Portland, April 5th, 2014. Over 200 community partners and supporters joined Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) at Montgomery Park for the 2014 Cherry Blossom Dinner and Awards. This second annual fundraising event honors the contributions of community leaders who are helping transform health care by advancing Chinese medicine, and raised more than $50,000 for 2014 the college’s annual fund. OCOM President Dr. Michael Gaeta and lion dancers from Portland Lee’s Association took center stage.
Patrick Quinton, Michael Gaeta, Mayor Charlie Hales and Scott Andrews
Dr. Charles Elder of Kaiser Permanente with OCOM President Dr. Michael Gaet
OCOM trustee and Board Secretary Lisa Francolini served as master of ceremonies, introducing awardees and distinguished guests including Mayor Charlie Hales, Representative Jules Kopel Bailey, Metro Councilor Carlotta Collette, PDC Board Chairman Scott Andrews, and PDC Executive Director Patrick Quinton.
Five community partners representing a diverse community of health care champions were honored at the dinner. The OCOM Alumni Association Scholarship was also awarded at the event.
Here’s more about the awards:
2014 Community Partner in Healing Award
Kaiser Permanente
Since 2009, Kaiser Permanente’s Volunteer Gives fund has awarded OCOM a total of $60,000 to support expanding access to health care to low-income communities. Thanks to Kaiser’s support in 2009, 2011 and 2013, OCOM has been able to deliver $15 health care visits to more than 500 low-income individuals in our intern teaching clinics. Their partnership has been instrumental in delivering much-needed care to a vulnerable population, and has supported OCOM clinics and students in providing accessible and effective health services to those who would otherwise be unable to afford care.
Michael Martinez, a patient who benefited from the Kaiser grant this year, introduced the award. Presenting sponsor The CHP Group CEO Michell Hay presented the award to OCOM physician and OCOM trustee Dr. Charles Elder.
2014 Legacy Award
City of Portland and Portland Development Commission
Offered for the first time this year, the Legacy Award was presented to Portland Mayor Charlie Hales by OCOM Board President Peter Martin.
This award recognized the City of Portland and Portland Development Commission (PDC) for their instrumental role in OCOM’s 2012 move to Old Town Chinatown. Thanks to their support, OCOM was able to meet a strategic vision of relocating to the heart of Portland to ensure the strategic vision of the college.
2014 Partner in Healing Award
Dr. Brad Malsin
OCOM President Dr. Michael Gaeta presented the 2014 Individual Partner in Healing Award to Dr. Malsin in gratitude for his unwavering support for OCOM’s relocation to Old Town Chinatown, and for his continued support for the mission of the college. Thanks to Malsin’s help, OCOM was able to double its educational space in a beautifully restored LEED Gold building designed to better serve students, faculty, staff and clinic patients. The impact of the new campus has allowed OCOM to develop important community partnerships to help advance and ensure the profession of Chinese medicine for the future.
2014 Scholar Award
Dr. Hong Jin
Dr. Joseph Coletto, the 2013 awardee, presented the Scholar Award to Dr. Hong Jin, OCOM Chair of Oriental Medicine. Jin was selected to receive the 2014 Scholar Award due to her visionary leadership over the last 21 years. Her work to advance Chinese medicine through exemplary teaching, national and international leadership roles, and innovative research has made substantial contributions to the field of Chinese medicine, as well as to the college.
A leader in the regional, national and international health care community, Dr. Hong Jin is a 1985 graduate of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and a 2007 graduate of OCOM’s Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) program
2014 Alumni Ambassador Award
Beth Howlett
Anna Lewis, OCOM Director of Admission, presented the 2014 Alumni Ambassador Award to Beth Howlett, who received the award due to her ongoing efforts to strengthen the statewide Chinese medicine professional organization, Oregon Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine’s (OAAOM).
As a former board member and now as president, Howlett helped increase membership while providing exceptional advocacy leadership at the state level, resulting in expanded Oregon Health Plan acupuncture benefits and a recent legal victory in the “dry needling” case, among others. This award also honors her work as a leader at OCOM as both a faculty and staff member, which has resulted in substantial, long-term contributions to the college’s outreach and community-building efforts.
OCOM Alumni Association President Lara Dilkes also presented a $1,500 scholarship award to current OCOM master’s student Patrick Gazzini. Gazzini is a second-year student and Vice President of the OCOM Student Association. He has a background in athletics and exercise physiology, with a BA in biology from Villanova University, and a master’s degree in health and human performance from McNeese State University.
