“It’s on the House” Events Raise $39,000 for Low-income and Homeless Families

“It’s on the House” Events Raise $39,000 for Low-income and Homeless Families

Portland, October 16th-17th, 2013. Human Solutions’ 11th annual “It’s on the House” fundraisers generated $39,000 to support emergency shelter and housing programs for low-income and homeless families. Human Solutions client Shannon Chandonet and her year-old son, Dillon were among the 190 people who attended. Previously homeless, Shannon and Dillon stayed at Human Solutions’ emergency Daybreak Shelter while the agency helped them find a suitable apartment. Shannon has graduated from college, and is working with a Human Solutions Family Advocate to reach long-term self-sufficiency. (photo credit, Andie Petkus Photography)

Women With Direction members Tiffany Cantue, Cheryl Moore, Constance Adams, LuLa Russell, Cashnita Harris, President Veronica Cantue and Pat Waters are pictured with First Lady of Oregon Cylvia Hayes (fourth from right), and Jean DeMaster, Human Solutions’ Executive Director (far right).

First Lady of Oregon Cylvia Hayes delivered the keynote address at the Portland luncheon, held at the Benson Hotel.

Speakers were eloquent in their support of Human Solutions’ mission to build pathways out of poverty for low-income and homeless families. Guests also heard from a Human Solutions client who shared how the stable housing and support services she received for herself and her son helped her overcome domestic violence and drug addiction to graduate from college and rebuild her life. 

Board Members Jesse Smith and Olga Gerberg at the “It’s On the House” Portland luncheon featuring keynote speaker Cylvia Hayes, First Lady of Oregon.

Board Members Jesse Smith and Olga Gerberg at the “It’s On the House” Portland luncheon.

Luncheon guests included Jan Laskey, Senior Vice President and Senior Client Manager of Community Development Banking, Bank of America; Jean DeMaster, Executive Director, Human Solutions; Rich Miller, Director of Operations at Affinity Property Management; and Carla Piluso, Board President, Human Solutions.

Luncheon guests included Jan Laskey, Senior Vice President and Senior Client Manager of Community Development Banking, Bank of America; Jean DeMaster, Executive Director, Human Solutions; Rich Miller, Director of Operations at Affinity Property Management; and Carla Piluso, Board President, Human Solutions.

Women With Direction members with First Lady Cylvia Hayes (fourth from right) and Human Solutions Executive Director Jean DeMaster (far right).

Women With Direction members with First Lady Cylvia Hayes (fourth from
right) and Human Solutions Executive Director Jean DeMaster (far
right).

There was also a Gresham breakfast at Persimmon Country Club featured a keynote address by Judith Huck, owner of Classique Floors and the 2013 Oregon Small Business Person of the Year.

Human Solutions thanked the following sponsors for making these events possible: Bank of America Merrill Lynch, KeyBank, Affinity Property Management, Enterprise Community Partners, Legacy Health, and Alder Geotechnical Services.

14th Annual Samuel C. Wheeler Award Benefits De Paul Treatment Centers

14th Annual Samuel C. Wheeler Award Benefits De Paul Treatment Centers

Portland, September 12th, 2013. The 14th Annual Samuel C. Wheeler Freedom Award drew 400 supporters to the Governor Hotel. The event was inspiring with a full room of people supportive of reducing the stigma surrounding addiction and recovery; it raised $190,000 for De Paul Treatment Centers. Pictured are Executive Director Sheila North, Freedom Award honoree Mark O’Donnell, and De Paul Board President Jay Minor. (photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Portland attorney Mark P. O’Donnell was awarded this year’s Freedom Award for his commitment to AA and his work in the community. “Mark is an inspiration for many, and the support of his friends, family, and colleagues at the event made it clear that he has made an impact in our community,” leaders

Mark O'Donnell receives a standing ovation

Mark O’Donnell receives a standing ovation

 

explained.

Ted and Tom Wheeler share a memory of their father, Sam.

Ted and Tom Wheeler share a memory of their father, Sam.

