Portland, April 25th, 2014. Over 300 guests, including Keynote Speaker, Jenny McCarthy and Tony Trunzo, attended a luncheon at the Multnomah Athletic Club to support Victory Academy. The organization is Oregon’s only year-round, accredited school for children with autism. Jenny McCarthy – actress, author, autism advocate, and current co-host of “The View” inspired the crowd and Cathy Marshall from KGW News was the emcee. Donors raised $395,000 for Victory’s “Dream, Build, Thrive” capital campaign to build a new, larger school. (photo credit, Tim Gunther)
Colleen Rundle, Chrissy Treasure, Audrey Anderson
Tricia Hasbrook, Director of Victory Academy
The Victory Choir
Joyce and Larry Mendelsohn and Heidi and Gary Grenley
JB Handley, Kay Morse, Sarah Mensah
From Victory Academy:
Victory Academy combines academics with communication, social, and life skills to educate their students to be as independent as possible. Victory currently serves almost 40 students but is having to turn away dozens more each year as they are at capacity in their current location. A new, larger school would allow Victory to serve 95 students and add a high school curriculum. Guests at the luncheon had the chance to learn more about Victory, its program, and successes. The Victory Choir brought down the house with their joyful, enthusiastic performance, and there was not a dry eye in the house after hearing how Victory is transforming the lives of its students and their families.
On behalf of Victory Academy, we extend a grateful thank you to our Host Committee and to all our guests for their support!
Portland, April 26th, 2014. Over 500 supporters, including Dean Watanabe and BreAnn Ervin, came together for two “Great Gatsby” events to support the Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp at the Oregon Golf Club.
MassMutual’s Ryan Wayman with Adrian Brown
Organizers say the enthusiasm and fun at both events was over the top. The morning began at the Gatsby Garden Party Brunch with live music, guests in 1920s daytime attire, a silent and live auction, and 106.7’s Jim E. Chonga as the emcee. The evening event was a swanky affair where guests donned their fancy “glad rags.” Attendees enjoyed music by Portland’s Boy & Bean, and silent and live auctions featuring exciting vacation packages like a trip to Fiji and a day trip on a private plane to play golf at Bandon Dunes. The evening event was emceed by KGW’s Nick Allard.
The record-breaking events raised a combined total of over $238,000 for Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp, which allows children and adults with disabilities to experience a week at camp, building their self-confidence and enhancing personal growth goals.
Presenting sponsor was MassMutual Oregon SpecialCare Planning Team.
Portland, May 2nd, 2014. The theme of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) gala was OMSI Outdoors. Alex Bellen, Lynn Hennion, Max and Gina Williams, Greg Chaillé, and Susan Lindauer joined nearly 400 guests raised over $691,000 in support of hands-on science programs for children and families across the Northwest. OMSI also honored John and Betty Gray, Fred and Sue Fields, and Bill and Lucy Tagmyer, champions for science education. (photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Supporters raised their glasses to honor OMSI.
Kids and camp counselors added some music and fun to the gala.
Cocktail hour was out in the fresh air on the Willamette.
OMSI President, Nancy Stueber spoke passionately about the organization as emcee Reggie Aqui, from KGW watched on.
From OMSI:
OMSI’s mission is to inspire curiosity through engaging science learning experiences, foster experimentation and the exchange of ideas, and stimulate informed action.
Our vision is to ignite an education transformation at the intersection of science, technology and design, and weave a thriving innovation district into the fabric of Portland, that spreads opportunities across the Northwest.
OMSI is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and relies on admissions, memberships
Portland, April 23rd, 2014. Supporters of Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East packed the Oregon Convention Center Ballroom for its Habitat HopeBuilder Breakfast. Fans donated $240,000 which is used to build homes for low-income families in need. Dick Fournier and Carol Blanusa enjoyed the gathering. (photo credit, Heather Binns and Bill Purcell)
Carla Van Hoomissen, Kay Morse, Phil Grillo
Dayna Corwin and Larry Corwin
Habitat President and CEO, Steve Messinetti and Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman
Dr. Donna Beegle keynotes on the war against poverty
Over 1,100 people came out to support the cause.
The mission of Habitat for Humanity Portland/ Metro East revitalizes neighborhoods is to builds affordable and sustainable homes and empowers families through successful homeownership.
Portland, April 17th, 2014. A record crowd of over 550 business and community leaders gathered at the Oregon Convention Center to stand against discrimination. Attendees at the Basic Right Oregon luncheon included Dan Yonker, Kimberlee Stafford, Basic Rights Oregon Board Chair Vanessa Usui. (photo credit, Byron Beck)
Basic Rights Oregon Executive Director Jeana Frazzini and Melanie Davis Photo Credit: Frank Miller Photography
Peter Johnson, Secretary of State Kate Brown, George Vranas Photo Credit: Byron Beck
Organizers say it was an inspiring event as emcee, Jonathan Nicolas of Moda Health, guided the audience through a series of special guests who spoke eloquently about the work being done across our state to advance equality for LGBT Oregonians. The program culminated with a powerful show of support from the business community to stand together in opposition to the pending Arizona-like discrimination measure.
