1,900 Comcast Cares Day Volunteers “Make Change Happen” in Oregon & SW Washington

1,900 Comcast Cares Day Volunteers “Make Change Happen” in Oregon & SW Washington

Portland, April 30th, 2014. On Saturday, April 26, more than 1,900 local Comcast employees and their families, friends, and community partners volunteered to “make change happen” at schools and nonprofits in Oregon and Southwest Washington as part of Comcast’s 13th Comcast Cares Day. Community volunteer Matt Hushbeck is joined my many who put in elbow grease at Baltimore Woods.

Community volunteer and Comcast Leaders and Achievers scholarship recipient Jennifer Pedro volunteers for a painting project at Native American Youth & Family Association which runs her high school, the NAYA Early College Academy. Photo by Aaron Hockley.

Community volunteer and Comcast Leaders and Achievers scholarship recipient Jennifer Pedro volunteers for a painting project at Native American Youth & Family Association which runs her high school, the NAYA Early College Academy. Photo by Aaron Hockley. 

Elaysia Edwards, Comcast sales supervisors Kim Wood and Kevin Bailey, and Lexus Bailey clean up the Oregon Zoo grounds for Comcast Cares Day. Photo by Andie Petkus.

Elaysia Edwards, Comcast sales supervisors Kim Wood and Kevin Bailey, and Lexus Bailey clean up the Oregon Zoo grounds for Comcast Cares Day. Photo by Andie Petkus.

More than 300 Comcast Cares Day volunteers clean, paint, and spruce up the grounds of Parklane and Oliver elementary schools. Photo by Scott Cloud.

More than 300 Comcast Cares Day volunteers clean, paint, and spruce up the grounds of Parklane and Oliver elementary schools. Photo by Scott Cloud.  

Comcast and community volunteers painted and cleaned Hacienda CDC's Salon Communal. Volunteers also worked at the Los Jardines de la Paz building. Photo by Bernard Lorenzo.

Comcast and community volunteers painted and cleaned Hacienda CDC’s Salon Communal. Volunteers also worked at the Los Jardines de la Paz building. Photo by Bernard Lorenzo.

Comcast employees Gary Yates and Kathy McGowan, and Hands On Greater Portland volunteer Mark Vanderyacht, bag apples at the Oregon Food Bank volunteer action center. Photo by Theresa Smith.

Comcast employees Gary Yates and Kathy McGowan, and Hands On Greater Portland volunteer Mark Vanderyacht, bag apples at the Oregon Food Bank volunteer action center. Photo by Theresa Smith.

Arthur and Comcast employee Angelique King wipe down books to prepare for donation by the Children's Book Bank. Photo by Wendy Rectenwald.

Arthur and Comcast employee Angelique King wipe down books to prepare for donation by the Children’s Book Bank. Photo by Wendy Rectenwald.

Community volunteer Pat and Comcast human resources manager Gina Fox sew blankets for children in need at Binky Patrol.Photo by Tracy Preston.

Community volunteer Pat and Comcast human resources manager Gina Fox sew blankets for children in need at Binky Patrol.Photo by Tracy Preston.

Comcast construction technician Brent Christiansen takes a break from working on the Oregon Humane Society's walk path to greet Buffy the dog. Photo by Courtney Zerezif.

Comcast construction technician Brent Christiansen takes a break from working on the Oregon Humane Society’s walk path to greet Buffy the dog. Photo by Courtney Zerizif.

More than 300 Comcast Cares Day volunteers clean, paint, and spruce up the grounds of Parklane and Oliver elementary schools. Photo by Scott Cloud.

More than 300 Comcast Cares Day volunteers clean, paint, and spruce up the grounds of Parklane and Oliver elementary schools. Photo by Scott Cloud.

Comcast Cares Day, which takes place each April during National Volunteer Month, is Comcast and NBCUniversal’s signature day of service and the nation’s largest single-day corporate volunteer effort. Comcast joined with several community partners again this year to bring volunteers to more than 20 project sites throughout the region—including Hands On Greater Portland for the Portland metro area. Volunteers cleaned shelves, painted, removed invasive species, and did much more to help communities in need from Longview, WA to Eugene, OR.

