by Elisa Klein | Jun 8, 2019 | Events, Features, News
Portland, OR. More than 500 people attended the annual Oregon Museum of Science and Industry’s (OMSI) Gala to support efforts to spread science education across the Pacific Northwest. Governor Kate Brown, Piper Park, Kathy Rudd and Pat Reser were on hand for the May 4th gala. The benefit, which took place at OMSI, grossed more than $1.5 million through sponsorships, ticket sales and an auction, making it the nonprofit museum’s most successful event to date. This year’s gala, titled ‘Diamond Jubilee,’ commemorated OMSI’s 75th anniversary.
Trond Ingvaldsen, Turid Owren, Jon Jaqua, Kimberly Cooper and Wally Van Valkenburg
Marcia Randall and Kristin Rogers
Beaverton Mayor Denny Doyle and wife Ann visit with Senator Ron Wyden (center)
Marcus Lintner, Linda Rae Hickey and OMSI Emeritus Board Chair Gary Maffei strike a pose in the Durham and Bates Photo Lounge. Photos by KLiK Concepts (Kenton Waltz and Erin Riddle)
Courtney Cooper, Christine Vernier, OMSI President & CEO Nancy Stueber, Dan Stueber and OMSI Emeritus Trustee David Vernier enjoy the cocktail reception.
Sisters Kathy Deggendorfer and Sally Bany visit with OMSI Emeritus Board Chair Gary Maffei during the cocktail hour.
Guests are showered with confetti as the record-breaking $1,535,000 total is announced.
Governor Brown celebrates the evening with the Starella Sisters.
Guests enjoy the Gala After Dark after-party.
Thomas Lauderdale, China Forbes and the entire Pink Martini collective entertain OMSI’s guests at the Gala After Dark after-party.
OMSI celebrates the notion that everyone can be a successful science learner. Regardless of where they live or how much money they have – everyone has the right to feel the joy of curiosity, the thrill of exploration and the power of innovation and problem solving. This is why funds raised at the gala are used for the museum’s statewide education outreach efforts, financial aid programs and a multitude of learning and development initiatives.
“It’s so important for everyone to have access to science and technology,” said Nancy Stueber, president and CEO of OMSI. “Science learning starts with the spark of curiosity and asking questions. We want to keep the spark alive with hands-on learning experiences. The money we raised at the gala will help us further our goals for science learning, both in the experiences we will create and the access we can provide.”
OMSI has been a part of Oregon’s community for 75 years. Founded in 1944 by a group of volunteers, who wanted to show Oregonians and the world just how special and unique this place is, the museum continues to put the “O” in its name as it serves all of Oregon. From the very beginning, the museum was built by the community for the community.
“This year’s gala was a resounding success because it demonstrates the level of commitment and support we have from the community,” said Love Centerwall, vice president of development at OMSI. “As a private, non-profit organization, about one-third of our annual budget comes from our generous donors. OMSI’s quality experiences, financial aid program, and broad reach would not be possible without them.”
Anyone can get involved and assist OMSI in its ongoing efforts to extend science-learning across Oregon and throughout the Pacific Northwest. Visit www.omsi.edu/donate or send an email to [email protected] for more information.
About OMSI
Our Mission
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) inspires curiosity through engaging science learning experiences, fosters experimentation and the exchange of ideas, and stimulates informed action.
OMSI is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and relies on admissions, memberships, and donations to continue our educational mission, programs, and exhibits.
More information at: https://omsi.edu/
by Elisa Klein | Jun 8, 2019 | Events, Features, News
Portland, OR. Let’s Festival Around the Globe was the theme of the 2019 Grand Floral Parade on June 8th.
Mya Brazile, a Senoir of St Mary’s Academy
Mya Brazile, a Senoir of St Mary’s Academy was selected Queen of Rosaria and rode with her court on a flower-laden float. Queen Mya aims to study Computer Science at a four-year university and become a Computer Scientist with skills in web design and coding.