From Basic Right Oregon:
Since 1988, Oregonians have voted on five statewide and over 25 local anti-LGBT ballot measures. Basic Rights Oregon (BRO), a 501(c)(4) organization, was formed in 1996 to sustain and strengthen Oregon’s LGBT rights movement between and beyond measure campaigns. In 1999, the Basic Rights Education Fund (BREF), a 501(c)(3) organization, was formed to supplement the electoral and legislative work of Basic Rights Oregon through education and advocacy for LGBT Oregonians.
Since the last statewide ballot measure campaign in 2004, BRO/BREF started a new proactive chapter in Oregon’s movement for LGBT rights. In 2007, we passed two landmark laws to establish Domestic Partnerships and ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. These are two of the most substantial legislative victories the organization has won, yet the work of Basic Rights Oregon is far from over.
We know that our movement for equality is bigger than one vote, broader than one issue, and stronger than the fear and intolerance that we must overcome.
Portland, April 12th, 2014. La Salle’s 20th Annual Signature Scholarship Dinner & Benefit raised nearly $200,000 for La Salle student scholars. La Salle parents and event emcees Tracy Barry and Pat Dooris, had some fun with La Salle’s Director of Alumni Relations Liz Raines ’02.
The evening’s theme of supporting student scholars was carried throughout by student presentations and performances including emcees Tracy Barry and Pat Dooris; La Salle’s choir and all the student musicians who added to the evening’s success. (photo credit, James Loomis)
La Salle math teacher Amanda Dowd, Vice Principal Alanna O’Brien and Spanish teacher Lisa Moran visit during the hosted social hour.
La Salle’s Dollars for Scholars raised $115,000 to support student scholarships and to keep tuition increases to a minimum for all families. Ensuring access to affordable, quality, Catholic education is a key priority of La Salle’s mission and the Dollars for Scholars paddle raise directly benefits this goal.
Next year, as La Salle launches its Mobile Learning Program, certain classroom spaces will take on new formats to transition to a 21st century learning environment. La Salle’s community recognized the need for funds to support this renovation and, as a result, nearly $27,000 was raised for the 21st century learning environment initiative.
Inspired by St. John Baptist de La Salle, La Salle Catholic College Preparatory develops students of faith, service and scholarship by providing a transformative education allowing students to realize their maximum potential and use their gifts to serve Christ and humankind.
La Salle optimizes financial and academic accessibility for students, especially the underserved, who desire a rigorous and relevant education preparing them for college and life.
The La Salle community inspires students to find their voice as global citizens, to put their faith into action and to lead exceptional lives of integrity, honoring the God-given dignity of all.
Portland, April 12th, 2014. St. Mary’s Academy’s 26th annual auction, Roman Holiday, raised more than $900,000, the largest amount in the event’s history and $100,000 over last year. The Fink Family enjoyed the event including: David Wilson, Patrick Soong, Molly Fink Soong ’99, Jeani Fink ’97, Marilyn and Tom Fink, Amy Fink Wilson ’95.
St. Mary’s Academy auction chairs Marypat and Steve Hedberg, Carolyn DeLanyReif and Chuck Reif, Annie and Rollie White, Eden Jamison
Brittney Clark ’94 and Tracey Clark
More than 700 guests joined St. Mary’s Academy at the Oregon Convention Center for the annual auction, the largest fundraising event for Oregon’s premier Catholic college-preparatory high school for young women. Proceeds from the auction are critical to the financial strength of St. Mary’s Academy and benefit each of the school’s 660 students.
St. Mary’s Academy students shared their dreams and ambitions at the 2014 Roman Holiday auction.
“We are grateful to all who attended and helped create the April 12 auction, which celebrates our school community. Participation in this event helps reaffirm the belief that St. Mary’s Academy transforms students’ lives by combining the best features of a Catholic high school with the opportunities offered by an all-girls environment. Event success such as this sets the stage for an exciting future,” said St. Mary’s Academy President Christina Friedhoff.
St. Mary’s Academy, a Catholic high school for young women, provides a challenging college-preparatory education in a vibrant learning environment. St. Mary’s, a diverse community, educates the whole person by nurturing spirituality, encouraging creativity, promoting justice, and inspiring a sense of global interdependence to prepare students for service and leadership.
Portland, April 17th, 2014. Ethos’ second annual Ovation Gala was held at the newly-minted Sentinel (formerly The Governor Hotel). With 400 guests, the nonprofit more than doubled last year’s attendance, and raised $92,000 for
music education. Pete Krebs and the Portland Playboys kicked off the night by providing a jaunty Western swing backdrop for the silent auction in the Grand Ballroom. (photo credit, Nina Johnson) Founded in 1998, Ethos provides music lessons, multicultural performances and workshops to more than 7,000 students a year.
Scott Moore and ED Jedidiah Chavez
Pete Krebs entertained during the Silent Auction.
