Gresham, April 14th, 2014. The Right Brain Initiative, the arts education partnership of the Regional Arts & Culture Council, celebrated its collaboration with the Gresham-Barlow School District. With student performances and visual artwork on display, East Multnomah County stakeholders gathered at the Gresham Library to honor integrated arts programming in public schools. This school year, the GBSD became the first district in the region to bring The Right Brain Initiative to all its elementary schools.
Gresham Mayor Shane Bemis makes a statement about the value of the arts, during a celebration for Portland area arts-in-schools program The Right Brain Initiative, in partnership with Bank of America. Photo by Allie Maya.
Gresham families and educators watch a presentation by The Right Brain Initiative and local leaders. Photo by Allie Maya.
The growth of the program was possible because of the Initiative’s public-private funding model, within which companies like Bank of America playing a key role in the expansion of the program.
Bank of America has been one of Right Brain’s top corporate partners since 2010 and is a lead private funder for the Gresham-Barlow School District expansion. Nicole Frisch, Assistant Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at Bank of America in Oregon and southwest Washington said, “As longtime supporters of education and workforce organizations, Bank of America understands the critical role Right Brain plays in helping ensure students are taught to think creatively and critically. Right Brain’s programs not only provide the important arts education our community needs, but support learning in all curriculum areas, including math and writing.”
Read more about the story here: http://racc.org/about/right-brain-initiative-and-gresham-barlow-school-district-bring-arts-all-elementary-students
Portland, April 8th, 2014. Nearly 600 YWCA supporters filled the Downtown Portland Hilton ballroom to hear stories of empowered women and to be inspired with the spirit of social change. Attendees including Dana Petrusich, Wendy Hill of Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center and Jennifer Mark of Melvin Mark Companies. The event was held on “On Equal Pay Day” andfeatured Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and co-author of Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, Ms. Sheryl WuDunn. (photo credit, Jim Garrison Photography)
Julia Markley of Perkins Coie LLP, YWCA Board of Directors, Jennifer Currin Gutridge of McGee Wealth Management, YWCA Board of Directors and Susan Haas of McGee Wealth Management.
Now in its 22nd year, the Inspire Luncheon has raised over $5 Million to support the YWCA’s mission of ‘eliminating racism and empowering women.’
From the YWCA of Greater Portland:
The YWCA of Greater Portland is the local affiliate of one of the oldest and largest women’s organizations in the nation. We have been an active part of the Portland community for the past 110 years, providing services to women, children, and families, from all walks of life—regardless of their age, race, or income level.
The YWCA of Greater Portland’s services extend from Multnomah County to clients from all over Oregon. Our programs span four key areas:
The YWCA is a highly collaborative organization with an established history of partnering with local organizations and groups. As a non-profit organization, we believe that partnerships are the cornerstone of providing high quality, fiscally responsible, sustainable services to our clients.
Portland, February 28, 2014. Nearly 450 professionals attended the eighth annual SearchFest at the Governor Hotel. The record number of attendees raved about the speakers, content and venue, with the conference once again trending on Twitter throughout the day. During the event, SEMpdx presented a $1,600 donation to its 2014 Charity of Choice, the Cat Adoption Team (CAT). Based in Sherwood, Ore., CAT is the Pacific Northwest’s largest nonprofit, limited-admission and adoption-guarantee cat shelter—meaning it is able to take in new cats while finding homes for the remaining cats in the shelter. The conference theme for the year was New School and Old School marketing; including the opening and closing keynote presentations given by Joanna Lord and Jeremy “Shoemoney” Schoemaker, respectively.
SEMpdx members mingle and socialize with many of the 32 speakers the night before SearchFest.
SearchFest Opening Keynote Joanna Lord provides “New School” marketing strategies for the capacity crowd.
“Old School” Closing Keynote Jeremy “Shoemoney” Schoemaker preaches a return to the basics (with some new technology of course) to round out the day.
“SearchFest’s continued success points to why Portland is a hotbed for digital marketing. No wonder Google wants to bring super-fast internet to our city,” said Alan George, SearchFest Director and SEMpdx board member. “Other companies are taking notice too. We had record sponsorship revenues, up 60 percent from 2013. Headlining sponsors included Moz, KISSmetrics, Bing and Yext.”
