Portland, OR. The annual Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) Gala garnered significant support for science education initiatives across the Pacific Northwest. With more than 350 attendees, the gala on May 6th, hosted within OMSI’s historic Turbine Hall, achieved a remarkable milestone by raising over $1 million through various avenues, including sponsorships, ticket sales, paddle raises, and an auction. Above, Presenting Sponsor, Jordan Schnitzer, and Renata Baranow posed for a photo at the Gala’s cocktail hour. The theme of this year’s gala, aptly titled ‘Kaleidoscope,’ embraced the vibrant colors and playful spirit of OMSI’s recently revitalized brand.
Portland Garment Factory created a photo lounge backdrop in the theme of Kaleidoscope for guests to enjoy at the May 6th event Here, Presenting Sponsors Christine and David Vernier, and Kimberly Cooper and Jon Jaqua, get their photos taken by KLiK Concepts.
Joe Bingold, OMSI’s incoming Board Chair, kicks off the Gala program with an inspiring story.
Guests generously express their commitments to science education through the Gala’s paddle raise. Included at the table in the foreground are Mike and Karie Richardson and their guests, Mike Erickson, David Lucas, Jeff Heatherington, Ruslan Kamalov, Jimmie Herrod, Michael and Marietta Harrison, Cheri Cooley-Hick, and Ken Hick.
OMSI President and CEO Erin Graham
Erin Graham, President and CEO of OMSI, expressed, “For OMSI, this year represents a period of exciting growth, rejuvenation, and the sowing of seeds for the future. OMSI plays a unique role in our community by uniting individuals in envisioning and cultivating a greener, more equitable future. The funds generated from the gala will further OMSI’s mission to ignite a passion for discovery in people of all ages.”
Founded in 1944 by a dedicated group of volunteers, OMSI has been a pillar of science education for over 75 years, offering innovative and high-quality learning experiences. As a privately funded nonprofit, OMSI heavily relies on the support of its members and donors to make a lasting impact. The gala underscores the belief that everyone can become a successful science learner, and the funds raised during the event will be channeled into enhancing OMSI’s diverse range of programs and making them more accessible to children and adults from various communities across the region.
The gala’s Presenting Sponsors included Jordan Schnitzer/The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, Vernier Science Education, and the Jon V. Jaqua and Kimberly B. Cooper Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation. Attendees were treated to delectable cuisine and cocktails provided by Devil’s Food Catering, enjoyed a performance by Jimmie Herrod, a local singer-songwriter and finalist from America’s Got Talent, and were moved by a heartwarming story highlighting OMSI’s impact through inclusive and accessible bilingual Play Labs for young children and their families. The event also featured eleven live auction packages, ranging from local experiences to international travel.
Love Centerwall, Vice President of Development at OMSI, shared, “The OMSI Gala embodies a celebration of science, community, and curiosity, and this year our supporters truly stepped up, contributing over $1 million! The enthusiasm for our mission and our vision for the future was palpable—tonight, we witnessed an extraordinary commitment to OMSI and our mission to deepen and expand our programs throughout the region.”
About OMSI: 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 that relies on admissions, memberships, and donations to sustain its educational mission, programs, and exhibits. You too can join OMSI in its ongoing mission to promote science education across Oregon and the broader Pacific Northwest. Visit [www.omsi.edu/donate](www.omsi.edu/donate) or contact [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) for more information.
Portland, OR. After a three year covid hiatus, the Assistance League of Greater Portland’s Promenade Portland returned with a crowd of 250 guests admiring spring fashions with a travel theme from local boutiques. Event Co-Chairs Penne Chapin-Zeigen and Tuni Garrigues welcomed the crowd. “We are so happy to be back together for this special event,” proclaimed Garrigues, “Today, we each have a chance to make a real impact on the lives of the people we serve.” At the event, JoAnn Quilala, volunteer stylist for Assistance League, modeled an ensemble from Assistance League’s Thrift Shop.
