Portland, May 22nd, 2015. The Oregon Zoo is ready to welcome summer, with longer hours and a host of seasonal special events. Beginning Saturday, May 23, zoo gates will open at 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. Visitors may remain on grounds until 7 p.m. The photo is of Kamaria, a milky eagle owl, can be seen this summer during the Oregon Zoo’s “Wildlife Live” show, presented by Portland General Electric. (Photo by Michael Durham, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.)
Lily, left, enjoys a game of King of the Mountain with her big brother, Samudra, who turned five. Photo by Kathy Street, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.
Young visitors watch one of the Oregon Zoo’s Humboldt penguins. The birds returned to the Penguinarium this week following a much-needed filtration upgrade that will save 7 million gallons of water annually. Photo by Michael Durham, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.
On Monday, May 25, the zoo will mark Memorial Day by offering free admission for military veterans and active military personnel, as well as family members who accompany them to the zoo. To receive free admission Monday, May 25, visitors must show a military or veteran organization ID, discharge papers or other official military identification; families of deployed military personnel must show an active duty ID.
Along with more time to enjoy the animals, zoo visitors will be treated to a summer chock full of events, shows and happenings.
Beginning June 13, the zoo’s popular Wildlife Live program, presented by Portland General Electric, returns with free-flight demonstrations featuring bird species from around the globe.Due to construction around the concert lawn, shows will take place in Tiger Plaza this year. The Insect Zoo also opens for the summer on this day.
Summer camps begin June 15. As of this writing, spots are still available for most age groups, but they tend to fill quickly as the end of school draws near. For more information, visit www.oregonzoo.org/camps.
The zoo’s summer concert series kicks off with Chicago on June 21 and winds up on Labor Day weekend with a pair of sold-out shows by “Weird Al” Yankovic. Along the way, concertgoers can catch a variety of world-renowned artists — from new wave party-rockers the B-52s to reggae superstar Ziggy Marley to country legend Emmylou Harris, and more. The zoo’s summer concert series is presented by the Oregon College Savings Plan and Banfield Pet Hospital. For more information and a full schedule, visit zooconcerts.com.
Oregon Zoo supporters can enjoy beverages and culinary delights from more than 25 of the area’s top restaurants July 18th at the annual Zoolala, an Oregon Zoo Foundation event. Photo by Andie Petkus.
Later this spring, officials will announce the line-up of local bands for Sunset at the Zoo, presented by Banfield Pet Hospital. Free for zoo members, Sunset at the Zoo offers a rare chance to enjoy the zoo in the beautiful twilight hours of summer. Packed with a variety of al fresco dining opportunities, live music and activities for kids, Sunset evenings also give visitors the chance to get to know animals that are more active at dusk. Sunset at the Zoo events take place every other Wednesday, starting July 8.
July 18, zoo supporters can savor delicious local fare, dance under the stars, and hang out with some real “party animals,” as the Oregon Zoo Foundation hosts its 16th annual Zoolala, a gala fundraiser presented by Spirit Mountain Casino. For more information or to purchase tickets and tables, visit oregonzoo.org/zoolala.
The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission of inspiring the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Oregon silverspot and Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies, western pond turtles and Oregon spotted frogs. Other projects include studies on Asian elephants, polar bears, orangutans and giant pandas.
Support from the Oregon Zoo Foundation enhances and expands the zoo’s efforts in conservation, education and animal welfare. Members, donors and corporate and foundation partners help the zoo make a difference across the region and around the world.
The zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily and is located five minutes from downtown Portland, just off Highway 26. The zoo is also accessible by MAX light rail line. Visitors who travel to the zoo via MAX receive $1.50 off zoo admission. Call TriMet Customer Service, 503-238-RIDE (7433), or visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information.
General zoo admission is $11.50 (ages 12-64), $10 for seniors (65 and up), $8.50 for children (ages 3-11) and free for those 2 and younger. Additional information is available at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561.
Portland, May 9th, 2015. Neighborhood House hosted a very special 110th anniversary celebration at its annual Fête Locale fundraiser at the Multnomah Athletic Club. The festivities, featuring stories, dinner and silent and live auctions drew over 350 supporters and raised close to $172,000, including a generous $4,000 challenge grant from Wells Fargo in support of Neighborhood House’s Emergency Food Box Program.