There were hundreds entries in the parade including one from the Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Association, an entry from Alaska Airlines and a mini-float from Sapporo, Japan. The parade is the culmination of the Rose Festival which annually draws an estimated 500-thousand people to the Rose City. For more than 100 years, Portland families, visitors and community groups have enjoyed the Grand Floral Parade along a 4-mile route as it winds through city streets and across the river.
Hillmann Lueddemann Jr. Sweepstakes Award (Most outstanding float in the Parade) was awarded to Reser’s Fine Food.
The Governor’s Award for best depiction of life in Oregon went to Spirit Mountain Casino’s tribute to Willamette Falls in Oregon City.
The Clown Prince is the Rose Festival’s Official Mascot.
The Grand Marshal Award (Best depiction of whimsy) went to Fred Meyer.
The Queen’s Award (Most Creative float in the parade) went to Meals on Wheels People.
President’s Award (Most effective overall floral presentation) went to Cambia Portland Classic.
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Award (Best depiction of community spirit) went to Alaska Airlines.
A complete list of the winners, including bands, is below. Additionally, here are more snapshots of Portland’s biggest parade:
Equestrian awards, included the Vern Hulit Award for Excellence in Preparation, Organization and Presentation went to the Pendleton Round-Up Court.
Native or National Costume, Individual/Pair honors went to Happy Canyon Princesses, Kaia John & Kayla Fossek.
The State, Regional or Association Queen winner was Miss Rodeo Oregon, Taylor Ann Skramstad.
The One More Time Around Again Marching Band has been a fixture in the Portland Rose Festival Starlight and Grand Floral parades since 1985. It’s one of the largest adult marching bands in the country.
One More Time Around Again Marching Band majorettes
Puddles, the Oregon Duck mascot, made an appearance.
Rosarian Prime Minister Don Thacker
The Sons and Daughters of Oregon Pioneers
Sister City Sapporo Japan’s float celebrated 60 years of friendship.
Sailors from the USS Independence
Black Chamber of Commerce. PCRI and the Urban League of Portland
Here’s a complete list of winners:
Royal Rosarian Award (Best craftsmanship and workmanship)
Portland Kaohsiung Sister City Association
Rose Society Award (Most effective use and display of roses)
Unitus Community Credit Union
Rose Festival Directors Award (Best depiction of volunteerism)
Royal Rosarian Foundation
Rose Festival Court Award (Best example of enthusiasm and teamwork)
Greenbrier / Gunderson
Grand Marshal Award (Best depiction of whimsy)
Fred Meyer
Theme Award (Best presentation of Rose Festival theme – Let’s Festival!)
Portland Rose Festival Foundation
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Award (Best depiction of community spirit)
Alaska Airlines
Peg Roseboro Award (Most artistic design and presentation)
Portland Rose Festival Tribute Float
Dick Powers Picture Perfect Award (Best Mini-float)
Sapporo. Japan Mini-Float
Parade Queen Award
New Westminster Hyack Festival Mini-Float
Parade Chairman Award
Battle Ground Mini-Float
Judges Award: Extra Mention
Washington State Autumn Leaf Festival Mini-Float
BAND AWARDS
Band Sweepstakes (Best Band in Parade)
Sumner High School – Sumner WA
In-State Open (100 or more)
First Place – Oregon City High School – Oregon City OR
Second Place – Tualatin High School – Tualatin, OR
Third Place – Canby high School – Canby OR
In-State Division A (99 Members or Less)
First Place –Centennial High School – Gresham, OR
Second Place – Hillsboro high School – Hillsboro, OR
Out-of-State Open (100 or more)
First Place – Prairie High School – Battle Ground, WA
Out-of-State Division A (99 Members or Less)
First Place – Battle Ground High School – Battle Ground, WA
Second Place – Columbia River High School -Vancouver WA
Third Place – Shu-Te Home Economics & Commercial High School – Kaohsiung, Taiwan