Ed and Leah Hershey, Donna and David Keller, Sam Adams
Liam Richard-Ricke sang Katy Perry’s “Firework” after the audience watched a video about the effect that music – and Ethos – have had on his life. A sea of 400 guests raised their candles as Liam serenaded them with the befitting lyrics, “You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine/Just own the night like the 4th of July.”
Emcee Tony Starlight and auctioneer Kelly Russell led the enthusiastic crowd through an impressive list of auction items, ranging from vacation getaways to studio recording time to VIP concert tickets. The most sought-after item, however, was a 2000 Paul Reed Smith electric guitar in brilliant emerald green. During the second half of the evening, guests were treated to a variety of outstanding performances by students, accompanied by their instructors and parents. The repertoire showcased the range of music styles that Ethos teaches – from a jazz ensemble performing the old standard “Autumn Leaves” to the aptly-named rock outfit, Death By Thumb, closing out the night with Tom Petty’s “Runnin’ Down a Dream.” (The crowd then cheered them through seven encores.) While all the performances elicited thunderous applause, two in particular commanded standing ovations. Cada Gerrans dedicated Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird” to her mother, Margaret, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
From Ethos:
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our table sponsors, gala committee members, staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, auction donors, encore sponsor Winderlea Vineyard and Winery and our media sponsors, El Hispanic News, PQ Monthly and KZME. Visit Ethos’ Facebook page to view the event photo gallery, courtesy of our photographer, Nina Johnson. Thanks again to everyone who came together to make the evening possible. We look forward to next year’s event!
Portland, April 11th, 2014. Best-selling author Cheryl Strayed (“Wild,” “Tiny Beautiful Things”), was a featured speaker andtopped the list of fantastic Northwest writers on hand at Community Partners for Affordable Housing’s 16th annual fundraiser “HomeWord Bound: An Event of Literary Proportions,”at the Oregon Zoo. An enthusiastic crowd of 280 attended and raised more than $65,000 for CPAH. (photo credit, Angela Bohlke)
Close to 280 CPAH supporters enjoy the evening at “HomeWord Bound: An Event of Literary Proportions,” the 16th annual fundraiser for Community Partners for Affordable Housing on April 11 at the Oregon Zoo.
Master of Ceremonies Dan Murphy of The Broadway Rose Theatre Co., and authors Cheryl Strayed, Peter Ames Carlin, and Cari Luna entertained the crowd at “HomeWord Bound: An Event of Literary Proportions,” the 16th annual fundraiser for Community Partners for Affordable Housing on April 11 at the Oregon Zoo.
Tigard’s First Citizen (and CPAH Board Vice President) Tom Murphy, (left), presents Metro Councilor Craig Dirksen with the “Friend of Affordable Housing” award at CPAH’s HomeWord Bound.
Doug Plambeck, CPAH Board Treasurer, and other CPAH supporters register with Event Savvy staff and Chase volunteers at HomeWord Bound.
Also speaking at HomeWord Bound were writers Peter Ames Carlin (“Bruce”) and Cari Luna (The Revolution of Every Day), and special guest Dan Murphy of The Broadway Rose Theatre Company in Tigard, performed as Master of Ceremonies. Additional guest authors in attendance were: Stevan Allred, Kelly Williams Brown, Monica Drake, Kent Hartman, April Henry, Bart King, Julie Richardson, Kevin Sampsell and Willy Vlautin.
CPAH also presented the Friend of Affordable Housing Award to Metro Councilor Craig Dirksen.
Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH), provides safe and sustainable affordable housing along with support and skill-building services for individuals and families in Tigard, Beaverton and SW Portland.
For more information about CPAH, visit the website: www.cpahinc.org
From CPAH:
HomeWord Bound 2014’s generous event sponsors included: Presenting Sponsor Chase; Key Sponsors Carleton Hart Architecture, Enterprise and LMC Construction; Major Sponsors Bateman Seidel, Cascade Management, Inc., Income Property Management, Markusen & Schwing CPAs, and National Equity Fund; Community Sponsors Alder Geotechnical Services, Banner Bank, Blue Planet Energy Law LLC, Central Bethany Development, Enviroscapes Northwest, JD Fulwiler & Co. Insurance, Kantor Taylor Nelson Evatt & Decina PC, Network for Oregon Affordable Housing, Romano P.C., TransCanada, Umpqua Bank and U.S. Bank.
Portland, April 5th, 2014. The NW Autism Foundation (NWAF) hosted 300 guests at the Oregon Golf Club for it’s 5th annual Autism Gala. KGW’s Cathy Marshall was the emcee and Patrick Lamb entertained. Joe Taylor was honored with the Champion of Autism Award and over $70,000 was raised for Autism programs in Oregon. (photo credit, Dasa Obereigner)
NWAF Executive Director Beth McShane with Amy Maxwell and Nancy Haskin
Mark and Jennifer Wood enjoy the silent auction.
The Northwest Autism Foundation was founded in 1996 to improve the lives of those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders through the mobilization of resources and by championing innovative solutions. This year the foundation plans to launch an early intervention program designed to help identify those at risk for developing autism as early as 6 months.
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