Power of the Purse Spotlights Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon

by Elisa Klein | Mar 20, 2012 | Events, Features

Portland, March 9th. Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon sparkled at its seventh annual Power of the Purse fundraiser at the Portland Art Museum. Maria Lali of Ziba Designs, Girls Council Girl Hazel and Jack Jewsbury, Captain of the Portland Timbers were a hit on the catwalk. (Photo credit, Dodge & Burn Studios) The event raised over $224,000 for the nonprofit.

Dr. Lori Morgan with Girls Council Girl Kiera and designers BD503

The annual gala benefits the programs and mission of Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon, which includes after-school programs that mentor and teach girls the social, financial and leadership skills they need to take control of their lives and grow into successful adults. 

Secretary of State Kate Brown with Designer Maya Moon

This year’s Power of the Purse main event features 14 local Portland Purse-O-Nalities and 13 purse designers who worked directly with each other to design a one-of-a-kind handbag, reflecting each Purs-O-Nality’s true style. Each piece is a unique work of art, and was auctioned off during a live fashion show showcasing the handbags the creative individuals who inspired the design.

Naomi Pomeroy, Head Chef & Owner of BEAST and Designer Emily Katz cheer on Girl Inc. Girls Council member Janny.

The 2012 Power of the Purse was opened with a wailing guitar solo by Bibi McGill. Bibi is the musical director, and guitarist for Beyonce’s all female band Suga Mama. She is also the CEO and Founder of Bibi Kale Chips.

“In this day and age, it is more important than ever for our girls to have the confidence to go out into the world and be strong, smart, and bold,” said Elizabeth Nye, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon. “From preparing girls to be financially independent to teaching them importance of a strong self worth, I have personally witnessed the impact our programs have had on the lives of local girls and their families. For seven years, Power of the Purse has made it possible for Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon to continue serving girls in our region. I am honored to continue the tradition of this incredible event and witness the positive impact it will have not only on our girls, but the community as a whole.” 

The show included a dance performance from Dance Vision to Beyonce song “Run the World (Girls)”

Irene Firmat at her husband Jamie Emmerson.

This year’s Purse-O-Nalities and purse designers include:

Dr. Lori Morgan, Hospital Administrator, Legacy Emanuel; David Haines, BD503

Linda Williams, Oregon Regional President of Washington Trust Bank; Carol Risley, Carol Risley Handbags

Naomi Pomeroy, Head Chef at Beast and Top Chef Maters Contestant; Emily Katz

Laura Mansfield, CEO Pagatim.fm, radio host; Kayrene Kelley, Leather Girl Kelley

Kate Brown, Secretary of State; Maya Bauer, Maya Moon Designs

Katie O’Grady, Actress/Producer; Courtney Leonard, MIDGE by CL

Erin Hubert, Vice President of Entercom Portland; Mia Scofield, MiMo Handbags

Debbie Rosas, Co-creator of Nia; Janny Downey, Minou-Minou

Irene Fermat, Founder of Full Sail Brewery; Jeff Amrhein, Nomad Unlimited

Lisa Sedler, CEO of New Seasons; Rebecca Pearcy, Queen Bee Creations

Lori & Edie Singer, Mother, daughter community volunteers; Sha Montana

Michael Curry, Production and Puppet Artist; Luke Mathers, TRUCE

Jack Jewsburry, Midfielder and Captain for Portland Timbers; Hannah May, Ziba Design

Since 2005, more than 100 of Portland’s most notable community leaders, media personalities, artists and entrepreneurs have worked with local purse designers to create one-of-a-kind handbags. These creations have raised more than $500,000 for Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon. In 2011, more than 450 Girls Inc. supporters attended Power of the Purse, and individual handbags were purchased for as much as $3,000. In 2012, Girls Inc. hopes to raise more than $175,000 to fund locally based program. 

About Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon

Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that inspires girls, ages 8-18, to be strong, smart, and bold. Our gender-specific programs and research-based curricula provide girls with the confidence and self-esteem to access a bright and economically-independent future. As a local affiliate of the national Girls Inc. organization, we provide vital educational programs to girls, particularly those in high-risk, underserved areas. Since its inception in 1998, Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon served 5,000 girls and their families through after school-based empowerment programs and year-round enrichment and skills building programs.