More than nine projects were in Portland. Comcast returned to some Portland nonprofits such as NAYA, Children’s Book Bank, and Oregon Humane Society. There were also sites new to volunteers, such as a joint project with SOLVE at Baltimore Woods and the flagship Comcast Cares Day project at neighboring SE Portland elementary schools Parklane and Oliver which gathered more than 300 volunteers.

This year more than 80,000 Comcast and NBCUniversal volunteers participated in over 700 projects across the country and around the globe. To date, more than half a million volunteers have contributed over 3 million volunteer hours since Comcast Cares Day started in 2001.

“We are grateful for all of the participants who made Comcast Cares Day a success,” remarked Rodrigo Lopez, Comcast Oregon & SW Washington regional vice president. “The 1,900 volunteers from community organizations, Comcast, and their friends and families, made a lasting impact in dozens of communities in our region.”

The Comcast Foundation will also provide grants to local community partner organizations across the country on behalf of everyone who volunteered on Comcast Cares Day. The grants will help Comcast’s community partners continue their mission of serving the community throughout the year. To date, the Comcast Foundation has awarded more than $14 million in grants to partner organizations to match the efforts of our volunteers on Comcast Cares Day.

Comcast has been committed to serving local communities since our founding more than 50 years ago. For more information on Comcast’s volunteer and community investment initiatives, visit www.comcast.com/community.

About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) is a global media and technology company with two primary businesses, Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable is the nation’s largest video, high-speed Internet and phone provider to residential customers under the XFINITY brand and also provides these services to businesses. NBCUniversal operates 30 news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures and Universal Parks and Resorts. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

About the Comcast Foundation

The Comcast Foundation was founded by Comcast Corporation in June 1999 to provide charitable support to qualified non-profit organizations. The Foundation primarily invests in programs intended to have a positive, sustainable impact on their communities. The Foundation has three community investment priorities—promoting service, expanding digital literacy, and building tomorrow’s leaders. Since its inception, the Comcast Foundation has donated nearly $140 million to organizations in the communities nationwide that Comcast serves. More information about the Foundation and its programs is available at www.comcast.com/community.

16th Annual Heart of Doernbecher Raises More than Last Year

16th Annual Heart of Doernbecher Raises More than Last Year

Portland, April 26th, 2-14. The Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation welcomed more than 400 guests to the Portland Art Museum for the 16th Annual Heart of Doernbecher. 2-year-old Linzi Shoemaker, a Doernbecher patient, raises her paddle on behalf of Rick & Debbie Wright. The event raised more than $665,000 for OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, a $100,000 increase from the previous year.   Proceeds from the event will benefit Doernbecher’s pediatric cancer programs as well as the Knight Cancer Challenge, a $1 billion OHSU campaign to revolutionize early cancer detection and treatment.

Doernbecher Foundation Board Member & KGW’s DJ Wilson with Doernbecher Foundation Interim Director Ashley Schmidt, Bill Hoadley and Doernbecher Foundation Board Member and President of Hickey Family Company Linda Rae Hickey.

Doernbecher Foundation Board Member & KGW’s DJ Wilson with Doernbecher Foundation Interim Director Ashley Schmidt, Bill Hoadley and Doernbecher Foundation Board Member and President of Hickey Family Company Linda Rae Hickey.

Hoffman Construction’s Wayne Drinkward with Julie Drinkward, Debbie Daskalos and Mark Daskalos

Hoffman Construction’s Wayne Drinkward with Julie Drinkward, Debbie Daskalos and Mark Daskalos

Ben Montoya with wife & event co-chair Kelly Montoya and Andrew Over

Ben Montoya with wife & event co-chair Kelly Montoya and Andrew Over

J.P. Morgan’s Paul Meyer with Doernbecher Foundation Board Member and event co-chair Todd Stucky and friend.

J.P. Morgan’s Paul Meyer with Doernbecher Foundation Board Member and event co-chair Todd Stucky and friend.

Mark Richardson, M.D., M.B.A., M.S.C.B., Dean of the OHSU School of Medicine, with Mary and Randy Huebner.