Assistance League of Greater Portland President Mary Johnson presents the 2023 Community Service Award to U.S. Bank, accepted by Abdul Rutherford
Peggy Albertine, Operation School Bell chair, models a dress and accessories from the Arrangement
Jane Murphy, volunteer with Assistance League’s marketing team, sports a dress and cardigan from Paloma Clothing
Assistance League of Greater Portland’s Promenade Portland returned on April 24, 2023, after a 3 year hiatus to support of local community service programs.
Featured boutiques included Adorn, the Arrangement, Assistance League of Greater Portland’s Thrift and Consignment Shop, Folly, Oxalis, Paloma Clothing and Pig’ments. Local entertainer Poison Waters emceed the event and Shauna Parsons of KPTV’s Good Day Oregon spoke about how each of Assistance League’s five community service programs fulfill a human need for dignity in addition to furthering educational equity, victim assistance and youth support.
Assistance League of Greater Portland honored U.S. Bank with its Community Service Award for outstanding business partnership and community support. U.S. Bank was a sponsor of the event, as was O’Donnell Law Firm LLC, Audi Beaverton and Porsche Beaverton, Advanced Wealth Management, Albina Co., Inc., ESP Painting, Mahaffy Real Estate Group, Northwest Control Company, Imc., NW Natural, OnPoint Community Credit Union, Sundown Publications, and Timberline Lodge. Over $166,000 was raised to help support Assistance League’s local community service programs, which serve more than 4,000 people each year.
From Assistance League of Greater Portland:Assistance League of Greater Portland has been transforming lives and strengthening community since 1965. Assistance League volunteers serve the community with programs, including Operation School Bell®, which provides new clothes which provides new clothes for children in great need; Assault Survivor Kits®, providing fresh outfits for victims in 17 emergency care centers; activities for youth in residential treatment at Janus Youth’s Cordero House; Scholarships in Trades for vocational students in community college; and new in 2023, PROFITS which provides retail training opportunities for transitional students seeking independence. Assistance League Thrift and Consignment Shop is located at 4000 SW 117th Avenue in Beaverton and is currently open on Thursdays and Saturdays from noon to 4:00 p.m. with donations accepted Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Visit the website for updates on hours open at https://www.assistanceleague.org/greater-portland/ ####
Portland, OR. Real estate developer and philanthropist Joe Weston was honored with the CatholicCharities Single Candle Award. Standing in the photo above, are his son Joe, former wife Marilyn, and daughter Tiffany. (Andie Petkus/CatholicCharities)
The Portland philanthropist received the honor at a fundraising gala that raised more than $600,000 for some of the neediest Oregonians. CatholicCharities of Oregon is a provider of affordable housing and other services to families, migrants, refugees, and people who are homeless. The nonprofit awarded its highest honor on April 21st.
Here’s a video about Joe Weston:
At Catholic Charities of Oregon, Germaine’s Kitchen and Café, a workforce development program and hot meal site, contracts to send hot meals to local shelters and the agency’s women’s drop-in center.
In an acceptance speech, Joe Weston said philanthropy requires not only cash, but those who step forward to give time and talent. “If you have money but don’t have volunteers, you have nothing,” Weston told a crowd of more than 400 gathered at the Portland Art Museum. Weston grew up poor in Portland but saved money from a job at Franz Bakery to buy his first duplex in the 1950s while a student at Central Catholic High School. Now, he owns and manages buildings throughout the region, many of them apartments for working families of modest income.
A supporter of CatholicCharities and other good causes in the Portland area, Weston has announced that the bulk of his wealth will go into his foundation after he dies. His foundation already has given more than $200 million over the past three decades and after Weston’s death, it will have assets of about $3 billion for more good works. “He had nothing. He achieved enormous wealth, and he doesn’t want it for himself,” said George Passadore, a friend who serves as a trustee for the Joseph E. Weston Public Foundation.
Max Williams, past president and CEO of the Oregon Community Foundation, which manages the fund, said Weston’s philanthropy is linked to his Catholic values. “He lives the social Catholic mindset of giving back to the community and doing good to those who need it,” Williams explained. “He is pretty crusty but underneath that he has a heart of gold,” said Auxiliary Bishop Peter Smith of the Archdiocese of Portland. “CatholicCharities of Oregon helps the poorest and the most vulnerable. This is what Joe is doing, too.” Marilyn Weston, the former wife who has remained a good friend, calls Weston a saint. “He is such a good man who worked so hard and rarely even let himself really enjoy life. But he gets joy from giving.”
