“SHINE: 15 Years of Q Center” Raises Over $134,000

former Co-Executive Director, Justin Pabalate, Executive Director Cameron Whitten, and Nick Bernier.

Portland, OR. Q Center is celebrating 15 years of serving the community so the nonprofit took time to honor people who helped the organization grow. At the Q Center annual brunch, “SHINE: 15 Years of Q Center,” supporters donated over $134,000. The December 9th benefit also featured a cabaret show. At the event, former Co-Executive Director Justin Pabalate, Executive Director Cameron Whitten, and Nick Bernier posed for a photo. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus) The mission of Q Center is to provide safe spaces, community building and empowerment for the positive transformation of LGBTQ2SIA+ communities and allies in the Pacific Northwest.

Q Center Constellation Award honorees, Nancy Haque (North Star), Bob Speltz (Supernova), Emcee Joaquin Lopez, Board Chair Darion Demartez Jones, Shaley Howard (Quasar) and Katie Cox (Rising Sun)

Gold-glitter shoes worn by SHINE honorary Co-chair Eddy Morales

Terry Bean and Bill Dickey

Approximately 500 people attended the benefit.

From Q Center:

As the largest LGBTQ community center in the Pacific Northwest, Q Center proudly serves the LGBTQ2SIA+ communities of Portland Metro and Southwest Washington. Our drop-in and event space on North Mississippi Avenue is a frequent first stop for new arrivals in Portland, and for longtime residents who are newly out or questioning their sexual or gender identity. Q Center also serves as an information hub for friends, partners, community, and family members of LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals. We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach and seek out ways to share resources with other nonprofits and public institutions locally and statewide.

What We Do:

Q Center provides community-based support for LGBTQ2SIA+ community members seeking connection and resources. Our core programs:

LGBTQ Senior Community: *eRa*–Encouraging Respect for Aging is Q Center’s drop-in program for LGBTQ seniors. With membership of over 200, activities include meal sharing, peer support, creative groups, community education, and social events.
Affinity Groups: Q Center’s Affinity Groups program supports more than 30 peer-led groups meeting weekly and monthly in our community space. Activities include peer-based support for coming out, recovery, resource sharing, social connection, & organizing for social change.
Information & Referral: Our reception desk is staffed seven days a week by kind and knowledgeable volunteers who assist community members seeking LGBTQ2SIA+ community resources locally and statewide. We offer email, phone, and drop-in referrals.
Fiscal Sponsorships: Q Center is a fiscal sponsor and community incubator for smaller nonprofits whose aims complement our mission, vision, and values.

For more information: http://www.pdxqcenter.org/

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.