforts to provide children with the foundation needed to meet their fullest potential. A video presentation at the event highlighted his commitment to giving back through the OCF Joseph E. Weston Public Foundation, administered through The Oregon Community Foundation. Sales of his properties are put back into community organizations and his generosity has touched more than 400 non-profit organizations last year, including Providence Child Center.

Pat Budo, Administrator, Providence Child Center, presenting Joe Weston with a special gift at the Heart of Gold Award dinner.

Carole Vranizan, Dave Rianda, former Governor Barbara Roberts, and Valerie Fisher

Kathy and Mark Kralj, Archbishop Sample, Marti Sample

Past Heart of Gold Award recipient and Portland Trail Blazers legend Bill Schonely was master of ceremonies and shared stories of the inspirational children at the Providence Center for Medically Fragile Children.

From The Providence Child Center:

The Providence Child Center provides services for children of all abilities to help them reach their fullest potential and includes the Center for Medically Fragile Children, the only facility in the Northwest offering24-hour care for children with profound disabilities and complex medical needs, Providence Neurodevelopmental Center for Children, Swindells Resource Center and Providence Wee Care. For more information visit www.providence.org/childcenter.

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.