CAPTION AWARDS
Out walkers/Parent Support
Sumner High School – Sumner, WA
Cheerleaders
Oregon City High School – Oregon City, OR
Flags/Dance Team
Shu-Te Home Economics & Commercial High School – Kaohsiung, Taiwan
ROSE FESTIVAL EQUESTRIAN CLASS ENTRIES AWARD LISTING
Vern Hulit Award for Excellence in Preparation,
Organization and Presentation
Pendleton Round-Up Court
Native or National Costume, Individual/Pair
Happy Canyon Princesses, Kaia John & Kayla Fossek
Fancy Dress
Maggie Constantino and Cloud
Equestrian Group
Clark Co. Fair Mounted Patrol
Horse Drawn Wagon or Carriage
Special ‘T’ Carriage Co. – Teresa Ritchey & Roy
State, Regional or Association Queen
Miss Rodeo Oregon
Rodeo or Fair Queen
Miss Thunder Mountain Pro Rodeo, Makenzie Matthews
Rodeo or Fair Queen and Court
Clackamas County Fair and Canby Rodeo
Senior Scooper
DJ Glenn Hadduck
Park Bureau Scooper
Happy Festival Scoopers
by Elisa Klein | Jun 1, 2019 | Events, Features, News
Portland, OR. Over 150 business and community leaders gathered at the Downtown Portland Hilton for the Chess for Success Game Changer luncheon. Stephanie Kralevich from KPTV was the Master of Ceremonies and posed for a photo board member Gwen Thompson. Business leader and alumna of Chess for Success, Chi Nguyen spoke to the crowd about the effect chess has had on her life, and then she reunited with her old chess coach who also happens to be the King of Chess, Steve Rosenfeld. Chess for Success raised $125,000, which is more money for the program than last year. (Photo credit, Brighid Hackett)
Keynote Speaker Chi Nguyen and her chess coach, the King of Chess, Steve Rosenfeld
Shawn Engelberg, Charlie Engelberg (board chair), Nancy Young, and Curits Young (Executive Director)
The luncheon was held on May 2nd.
Laura Katheryn Smith, Phil Margolin (founder and board member), Gwen Thompson (board member), Michael Malone (Program Manager)
From Chess for Success:
Chess for Success is much more than a recreational, after-school club. It’s an intervention and educational support, provided at no cost to families, that closes the achievement gap for economically disadvantaged and minority youth.
Through learning chess, students develop high-level critical-thinking and problem-solving skills that improve self-esteem, behavior, and academic performance, including attendance, grades, and test scores.
Long-term, our goals include improving high-school graduation rates, participation in STEM programs and careers, and college/workplace readiness, ending the cycle of poverty for at-risk youth.
More info at: https://www.chessforsuccess.org/
by Elisa Klein | Jun 1, 2019 | Events, Features, News
Portland, OR. Supporters rallied to offer hope to families and support mental health in Oregon by attending the fourth annual Trillium Family Services “Keep Oregon Well” Gala on Saturday, May 18th at The Sentinel Hotel. Trillium Group CEO Kim Scott presented Joanne McClarty with the Lifetime Achievement Award. (Photo credit, Tom Cook)
Emma Chamberlain & Dr. Andy Adler raise their paddles
Emcee: Anna Mallery
Trillium Family Services President Jamie Vandergon
Entertainment by Hit Machine
From Trillium Family Services:
Trillium Family Services is Oregon’s largest provider of mental and behavioral healthcare for children and families and has been ranked as one of the most effective children’s mental health organizations in the state. From residential psychiatric treatment to mental health advocacy in the streets, we are committed to transforming the state of Oregon into a safer, more supportive place for all people to live, work, play and learn.
A special thanks to all of our sponsors and table hosts who made this event possible, including:
Presenting Sponsor
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon
Gold Sponsors
CareOregon
Jean Meaks-Koch/Positively People
The Standard
Silver Sponsors
Concordia
Kaiser
Legacy
Park Academy
Lifetime Achievement Award Sponsor
David & Shirley Pollock