This year, the Freedom Award was renamed to honor Samuel C. Wheeler, a long-time supporter and friend of De Paul Treatment Centers and the first Freedom Award honoree. Sam Wheeler’s dedication to the recovery community and commitment to the De Paul Treatment Centers makes him a prime example of the traits the Freedom Award recognizes. Sam’s sons State Treasurer Ted Wheeler and Tom Wheeler spoke about their father at the event. 

De Paul Board Secretary & Treasurer Harry Wilson makes a pledge

De Paul Board Secretary & Treasurer Harry Wilson makes a pledge

 

The funds generated from the 14th Annual Samuel C. Wheeler Freedom Award enable the nonprofit to continue to live out its mission of creating freedom from addiction for men, women, youth, and families. 

De Paul Treatment Centers is one of Oregon’s oldest and largest providers of residential and outpatient chemical dependency treatment for adults and youth. Our mission is to create freedom from addiction for individuals, families, and communities. Founded by the Portland Society of St. Vincent de Paul in 1974, De Paul became an independent, secular 501(c)3 nonprofit agency in 1978. More than 30,000 people have been served since De Paul’s inception. De Paul Treatment Centers uses proven and effective treatment strategies to fulfill its mission.

Initially, De Paul served only adult males. In 1984 we expanded our programs to work with women, and in 1985, De Paul opened the De Paul Youth & Family Center to provide treatment to adolescents aged 13 to 18.

De Paul was one of the first organizations in Oregon to use evidence-based practices to treat substance use disorders and treat co-occurring mental health disorders. In 2005, De Paul became one of the first agencies in the area to implement an electronic medical record.

Approximately 2,000 men, women, and youth participate in substance use disorder treatment each year through our three residential and outpatient treatment facilities in the Portland Metropolitan area- the De Paul adult center in downtown Portland, De Paul Youth & Family Center in NE Portland, and De Paul’s Hillsboro outpatient center. All locations offer mental health treatment for clients with co-occurring disorders. Our clients are culturally diverse adults, youth and families with substance use disorders. We serve clients from across Oregon and the surrounding states, with most residing in the Portland Metropolitan area.

Dress for Success Oregon Launches Empowerment Breakfast: In Her Shoes

Dress for Success Oregon Launches Empowerment Breakfast: In Her Shoes

Portland, October 9th, 2013. Over 260 people attended Dress for Success Oregon’s inaugural Empowerment Breakfast which drew supporters like  Tom Kelly from Neil Kelly; Barb Attridge, Co-Founder and Executive
Director of Dress for Success Oregon and Theressa Dulaney from Comcast. The event at the Governor Hotel raised over $40,000 featured an educational panel presentation with businesses and individuals coming together to discuss how generational poverty affects our community and how Dress for Success Oregon is making an impact by helping low-income women gain employment, independence and self-worth. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Panelists: Erinn Kelley-Siel, Department of Human Services; Roger Hinshaw, Bank of America; Dr. Donna Beegle, Communication Across Barriers; Cylvia Hayes, First Lady of Oregon.

Panelists: Erinn Kelley-Siel, Department of Human Services; Roger
Hinshaw, Bank of America; Dr. Donna Beegle, Communication Across
Barriers; Cylvia Hayes, First Lady of Oregon.

Ken Thrasher, Compli Inc. and Nicki Nickoloff, Wells Fargo Bank and Dress for Success Oregon Board Member.

Ken Thrasher, Compli Inc. and Nicki Nickoloff, Wells Fargo Bank and
Dress for Success Oregon Board Member.

Monique Barton, Roger Hinshaw, and Nicole Frisch from Bank of America.

Monique Barton, Roger Hinshaw, and Nicole Frisch from Bank of America.

Sandra Etlinger; Karen Fishel, Co-Founder of Dress for Success Oregon and Vice-President of Board; Lori Hickox.

Sandra Etlinger; Karen Fishel, Co-Founder of Dress for Success Oregon
and Vice-President of Board; Lori Hickox.

From Dress for Success:

Dress for Success Oregon is a nonprofit organization that has been helping low-income women successfully transition back into the workforce since 1999. 

We promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

 

Habitat for Humanity Nails Hard Hat & Black Tie Gala

Habitat for Humanity Nails Hard Hat & Black Tie Gala

Portland, October 4th, 2013. Over 300 people gathered at The Nines Hotel for Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East’s Hard Hat & Black Tie Dinner and auction.  This was the third year of this fun event, where movers and shakers around the Portland area get to dress up in their finest construction attire to raise money for homebuilding. Scott Holden from First Republic Bank and Dawn Holden from Sterling Bank Home Loans were King and Queen of the nightHabitat creates successful homeownership by partnering hardworking, local families in need with the community to build healthy, affordable homes.  This event, emceed by KGW’s Reggie Aqui, raised over $176,000. (photo credit, Sarah Galbraith)

Paul George, Attorney at Lane Powell and Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East Board Chair toasts at VIP reception

Paul George, Attorney at Lane Powell and Habitat for Humanity
Portland/Metro East Board Chair toasts at VIP reception

Susie Vischer, Former Habitat for Humanity board memeber and long time volunteer, and Sandra Casillas Future Habitat Homeowner show off their outfits made from construction material

Susie Vischer, Former Habitat for Humanity board memeber and long time
volunteer, and Sandra Casillas Future Habitat Homeowner show off their
outfits made from construction material

Tom Kelly, Owner of Neil Kelly; Mark Waller, Owner of Bridgeworks Capital; Steve Messinetti, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East

Tom Kelly, Owner of Neil Kelly; Mark Waller, Owner of Bridgeworks
Capital; Steve Messinetti, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity
Portland/Metro East

Many of those who attend are the also involved in the hands on building of homes for low income families.

Many of those who attend are the also involved in the hands on building of homes for low income families.

From Habitat for Humanity:

Every day in Multnomah County and northern Clackamas County, low-income, hardworking families struggle to find affordable places to live. Rapidly rising rents force these families to live in unsafe, unhealthy, and crowded conditions. These families often have to move once or twice a year in search of rents that stay within their reach. Because of this, children transfer from school to school, affecting their learning and their self-esteem.

The American dream of homeownership is seen as simply unattainable, due to the skyrocketing cost of home prices and little change in incomes of hardworking families.

Our mission of working with the community to build simple, healthy, affordable homes with and for these families has resulted in over 200 families permanently escaping poverty housing. We believe in this mission, because we have seen first-hand how affordable homeownership impacts families, children, and communities.

  • Families have a chance to experience stability, build equity wealth, and have something tangible to pass on to their children.
  • Children are healthier and safer. They do better in school, have higher self-esteem, and feel more hopeful toward their future.
  • Communities are improved, as homeowners tend to be more active in their communities than renters, and pay into the local tax base.
Coming up….

Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build is gearing up for their third annual Pie Bake-Off on Sunday, October 27, from 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. at the Alberta Street Pub. Forks are provided and there are several ways you can get involved!

You can submit a pie, or several, to the contest to be judged by professional Portland area bakers and have a chance to win some sweet prizes! If you are more akin to pie consumption than production, you can just show up and sample from a bounty of delicious pies for a small donation! All proceeds from the event will go directly to building an affordable home in partnership with a local family. In addition, this year there will be a costume contest for kids and a Pie-walk for those that are feeling lucky!

Register to enter the pie contest: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/womenbuildpieoff

Contact Tor Ostrom at [email protected] or 503-287-9529 x12 for more information.

 

Architecture Foundation of Oregon Honors Benson Industries at Benefit

Architecture Foundation of Oregon Honors Benson Industries at Benefit

Portland, October 10th, 2013.  Over 600 fans of the designed and built environment gathered to pay tribute to Benson Industries, the Portland-based global leader in the design, pre-fabrication and installation of custom unitized curtain wall systems (everything you see on the outside of the building) for some of the most intricate and interesting buildings in Oregon and throughout the world. The dinner was also time to celebrate the educational programs of the The Architecture Foundation of Oregon, so Max Becker and Ben Carr told afo board member Wilson Smith from Nike about their experiences in the Architects in Schools program. They brought their model house along to demonstrate their learning. (photo credit, Andie Petkus)

 The Architecture Foundation of Oregon raised $150,000 at the annual honors dinner those proceeds benefit afo’s programs and services including Architects in Schools, scholarships and public awareness activities.