Mark Richardson, M.D., M.B.A., M.S.C.B., Dean of the OHSU School of Medicine, with Mary and Randy Huebner.

David Roy, representing presenting sponsor Knowledge Universes, makes a toast to Doernbecher.

David Roy, representing presenting sponsor Knowledge Universes, makes a toast to Doernbecher.

The evening began with a cocktail reception and silent auction, live music by the West Linn High School Jazz Band, a photo booth and appetizers from Art of Catering.  The program was emceed by KGW’s Drew Carney and featured presentations from Dana Braner, M.D., VP Pediatrics, Chief of the Division of Critical Care at Doernbecher; and Brian Druker, M.D., Director of the Knight Cancer Institute.   The live auction included elite packages including a trip for four to the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Ga.; a trip to New York City for a behind-the-scenes tour of Vogue and the legendary Vogue Closet; and a three-day guided fishing excursion to Sitka, Alaska.

The event was presented by Knowledge Universe and chaired by Kelly Montoya and Todd Stucky.  The Honorary Chair was Hoffman Construction Company.

About OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation:

OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital is Oregon’s premier pediatric health center, providing the region’s widest range of children’s health care services and serving as the primary center for OHSU pediatric programs. As part of Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon’s only academic health center, Doernbecher offers patients exceptional primary care and access to the region’s most advanced treatments. In addition Doernbecher is Oregon’s primary teaching hospital. Its staff educates tomorrow’s pediatric specialists. 

The Doernbecher Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that exists to secure private philanthropic support for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. The foundation raises funds from individuals, companies, foundations and organizations, and invests and manages gifts in accordance with donors’ wishes.

Morrison Child and Family Services raises over $110,000 with Silver Linings Luncheon

Morrison Child and Family Services raises over $110,000 with Silver Linings Luncheon

Portland, May 13th, 2014. Morrison Child and Family Services hosted the first annual Silver Linings Luncheon at the Hilton Portland and Executive Tower in downtown Portland. More than 260 friends of Morrison, including David J. Schleich, President of the National College of Natural Medicine; Charlene Zidell, Director of Corporate Relations and Communications, Zidell Companies; Thomas Slick, CFO Morrison Child and Family Services, came together to donate over $110,000 in support of Morrison’s groundbreaking programs to treat children and families coping with the effects of adversity and trauma. (photo credit, John Utz/UtzCreative)

Jane Holbrook, Morrison Board Chair Elect; Dr. M. Sami Khawaja, Executive Consultant with the Cadmus Group; and Drew McWilliams, CEO Morrison Child and Family Services

Jane Holbrook, Morrison Board Chair Elect; Dr. M. Sami Khawaja, Executive Consultant with the Cadmus Group; and Drew McWilliams, CEO Morrison Child and Family Services

Multnomah County Chair candidate Jim Francesconi and David Thompson, Morrison Board Director and Vice President, Membership & Small Business General Counsel with the Portland Business Alliance

 Jim Francesconi and David Thompson, Morrison Board Director and Vice President, Membership & Small Business General Counsel with the Portland Business Alliance

Event keynote speaker Dick Withnell, child welfare advocate and philanthropist and Leslie Brock, Director of Development Morrison Child and Family Services

Event keynote speaker Dick Withnell, child welfare advocate and philanthropist and Leslie Brock, Director of Development Morrison Child and Family Services

Will Rasmussen, Miller Nash LLP and Morrison Board Member; Rep. Margaret Doherty, HD 35; Jason Busch, Oregon Wave Energy Trust

Will Rasmussen, Miller Nash LLP and Morrison Board Member; Rep. Margaret Doherty, HD 35; Jason Busch, Oregon Wave Energy Trust

The keynote address was given by child welfare advocate, local business owner, and philanthropist Dick Withnell. The Cadmus Group was honored with Morrison’s Goldman Award for their ongoing support of Morrison and stellar community leadership. The Goldman Award is given in memory of Muriel Goldman who was a leading children’s advocate for more than four decades and served on Morrison Child and Family Services’ Board of Directors for two six-year terms, twice as board chair.