SearchFest is currently the only search and social media conference organized by a nonprofit business organization (SEMpdx) in the Northwest — allowing tickets to be one-third of the cost of other conferences featuring the same caliber of speakers. Lower ticket prices paired with national experts has led to tremendous growth of the event.
Companies as varying as Nike, Xerox, Puppet Labs and Zupan’s Markets sent employees to SearchFest this year. While speakers from organizations such as Salesforce, Airbnb, Huffington Post/AOL, Bing/Microsoft and more presented.
SEMpdx, the Search Engine Marketing Professionals of Portland, is a nonprofit group dedicated to nurturing the development of the search engine marketing (SEM) and social media marketing (SMM) industries in the greater northwest. Created as a resource for both local industry professionals and area businesses, SEMpdx strives to build national credibility for Portland as a hub for the SEM/SMM industry, as well as improve the quality of work and life for its
professionals.SEMpdx is committed to giving back to the local community by supporting charitable organizations.
Each year, SEMpdx selects a charity of choice to support for a 12 month period.
Portland, March 14th, 2014. Girl’s Inc. surpassed expectations and raised $292, 500 this year which is more than any previous Power of the Purse. Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon hosted its ninth annual Power of the Purse event presented by The Standard at the Hilton Portland. The gala drew supporters to celebrate and raise money for strong, smart and bold girls in the community. Fourteen Portland women represented the purse-o-nalities of this year’s Power of the Purse, and each purse-o-nality was paired with a local purse designer to create a unique fashion statement. (Photo credit, Brent Barnett, OSI Photography)
Girls Council member, Hannah, with designer Becky Ross (left) and Purse-o-nality Angela Jackson
Girls Council member, Vicky, on the runway. In photo: designer Emily Katz (left) and Purse-o-nality Anais Tuepker
From Girl’s Inc.: Girls Inc. of NW Oregon offers programs for girls 8-18 around the greater Portland area. Girls Inc. programs focus on developing healthy behaviors, adopting new life skills, and encouraging girls to reach higher. Girls Inc. programs are led by a team of experienced Girls Inc. program staff and volunteer Girl Guides. We also offer occasional parent and mother-daughter trainings and workshops.
Portland, April 12th, 2014. Organizers of a special tea at Warner Pacific College raised even more than expected, “Our goal was to raise $85,000 to support the Act Six Scholarship at Warner Pacific. We exceeded that goal and raised over $91,000!,” explained Kathy Covey. The Act Six Leadership and Scholarship Initiative is Oregon a full-tuition, full-need scholarship for emerging urban leaders. It was Warner Pacific’s 5th Annual President’s Tea and Scholarship Auction supports the Act Six Scholarship program at the College: an opportunity to meet the needs of underserved and first-generation college students as they pursue their higher education goals. This year’s event features award winning author Sarah Thebarge as the keynote speaker and Warner Pacific Act Six Scholar Yesenia Delgado. (Photos courtesy of Warner Pacific College taken by Kai Hayashi)
Bidders raise their paddles at Warner Pacific’s President’s Tea.
Act Six Scholar Luwam Kahassay and guest Dixie Samuels
Dr. Daymond Glenn (Warner Pacific Vice President for Community Life and Chief Diversity Officer) with Act Six Scholars
Marcelo Anteparra-Naujock (Warner Pacific Board of Trustees and Executive Creative Director with Cafelli), with Dr. Andrea Cook, President of Warner Pacific and guest Larry Briggs
This year, the college welcome award winning author, Sarah Thebarge as a keynote speaker. Her memoir, “The Invisible Girls,” was released in April 2013 and is available in the campus bookstore. Learn more about Sarah at sarahthebarge.com.
About Act Six Scholar Yesenia Delgado: The oldest of five children in a single parent home, college was not at the top of her priority list after graduating from Reynolds High School. Through the support and investment of the Act Six Program at Warner Pacific, Yesenia discovered her desire to lead. She is now majoring in Human Development, and serves on Student Government and Student Diversity Council. Yesenia is passionate about investing and inspiring others to achieve greatness one day, just as Warner Pacific believed in her. She will be graduating in May 2014.