Moderator, afo board member Susan Poss queries Hoffman Corp. President Wayne Drinkward, Gerding Edlen Development CEO Mark Edlen, and Pei Cobb Freed principal Michael Flynn about their collaborations with Benson Industries. They're seated in front of "Benson City" a video skyline comprised of Benson building images from around the globe.

Moderator, afo board member Susan Poss queries Hoffman Corp. President Wayne Drinkward, Gerding Edlen Development CEO Mark Edlen, and Pei Cobb Freed principal Michael Flynn about their collaborations with Benson Industries. They’re seated in front of “Benson City” a video skyline comprised of Benson building images from around the globe. 

2013 afo Honored Citizens, Benson Industries. Seated, left to right, are Carol and Joe Aholt, Benson COO, Tom Valvo of Benson parent company Mitek, Benson CEO Lou Niles, and Glori Niles. Standing are Michael Flucke, John Beaulieu, Paula Beaulieu, Peter Potwin and Cheryl Myers.

2013 afo Honored Citizens, Benson Industries. Seated, left to right, are Carol and Joe Aholt, Benson COO, Tom Valvo of Benson parent company Mitek, Benson CEO Lou Niles, and Glori Niles. Standing are Michael Flucke, John Beaulieu, Paula Beaulieu, Peter Potwin and Cheryl Myers.

Curtain Wall Shish Kebabs -- articulated sculptures made of extrusions from the Long Beach Federal Courthouse -- were going home as garden art.

Curtain Wall Shish Kebabs — articulated sculptures made of extrusions from the Long Beach Federal Courthouse — were going home as garden art.

Volunteers at the ready for the membership sweep: Amiri Horn, Lilla Knowles, Clara Adams, kid-wrangler Amanda Morgan, Caleb Vaudt and Ben Becker.

Volunteers at the ready for the membership sweep: Amiri Horn, Lilla Knowles, Clara Adams, kid-wrangler Amanda Morgan, Caleb Vaudt and Ben Becker.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From The Architecture Foundation of Oregon:

We supports Oregon’s quality of life and creates awareness of our designed environments through education, advocacy, philanthropy & inspiration.

Design can be nearly invisible yet it has considerable impact on our everyday lives. afo helps people connect to design and the ways in which it shapes their lives and their communities.

As populations continue to grow and the natural environment is increasingly built upon, afoworks to foster thoughtful, considered decisions about the buildings and infrastructure that are placed in our world. Oregon, in particular, is a very special, almost sacred place. With its rugged Pacific coastline, its pristine mountain ranges, sumptuous river valleys, vast high deserts and fertile agricultural lands, it reminds us of why our predecessors faced arduous journeys to reside here.

Putting a shovel in that land, felling a tree, pouring a foundation, erecting or altering a structure, neighborhood or community are privileges that come with a deep responsibility to step lightly on the earth. We share responsibility, not only in terms of ecological consciousness, but also with regard to the visual, spatial and tactile impact that the built environment has on our daily lives. We must pay attention to the shadows that are cast, the pathways that might be blocked, and the connections that may be broken as changes are made.

Thoughtful, considered design enhances our relationship to the natural environment and to humanity. afo works to help Oregonians understand this and to learn how they can contribute to preserving our very special sense of place even as our numbers increase and our presence expands.

History

With a desire to use their geometry for the greater good of Oregonians, founding members John Matteson, AIA, William Fletcher, FAIA, Brooks Gunsul, FAIA, William Merrit, AIA, Gary Michael, FAIA, Richard E. Ritz, AIA, Jon Schleuning, FAIA, and Roger Yost, FAIA, began the Architecture Foundation of Oregon in 1981.