His children, Tiffany and Jeff, love and admire him. Jeff said that though Weston was busy with work, he always had time for his children. Tiffany hopes she can pass his spirit of generosity to her child and stepchild. “The greatest impact my father had on me was teaching me to be of service to all others,” she said. “Joe Weston has a magnanimous heart,” said Msgr. Tim Murphy, the President Emeritus of Central Catholic High School who has known Weston since grade school at All Saints Parish. When Msgr. Murphy thinks of the hardworking Weston, a parable comes to mind. Jesus told the tale of workers in a vineyard, some of whom worked all day and others who showed up late in the afternoon, but who all received the same wage. “Joe would whisper in the Lord’s ear,” Msgr. Murphy said. “It’s OK. Give everybody the same.” Before the crowd honored Weston, they donated more than $600,000 to CatholicCharities, which now is focused on Oregon’s homelessness and housing crises, plus refugee resettlement.
CatholicCharities outreach workers go to camps in Portland to work with houseless people and begin a path to housing and self-sufficiency. The agency offers a drop-in center for homeless women. CatholicCharities is a major provider of transitional housing with services, a key step in helping people move from the streets to permanent housing. CatholicCharities also has developed and manages more than 800 units of affordable housing in western Oregon. “Housing is not a commodity. It is a basic human right that goes beyond physical shelter,” said Natalie M. Wood, executive director of CatholicCharities of Oregon. “While we continue to help by providing housing and the necessary wraparound services, we must come together to address the complex social challenges that keep far too many Oregonians from achieving the fullness of life God intended for them.” The crowd gave Wood an ovation for that comment.
Later, the crowd had a standing ovation to a Ukrainian refugee who escaped the war in her homeland and is building a life in Portland.
Olena Leshchynska, Ukrainian Refugee
“CatholicCharities has come alongside us during this terrifying journey,” said Olena Leshchynska, who sheltered with her teen daughter in a Kyiv basement when Russian bombs started pounding the city. “CatholicCharities has calmed our fears. And helped us to process, reorient, connect, and navigate this new reality. We have formed a community, learned English, and found work. Though we hurt, we feel hope.”
A team of local donors sponsored the Celebration of Hope gala to build up the work of CatholicCharities. Platinum sponsors were The Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon; B.P., Lester and Regina John Foundation; PeaceHealth; Colleen and Werner Nistler and Touchmark; and Walsh Construction Company. Gold sponsors were Becker Capital Management; Chiles Foundation; First Republic Bank; Oregon Catholic Press; Pacific Seafood – in memory of Tom Dulcich; Jerry and Sandra Parsons; Providence Health and Services and John and Mary Anne Wagner. About CatholicCharities Since 1933, CatholicCharities in Oregon has been bringing hope, resources and advocacy to the poorest and most vulnerable throughout the state, regardless of faith, race or condition in life. The organization serves as the professional social service arm of the Archdiocese of Portland yet is funded completely through grants and donations. For more information call (503) 231-4866, or go to www.catholiccharitiesoregon.org. PHOTOS LESHCHYNSKA, OLENA Olena Leshchynska, a refugee from Ukraine, speaks April 21 at the CatholicCharities Celebration of Hope gala in Portland. (Andie Petkus/CatholicCharities) WESTON AND FAMILY Real estate developer and philanthropist Joe Weston, seated, holds the CatholicCharities Single Candle Award April 21 backed by his family: son Joe, former wife Marilyn and daughter Tiffany. (Andie Petkus/CatholicCharities) VIDEOS Celebration of Hope 2023: https://youtu.be/4dlsCVviUbw Joe Weston, Single Candle Award: https://youtu.be/tMBgPSKZ29c Olena’s Refugee Story: https://youtu.be/kL4D51mylso CatholicCharities: https://youtu.be/9JXkr8efLzM
Portland, OR. Over 220 guests came together at the Oregon Golf Club to celebrate Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp’s 38th Annual Auction and Gala. It was the first fully “in-person” gala since 2019. Above, Donor, Karen Anderson raised her paddle in support of MHKC. The benefit on April 14th, raised $225,000 to support Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp, a local nonprofit providing equitable access to outdoor recreation for individuals with developmental disabilities. Attendees were treated to tray-passed bubbles from the Stoller Wine Group while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and listening to music from MHKC’s very own, Staff Infection Band. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Featured Camper, Harrison Halstead with parents, Chip and Kristi
Longtime MHKC supporters, Wendy Anderson & Gary Pope
Executive Director, Dave McDonald and KGW News Channel 8 Reporter & Emcee, Art Edwards
Auctioneer, Dale Johannes working his magic
About Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp:
There are few places where individuals with disabilities can spend a week joyfully focusing on their abilities. For over 85 years, Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp (MHKC) has offered incredible outdoor recreational programming for campers with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities at its fully accessible 22-acre campsite in the Mt. Hood National Forest.