About Act Six Leadership and Scholarship Initiative: The Act Six Leadership and Scholarship Initiative (actsix.org) is Oregon’s full-tuition, full-need scholarship for emerging urban leaders who want to use their college education to make a difference on campus and in their communities at home.
Headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, Act Six’s national office operates under the auspices of the Northwest Leadership Foundation, a Christian-based organization that addresses issues of inequality and injustice in urban settings. Act Six recruits diverse, multi-cultural cadres of Portland’s most promising emerging leaders. Once accepted into the program, students are trained within their “cadres” for a year prior to college entrance.
From Warner Pacific College:
Founded in 1937, Warner Pacific is a Christ-centered, urban, liberal arts college dedicated to providing students from diverse backgrounds an education that prepares them to engage actively in a constantly changing world. Learn more at www.warnerpacific.edu. Warner Pacific College is located at 2219 SE 68th Ave., Portland, Or
Portland, April 12th, 2014. Over 530 guests, including Gert Boyle and Susan Schreiber, joined forces at the Portland Art Museum and raised $613,000 for CASA for Children.
The silent auction was a big hit with supporters.
The Honorable Judge Nan Waller and 2014 Stephen B. Herrell Award recipient Jackie Gango
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is a nonprofit which swings into action when a child who has been abused or neglected is going through the trauma of the foster care system. CASA advocates work tirelessly to guide them through safely, quickly, and effectively. CASA advocates are granted tremendous authority by the court, and are able to do what it takes to see that a child is not ignored, their best interests and critical needs are addressed, and that the presiding judge is able to understand the true facts of a child’s condition in an over-burdened child welfare system.
Dick and Maria Ponzi enjoying the night.
CASA for Children Executive Director Tim Hennessy tells the nonprofit’s story
From CASA:
CASAs are in a unique position to work in the system without being of the system. Throughout the process, CASAs have permission to visit the children regularly, talk to a child’s parents, teachers, caseworkers, doctors and therapists in order to hear all perspectives and give an unbiased portrayal of the case to the judge. CASA advocates help kids through the system safely, quickly, and more effectively.
Our Vision: To advocate for a child in the foster care system who has been abused or neglected and to get them into a permanent home safely, quickly and effectively.
Portland, April 12th, 2014. Members and guests of Assistance League of Greater Portland rolled back time to Vintage Hollywood: A Black & White Affair at the Multnomah Athletic Club. Supporters included Dr. Phil Marucha, Dean of OHSU Dental School; Kay Gebhart, President of Greater Portland Chapter, Margaret Asiello, Dr. Noel Larsen and Jamie Marucha.
Hank and Margie Grootendorst, Carol Bray, Gala Chairman; Jean Armstrong, Advisory Board and in the background Poison Waters, emcee of the event.
Everything was in black and white including all of the photos.
Patrons entered the evening on the stage setting of Casa Blanca where they enjoyed tasty appetizers and champagne before proceeding to the silent auction. Silent auction items included a man’s watch, diamond and pearl cocktail ring, Disney for the kids, hand crafted jewelry items, and Kate Spade purse to name just a few of the items. Trips were the featured items of the oral auction: Bali, South Africa, Italy, Las Vegas and closer to home with Manzanita and SunRiver, diamond earrings, wine tastings and dinners out on the town. The evening netted $75,000 for the chapter’s philanthropic programs
Attending the gala was Jason Zacher who is running 187.8 miles in June for the chapter’s Operation School Bell® philanthropic program. He plans to accomplish this feat in 48 hours. Attendees sponsored his run with a direct donation to the program.
National Assistance League® and its Greater Portland chapter honored Jay and Diane Zidell with The Operation School Bell Award® Saturday April 12 at the chapter’s annual fundraising gala. The Zidells were presented the award for their generous support of the chapter’s philanthropic program Operation School Bell that provide new clothing for over 2600 children in need attending Beaverton and Hillsboro Public Schools.
We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) philanthropic organization. Our all volunteer membership is nonsectarian and nonpolitical. Our mission is to perform charitable work within the local community.
Assistance League of Greater Portland has been serving the greater Portland area since 1961 when we were established as a guild. In 1965 we met all the requirements to become a chapter of National Assistance League® which was founded in 1935. Our chapter is one of more than 120 chapters and guilds in 26 states.