OCOM thanks the many supporters, friends and community partners who made the 2014 Cherry Blossom Dinner and Awards a great success.
Founded in 1983, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) is a nonprofit single-purpose professional graduate school offering master’s and doctoral degrees in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Named the number one acupuncture college in 2012, OCOM’s mission is to transform health care by educating highly skilled and compassionate practitioners, providing exemplary patient care, and engaging in innovative research within a community of service and healing.
Portland, March 8th, 2014. The ALS Association Oregon and SW Washington Chapter hosted 650 guests at the Oregon Convention Center. The Gala was presented by Providence Brain & Spine Institute. Valerie Hurst with KATU was the emcee and Graham Crow was the auctioneer. Dr. Kimberly Goslin with the Providence ALS Center was honored with the ALS Hope Award and a check for $150,000 in her name earmarked for ALS research. The event generated over $353,000 to support local care services, national public policy and international research efforts. (photo credit, Michael Keo Photography and Portland Pages)
The Jhaveri Family spoke about living with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and the importance of funding for the chapter’s newly created In-Home Caregiving Program.
Mike Schmitt, Executive Director for Providence Brain & Spine Institute, helped our auctioneer in the festivities.
The Portland Ballrooms was filled with hope and lots of love for all families impacted by this disease.
Anne and Scott Weaver with Elephants Delicatessen enjoyed the evening.
From the ALS Association Oregon and SW Washington Chapter:
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.
A sampling of services provided free of charge:
One-on-one consultations to assess the needs of those living with ALS, suggest equipment and help families plan for the future.
A Medical Equipment Loan Program that provides mobility equipment when insurance and other programs cannot fund needed items.
A comprehensive Alternative Communication and Assistive Technology Program.
Caregiver support groups, Share the Care™ guidance, and respite care grants to relieve stress and “caregiver burnout.”
Monthly support groups for people with ALS, family members, caregivers and friends.
Partnerships in ALS multidisciplinary clinics staffed by professionals with ALS expertise.
Outreach to the local medical community with updates on current ALS needs and solutions.
The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. The ALS Association covers all the bases — research, patient and community services, public education, and advocacy — in providing help and hope to those facing the disease.
The ALS Association (National Office and The ALS Association Oregon and SW Washington Chapter) operates under a shared mission: to help people living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and to leave no stone unturned in search for the cure.
We work together to accomplish our mission. The ALS Association Oregon and SW Washington Chapter focuses primarily on helping local families living with ALS while the National Office focuses primarily on research and advocacy. The Chapter supports the National Office through revenue sharing and research contributions. The National Office supports the Chapters by providing up-to-date information, materials and hands-on support.
Our chapter receives no government or insurance funding – we rely solely on our events, corporate and personal gifts, and local foundation grants.
Chapter History… Before incorporating as The ALS Association Oregon and SW Washington Chapter, our organization was preceded by The Burdell Memorial ALS Foundation. The Foundation was formed to remember Richard Burdell, a Portland jazz and pop musician who died June 21 1998 after a 14-year struggle with ALS.
Trumpeter, bandleader and athlete, the charismatic Burdell was a major part of Portland, Oregon’s music scene through the 1970s and mid-’80s. Later he became an inspirational example of courage and perseverance. Richard’s sister, Cindy Burdell, is our Founder and now resides in Seattle, Washington close to family and friends.
Portland, March 15, 2014. Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives(PCRI) and Fred Astaire Dance Studio joined forces for the third annual: Dancing with the Stars Portland. Ashley Korslien, a reporter for KGW NewsChannel 8, performed with Fred Astaire Dance Studio’s Uriah Stockdale. The evening started with a graceful foxtrot by Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith and Metro Councilor Sam Chase. It raised over $70,000 for PCRI’s affordable housing and resident services.
Ifanyi Bell, Digital Producer for OPB, and Fred Astaire Dance Studio’s Jessi Aillon (in red) accept the winning trophy from gala volunteer Alex Morris.
The dance competition featured KGW’s Ashley Korslien; benefit auctioneer Kelly Russell; Oregon State Representative Jennifer Williamson; The Black Parent Initiative’s Charles McGee; and the winner of the competition, OPB’s Ifanyi Bell. Each of the competitors was paired with a professional dancer and instructor from Fred Astaire Dance Studio. The couples spent months preparing for the event–judging by the audience’s applause and roars of approval, their preparation was paid off.