Blythe Dolores Pavlik, Morrison Child and Family Services; Isaiah Holt, TEDxPortland Speaker; and Karin Baggett, Morrison Child and Family Services

Blythe Dolores Pavlik, Morrison Child and Family Services; Isaiah Holt, TEDxPortland Speaker; and Karin Baggett, Morrison Child and Family Services 

Eddie LaBerge, Turner Construction; Dan Occhipinti, Pacific Seafood; and Rep. Tobias Read, HD 27

Eddie LaBerge, Turner Construction; Dan Occhipinti, Pacific Seafood; and Rep. Tobias Read, HD 27

Carol Warneke, Lisa Faust and Tamisha Dunn from Pacific Continental Bank

Carol Warneke, Lisa Faust and Tamisha Dunn from Pacific Continental Bank

Here’s a video about the nonprofit:


Since 1947, Morrison Child and Family Services has delivered specialized services to children, from birth through age 18, and families coping with abuse, neglect, domestic violence, drug and alcohol addiction, criminality, and other harmful stress factors. Morrison’s Silver Linings Luncheon is a unique opportunity for business and community leaders to learn more about the positive and necessary impact Morrison has on our community. This event is much more than a fundraiser; it is an opportunity for guests to create stronger alliances with companies, business people and community leaders dedicated to restoring childhood, rebuilding families, and renewing hope.

Meals on Wheels People Spring Luncheon Raises $440,000

Meals on Wheels People Spring Luncheon Raises $440,000

Portland, May 8th, 2014. 750 Meals on Wheels People supporters turned out for the organization’s annual luncheon at the Oregon Convention Center. Meals on Wheels People Executive Director Joan Smith and New Seasons Market CEO Wendy Collie posed for a photo. Wendy was the keynote speaker at the event which raised more than $440,000 to provide hot meals to seniors throughout the greater metro area.

The mission of Meals on Wheels People is to enrich the lives of seniors by making nutritious food, social contacts and other resources easily accessible. To the extent possible we will also serve disabled, institutionalized and nutritionally at-risk populations. Our vision is that no senior will go hungry or experience social isolation.

From National Council for Aging Care:

Too many of our nation’s seniors are going hungry.

The National Council for Aging Care is dedicated to educating seniors and those who care for them.

Our article, The Facts Behind Senior Hunger: http://www.aginginplace.org/the-facts-behind-senior-hunger addresses some of the causes, complications, and cures for senior food insecurity.

Sunstone Montessori School Gala Carnavale Breaks Fundraising Record

Sunstone Montessori School Gala Carnavale Breaks Fundraising Record

Portland, May 3rd, 2014. Masked and costumed, over 200 revelers took to the OHSU Center for Health and Wellness atrium at the base of the tram for the annual Sunstone Montessori School gala. With an Italian Carnavale! Theme this year, the featured cocktail, Il Sunstoni was concocted by Aria Portland Dry Gin’s creative distilling geniuses. Over $91,000 was raised for classroom supplies, landscaping and playground upgrades, emceed by the lively Todd Mansfield, strolling accordion by Todd Bayles, and auction services by Mitch Lambley.  Auction Chair Tricia Leahy remarked, “We knew we had a winner when we sold a quarter of the capacity last November!”

Sharon Moliken, Hanisi Accetta and Marilyn Bishop

Sharon Moliken, Hanisi Accetta and Marilyn Bishop

Craig and Cheron Calder​

Craig and Cheron Calder​

 

Accordian player and Cathy Newman, Head of School, Sunstone Montessori School

Accordian player and Cathy Newman, Head of School, Sunstone Montessori School

Sponsors include Elliot Ostrander & Preston, PC, UPM Telecom, Kaiser Permanente, Capital Pacific Bank, D.A. Davidson & Co., Bateman|Seidel law firm, Melvin Mark and Young Design Studio.

Sunstone Montessori School Educates by fostering the physical, academic, social and emotional intellect of children. We Engage by guiding children to stewardship; and we Explore, believing children are the seeds of a sustainable world.

