Portland, OR. This year’s “must have bags” were up for bid at the 12th annual Power of the Purse (POP) Gala on March 17th. At the benefit notable Portlanders and designers joined forces to create one-of-a-kind purses which are auctioned off to benefit Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest. (Photo credit, Jennifer Rogers)
Kennedy, helped entertain supporters, she’s a Girls Council member.
Local designers, including Ellington Handbags, Looptworks and new to the event, designer Denise Tjarks, created purses together with this year’s “Purse-o-nalities.” 14 local celebs, including KGW reporter Cassidy Quinn and BurnCycle founder Jessi Duley showed their passion for empowering young girls. Unique creations were showcased by school-aged Girls Inc. in a live runway auction.
Organizers say, over the past decade, the Power of the Purse Gala has been recognized as one of Portland’s most fashionable fundraising gala and has raised more than $2.5 million to support Girls Inc. programming in the Portland metro area, and the greater Pacific Northwest. The nonprofit works to inspire and empower girls, ages 6 to 18, to be strong, smart, and bold through after-school groups, mentorship and educational opportunities. Together, with support from partners, funders, and the Pacific Northwest communities they serve, Girls Inc. gives every girl the opportunity to realize the “Power of Her.”
The nonprofit works to inspire and empower girls, ages 6 to 18, to be strong, smart, and bold through after-school groups, mentorship and educational opportunities. Together, with support from partners, funders, and the Pacific Northwest communities they serve, Girls Inc. gives every girl the opportunity to realize the “Power of Her.”
Rapper Wynne performed at the event.
This year’s Power of the Purse Gala kicked off with an exclusive POP Up Shop and reception prior to the runway event. The POP Up Shop featured hand-picked, local vendors, with 25 percent of all proceeds raised going to support Girls Inc. programming. Vendors included Amira Jewelry, Fetch Eyewear and many others. In addition, this year the POP Up Shop featured a “Girls Experience” opportunity, allowing for party-goers to give towards educational and empowering opportunities for the girls.
This year’s 2017 Purse-o-nalities were:
• Tiffany Boyd, co-founder, What the Festival;
• Eden Dawn, style editor, Portland Monthly;
• Stacey Dodson, market president, U.S. Bank;
• Jessi Duley, owner, BurnCycle;
• Susan Fairchild, owner; S Fairchild Designs;
• Paula Hayes, CEO and founder, Hue Noir;
• Kathleen Lewis, philanthropist;
• Peggy Maguire, senior vice president, corporate accountability and performance, Cambia Health Solutions;
• Hon. Adrienne Nelson, judge, Multnomah County Circuit Court;
• Kate Norris, founder, winemaker, and general manager, SE Wine Collective;
• Cassidy Quinn, reporter, KGW News;
• Angela Sheehan, principal, CFO, Glumac;
• Kelsey Troy, senior vice president, human resources, KinderCare Education; and
• Susan Wilkerson, vice president and general manager of strategic global accounts, Lam Research
Featured purse designers were:
• Leather Girl Kelley;
• Mari Lassa;
• Ellington Handbags;
• Scott Hamlin of Looptworks;
• Susan Fairchild of S Fairchild Designs;
• Christina Castillo of Christina Castillo Handbags;
• LOURDES é EVA;
• COLTY;
• Janny Downey of Minou-Minou;
• Denise Tjarks;
• SOREL;
• Jeff Amrhein of Hand and Hide; and
• Mia Scofield of Mo&Co.
The event is presented by KinderCare Education, along with supporting sponsors Harold & Arlene Schnitzer Care Foundation, Bank of America, Buchanan Angeli Altschul & Sullivan LLP, Ernst & Young, KeyBank, Portland Trail Blazers, The Standard, U.S. Bank, Nike, Wells Fargo Bank, Hannah Andersson, Delta Airlines, Kaiser Permanente, Markowitz Herbold PC., Burncycle, Sally Morrow Creative, Premiere Press, Cambia, Kassab Jewelers, Randall Children’s Hospital, Cindy Thompson Events, Lam Research and Walsh Construction.
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About Girls Inc.
Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest inspires girls, ages six to 18, to be strong, smart, and bold. Our gender-specific programs and research-based curricula provide girls with the confidence and self-esteem to access a bright and economically-independent future. For more information, please visit www.girlsincpnw.org.
Auction Co-Chairs: Shawn Menashe, CWA Executive Director Heather Martin, Tara Kinateder and Matt Felton
Richard Popiel, M.D. Executive Vice President & Corporate Chief Medical Officer at Cambia Health Solutions posed for a photo with the emcee for the benefit, Drew Carney From KGW.
Jill Nelson is ecstatic about her winning bid.
Every year, professional sommeliers volunteer their time at the Classic Wines Auction. The Auction relies on assistance from this group and over 350 other volunteers to help with the event.
Jason Zidell and William Oben celebrate their winning bid for a package.
(L to R) Cynthia and John Morgan, Mark Adams, M.D., Kristy and Sean Robbins, Steven and Elisa Klein, Kimberley Chan, M.D., Richard Popiel, M.D., Executive Vice President & Corporate Chief Medical Officer at Cambia Health Solutions and his wife Dr. Lisa Holland
With a record-breaking year on the books, the Classic Wines Auction has raised nearly $45 million for its partners in the organization’s 33 years. This announcement comes on the heels of its 2016 event being ranked number seven on Wine Spectator’s annual list of Top 10 charity wine auctions in the U.S.
