by Elisa Klein | Dec 5, 2020 | Events, Features, News
Hillsboro, OR. First Tech Federal Credit Union is awarding more than $419,000 in grants to 40 nonprofit organizations in Washington, Oregon, and California. In Oregon, First Tech awarded $195,500 to 17 community organizations. “Hunger isn’t just a lone empty belly; it’s a community-wide symptom of systemic barriers to employment, housing, healthcare, and more,” shared Susannah Morgan, Oregon Food Bank CEO. “With strong community support like the First Tech Innovation Grant, we can remove these barriers and help end hunger in our communities — especially among people of color and others who disproportionately experience poverty here in Oregon.”

Oregon First Tech employees also lend a hand in-person to help local organizations, like the Hillsboro Public Library.
Oregon First Tech Innovation Grant partners include:
- Bienestar, Hillsboro; $5,000 to support the COVID-19 Response Communications Project, implementing new and innovative technology solutions to quickly distribute reliable, bilingual information about COVID-19 to Bienestar residents.
- Bradley Angle, Portland; $5,000 to support the Survivor Assistance Fund, providing resources for domestic abuse survivors to obtain stable housing.
- Clackamas Service Center Inc., Portland; $5,000 to support the COVID-19 Responsive Community Nutrition program, addressing food insecurity with customized food boxes.
- Clackamas Women’s Services, Oregon City; $4,000 to provide an innovative model of delivery for emergency shelter and support services for victims of domestic and sexual violence during COVID-19.
- Coalition for Communities of Color, Portland; $5,000 to support The Research Justice Institute, engaging with its culturally specific member organizations to co-construct a data justice strategy.
- Community Action Organization, Hillsboro; $7,500 to provide emergency rent and utility assistance to protect low-income families that lost income due to evictions and homelessness during COVID-19.
- Friends of the Children – Portland, Portland; $10,000 to support the No Matter What Initiative, providing professional mentorship and essential relationships for 500+ youth over the next 12 months.
- Growing Gardens, Portland; $5,000 to support the Youth Grow and Home Gardens programs, ensuring that low-income families and children have access to healthy food and positive food resources during COVID-19.
- Marion-Polk Food Share Inc., Salem; $7,000 to support the Nourishing Neighbors Through Food Distribution/Production Programs to increase access to healthy food for all people in Marion and Polk counties.
- Oregon Food Bank Inc., Portland; $75,000 to support the Emerge Stronger Systems Change Project, a year-round civic engagement effort.
- Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon, Portland; $5,000 in general operating funds to expand food access during and after the pandemic.
- Portland Homeless Family Solutions, Portland; $5,000 in general operating support of the 24-hour Family Village shelter for families with children.
- Raphael House of Portland, Portland; $22,000 to support the 2020 Virtual Gala, which helped raise funds for over 400 adults and children who rely on the Raphael House for shelter, housing, food and hygiene supplies, safety planning, financial aid, and more.
- Store to Door, Portland; $5,000 to Support A Week 2020, engaging community partners in a way that directly supports the clients and the grocery delivery service that meets their needs each week.
- Urban Gleaners, Portland; $15,000 to the 2021 Food Recovery to Fight Childhood Food Insecurity Initiative, fighting against childhood food insecurity by providing free and nutritious food to families.
- Willamette West – Habitat for Humanity, Hillsboro; $10,000 to support the 2021 Critical Home Repair Program, assisting homeowners in need of critical repairs that they cannot afford due to their income level.
- With Love Oregon, Tigard; $5,000 to the Retro Fitting Warehouse Space Initiative, as well as purchasing and distributing new mattresses to foster families.
Washington First Tech Innovation Grant Partners:
First Tech designated $101,000 in Washington to support community organizations; Washington First Tech Innovation Grant partners include:
- Bellevue LifeSpring, Bellevue; $5,000 to support Bellevue LifeSpring COVID-19 Food Response, providing Safeway vouchers for students who relied on free and reduced-price meals at school prior to the pandemic.
- EastWest Food Rescue, Redmond; $12,500 to fund a cold storage trailer for perishable foods including dairy, meat, fruit, and frozen foods that help address food insecurity in local communities.
- FareStart, Seattle; $5,000 to support the Community Meals/Emergency Meals program, promoting food security for Seattle-area youth and adults during the COVID-19 crisis.
- Food Lifeline, Seattle; $10,000 to aid the Regional Food Equity Initiative, providing farm workers and indigenous people with access to more culturally appropriate foods through COVID-19 response emergency mobile food distributions.
- Friends of the Children – Seattle, Seattle; $10,000 to respond to food insecurity by delivering food and essential supplies to families in King County during COVID-19.
- Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank, Issaquah; $3,500 to youth programming, providing low barrier access to healthy, kid-friendly foods for students and families each week that school would normally be in session throughout the at-home learning phase.
- Hopelink, Redmond; $10,000 to provide tools and resources for impoverished families to find financial stability.
- Mary’s Place, Seattle; $5,000 to Popsicle Place, providing families with medically fragile children access to private rooms with 24-hour access, nutritious meals, supportive care coordination, and medical staff and volunteers.
- Northwest Harvest, Seattle; $5,000 to provide curbside service of pre-bagged groceries for more than 4,000 people per week via the SODO Community Market, as well as biweekly pantry services via the Mobile Food Bank.
- Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission, Seattle; $10,000 to provide for the urgent physical needs of homeless individuals, starting them on a path out of homelessness and into a healthy life.
- The Pike Place Market Foundation, Seattle; $5,000 to the Market Foundation, addressing food security for Market-area and downtown families by providing access to a food bank, subsidized CSA, and reduced-price shopping programs.
- West Seattle Food Bank, Seattle; $5,000 to the Emergency Rent & Utility Assistance Program to prevent eviction and homelessness for 1,300 individuals, utilizing technology to increase capacity and accessibility.
- YWCA Clark County, Vancouver; $15,000 to offset the impact of the pandemic with general operating support and for capacity building efforts.
California First Tech Innovation Grant Partners:
First Tech designated $122,750 in California to support community organizations; California First Tech Innovation Grant partners include:
- Center for Excellence in Nonprofits, Redwood City; $10,000 to support the CEN Bay Area Capacity Building Initiative, aiding organizations that offer integral resources and training to communities hit hardest by the pandemic.
- Friends of the Children – SF BAY AREA, San Francisco; $10,000 to support the Innovative Access to Nutritional Resources Project, providing high-quality produce to local families who live in food deserts.
- Placer Food Bank, Roseville; $10,000 to provide technology upgrades, allowing for efficient and effective communication with volunteers, hunger-relief partners and donors.
- Raphael House of San Francisco Inc., San Francisco; $14,000 to fund the Residential Shelter and Bridge Services, providing families who are struggling with homelessness a safe, stable home where the entire family receives crucial support services to break the cycle of poverty and emerge from homelessness permanently.
- Sacred Heart Community Service, San Jose; $5,000 to the Building Equitable Food Systems project, providing low-income residents with the necessary materials to grow an organic garden in their home.
- Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, San Jose; $40,000 to aid 2020-2021 general operating support to feed families.
- Amigos de Guadalupe Center for Justice and Empowerment, San Jose; $6,250 to support the Safe Park Program, providing a safe place to sleep for people experiencing homelessness.
- Southwest YMCA, San Jose; $6,250 to support the Safe Park Program and emergency financial assistance for families experiencing homelessness due to the pandemic.
- Valley Verde, San Jose; $15,000 to support community food systems through a combination of urban gardening and entrepreneurship to build healthier, more self-sufficient communities.
- West Valley Community Service, San Jose; $6,250 to support the Safe Park Program and emergency financial assistance to support families impacted most by the pandemic.
From First Tech Federal Credit Union:
ABOUT FIRST TECH FEDERAL CREDIT UNION’S COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
First Tech Federal Credit Union is committed to supporting the next generation of leaders, thinkers and innovators. In 2019, First Tech provided $3.29 million in charitable giving and more than 30,000 employee volunteer hours to the community; directing dollars and time to nonprofit partners who provide programs and services to children and families in need. First Tech’s philanthropic focus areas include support for education (STEM, early childhood literacy, financial education and scholarships), research (Credit Union for Kids and Supportive Health Service) and innovation (food, safety and shelter). Visit www.firsttechfed.com/community to learn more about the ways First Tech pays it forward throughout the year.
ABOUT FIRST TECH FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
First Tech Federal Credit Union is a $14+ billion institution headquartered in San Jose, California. It is the nation’s premier credit union serving the world’s leading technology-oriented companies and their employees, including HP Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Microsoft, Agilent, Intel, Cisco, Amazon, Nike, Intuit, Google, and more. First Tech is recognized as the industry catalyst for delivering effortless banking experiences to more than 620,000 members through its 39 branch locations, more than 5,600 CO-OP Shared Branch locations, 30,000 CO-OP Network ATMs, and online platforms. First Tech offers a full range of financial services, including traditional banking, online banking, mortgages, financial planning, various consumer loans, and insurance services. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender. For more information, visit www.firsttechfed.com.
by Elisa Klein | Nov 28, 2020 | Events, Features, News
Portland, OR. The Christmas Ships will be parading for fifteen nights this holiday season, December 4th through December 22nd (with just a couple of nights off). Organizers say, “We’re excited to continue the parade this year and offer some form of normalcy in such an abnormal time. Our lighted boat parade is an event that people can enjoy and view safely this holiday season. Even if you just catch a glimpse of us on the water while driving, we hope we brighten your evening.”