Five founding firms provided initial funding for the fledgling foundation: BOORA Architects, Skidmore Owings & Merrill, SRG Partnership, Yost Grube Hall Architects, and Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership. Each contributed $5,000 to help fund an endowment and incorporated afoas a not for profit Oregon corporation in 1983. Other contributions were received from AIA/Portland, architectural firms and individuals to provide operating funds.

Bi-Coastal Doernbecher Freestyle X Raises $1.94 Million

Bi-Coastal Doernbecher Freestyle X Raises $1.94 Million

Portland, September 28th, 2013.  Over 600 guests joined  Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation at the Portland Art Museum for the Doernbecher Freestyle X.  The program is a collaboration between Nike and OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital that each year empowers Doernbecher patients to become more than their illness through designing their own limited edition Nike shoe.  Pictured are: OHSU Foundation President Keith Todd with DA Davidson’s Kevin Director and wife Geni, Mary Turina and Pendleton Woolen Mills’ Charlie Bishop and wife Meg. Kevin and Meg both sit on the Doernbecher Foundation Board. (photo credit, Izzy Ventura and Anthony Scales)

The Doernbecher Freestyle Class of 2013 – Kira Smith, Elijah Diggins, Kate Smith, Daniel Pena, Jake Dering, Bella Stone, Ross Hathaway

The Doernbecher Freestyle Class of 2013 – Kira Smith, Elijah Diggins, Kate Smith, Daniel Pena, Jake Dering, Bella Stone, Ross Hathaway 

Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception and silent auction where they had the chance to bid on past Doernbecher Freestyle designs before heading upstairs for the unveiling of the 2013 Doernbecher Freestyle Collection.  After each of this year’s seven young designers took the stage with their Nike design team, their unique creation was auctioned off to the highest bidder.  This year marked the 10th anniversary of this ground-breaking partnership that has raised nearly $8 million for the hospital.  In celebration of the milestone, Nike hosted a simultaneous Freestyle event in New York City.  Together the events raised over $646,000 in addition to the $1.28 million gift Nike presented Doernbecher that night from the sales of the 2012 Doernbecher Freestyle Collection.

As a special surprise, this year’s designers also had the opportunity to design their own piece of Nike apparel as well.  The 2013 Doernbecher Freestyle Collection will go on sale later this year.

The Doernbecher Freestyle was the idea of Nike Creative Director of Global Brand Presentations Michael Doherty’s son, Connor and Michael has led the project since day 1. Michael (R) and his wife Daphne Cooluris pose with Doernbecher Physician-in-Chief Stacy Nicholson, M.D., M.P.H., and wife Carol.

The Doernbecher Freestyle was the idea of Nike Creative Director of Global Brand Presentations Michael Doherty’s son, Connor and Michael has led the project since day 1. Michael (R) and his wife Daphne Cooluris pose with Doernbecher Physician-in-Chief Stacy Nicholson, M.D., M.P.H., and wife Carol.

Guests of Presenting Sponsor Stimson Lumber. From left to right – Jackie Mans, Ben Ravert, Tiffany Ravert, Kelly Atkinson and Tim Atkinson

Guests of Presenting Sponsor Stimson Lumber. From left to right – Jackie Mans, Ben Ravert, Tiffany Ravert, Kelly Atkinson and Tim Atkinson

Nike North America Footwear Product Director Lee Banks is instrumental to the Doernbecher Freestyle. Here he smiles with Mary Turina, Patricia Fisher Robertson and daughter Bella.

Nike North America Footwear Product Director Lee Banks is instrumental to the Doernbecher Freestyle. Here he smiles with Mary Turina, Patricia Fisher Robertson and daughter Bella.

Doernbecher Foundation Board Member and Market of Choice’s Rick Wright poses with Doernbecher Foundation Executive Director Mary Turina and his wife Debbie.

Doernbecher Foundation Board Member and Market of Choice’s Rick Wright poses with Doernbecher Foundation Executive Director Mary Turina and his wife Debbie. 