Lee Moore shares a story of how his childhood was influenced by his connection to Neighborhood House.
Board member Kristin Watkins shares the spotlight with education consultant Ami Margolin Rome and friends.
Record numbers of attendees enjoyed the high-energy of this year’s event.
Emceed by News Channel 8 Anchor Reggie Aqui with help from students Ihelani Gonzales and Reyjon Williams from George Middle School, the event showcased Neighborhood House’s 110 year legacy of innovation in providing education and social services to strengthen the lives of low-income clients of all ages.
All proceeds from the event benefit the programs and services Neighborhood House provides to over 18,000 low-income children, families and seniors across the Portland Metro area.
Neighborhood House’s mission is to bring neighbors together to reduce hunger and homelessness and educate both young and old. We strengthen community by providing resources to support self-reliance, economic independence and dignity in people of all ages and backgrounds.
Services for families in need, such as the Emergency Food Box Program, Energy & Utility Assistance, Transitional Housing and Information & Assistance services. http://www.nhpdx.org/WhatWeDo/familiesinneed.html
Services for older adults, such as a Senior Center, Information & Assistance services, Senior Transportation, and Care Management for at-risk seniors to help them maintain their independence. http://www.nhpdx.org/WhatWeDo/seniors.html
Portland, May 14th, 2015. Friends of the Children is celebrating one of its most successful fundraising efforts after raising $1.8 million at “Friend Raiser”, the annual signature charity auction event. Mayor Charlie Hales makes his way through the “High Five Tunnel”, and a youth looks amazed to meet him. The 700 attendees, consisting of many of the Portland metro area’s most prominent community and business leaders, showed their eagerness to help Friends of the Children expand their impact the lives of more children facing the greatest risks by generously bidding on exciting packages and trips. The benefit took place at Friends of the Children’s offices at 44 NE Morris in Portland.Friend Raiser’s success will allow Friends of the Children continue to grow and help break the cycle of generational poverty by giving children facing the highest risks the ability to create a new story.
Friends of the Children Board Chair Diana Bianco and her sister Christina.
Local radio personality Paul Linnman and his wife.
A Friends of the Children program youth shakes the hand of donor Shane Wall after he wins a live auction package.
Attendees also had the opportunity to meet Friends of the Children’s new Executive Director, Megan Lewis. Lewis had previously served as the organization’s Director of Development and Marketing and will now steer the nonprofit through many exciting growth opportunities such as their new youth center under construction in Gresham, allowing Friends to be closer to the children they serve.
Lewis thanked auction attendees by saying, “Thanks to your generosity, even more of our community’s most vulnerable children will be matched with a salaried, professional Friend. Thanks to you, those children will be able to break generational cycles of school failure, early parenting, and incarceration. Thanks to you, our community receives more than $7 in social benefits for every dollar invested in our program.”
From Friends of Children:
Mission To provide our most vulnerable children a nurturing and sustained relationship with a professional mentor who teaches positive values and has attainable expectations for each child to become a healthy, productive member of the community.
Vision To provide a Friend to all vulnerable children who need one and to change the way the world views and treats our most vulnerable children.
Portland, April 11th, 2015. Member volunteers at Assistance League® of Greater Portland have a five decade tradition of combining fun, friendship and community service. A “fun-raising” party on April 11th at the Multnomah Athletic Club continued that tradition. “We are celebrating fifty years of service, a big accomplishment,” said Nancy Fahey, with Rosalie Stevenson, planned the Fifty and Fabulous. fundraising party. Over 300 guests attended the sold out event. Proceeds benefit Assistance League’s local philanthropic programs.
Poison Waters, Past President Kay Gebhart, President Carol Bergseng and Meesha Peru getting ready to raise funds for the programs
Vice President Fundraising Robbie O’Brien, her son Peter O’Brien and Michele Wiitala
Guests dressed in fifties fashions and danced to classic hits played by Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts. Local entertainers, Poison Waters and Meesha Peru, served as emcees and auctioneers, presiding over a live auction. Guests gave generously at the paddle raise to benefit Assistance League’s flagship program, Operation School Bell. Operation School Bell provided new clothing to over 3,000 children in need this year.
Vice President of Fundraising, Robbie O’Brien presented athlete Jason Zacher with the national Operation School Bell award at the event for his 188-mile ultra marathon run last June and his inspiring work to raise funds for clothes for 100 children.