The boats, 14 to 65 feet long, are brightly decorated for the holiday season. Up to 60-holiday boats are expected to make up the two fleets.

The privately-owned vessels come from Portland, Vancouver, McMinnville, Salem and Hood River areas. Some of the ship’s owners have been part of the Christmas tradition for more than 30 years.

Christmas Shipowners are getting ready to set sail for their 66th year as residents make plans to watch the colorful flotillas during the parade’s 2020 holiday season.
Organizers remind spectators to stay six feet apart, wear masks, and follow all other protocols to stay safe from the spread of COVID-19. “We are scheduled to parade 15 nights and there are many places along the parade routes to watch without crowding. Check our schedule and plan ahead. We want you to enjoy our parade in the best of health and well-being!”
The nonprofit is also looking for donations. The primary funding source is the waterfront business community. Many of these businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic and are not able to donate this year. Donations help to defray the cost of administering, maintaining and promoting the non-profit. Christmas Ships, Inc. is an all-volunteer organization. Here’s a link to the donate page: https://www.christmasships.org/make-a-donation
Below is the schedule for the Willamette Fleet:
(There are four nights where the ships don’t sail, so check the Columbia and Willamette River schedules. Due to COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings, there will be no “Meet & Greet” gatherings with the fleet.)
Route Details 7:00PM – The combined fleet (Columbia River and Willamette River Fleets) assemble heading upriver in front of Salty’s Restaurant, 38th/NE Marine Drive and turns at NE 42nd St […]
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05 Dec
2020
06:00 PM
COMBINED
Route Details 6:00 PM – The combined fleet (Columbia River and Willamette River Fleets) assembles in front of Port of Camas/Washougal and parades in the area for about an hour. The fleet […]
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08 Dec
2020
07:00 PM
WILLAMETTE
Route Details 7:00PM – The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of Riverplace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland). The fleet will make their way upriver, past the Old Spaghetti Factory, […]
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09 Dec
2020
07:00 PM
WILLAMETTE
Route Details 7:00PM – The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland) and travels upriver to the area of the Milwaukie Boat Ramp. At the boat […]
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10 Dec
2020
07:00 PM
WILLAMETTE
Route Details 7:00PM – The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of Riverplace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland). The fleet will make their way upriver, past the Old Spaghetti Factory, […]
————————————————————————
11 Dec
2020
07:00 PM
WILLAMETTE
Route Details 7:00PM – The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland) and travels upriver to the area of the Milwaukie Boat Ramp. At the boat […]
————————————————————————
12 Dec
2020
06:00 PM
COMBINED
Route Details 6:00PM – The combined fleet (Columbia River and Willamette River Fleets) assembles at the St. Helens City Docks and heads downriver to Columbia City, and weather/river […]
————————————————————————
13 Dec
2020
04:30 PM
COMBINED
Route Details 4:30PM – The combined fleet (Columbia River and Willamette River Fleets) meets in the afternoon at Coon Island and leave for Scappoose arriving approximately 5:00PM then […]
————————————————————————
16 Dec
2020
07:00 PM
WILLAMETTE
Route Details 7:00PM – The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland) and travels upriver to the area of the Milwaukie Boat Ramp. At the boat […]
————————————————————————
17 Dec
2020
07:00 PM
WILLAMETTE
Route Details 7:00PM – The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of Riverplace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland). The fleet will make their way upriver, past the Old Spaghetti Factory, […]
————————————————————————
18 Dec
2020
07:00 PM
WILLAMETTE
Route Details 7:00PM – The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland) and travels upriver to the area of the Milwaukie Boat Ramp. At the boat […]
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19 Dec
2020
04:30 PM
COMBINED
Route Details 4:30PM – The combined fleet (Columbia River and Willamette River Fleets) will leave RiverPlace Marina headed to Lake Oswego, arriving about 6:00PM, subject to weather and […]
COMBINED
Route Details 5:00PM – The combined fleet (Columbia River and Willamette River Fleets) assemble in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, […]
————————————————————————
21 Dec
2020
07:00 PM
WILLAMETTE
Route Details 7:00PM – The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland) and travels upriver to the area of the Milwaukie Boat Ramp. At the boat […]
————————————————————————
22 Dec
2020
07:00 PM
WILLAMETTE