Celebrity + Youth Talent Show Raises over $128,000 for Camp Fire Columbia

Celebrity + Youth Talent Show Raises over $128,000 for Camp Fire Columbia

Portland, April 24th, 2014. A spirited talent competition between local celebrities and over 50 Portland-area students raised $128,000 for Camp Fire Columbia, a nonprofit youth development organization. Camp Fire Columbia held its 4th Annual Celebrity + Youth Talent Show at the Crystal Ballroom in downtown Portland in front of 400 attendees. Celebrities performed along with Camp Fire youth representing four different elementary schools in Portland Public, David Douglas, and West Linn-Wilsonville school districts. Student talent acts included dancing, singing, and comedy.

Camp Fire kids kick off the festivities with a flash mob dance to Pharrell’s mega-hit “Happy.” The Talent Show gave youth the opportunity to showcase skills they’ve developed through arts education they receive in Camp Fire’s afterschool programs, including dance, music, and comedic performance.

Camp Fire kids kick off the festivities with a flash mob dance to Pharrell’s mega-hit “Happy.” The Talent Show gave youth the opportunity to showcase skills they’ve developed through arts education they receive in Camp Fire’s after school programs, including dance, music, and comedic performance.

Pink Martini’s Thomas Lauderdale cheers on audience donations during his music set with The Von Trapps.

Pink Martini’s Thomas Lauderdale cheers on audience donations during his music set with The Von Trapps.

The Von Trapps harmonize…minutes before children jump on stage to dance with them!

The Von Trapps harmonize…minutes before children jump on stage to dance with them!

Camp Fire kids sing and dance to Stevie Wonder during their set as “The Fedora-bles.”

Camp Fire kids sing and dance to Stevie Wonder during their set as “The Fedora-bles.”

Attendees “voted” between celebrities and youth with pledged donations after each performance. All proceeds from the event benefit Camp Fire’s programming, which is located in 21 schools in the Portland area and includes before and after-school programs, in-school curricula, and summer learning.

Celebrity acts included:

  • · Thomas Lauderdale (leader of Pink Martini) & the Von Trapps
  • · Timber Joey (Portland Timbers) and a group of local sports mascots from the University of Portland, and the Eugene Emeralds.
  • · Brad Fortier & The Knockouts (comedians)
  • · Shoehorn (local musician)
  • · Local actor Dale Johannes (event MC/host) 

The evening culminated with a 30-minute performance by Lauderdale & the Von Trapps, which included music from their recently released album “Dream a Little Dream.” The performance earned a standing ovation. The Von Trapps are the great-grandchildren of Captain and Maria von Trapp, whose story was portrayed in the popular musical, The Sound of Music.

The event was sponsored by a number of local companies including: Fred Meyer Fund, Bank of America, Comcast, NW Natural, KeyBank, The Standard, Matisse, Cambia, Mattecheck & Associates, Capital Pacific Bank, Chase Bank, Northeast Family Dental, and Live 95.5.

About Camp Fire Columbia: Camp Fire Columbia is a co-ed youth development organization that directly serves over 3,500 youth in grades K-12 annually. Camp Fire partners with 21 schools to provide in-school and out-of-school time programs that: support academic achievement, build social and life skills, foster community engagement, and develop career and college readiness. Visit www.campfirecolumbia.org for more information.

Jessie F. Richardson Foundation Raises $102,000 to Support Elders

Jessie F. Richardson Foundation Raises $102,000 to Support Elders

Portland, April 28th, 2014. The second annual Ageless Award Luncheon for the Jessie F. Richardson Foundation (JFRF) was held at the Multnomah Athletic Club. With nearly 300 people in attendance, including Keren Brown Wilson, President and Founder of the Jessie F. Richardson Foundation and Former Governor Victor Atiyeh, JFRF raised $102,000.00 for programs that support vulnerable elders around the globe, and the Oregon-based students and volunteers helping to carry them out. Kay Toran of Volunteers of America Oregon emceed the event, and special guest, the honorable Ted Wheeler, Oregon State Treasurer, helped to pay tribute to the 2014 award recipients: Ken and (posthumously) Joan Austin, Serge D’Rovencourt, and Pat and Irvan Guss.

Ted Wheeler, Oregon State Treasurer, with Ken Austin, Ageless Award recipient.