“We’re overwhelmed by the generous support of our community and the success of this year’s event,” said Heather Martin, Executive Director of the Classic Wines Auction. “We implemented a number of format changes this year to shorten the evening and freshen up the event, and we are thrilled by the positive response from our attendees, donors, sponsors, and nonprofit partners. We know these funds will create incredible opportunities for youth and families in Oregon and Southwest Washington.”
With more than 850 guests in attendance, the paddle raise drew in more than $1.1 million, another new record for the organization. “Weekend with Rombauer,” a trip for six couples to Napa Valley, went for the highest sum, raising $108,000. Other hot packages included a 2018 Lexus LC500h, a trip to France with Louis Roederer Group, and an African safari with Betz Family Winery.
Throughout the year, Classic Wines Auction hosts a number of events in support of its nonprofit partners, including:
Fall Winemaker Dinner Series: November: 14-16, 2017
Spring Winemaker Dinner Series: Feb. 20-22, 27-28, March 1, 2018
About Classic Wines Auction:
Consistently recognized as one of the top ten charity wine auctions in the country by Wine Spectator Magazine, the Classic Wines Auction has raised nearly $45 million for local nonprofit partners since its inception in 1982. Based in Portland, Ore., Classic Wines Auction, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to producing the Classic Wines Auction and related food and wine events to raise funds for local organizations benefiting children and families, including: Metropolitan Family Service (MFS), New Avenues for Youth, Friends of the Children-Portland, YWCA Clark County and Unity Center for Behavioral Health. The organization recently received – for the third consecutive year – a four star rating from Charity Navigator recognizing exemplary performance in accountability, transparency, as well as strong financial health. More at www.classicwinesauction.com.
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.
SnowCap board members Judi Allen and Bev Carlson discovered hot deals in the flower garden of prizes donated by Covenant Presbyterian Church.
Representative Carla Piluso, D-Gresham, returned as emcee of SnowCap auction as well as donating a rustic Italian dinner party for ten. Jim Liefeld and Gail Swanson fueled up for serious bidding.
JillMarie Wiles was auctioneer for the 380 guests in attendance at the March 11th auction at the Holiday Inn Portland Airport. Executive Director Judy Alley says SnowCap is a vital resource for many working families in East County. “The funds raised make it possible for us to serve our neighbors. Our clients are mostly the working poor, children, elderly or disabled. Support raised at this event is a sign of how much East Multnomah County cares for this community.” Program coordinators encourage people to help by choosing SnowCap on a Fred Meyer rewards card or when shopping at Smile.Amazon.com.
Jeanne Grant and Susan Sloan share a laugh with SnowCap Executive Director Judy Alley, who will retire this fall after 26 years of service. Snowcap administrative expenses constitute just 6.5% of total expenses.
SnowCap Warehouse Coordinator Jason Ingram is a man on a mission for chocolate in the Dessert Dash.
Some of the local sponsors for the benefit included: Les Schwab Tire Centers, The Boeing Company, Pacific Power, PGE, Parkrose Community United Church of Christ, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Alyson Huntting, Sally Gaudina, broker, RE/MAX Equity Group and Gethsemane Lutheran.
A multigenerational crew of 1,000 volunteers help the nonprofit run smoothly. Here’s a video about volunteering with the program:
From SnowCap:
SnowCap is located behind the Rockwood United Methodist Church at 17805 SE Stark.
To visit the pantry, enter using the west driveway from Stark Street.
Portland, OR. Over 400 supporters crowded Castaway Portland on March 2nd, to celebrate the work of the Women’s Foundation of Oregon. The event raised $226,000 to help fund the nonprofit’s mission to make Oregon a better place for women and girls. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus.) The Women’s Foundation of Oregon Count Her In report is described by researchers as, “the most expansive, actionable, and inclusive analysis of Oregon’s women and girls to date… the first report on the status of Oregon’s women and girls in 20 years.” Click here to view a copy of the executive summary of the report. Notable findings include:
In Oregon, female full-time workers make 21% less than men, or 79 cents for every dollar.
Forty-one percent of female-headed families with children are in poverty.
44% of Oregon households receiving federal food assistance are headed by women.
There were also positive findings such as the following:
Oregon women serve in statewide elected office at some of the highest rates in the country. Oregon women also serve in the U.S. military at higher rates than women in many other states.
Oregon women and girls perform nearly one-half a billion hours of unpaid caregiving each year for children, relatives, neighbors, and friends.
Oregon women and girls engage in more daily physical activity than women and girls in any other state.
Fewer than 5% of the violent crimes in Oregon are committed by women and girls.
Here’s a video about the report:
The Count Her In Celebration was a showcase for the report. “This report is a baseline and a call to action, a celebration of resilience, and an opportunity to do things differently for future Oregonians,” explained organizers.
Women’s Foundation Board Chair Sue Hildick.
Special guest Ana del Rocio addressed supporters.
Women’s Foundation executive director Emily Evans.
From Women’s Foundation of Oregon:
Women’s Foundation of Oregon’s vision is an Oregon where every woman and girl can thrive. Our mission is to focus the power of women’s collective resources to improve the lives of women and girls throughout Oregon.
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