About Assistance League Assistance League is a local chapter of a national organization that puts caring and commitment into action with philanthropic activities. Assistance League’s 180 member volunteers serve children and victims of violence locally with community service programs that provide new school clothes for students in need, enrichment activities for troubled youth, Life Story Books for foster children and emergency outfits for women who have been physically attacked. Donations, fundraising events and proceeds from Assistance League Thrift and Consignment Shops at 4000 SW 117th Avenue in Beaverton support these programs.
Portland, May 6th, 2015. Central City Concern’s annual “We are Family” event raised approximately $70,000 to help local women and children. The funds are earmarked for Central City Concern’s Letty Owings Center and Family Housing programs. Whisper and her mother (and successful client of Central City Concern programs) Ginger Mondrut were a hit at the benefit. The featured speaker was Portland’s “Bridge Lady” Sharon Wood-Wortman who spoke about bridges as a metaphor for life’s transitions. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
“Bridge Lady” Sharon Wood-Wortman displayed several colorful models.
CCC Executive Director Ed Blackburn enjoyed the festivities.
We are Family committee member, Julie Sheppard; Bonnie Laing-Malcolmson, curator of Northwest Art at the Portland Art Museum and Central City Concern Art Task Force member Pam Baker
Portland Jazz favorite Shirley Nanette has donated her musical talents to the “We Are Family” event for the past three years.
“Bridge Lady” Sharon Wood-Wortman with co-founder of Central City Concern’s Letty Owings Center Nancy Anderson.
From Central City Concern
We meet our mission through innovative outcome based strategies which support personal and community transformation.
Direct access to housing which supports lifestyle change.
Integrated healthcare services that are highly effective in engaging people who are often alienated from mainstream systems.
The development of peer relationships that nurture and support personal transformation and recovery.
Attainment of income through employment or accessing benefits
Portland, May 8th, 2015. Reverend William Beauchamp, President Emeritus of the University of Portland, received Volunteers of America Oregon’s highest award, the DePreist Award for Excellence. Fr William Beauchamp President, CEO Kay Toran, Stedman Graham and event Co-Chair Jordan Schnitzer were joined by 250 people at the DePreist Award Dinner, held at the University of Portland’s Bauccio Commons. Stedman Graham, long-term partner of Oprah Winfrey, spoke earlier in the day at a diversity symposium exploring ways to increase the participation of communities of color in economic prosperity.
Kellie Jones surprises crowd with Motown songs
DePreist Award
Board Chair Bruce Warner with Portland Mayor Charlie Hales
The event raised $319,000 for the nonprofit. Co-chairs of the Dinner were Bob Maloney, Jordan Schnitzer and Fedele Bauccio.
The DePreist Award honors an individual or couple who have left a lasting legacy in their community through extraordinary efforts in their profession, community leadership, community visioning and/or philanthropic contribution.
It is also the major fundraiser for Volunteers of America Oregon, and raised more than $319,000 to support VOA’s many programs designed to give a hand up to those most in need. VOA programming helps ensure that all members of our community can be self-reliant and lead healthy and productive lives.
Portland, May 1st, 2015. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) hosted its 2015 gala and hundreds of supporters celebrated the pioneering programs of Northwest innovators. OMSI Board Chair Trond Ingvaldsen, Marcia Randall, Gary Maffei, Janet Webster, and Marc Lintner enjoy the OMSI Gala Cocktail Hour. The benefit raised over $713,000.
Gala Co-chair Cheri Cooley-Hick (Co-chair Ken Hick not pictured) and Ann Thompson
Bruce Pettet, Tracey Kwietniak, Toni Stevens, and Marie Torrillo
Katie and Mike Erickson, Gala Co-chairs
Ken Stedman, Brian Hopkins, Karen Marrongelle, Christine and David Vernier
The OMSI Gala was attended by over 400 people and raised important funds supporting inquiry-based learning experiences that enrich the lives of over one million community members annually. The OMSI 2015 Gala raised more than $713,000.
From OMSI:
Our Mission The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) inspires curiosity through engaging science learning experiences, foster experimentation and the exchange of ideas, and stimulate 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.