Ted Wheeler, Oregon State Treasurer, with Ken Austin, Ageless Award recipient.

Jilma Meneses, Chief Diversity Officer of Portland State University, with Kay Toran, President and CEO of Volunteers of America Oregon.

Jilma Meneses, Chief Diversity Officer of Portland State University, with Kay Toran, President and CEO of Volunteers of America Oregon.

JFRF’s goal is to not only address the immediate needs of indigent older adults, but also to help them realize their maximum potential for purposeful living. For more information visit www.jfrfoundation.org.

Nike Employee Grant Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation Awards $250,000 to 25 Oregon/SW Washington Nonprofits & Schools

Nike Employee Grant Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation Awards $250,000 to 25 Oregon/SW Washington Nonprofits & Schools

Beaverton, April 15th, 2014. NIKE, Inc. has announced that grants totaling $250,000 will go to 25 local nonprofits and schools through the Nike Employee Grant Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation’s latest funding cycle. (Grant applications due June 1 for next round of funding.)

Representatives from select Nike Employee Grant Fund recipient organizations (Parks Foundation, Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation and Health Center, Elevate Oregon, Rosie’s Room, See Ya Later Foundation, McMinnville School District #40, I Have a Dream Foundation and Sabin School) with Kathy Webb (center). (Photo credit, NIKE)

The Nike Employee Grant Fund supports projects that encourage physical activity in meaningful ways, especially those that create early positive experiences for children through physical education, sports and play. Since its launch in 2010, the Fund has provided almost 200 grants to organizations and schools that contribute to making Oregon and Southwest Washington great places to live and work.

“Nike believes in the power of human potential and we are proud to support these 25 outstanding organizations, whose innovative programs are creating positive change in our community,” said Kathy Webb, Nike Community Impact Manager. “These grants also provide an important opportunity to connect Nike employees with our communities, not only through the grant-making process but through continued volunteerism with the organizations. Together we can create strong and healthy communities.”

This cycle’s award recipients feature a wide variety of organizations in greater Portland, including Elevate Oregon, a nonprofit that uses outdoor adventure and athletic activities with urban youth to inspire school success, leadership and self-reliance; and McMinnville School District #40 in support of its JumpStart – Ready for Kindergarten program for low-income families.

“We are tremendously grateful to the Nike Employee Grant Fund for helping strengthen our organization and community. Our students live in an urban environment where activities like rock climbing, snowboarding, camping and river rafting are not available to them. With Nike’s support, 150 at-risk high school students will learn how to overcome challenges though these outdoor adventures – giving them the skills and confidence they can draw on to overcome obstacles in their everyday lives,” said Joe Bergen, Executive Director of Elevate Oregon.

Nike employees are deeply involved with the Nike Employee Grant Fund grant-making process. With Oregon Community Foundation oversight, a Nike employee advisory committee develops grant recommendations. Employees at Nike World Headquarters continue their involvement by volunteering their time and professional experience to help the winning nonprofits achieve their objectives.

Next Funding Cycle Open Now

Applications are due June 1 for the next round of Nike awards, with $300,000 in cash grants being offered to nonprofits and schools in the greater Portland area (Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Yamhill, and Columbia counties in Oregon and Clark County in southwest Washington). Grants are one-year awards totaling between $5,000 and $20,000 each. 80 percent of grant awards support organizations and projects that are creating a world where physical activity, play and sports are highly valued, and 20 percent support organizations and projects that address community challenges through innovative community-based solutions.

Applications should be submitted online by June 1 at www.oregoncf.org/nike.


