Portland, September 4th, 2014. A host of helpful community leaders converged on Pioneer Square for The Standard’s Volunteer Expo. Staffers from nearly 150 nonprofits were on hand to explain a plethora of heartwarming volunteer opportunities. It’s easy to get involved!
Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas and Alpacas found some admirers.
PHAME was thrilled to be part of TheStandard’s Volunteer Expo at Pioneer Courthouse Square.
Dress for Success Oregon recruited volunteers ready to help local women.
Participating organizations represented a wide variety of interests including arts, culture, humanities, the environment, animal welfare, health, human services and more. Whether people were looking for a one-time volunteer opportunity or a longer-term commitment, the Volunteer Expo was a great way to connect with nonprofits and start making a difference.
“The nonprofit organizations featured at the Volunteer Expo have an invaluable impact on our communities, and they count on the public’s support and involvement to achieve their missions,” said Greg Ness, chairman, president and CEO of The Standard.
Here’s a list of the nonprofit exhibitors, click the links below to check them out!
Aloha, August 15th, 2014. Pioneering smooth jazz pianist Tom Grant, Oregon’s sixth Poet Laureate Paulann Petersen, and platinum-selling singer, songwriter, and composer Gino Vannelli performed at a special benefit concert dinner in Edwards Center’s Lampros-Hedinger Performance Hall. Tammy Beckley, event MC Janet Chvatal, and Portland philanthropist Howard Hedinger pose together during dinner. Presented through the generous support of Portland’s Fournier Group, The Tree of Life Benefit Concert Series brought these outstanding Oregon artists together in an intimate atmosphere for a once-in-a-lifetime musical encounter. Over 80 guests were treated to an evening of music, poetry, and culinary Plates of Passion prepared by renowned local chefs.
Pianist and film-scorer David Goldblatt accompanies pop legend Gino Vannelli at Edward Center’s Tree of Life “Up Close & Personal” concert.
Over 80 guests enjoy pasta and wine on Edwards Center’s lovely garden patio.
Brian Joelson and Natalia Lampros enjoy the Plates of Passion pasta dinner.
Portland’s own smooth jazz pioneer Tom Grant performs with poet Paulann Petersen, Oregon’s sixth poet laureate.
About Edwards Center
Edwards Center began as a day program serving 6 individuals and in 1975 opened Washington County’s first group home housing developmentally disabled adults in the community. Today they provide homes, jobs, and recreational opportunities in 18 locations serving over 300 Oregonians with disabilities in Washington and Clackamas Counties. Edwards Center’s mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by helping them reach their highest potential through training, education, employment, housing and social opportunities in safe, healthy and stimulating environments. http://www.edwardscenter.org/
Lake Oswego, August 23rd, 2014. A sellout crowd of 230 filled Lakewood Center for the Arts for Lakewood Bandstand—a fund-raising event for Lakewood Center and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Bob Barman and Kristy Higgins were a hit on the dance floor. The event, which raised more than $90,000 for the two organizations, was co-chaired by Kristy Higgins, (producer of the event and owner of Step It Up Studios in Lake Oswego) and Fred Baldwin (owner of DePonte Cellars and Past President of the Lakewood Board of Directors). Similar to “Dancing With The Stars” in concept, audience members were encouraged to bid on their favorite dancer of the evening. Kelly Giampa—current member of Lakewood board of directors and an attorney with Hart Wagner LLP—raised the most funds from the audience and was crowned the winner. The title sponsor for the event was First Republic Bank.
Annette Kendall, Don Irving & Margaret Zuercher
Fred Baldwin, Tenley Webb & Mark Birge
Andrew Edwards (Executive Director of Lakewood Center for the Arts) & Annette Kendall (Assistant Manager of First Republic Bank, title sponsor)
Pascale Theurier & Michael Dotten
Among the celebrity contestants were Lake Oswego Mayor Kent Studebaker, who danced the quickstep, and LO Fire Chief Ed Wilson, who danced a slow waltz.