Portland, April 30th, 2015. Supporters and volunteers of Meals on Wheels People donated enough funds in just one hour to provide nearly 70,000 hot meals to seniors in the greater metropolitan area at the organization’s annual Spring Luncheon presented by New Seasons Market. Providence Health & Services received the Compassion for Seniors Award at the 2015 Meals on Wheels People Spring Luncheon. There to accept the honor were Dave Underriner, regional chief executive for Oregon; Pamela Mariea-Nason, Community Health Division; and John Lee, retired Providence CEO and past Meals on Wheels People Board President. The event is Meals on Wheels People’s single largest fundraising event of the year. Combined with a luncheon held in Vancouver in April, the event raised more than $510,000. Gifts of $1,000 or more were matched by the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund.
Keynote speakers Marilyn and Terry Lindsey who have delivered meals in Gresham for more than decade.
Southwest Rotary member and long-time Meals on Wheels volunteer Steve Cooper and Meals on Wheels People Executive Director Suzanne Washington.
About Meals on Wheels People: Since 1970 the Meals on Wheels People has provided a nutritional and social lifeline for seniors through 34 meal sites in Multnomah, Washington and Clark counties and Meals on Wheels delivery to homebound seniors. With the help of 8,500 volunteers, the nonprofit organization now serves 5,000 meals daily and 1.2 million meals each year. Visit: www.mealsonwheelspeople.org.
Portland, April 18th, 2015. The fifth annual Swing into Spring Fundraiser was held at Riverside Golf and Country Club. The 175 guests gathered to support The Northwest Catholic Counseling Center’s mission to provide mental health services to all regardless of faith or finances. Over $50,00 was raised to provide these services. At the event, Barbara Katz (pictured with Ben Katz and Betsy Katz) and Richard Katz received the Compassionate Heart Award for their many years of support to the Center. (Photo credit, Soulayvanh Beisel)
All people, regardless of social, economic or religious circumstances, have access to professional mental health counseling. The community recognizes the importance of good mental health and value of accessible mental health care, understanding that appropriate counseling and medication management leads to positive social outcomes: healthier relationships, more stable families, more effective parenting, decreased domestic violence, more productive employees, decreased criminal activity, and wiser use of financial resources.
The Northwest Catholic Counseling Center commits its professional, creative, and fiscal resources to the compassionate care of each person it encounters. The non-profit agency serves a wide variety of people and has a special commitment to women and children, who bear the greatest weight of the dual burdens of poverty and mental health issues. Staff members employ a broad range of therapeutic models and tools, all focused on the healing and well-being of clients. The organization draws support from a broad cross-section of community partners, including clients, care-providers, organizations, and individual supporters. While always keeping client care at the forefront, the organization utilizes a successful business model and sound fiscal policies, ensuring its ability to always provide mental health care for those requesting it.
Our Values
We believe in:
Justice – receiving health care as a basic right
Compassion – nurturing hope and healing
Collaboration – partnering with clients, the community and our staff
Excellence – assuring the highest level of care for all
Hillsboro, April 30th, 2015. Community Action of Washington County held its 50th Anniversary Gala and Indira Yagle, a former Community Action client, showed off her Build-A-Bear to be adopted to benefit Community Action’s Hillsboro Family Shelter residents. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus) Community Action leads the way to eliminate conditions of poverty and create opportunities for people and communities to thrive. Chaired by Jason Yamamoto, the event drew 400 guests and raised a record $280,000, including a $100,000 Challenge Gift by Jim and Shirley Johnson, to support low-income families seeking a path to stability.
Community Action Emeritus Board Members, recognized for their dedicated support of the organization’s work both during and following their board service. L to R: Rob Drake, Craig Kinnie, Kevin Aguirre, Leroy Bentley, Margaret Eickmann, Dick Stenson, Cindy Hirst, Sherry Robinson, Ralph Brown, Executive Director Jerralynn Ness, Board Members Leda Garside and Richard Odell. Not pictured: Mayor Lou Ogden, Shirley Huffman
Jerralynn Ness, Executive Director, Community Action (L) celebrates the organization’s 50th anniversary with former Executive Director, Carla Shafer.
For over 50 years, Community Action has been offering hope, help and change for families in transition. Community Action programs promote the birth of healthy babies, reduce the potential for child abuse and neglect, increase children’s chances for success in school, and improve the quality and accessibility of child care.
Community Action offers the following programs to assist eligible residents of Washington County. Click a link or call to find out about service details, availability, eligibility criteria and more.
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