Route Details 7:00PM – The Willamette Fleet assembles in front of Riverplace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, Portland). The fleet will make their way upriver, past the Old Spaghetti Factory, […]
————————————————————————
Below is the schedule for the Columbia Fleet:
Route Details 7:00PM – The combined fleet (Columbia River and Willamette River Fleets) assemble heading upriver in front of Salty’s Restaurant, 38th/NE Marine Drive and turns at NE 42nd St […]
————————————————————————
05 Dec
2020
06:00 PM
COMBINED
Route Details 6:00 PM – The combined fleet (Columbia River and Willamette River Fleets) assembles in front of Port of Camas/Washougal and parades in the area for about an hour. The fleet […]
————————————————————————
08 Dec
2020
07:00 PM
COLUMBIA
Unfortunately we will not be going in to Hayden Bay this season. The rest of our route on this night is not affected (Hayden Bay is just a small portion of our route). Between water levels and the added […]
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09 Dec
2020
07:00 PM
COLUMBIA
Route Details 7:00PM – Columbia Fleet assembles in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive. Tonight the fleet will remain the first hour in the area of the boat ramp, and […]
————————————————————————
10 Dec
2020
07:00 PM
COLUMBIA
Unfortunately we will not be going in to Hayden Bay this season. The rest of our route on this night is not affected (Hayden Bay is just a small portion of our route). Between water levels and the added […]
————————————————————————
11 Dec
2020
07:00 PM
COLUMBIA
Route Details 7:00PM – Columbia River Fleet assembles headed upriver in front of Salty’s Restaurant, 38th/NE Marine Drive and turns at NE 42nd St to head downriver to North Portland Harbor. […]
————————————————————————
12 Dec
2020
06:00 PM
COMBINED
Route Details 6:00PM – The combined fleet (Columbia River and Willamette River Fleets) assembles at the St. Helens City Docks and heads downriver to Columbia City, and weather/river […]
————————————————————————
13 Dec
2020
04:30 PM
COMBINED
Route Details 4:30PM – The combined fleet (Columbia River and Willamette River Fleets) meets in the afternoon at Coon Island and leave for Scappoose arriving approximately 5:00PM then […]
————————————————————————
16 Dec
2020
07:00 PM
COLUMBIA
Route Details 7:00PM – Columbia Fleet assembles in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive. Tonight the fleet will remain the first hour in the area of the boat ramp, and […]
————————————————————————
17 Dec
2020
07:00 PM
COLUMBIA
Unfortunately we will not be going in to Hayden Bay this season. The rest of our route on this night is not affected (Hayden Bay is just a small portion of our route). Between water levels and the added […]
————————————————————————
18 Dec
2020
07:00 PM
COLUMBIA
Route Details 7:00PM – Columbia Fleet assembles in front of James M Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and continues upriver to the I-205 Bridge area and Steamboat Landing. The fleet […]
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19 Dec
2020
04:30 PM
COMBINED
Route Details 4:30PM – The combined fleet (Columbia River and Willamette River Fleets) will leave RiverPlace Marina headed to Lake Oswego, arriving about 6:00PM, subject to weather and […]
COMBINED
Route Details 5:00PM – The combined fleet (Columbia River and Willamette River Fleets) assemble in front of RiverPlace Marina, (1750 SW Harbor Way, […]
————————————————————————
21 Dec
2020
07:00 PM
COLUMBIA
Unfortunately we will not be going in to Hayden Bay this season. The rest of our route on this night is not affected (Hayden Bay is just a small portion of our route). Between water levels and the added […]
————————————————————————
22 Dec
2020
07:00 PM
COLUMBIA
Route Details 7:00PM – Columbia River Fleet assembles headed upriver in front of Salty’s Restaurant, 38th/NE Marine Drive and turns at NE 42nd St to head downriver to North Portland Harbor. […]
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From the Christmas Ship Parades:
You can support the Christmas Ship Parade at https://www.christmasships.org/make-a-donation
If you’ve never seen our parade before, you have many opportunities to see us. Figure out which river and night work best for you from our schedules: Columbia River Schedule -or- Willamette River Schedule. The schedule details for each night list some of the best viewing locations to see us. Sometimes that may be from a shoreline park or it may be from the warmth of a restaurant overlooking the river. On the Willamette, you always have the opportunity to see us from a dinner cruise. Make your reservations now, they book up fast!
How will you participate this year? As a spectator or as a Christmas Ships skipper? As long as you have a boat that can do at least 6 knots and have a desire to decorate it, we welcome anyone to join us. It’s a fulfilling experience that you won’t forget. Be warned, it is addictive! The commitment can be whatever you want it to be. Join us for one night or join us for all. To see some of the benefits, please visit: Benefits. To sign up, please visit: Sign Up.