Mayor Charlie Hales shows his generosity, raising his bid card during the gala’s special appeal
PCRI Board President Preston Greene welcomed guests to the gala
Metro Councilor Sam Chase and Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith opened the event with a foxtrot
Gala Sponsor Brooks Staffing CEO Sam Brooks (with the gold tie) and EVP Margaret Brooks (to his left) with their guests
PCRI ED Maxine Fitzpatrick (left) with champion dancer Ifanyi Bell and PCRI Executive Assistant Whitney Shaw
Oregon State Representative Jennifer Williamson dances a Viennese Waltz with Fred Astaire Dance Studio’s Alex Aillon
In addition to the funds raised to support PCRI’s housing and services, the Dancing with the Stars gala also helps to raise the profile of PCRI in the community and increase awareness of the important work PCRI accomplishes every day. PCRI gives special thanks to the Orr family for sharing the ways PCRI has helped their family achieve stability and success. Inspired by the Orr’s story, guests at the gala were exceptionally generous, contributing toward PCRI’s goals of increasing family stability and self-sufficiency.
PCRI extends a heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors, participants, guests, supporters and volunteers who help to make the event a remarkable success! For photos and more details, visit www.pcrigala.org.
Portland, February 28th, 2014. More than 280 attendees danced the night away at Albertina Kerr’s 80’s Prom-themed Spotlight on Kerr Gala at Montgomery Park. Guests heard from grateful parent Amy Logue and were moved to donate more than $146,000 in support of mental health and developmental disability services for children, adults and families at Albertina Kerr. Kim Borton, Mary Beth Butkovic, Kirsten Chambers, Kathryn Hile, and Anton Oehlert served on the committee that organized the event. (photo credits, PDX PhotoLounge and Andie Petkus Photography)
Denise and Rich Smith
Randi and John Thoma
From Albertina Kerr
Since 1907, Albertina Kerr has strengthened Oregon families and communities. Today, we provide programs and services to children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges – empowering them to live richer lives.
We’re building an army of angels. A community that stands together. Where we challenge the norm to create a society that has no barriers. Where people who face developmental disabilities and mental health challenges are included and empowered. Where families are supported and children have reason to smile. Where everyday people reach out to the most vulnerable and give back to their community.
Portland, March 15th, 2014. The 12th Annual SnowCap benefit raised a record $117,000. Allison Broyles and Eric Matzelle enjoy the festivities. A portion of the donations will support SnowCap’s new evening program to better serve the working poor throughout 2014 and 2015. SnowCap Executive Director Judy Alley noted that it took just one week to fill the new service hours with devoted volunteers. (Photo credit, LeeAnn Gauthier)
Marilyn Grey, representing PGE and Pacific Power’s Becky Eberle, told us they’re bitter rivals, but behavior revealed that two returning sponsors for SnowCap’s auction get along splendidly.
SnowCap’s biggest auction to date drew nearly 350 guests to the Holiday Inn Portland-Airport and offered treasures ranging from the exotic to everyday donated by generous supporters. Premier Sponsors for the event were Pacific Power and Alyson Huntting. Emcee Carla Piluso and auctioneer JillMarie Wiles kept the evening lively. Knowledge garnered from their long association with SnowCap enabled them to connect the evening’s fun with the serious work of operating East County’s largest food pantry. Over 8,000 local residents depend on SnowCap for food or clothing each month.
Rimma and Tyler Richardson purchased glass art made and donated by auction sponsor Alyson Huntting.
SnowCap board member Diane Liefeld received flowers for her great work as the committee chair of SnowCap Community Charities 12th Annual Dinner
SnowCap board member Merlin Aufdengarten (Rt) surprises auction sponsor Alyson Huntting by nominating her as the runner for the dessert dash – a chocolatey rich element of the dinner auction raising funds for SnowCap Community Charities
Contact SnowCap through www.snowcap.org, PO Box 160, Fairview, OR 97024 or 503-674-8785 ext. 17 for more information or to make a donation. Since 1967 SnowCap volunteers have been feeding and clothing their neighbors in need in east Portland, Gresham, Fairview, Troutdale, Parkrose, and Wood Village.
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