Portland, OR. Over 600 guests and volunteers filled the ballroom at the Oregon Convention Center on March 11th, to help “Unmask ALS.” The event raised $360,000 to help fund the nonprofit’s mission to discover treatments and a cure for ALS, and to serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest.
Executive Chef Scott Weaver and CEO Anne Weaver of Elephants Delicatessen
Master of Ceremony, Antonio Harvey and Auctioneer Graham Crow
Guest Tonya Bunick was the lucky winner of the “Golden Ticket” opportunity.
Excitement, hope and bid numbers were in the air at the benefit.
From the ALS Association:
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 through strategic community partnerships.
A sampling of programs and services available, free of charge:
· On-staff Care Services Coordinators who offer individual support and home visits to assess needs, suggest equipment, connect with local resources and help families plan.
· ALS Association Certified Center of Excellence partnerships with Providence Brain & Spine Institute and the Portland VA Health System.
· ALS Association Clinic partnerships with OHSU, Kaiser Permanente, St. Charles Health System, The Center and Asante Health System.
· Medical Equipment Program in partnership with Numotion and Norco Medical to loan equipment to aid in daily living activities and with mobility.
· Augmentative Communication and Assistive Technology Program to support communication, access and technology needs.
· Chapter Grant Program that funds a myriad of reimbursable, ALS-related expenses such as respite care, counseling, co-pays for healthcare costs, home modifications, and more.
· Caregiver Support Program to provide family caregiver focused support groups, Care Connections guidance, and referrals.
· Monthly Support Group Program for people living with ALS, family members, and friends.
· Support and resources for children, in partnership with The Dougy Center, who have ALS in their families.
· Bereavement Support Program for family members and friends who have lost a loved one to ALS.
· Education and Outreach to health care professionals, home health care agencies and the community with updates on current ALS needs and solutions.
Our chapter receives no government or insurance funding – we rely solely on our events, corporate and personal gifts, and local foundation grants.