Nike Employee Grant Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation Awardees

The following 25 organizations received grants with this funding cycle:

Organization Project Description
Ackerman Academy (Canby) Reduce barriers to health and wellness by creating a sports, fitness and nutrition program for at-risk youth and their families.
Albertina Kerr Centers Foundation (Portland) Create an outdoor sport area in secure residential psychiatric treatment center for teenage youth with severe mental health challenges.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area Create sustained sports and fitness activities across six Boys & Girls Club sites that engage youth in developing lifelong healthy habits.
Bridger PTA (Portland) Support fitness through physical education by providing equipment that will keep students moving during class.
CASA For Children, Inc. (Portland) Provide a Court Appointed Special Advocate, known as a CASA, for 67 more foster children this year.
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (Portland) Provide stable housing for homeless youth attending Beaverton School District high schools, so they can thrive in health and wellness, graduate, and pursue life goals.
Elevate Oregon (Portland) Provide new experiences for at-risk 8th-12th grade students using outdoor adventure and athletic activities to inspire school success, leadership and self-reliance.
Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon (Portland) Support Project BOLD, a violence-prevention and self-defense program that addresses the individual girl within the context of larger community and societal issues.
Grow Portland (Portland) Empower the community by growing healthy food, building and managing community gardens on under-utilized urban land.
I Have a Dream Foundation – Oregon (Portland) Support year-round sports and fitness opportunities for low-income children as part of the Dreamer School Project to provide comprehensive support to help children succeed in school.
Kinship House (Portland) Create an outdoor space to help children move, learn how to heal from trauma, and develop healthy body awareness and calming techniques.
McMinnville School District #40 Provide child development instruction, coaching and resources to low-income parents of children ages zero to five, through the Jumpstart program.
Meals on Wheels People (Portland) Support EnhanceFitness, an evidence-based exercise program for seniors that emphasizes strength, flexibility, improving balance and fall prevention.
Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp (Portland) Create an adaptive playground in which campers of all abilities can gain independence and confidence through the power of play.
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Portland Support the wellbeing of individuals living with MS in Oregon, by providing air-conditioning units to alleviate heat-induced MS symptoms.
Parks Foundation (Vancouver) Provide youth in Clark County the opportunity to participate in recreation programs offered through Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Department.
Portland After-School Tennis & Education, Inc. Make the sport of tennis accessible to disadvantaged children and provide them with positive role models, tutoring and life skills through neighborhood tennis programs.
Regional Arts & Culture Council (Portland) Bring integrated arts education to every child in Portland-Metro school districts, regardless of language, neighborhood, or income.
Rosie’s Room (Beaverton) Transition from an all-volunteer organization to paid staff in order to serve the homeless and prevent their return to the streets.
Sabin School PTA (Portland) Provide a safe, functional environment for students and community, including physical education, youth soccer and baseball, by restoring the Sabin School field.
See Ya Later Foundation (McMinnville) Provide youth with an opportunity to grow as athletes and as people through See Ya Later Kids Camps.
SOLV (Portland) Provide underserved youth with hands-on, science-based, service-learning opportunities at nearby rivers and streams, while also teaching them to become lifelong stewards.
Straightway Services (Portland) Offer a basketball camp experience for children with autism and underserved youth.
Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation and Health Center (Cornelius) Promote wellness, with a focus on healthy activity and nutrition, for Hispanic children and families in Washington County.
YMCA of Columbia-Willamette (Portland) Develop the Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) program at 46 YMCA of Columbia-Willamette childcare programs in five counties.

 

About NIKE, Inc.

NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world’s leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned NIKE subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes surf and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit www.nikeinc.com and follow @Nike.

The Oregon Community Foundation (OCF)

The mission of The Oregon Community Foundation is to improve life in Oregon and promote effective philanthropy. OCF works with individuals, families, businesses and organizations to create charitable funds to support the community causes they care about. Through these funds OCF awarded more than $66 million in grants and scholarships in 2012. Information at oregoncf.org.

Human Solutions Auction Raises $62,500 at Gala

Human Solutions Auction Raises $62,500 at Gala

Portland, April 25, 2014. Human Solutions raised $62,500 at its “Tonight’s the Night” auction and gala at the Melody Ballroom. The event featured silent and live auctions, a buffet dinner, and signature cocktails. The 140 guests in attendance embraced mobile bidding on their smartphones during the silent auction. The evening’s auctioneer was Jason Demicheli of Demicheli Benefit Auctions. Tony Starlight and the All Star Band entertained guests with classic hits from the past three decades. Proceeds from Tonight’s the Night support Human Solutions’ emergency shelter and housing programs that serve more than 550 homeless people in 200 families on any given night. (photo credit, Andie Petkus Photography)

Guests at Human Solutions’ Tonight’s the Night auction included Mike Steffen, Vice President/General Manager at Walsh Construction; Rich Miller, Owner, Affinity Property Management; and Carla Piluso, Board President, Human Solutions. Walsh Construction and Affinity Property Management were gold sponsors of Tonight’s the Night.