Other stars included:
Mark Birge, a partner with AKT Wealth Advisors, Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce board member and Rotarian, dancing a spicy mambo;
Carol Winston, owner of Accessories from the Heart, Rotarian, president of the Arts Council of Lake Oswego and chairwoman of the Lake Oswego Business Alliance, dancing the Hustle;
Samantha Richardson, a Lake Oswego resident, Rotarian, and Lakewood Center Asociate member, dancing the East Coast swing;
Kelly Giampia, attorney with Hart Wagner and a Lakewood Center board member, dancing the foxtrot;
Tenley Webb, voice actress and singer, dancing a Viennese waltz;
Paul and Teri Graham, owners of Graham’s Book and Stationery, dancing a dramatic tango;
Bob Barman, Lake Oswego School Board vice chairman, dancing a cha-cha;
The evening’s final dancer was ten-year-old Claire Sarnowski, who did a wonderful Lindy Hop. Claire has been an advocate for the National MS Society since the age of three; her mother has MS.
The evening began on Lakewood’s deck and courtyard with a sampling of beer, wine and food dishes donated by local vendors and restaurants. Left Coast Jazz provided musical accompaniment for patrons who took advantage of the outdoor dance floor to cut a rug before the main event.
Fire Chief Ed Wilson, Mayor Kent Studebaker
Jeanne Denton, Andrew Edwards, Joann Frankel, Kathy Bussman, Peter Jurney
From the Lakewood Theatre Company:
The Lakewood Theatre Company is a popular and financially successful member of the arts community, it is the cornerstone around which Lakewood Center has been built. Lakewood Theatre Company began in November, 1952, when a group of Lake Oswego residents decided that their community was not complete without a theatre and decided to organize what was known as the Oswego Players. From that first production of Blithe Spirit, the players performed in junior and senior high schools and halls throughout the Lake Oswego area, having no permanent home during its first nine years.
In 1961, a fund drive was launched that led to the purchase of a vacant Methodist church on Greenwood Road. Beginning with Arsenic and Old Lace, the company, then known as Lake Oswego Community Theatre, staged more than 110 productions there before they outgrew the facility. By then the I00 seat theatre was continuously sold out, the building provided no room for class and rehearsal space, and off-stage storage was extremely limited.
When the Lakewood School became available in 1979, an advisory task force determined that acquiring the building would encourage people to learn, teach, display and, above all, participate in the arts. With this in mind, the Lakewood Theatre Company nonprofit corporation decided to expand its purposes and became the Lakewood Center for the Arts.
A $1.1 million capital fund was established to purchase and renovate the school and put programs on line. After eight years, in 1987, the goal was realized and the final payment was made to the school board. The funds came from individuals, businesses, corporations, foundations and civic groups. None of the money came from city, state or federal sources.
In the fall of 1990 the theatre company changed its name from Lake Oswego Community Theatre to Lakewood Theatre Company. The name change was instituted to more closely identify the theatre with the programs at the Center and its mission of providing high quality entertainment and education.
In November, 2003 Lakewood completed a $3 million project to build a new stage house for Lakewood Theatre Company. The new auditorium features 220 seats with none further than 35 feet from the stage, a new stage house with fly lofts, traps and a new hearing-assisted sound system. Theatre programs now enjoy an average 85-90% sell out rate, mostly from pre-sold subscription packages.
Portland, August 3rd 2014. Over 450 people explored the upper section of the Columbia Slough, a hidden gem of waterways and natural area in N, NE Portland, Fairview and Gresham at the annual regatta. The family friendly event was sponsored by Columbia Slough Watershed Council which is working to restore and enhance the 60 miles of waterways. The event featured free kayak and canoe trips as well as face painting, crafts and community information booths. Organizers collected $2,500 in participant donations to help the Council’s restoration, recreation and education programs. (photo credit, Ambient Studies NorthWest)
Paddlers enjoy a scenic trip up the Columbia Slough.
Jane Van Dyke – Executive Director of the Columbia Slough Watershed Council and Portland Mayor Charlie Hales enjoyed the event.