Annually, Assistance League returns over $37.7 million to local communities, assisting 1.4 million people. This is made possible by the 26,000 member-volunteers in 120 chapters who contribute 2.86 million service hours.
Operation School Bell®, our signature national program, served 337,000 children last year. Since 1958, more than 3 million children have been assisted.
Portland, March 1st, 2014. More than 2,000 Portlanders jumped into the frigid water of the Columbia River to support Special Olympics Oregon. The cold weather did not dampen enthusiasm and great costumes added to the fun. Organized by Oregon Law Enforcement, the Polar Plunge, is the largest grass roots fundraiser in Oregon. Money raised supports 12,000 Special Olympics Oregon participants statewide. (photo credit, Cameron Browne)
Members of Oregon Law Enforcement enjoy the fun.
One of the sponsors for the day, Oregon’s Health CO-OP – Bob Dickes, Cinthia Manuel, KJ McAllister, Jake Byron (event emcee Alpha Broadcasting, Dylan Hornstein.
Pam Abrahamsson and Carolynn Duncan.
Drew Carney (emcee, KGW) with costume contestant.
Waiting to plunge
Special Olympics Oregon offers training and competition opportunities in 14 different Olympic-style sports. They hold events in every region of the state, every month of the year, providing athletes the opportunity to be competing and training as often as they choose.
Portland, March 29th, 2014. Over 350 guests donned their masks for the annual Q Center winter gala where the theme was, “masQuerad” The event raised nearly $157,000. Q Center provides a safe space to support and celebrate LGBTQ diversity, visibility and community building. Q Center offers multi-generational programs and services in four core areas: Arts & Culture; Education & Training; Health & Wellness and Advocacy. (photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Dan Pierce – Marcia Brown – Linda Brown
Portland Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence at Q Center Gala
Portland Musicians Logan Lynn (left) and Ruth Radelet of Chromatics (right) at Q Center Gala
Kyle Bryan Boike and Shauna Noah at Q Center Gala
House of Representatives Speaker Tina Kotek at Q Center Gala
Bob Speltz – Mike Sauer – Dwight Adkins – Quentin Hawks
Q Center Gala Auctioneer Johnna Wells
Q Center Gala Host Tara Dublin
The Peter Krebs Trio Performing at Q Center Gala
From the Q Center:
There are dozens of events and groups that meet here, some focused on specific topics (like coming out or gender identity) and others aimed at fun social interactions (like sing-along piano cabarets or craft nights). Entry to most of these is sliding-scale and run by dedicated volunteers, keeping Q Center truly community-driven and accessible.
In addition to our programmatic offerings, our 5,000 sq/ft facility is also a safe and friendly place to spend an afternoon. With our monthly art exhibits, extensive library collection, Resource Wall, and free WiFi access, there’s always something to see and learn here at Q Center.
And don’t forget that Q Center is also a great inexpensive rental space that affords great visibility and accessibility to people and other organizations.
Portland, March 15th, 2014. Catlin Gabel’s auction, “Celebrate: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow,” drew a crowd of 350 people to Pure Space in the Pearl. The silent and live auctions grossed $514,00 to further financial aid, teaching, and learning at Catlin Gabel. Colorful and talented circus artists from Pendulum opened the auction for a lively and generous audience.
Catlin Gabel supporter Punit Renjen and head of school Lark Palma
Lark Palma, Catlin Gabel’s head of school, wrote, “ I know our community will come together again in support of Catlin Gabel’s students and teachers. Our auction chairs and volunteers have poured their hearts and souls into managing every detail of tonight’s soiree. They have worked tirelessly to procure items, sell tickets, decorate, create art with kids, and make sure everything runs smoothly. . . .
“Right now, close your eyes and think for just one moment about the beneficiaries of your generosity. I hope you see what I see every day at Catlin Gabel: 756 engaged students, outstanding academic programs, teachers who care deeply, and a community whose shared value is placing education at the top of the list of their priorities.”
Pendulum performers open the live auction
Catlin Gabel is an independent, co-educational day school that inspires inquisitive and creative thinkers in grades pre-K through 12. Learn more at www.catlin.edu .
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