OHSU President Joe Robertson, Jr., M.D., M.B.A gives two thumbs up to the $1.28 million gift from Nike from the sales of the 2012 Doernbecher Freestyle collection.  Presenting the gift is Nike President of Geographies and Sales Elliott Hill and 2012 Freestyle designer Finnigan Mooney.

OHSU President Joe Robertson, Jr., M.D., M.B.A gives two thumbs up to the $1.28 million gift from Nike from the sales of the 2012 Doernbecher Freestyle collection. Presenting the gift is Nike President of Geographies and Sales Elliott Hill and 2012 Freestyle designer Finnigan Mooney.

It was a full house at the Portland Art Museum for the Doernbecher Freestyle X.

It was a full house at the Portland Art Museum for the Doernbecher Freestyle X.

 

 

 

To see more photos from the event, visit our Facebook page.

Edward Center “A Lifetime of Hope” Helps Adults with Disabilities

Edward Center “A Lifetime of Hope” Helps Adults with Disabilities

Portland, September 25th, 2013. Edward Center held its “A Lifetime of Hope” luncheon at the Multnomah Athletic Club and Patricia Reser, board chair of Reser’s Fine Foods, and Dr. Jean Edwards, Edwards Center’s founder and Board President helped celebrate the organization’s success. Through sponsorship and donations, the afternoon raised over $200,000 to support Edwards Center’s mission to enhance the lives of adults with developmental disabilities, making it Edwards Center’s most successful fundraising event ever. 

Edwards Center has served adults with developmental disabilities since 1972, when there were few services outside of the state institution.

Edwards Center has served adults with developmental disabilities since 1972, when there were few services outside of the state institution.

Washington County Commissioner Dick Schouten and Edwards Center Executive Director Jessica Leitner

Washington County Commissioner Dick Schouten and Edwards Center Executive Director Jessica Leitner 

Noted jazz artist and Edwards Center Tom Grant performs for a packed room at the Multnomah Athletic Club.

Noted jazz artist and Edwards Center Tom Grant performs for a packed room at the Multnomah Athletic Club.

Steve Chambers accepts an award for Edward Enterprises’ “Customer of the Year” from Edwards Center founder Dr. Jean Edwards.

Steve Chambers accepts an award for Edward Enterprises’ “Customer of the Year” from Edwards Center founder Dr. Jean Edwards.

 

Comcast’s Steve Chambers was on hand to accept an award as Edwards Enterprises’, Edwards Center’s vocational program in Beaverton, “Customer of the Year”. 

The crowd of 315 then heard from Dr. Jean Edwards, founder of Edwards Center and professor emerita of Special Education at PSU, about the importance of community in the lives of adults with disabilities. Dr. Edwards explained the dream she and Edwards Center’s founding families had in 1972 for a lifespan of services for people with disabilities, much like the services that Edwards Center offers today. 

Three Edwards Center families shared their loved ones’ stories. Dick and Sharon Bech, Judy and Lance Zifka, and Ann Yerke Perrins all had deeply emotional stories of the adversity their families have faced, as well as the hope and joy they’ve experienced as their families became involved with Edwards Center. Edwards Center makes a promise to each of its clients’ families: to care for their loved ones throughout their entire lives, no matter what. 

A Lifetime of Hope was made possible through presenting sponsors Vernier Software and Lampros Properties, as well as the support of: Anthro Corporation, Banner Bank, Bonita Pioneer, Beecher Carlson, Pacific Office Automation, Precision Graphics, and Wells Fargo. Additional sponsorships from Garvey, Schubert, Barer Law; CGC Financial; US Bank; Packaging Concepts; and the Craig Reger Group also supported A Lifetime of Hope’s production. 

About Edwards Center 

Edwards Center began as a day program that served just 6 individuals and in 1975 opened the first group home in Washington County housing disabled adults in the community. Today they provide homes, jobs, and recreational opportunities in 18 locations serving over 300 Oregonians with disabilities in Washington and Clackamas Counties. 