Portland Mayor Charlie Hales attended the event and spoke of Portland’s long commitment to parks and natural spaces. Hales congratulated the community on the restoration work in this watershed and across the city. The Slough was highlighted as an important resource for people and ecological functioning. Also in attendance was Multnomah County Commissioner Judy Shiprack. Penny Beckwith, the Outreach Director of the Columbia Slough Watershed Council organized the event.
T-shirts from 20 years of Columbia Slough Regatta events were on display.
Throughout the years the Council has worked to create partnerships with local government, businesses and environmental interests to help recognize and promote the Slough as a regional amenity and recreational destination. The Slough is a unique waterway because it is situated in one of the most industrialized watersheds in Oregon. Various water quality issues in the Slough made is historically unsafe for activities like canoeing and fishing, but since the first Regatta celebration, various regulations, stormwater management projects, and changed community standards have helped to limit inputs of harmful pollutants. Sheltered from the Willamette and Columbia Rivers and off limits to motorized boat traffic, the Slough now offers scenic and safe paddling opportunities for all ages.
Today the Columbia Slough is cleaner than ever. With its long reach of water trails, views of the mountains and diverse wildlife, it is a real asset to the community. Organizers of the first Regatta were surprised when the event attracted the attention of local news outlets and 70 paddling participants. Since then, the event has grown to welcome hundreds of participants each year! Columbia Slough Regatta brings nature and paddling within reach of the community. After 20 years it is amazing to see how much the public embrace this event and the Columbia Slough.
The Columbia Slough Watershed Council, a non‐profit‐tax exempt organization, is a diverse group of stakeholders working to restore and enhance the 60 miles of waterways known as the Columbia Slough, located in Portland, Gresham, and Fairview. We work in the areas of restoration, recreation and education to connect the community to the watershed. Our mission is to foster action to protect, enhance, restore, and revitalize the Slough and its watershed.
Event Sponsors (Cash and In-Kind):
Alder Creek
Barry Brigham
Bill and Julie Young Fund – Oregon Community Foundation
City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services
East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District
Portland, August 11th, 2014. The second annual Cornhole Classic to benefit Portland YouthBuilders (PYB) drew 150 players and spectators, including a special appearance by Timber Joey. The highly anticipated beanbag tournament was held at the East Concourse of Providence Park, where 40 teams competed in either experienced or novice divisions.
The PYB Advocacy Board (Back row, L-R: Kara Carmosino, Bennett Barnwell, Mike Nierengarten, Tonia Kovtunovich (staff), Andrew Fadenrecht, Abe Kats, Sam Pogue. Front row, L-R: Natalie Whitlock, Danielle Radcliffe, Kamauri Yeh, Ally Ramirez, Leah Rinta, Cassady Kennebeck.
The 2014 Cornhole Classic Novice Division Champions were teammates Anthony Devenuta and Megan McKee of team “A-Maize-ing”.
Scott Eberly and Sky Rousse of team “Vanagons” were the Champions of the 2014 Cornhole Classic Experience Division.
The Top 4 teams of both experienced and novice teams compete
Amidst the intense rounds of cornhole games, guests enjoyed checking out the Cornhole Classic photobooth, incredible raffle prizes that were awarded to six lucky winners and the silent auction that comprised of five custom-designed Cornhole board sets created by local Portland artists.
The Cornhole Classic was created by PYB’s Advocacy Board, which consists of young professionals ages 35 and younger, to encourage awareness and support of PYB from other young professionals in Portland. Organizers thanked the 2014 Cornhole Classic sponsors from Microsoft, Portland Timbers, Wieden+Kennedy, BCI Broup, Big Wings Media, Dr. Martens, Walsh Construction Co., Starbucks, Revelry Agency, Widmer Brothers Brewing, and Waltronic Press.
About Portland YouthBuilders:
At Portland YouthBuilders (PYB), low-income youth work on completing their high school education while learning a trade that can help them enter a career in either construction or computer technology. Whether building affordable homes for local families or creating websites for nonprofit organizations, all Portland YouthBuilders students learn the value and importance of hard work, caring for the community, and becoming positive leaders. PYB’s goal is to move young people out of poverty and into self-sufficiency.
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