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10 Year Anniversary Gala for The ALS Association Oregon and SW Washington Chapter Breaks Records

by Elisa Klein | Mar 20, 2012 | Events, Features

Portland, March 10th. The Oregon Convention Center was filled with over 800 people to celebrate 10 years of service for The ALS Association of Oregon and SW Washington Chapter. Honorary Co-Chair, Jordan Schnitzer, is all smiles with his colleague, Randy Kyte, Senior Vice President of Development for Harsch Investment Properties, Jane Gilbert, CEO and President of The National ALS Association, and Lance Christian, Executive Director for The ALS Association Oregon and SW Washington Chapter.

Auctioneer Graham Crow rallied the 800+ guests to raise over $400,000 for the vital mission of The ALS Association.

Over $400,000 – furthers the nonprofit’s mission of providing free, hands-on services to local families living with ALS as well as funding nationwide advocacy and international research efforts. The ALS Association of Oregon and SW Washington Chapter is helping to lead the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support. (Photo credit, Randy Boverman Photography)

Jordan Schnitzer and a representative from Harsch Investment Properties’ Las Vegas office conspired to surprise the audience with a gift of $12,500 from the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation in an effort to round the Make a Difference paddle raise portion of the evening to $150,000 – the best to date for the local chapter.

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.

From ALS Association of Oregon and SW Washington:

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.

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Oregon Tomodachi Recovery Fund Marks One Year Anniversary of Tsunami with a Benefit Concert

by Elisa Klein | Mar 18, 2012 | Events, Features

Portland, March 11th. The Aladdin Teatre in S.E. Portland was filled with music fans who wanted to help the vistims of the March 11th 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Pictured are: Nancy Parrott, the Azumano Travel VP who organized the Oregon Tomodachi Recovery Fund Event, Community Leader Sho Dozono, songwriter and pianist Michael Allen Harrison, and KGW anchor Tracy Barry.

Special guests included a group of Architecture Students from Japan.

The OregonTomodachi Recovery Fund is a collaborative effort of Japan-related organizations in Oregon and Southwest Washington to coordinate donations in support of the ongoing recovery of the regions in Japan affected by the devastating earthquakes and tsunami of March 11, 2011. All funds raised are administered by the Japan America Society of Oregon (JASO)

Featuring musical guests at the concert included, Storm Large, Portland Taiko, Michael Allen Harrison, the Devin Phillips Band, The PHAME Choir, (PHAME is the Portland region’s fine and performing arts organization serving adults with developmental disabilities.) Also, Andrew Paul Woodworth, Kodo Araki VI, Marv and Rindy Ross (the Trailband and Quarterflash), Takohachi, the Tomodachi Choir, and the Japanese Immersion Program High School Choir and more.

Storm Large, in the back, with members of the PHAME Choir

Organizers were pleased with the turn out and the positive energy of the crowd.

From the Oregon Tomodachi Recovery Fund:

In the immediate aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake Disaster on March 11, 2011, the Japan-America Society of Oregon/SW Washington (JASO) and community leaders throughout the region quickly created the Oregon Japan Relief Fund – which through collective efforts raised more than $600,000 for Portland-based Mercy Corps to engage in disaster relief activities in support of residents in areas most affected by the quake and tsunami.

Now – as we mark the one year anniversary – with relief transitioning to recovery – we have formed the Oregon Tomodachi Recovery Fund which aims to provide ongoing support for sustaining activities tied to the recovery of the Tohoku region.

Below are examples of projects that are already in progress:

• On-the-Ground Recovery Support in Tohoku
  The JASO effort aims to support ongoing tangible efforts in-country in communities seriously impacted by the disaster. We aim to focus wherever possible on specific communities where we have relationships and resources to make a difference.
• Flight of Friendship
  Financial Support for scholarships to send students to Tohoku as a part of ongoing volunteer activities.
• Public education about disaster preparedness.
• Funds set aside for community led initiatives.
  A portion of the money raised will be set aside to be available for projects by proposal.

For further information, please contact:

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