Edwards Center’s mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by helping them reach their highest potential through training, education, employment, housing and social opportunities in safe, healthy and stimulating environments. 

http://www.edwardscenter.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4vPo3lCRt8

 

Office: (503) 642-1581 x211

Cell: (503) 314-8142

http://www.edwardscenter.org/

 

Animal Aid 9th annual Bet for Pets Casino Night a Winner

Animal Aid 9th annual Bet for Pets Casino Night a Winner

Portland, September 28th, 2013. Animal Aid’s 9th annual Bet for Pets Casino Night drew nearly 150 people and raised $39,000. The benefit supports the shelter cats and dogs of Animal Aid. The event was held at World Forestry Center in Miller Hall and Kim Maus from Good Day Oregon was the event’s emcee. Bet for Pets featured casino gaming, silent and live auctions and a raffle prize of 100 bottles of wine, called the Wall of Wine. (photo credit, Randy and Georgia Johnston)

Emcee Kim Maus (from Good Day Oregon) showcasing two of the live auction items, Royal Meow cat castle and hand-made dog quilt.

Emcee Kim Maus (from Good Day Oregon) showcasing two of the live auction items, Royal Meow cat castle and hand-made dog quilt.

Live Auction bidding, Patti Smith and Dana Schwartz.

Live Auction bidding, Patti Smith and Dana Schwartz. 

Silent auction browsing by Brent and Diane Schauer.

Silent auction browsing by Brent and Diane Schauer.

Guests listened to Rat Pack tunes delivered from our live Stumptown DJ and enjoyed appetizers and dessert all night long. Top winning auction items were a week vacation in Cannon Beach, a Royal Meow cat castle, and getaway packages at the Resort at the Mountain and the Inn at Spanish Head.

Here’s more information about Animal Aid:

Since its founding in 1969, Animal Aid has helped tens of thousands of companion animals through our rescue and adoption programs for homeless animals, financial and volunteer support of spay/neuter efforts, and by providing funds to guardians unable to pay for urgent veterinary care.

We receive no tax dollars, and thus our work is only made possible by yourgenerous support. Learn more about our mission and ways that you canhelp.

Adorable Starr: How much cuteness can you handle? It will have to be lots with Starr in your life. This sweet & adorable Dachshund mix puppy is full of love and joy. If you’re looking for tons of fun, kisses & a little puppy shenanigans thrown in, you need to meet Starr. CLICK HERE to read more about Adorable Starr…

Lion Dog

Cute Critters in Costume
Photo Contest
Saturday, October 26, 2013
12pm to 4pm
Western Pet Supply
Raleigh Hills

Dress up your furry friend in his seasonal best and bring him out to ourCute Critters in Costume Photo Contest!

CLICK to learn more…


Animal Aid in the CommunityAnimal Aid and its volunteers actively support other animal welfare groups in the Portland Metro area. CLICK to learn more about:

About Animal Aid: Animal Aid is a 501c3 nonprofit animal rescue and welfare organization. Our mission is to reduce animal birth rates and suffering through education, assistance to community members who cannot afford urgent veterinary care and finding permanent homes for animals in our care.

Zoo, Lewis & Clark Partner on Conservation Symposium

Zoo, Lewis & Clark Partner on Conservation Symposium

Portland, October 11th, 2013.  Nikita Zimov, director of Siberia’s Pleistocene Park, joins experts from the Oregon Zoo Oct. 14 for an evening of conversation about conservation, presented by the Lewis & Clark College environmental studies program. 

The event, which kicks off Lewis & Clark’s 16th annual environmental affairs symposium, will be hosted at the Oregon Zoo’s Cascade Crest ballroom from 6 to 9 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. Admission is $10. 

This year’s symposium, which runs Oct. 14-18, explores “The Nature of the Unnatural” — modifications of our biophysical surroundings that are considered “unnatural.” Experts will discuss issues such as genetically modified organisms, species resurrection, rewilding, ecological restoration and artificial intelligence. 