On any given summer day, our campers are catching fish, conquering their fear on the adventure course and zipline, splashing at the pool, riding a horse for the first time, whitewater rafting, paddling a canoe on Trillium Lake, and dancing the night away at campfire. Wheelchair accessible trails and innovations such as adaptive saddles, harnesses, and bicycles make the traditional camp experience available to all. Camp doesn’t just offer outdoor activities, it offers a chance for people with disabilities to make new friends and build community in a friendly, non-judgmental environment where they can feel empowered and included.
Each year, MHKC offers 8 weeks of Main Camp, where campers enjoy a one-to-one camper-counselor ratio with the option for outgroup adventures, including Trip & Travel, Tent & Travel, and Lakeside Camp where campers pitch tents on Trillium Lake, paddle canoes, go whitewater rafting and more. June brings the opportunity for new campers to experience MHKC through Family Camp, while experienced campers can come back to Camp in the snow through two weekend winter retreats.
Portland, OR. Each year, Edison High School hosts the Brilliance Benefit, an evening of friendship, food, and fundraising. This year, attendees enjoyed cocktails, dinner, a live auction, and a casino night after-party. The Brilliance Benefit on March 11th, raised over $326,00. Above, Edison Principal Dan Keller is joined by his wife, Emily, and proud Edison parents Laurine and Alfredo Apolloni. (Photo credit, Tom Cook)
Longtime Edison teacher Maureen Manning is joined by beaming Edison parents Kathleen and David Hapeman
Edison President Mike Schwab and Board Vice Chair Pat Becker, Jr. are joined by support Dr. Don V. Romanaggi and his wife Sally Romanaggi.
The Hotchkiss family beams after Quincy Hotckiss ’23 bravely shared his story and the difference Edison made in his life.
Edison President Mike Schwab celebrates with supporter Max Williams.
About Edison High School:
Edison High School empowers students with learning differences to experience academic success and personal growth while preparing them for the future. We are guided by a set of Core Values. Edison is student-centered and characterized by attunement, collaboration, dedication, accessibility, and organization; our students become future-ready. We have a very low student:teacher ratio, an excellent student support program, a unique educational approach and methodologies specific to students with learning differences. Learn more on our General Information tab!
Student Profile
Edison High School is open to students who have learning differences such as Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Tourette syndrome, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Visual Perception and Nonverbal Learning Disorders. Students are referred by parents, schools, counselors, tutors and medical professionals. Each student and family is interviewed prior to admission and evaluated by staff to ensure a good fit. We have a close-knit community, a welcoming and safe environment and vibrant student life.
The History of Edison High School
Our school was founded in 1973 as the Tree of Learning. For many years, students were taught in portable classrooms on the Jesuit High School campus. In 1992, we moved into a brand-new building of our own, changing our school’s name to Thomas A. Edison High School in honor of the famed American inventor who had a learning difference. In 2014, we streamlined the school’s name to Edison High School. Students also take classes in a satellite building in the Valley Plaza next door.
Edison High School is accredited through AdvancED (formerly Northwest Association of Accredited Schools).
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