Guests at Human Solutions’ Tonight’s the Night auction included Mike Steffen, Vice President/General Manager at Walsh Construction; Rich Miller, Owner, Affinity Property Management; and Carla Piluso, Board President, Human Solutions. Walsh Construction and Affinity Property Management were gold sponsors of Tonight’s the Night.

Crowd favorite, Tony Starlight, entertained guests with hits from the past three decades at Tonight’s the Night with help from his All Star Band.

Crowd favorite, Tony Starlight, entertained guests with hits from the past three decades at Tonight’s the Night with help from his All Star Band.

Human Solutions Board Member Jesse Smith and guest Maryann Yelnosky were enthusiastic about mobile bidding on their smartphones during the silent auction at Tonight’s the Night.

Human Solutions Board Member Jesse Smith and guest Maryann Yelnosky were enthusiastic about mobile bidding on their smartphones during the silent auction at Tonight’s the Night.

Human Solutions wishes to thank the generous sponsors of Tonight’s the Night, including: Gold Sponsors, Affinity Property Management and Walsh Construction; Silver Sponsor, Kantor Taylor; Bronze Sponsor, JD Fulwiler & Company Insurance; and Empowerment Sponsors Tonkon Torp LLP, OnPoint Community Credit Union, and Adventist Health.

 

From Human Solutions:

To help combat poverty and homelessness, Human Solutions provides services in four interrelated areas: 

*Eviction and Poverty Prevention: Each year, over 7,000 households avoid having their utilities shut off and remain warm and safe in their homes through the utility assistance Human Solutions provides. The agency also helps over 500 households facing eviction remain in their homes each year through short-term emergency rent assistance. 

*Direct Services to Homeless Families: Human Solutions provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, “Housing First” programs, and permanent supportive housing. The agency moves homeless families into permanent housing as quickly as possible and then offers them the supportive services necessary to overcome their homelessness and reach self-sufficiency. 

*Employment and Economic Development Programs: Human Solutions operates three distinct employment and economic development programs that help more than 600 individuals with significant barriers to employment find family wage jobs and/or improve their job skills to increase their household incomes each year. 

*Affordable Housing: Human Solutions owns and operates 18 high-quality affordable housing complexes containing 701 apartments. At each property, the agency offers Resident Services, which help families maintain housing by connecting them to quality social, educational and employment services (both within Human Solutions and in the wider community) so they can move forward in their lives. Last year, about 820 families comprised of nearly 2,000 people resided in Human Solutions’ affordable housing.    

Northwest Catholic Counseling Center Event Sparkles with Hope

Northwest Catholic Counseling Center Event Sparkles with Hope

Portland, April 26th, 2014. “Swing Into Spring” lived up to its name at the annual fundraiser for The Northwest Catholic Counseling Center on April 26 at Riverside Golf and Country Club. 135 people enjoyed music, food and friends while raising money to pay for mental health care services for those without resources. The event raised nearly $65,000. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Compassionate Heart Award to Mercedes Loprinzi, a longtime Center supporter. (Photo Credit: Kim Oanh Nguyen, Photos by Kim)

Ken Willett and Doody Boliba get into the spirit of the evening.

Ken Willett and Doody Boliba get into the spirit of the evening.

Event volunteer Diane Millemann does her best to convince guest Ron George that buying beads will add some fun to his evening.

Event volunteer Diane Millemann does her best to convince guest Ron George that buying beads will add some fun to his evening.

Magician Dan Waterman (left) dazzles Karen Wegener while her husband Brian Wegener (center) looks on.

Magician Dan Waterman (left) dazzles Karen Wegener while her husband Brian Wegener (center) looks on.

From Northwest Catholic Counseling Center:

The Northwest Catholic Counseling Center supports and strengthens our community by providing professional mental health services to all, regardless of faith or finances.

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.

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