At the Oct. 14 kickoff event, Zimov will speak about the past and future of the mammoth steppe ecosystem, Oregon Zoo condor keeper Kelli Walker will discuss aspects of the zoo’s participation in the California Condor Recovery Program, and Oregon Zoo education curator Grant Spickelmier will address the changing nature of zoos and their increasing focus on wildlife education and conservation. 

Zimov is the director of Pleistocene Park, a project that is importing megafauna like horses, bison, tigers — and perhaps even clones of the wooly mammoth — into Siberia to cause massive landscape-scale ecological change. As the animals adapt, a newly engineered ecosystem will develop that mimics the function of Siberian grasslands at the end of the Ice Age. Once one of the world’s dominant biomes, these grasslands will serve as a large-scale experiment, help solve unanswered questions about the roles of humans in early mass extinctions, and could — by acting as a carbon sink — become a major part of the fight against global climate change. 

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. Celebrating 125 years of community support, the zoo relies in part on donations through the Oregon Zoo Foundation to undertake these and many other animal welfare, education and sustainability programs. 

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; 25 cents of the admission price helps fund regional conservation projects through the zoo’s Future for Wildlife program. A parking fee of $4 per car is also required. Additional information is available at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561.

L’Arche Portland 3rd Annual Benefit Concert Has High Notes

L’Arche Portland 3rd Annual Benefit Concert Has High Notes

Portland, October 5th, 2013. Over 200 supporters joined forces at The Madeleine Parish Hall on NE 24th Avenue to celebrate the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities. Fans included:  L’Arche Portland Executive Director Andrew Noethe, Singer Julianne R. Johnson, Director of Development Tamara Yates, Board Member Matt Weisensee, Diane Frank, L’Arche  (Photo credit, Paul Deering) It was a great night for giving as supporters donated $30,000. That $30,000 will be matched through a challenge grant from the Hedinger Family Foundation, bringing the total to $60,000.

The evening began with a fun soiree then another performance by Julianne Johnson and Michael Allen Harrison. Special guest, PHAME Academy student performer Aaron Hobson, received two standing ovations for his performances of “Somewhere” and “What A Wonderful World.”

Michael Allen Harrison and Julianne R. Johnson performing together

Michael Allen Harrison and Julianne R. Johnson performing together

L'Arche Portland resident Marilyn Petruzzelli and Jessica Weisensee sell a raffle ticket to Dorothy Coughlin, L'Arche Portland founder and Director of the Office for People with Disabilities at the Archdiocese of Portland

L’Arche Portland resident Marilyn Petruzzelli and Jessica Weisensee
sell a raffle ticket to Dorothy Coughlin, L’Arche Portland founder and
Director of the Office for People with Disabilities at the Archdiocese
of Portland

Announcing the raffle winner: Julianne R. Johnson, Tamara Yates, and L'Arche Portland resident Adam Richards

Announcing the raffle winner: Julianne R. Johnson, Tamara Yates, and
L’Arche Portland resident Adam Richards

Special guest, PHAME Academy Student Performer Aaron Hobson

Special guest, PHAME Academy Student Performer Aaron Hobson

The concert was a celebration of the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities (including a return performance by Jordan Ackerson) and a beautiful expression of L’Arche Portland’s mission to be a sign of hope in the world.

From L’Arche Portland:

Our mission centers around three key elements: 

  • Relationship
  • Transformation
  • Sign

We start by building an environment in which relationships of trust and openness can flourish. This growth takes time, but the more we give ourselves to it, the more we find ourselves transformed by the friendships that emerge. Into what, you might ask? Into more authentic versions of ourselves. The masks come off, and the real you and I appear to be received and celebrated. This kind of love, radical in its simplicity and day-to-day-ness, is the sign to the world of what is possible.

L’Arche Portland Mission Statement

At L’Arche Portland people with and without developmental disabilities work together to create home and build community. Those with developmental disabilities form the heart of our shared life and invite others into mutual relationships. We welcome each person’s unique gifts and challenges, and offer opportunities for personal transformation. We trust in God and live as a sign that love, respect and interdependence are the path to a peaceful and just world.

Read the Charter of the Communities of L’Arche