Portland, September 16th. Nearly 25,000 runners and walkers took to the streets of downtown Portland for the 21st Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
Devon Downeysmith, Marketing & Communications Manager, Thomas Bruner, Chief Executive Officer of Portland and SW Washington Susan G. Komen and Toni Mountain, Survivor Programs Manager
The Komen Race for the Cure raises significant funds and awareness for the breast cancer movement. Every week 61 women in Oregon and Southwest Washington are diagnose with breast cancer, and sadly eleven women die. The Race for the Cure is a time to celebrate survivors and their families while raising money and working toward the promise of ending breast cancer. Enjoy this collection of the images from the event!
There are five different races: Timed 5k, Timed 8k, 1-mile walk, Untimed 5k run, and 5k Walk
The race brought traffic to a standstill on several downtown streets, but police try to keep motorists happy by advanced warnings and detours.
Family and friends formed, “The Chest Nuts”
Finish Line Volunteer Dee Madden gets a hug.
Some Local pageant winners off their support.
Survivors enjoy the support of their families.
Komen CEO, Thomas Bruner was pleased with the turnout. He expected the number of participants to be down about 17% from last year – likely due to the national controversy over the group’s decision to cut off, then restore funds for Planned Parenthood including breast cancer screenings. The Portland event raised an estimated $2.5 million in cash and in-kind services, short of the $3 million fundraising goal. Still, Portland’s dip was not as dramatic as many other cities including San Francisco and New York where participation was down 25%. Now it’s upward and onward for the Portland Komen Race for the Cure!
Michelle Price and Jackie were two of the hundreds of survivors inspired by the Race for the Cure!
It’s a family affair for many.
Part of the fun is getting dressed up.
Four legged friends feel the love.
It’s a chance to get creative!
No wigs are too big or too pink!
Survivors have a special finish line
The race requires hundreds of volunteers including this group of mothers and daughters from the National Charity League
NCL Portland Chapter volunteers, Marti Jacobsen and Martha Nielsen
Waterfront Park comes alive for a cause!
Survivors receive VIP treatment!
Touching the finish line banner is a tradition for many.
The Race for the Cure in Eugene will take place October 21st. Here’s a link to find out more: http://www.komenoregon.org/
From Komen: The effectiveness of Komen Oregon’s mission is entirely dependent on our network of sponsors and volunteers. Money raised by Race participants helps expand access to lifesaving screening and treatment while providing funding for cutting-edge breast cancer research.
For the past twenty years, Komen Oregon has provided tens of thousands of low-income women access to critical breast cancer screening and treatment. Our 360-degree approach is making a difference, with breast cancer mortality rates down and five-year survival rates up.
We support survivors by removing barriers to lifesaving care while also investing in cutting-edge research. Every major advance in global breast cancer research in the last quarter century has been touched by Komen for the Cure dollars.
Race for the Cure Local Sponsors:
CRYSTAL SPONSORS: Legacy Health Macy’s
Stash Tea
The Old Spaghetti Factory
The UPS Store – Greater Portland Locations
Wells Fargo
PATRON SPONSORS:
KPMG LLP
Metro West Ambulance
New Balance Portland
Shari’s Restaurants
Pacific Power
IN THE PINK SPONSORS
Honey Bucket
PrintGraphics
Adventist Health
Standard TV & Appliance
The Jay and Diane Zidell Charitable Foundation
Portland, September 13th. It was a banner night for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Oregon Chapter and Kim Marsh Feller and Mark Feller, Gala Committee members, were celebrating at the event. Kim was honored with her brother Chris Marsh, President & CEO of Pulse Health, for their outstanding service to the organization. (Photo Credit, Andie Petkus)
Chris Marsh and Kim Marsh Feller, Gala Honorees
“A Night in the Park” in Downtown Portland’s Simon and Helen Director Park
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Oregon Chapter was grateful for the generosity of more than 360 guests who helped raise a record $328,000.
Randy and Heather Koch catch up with Scott Hall and Tamara Amey.
Courtney Marsh, Fran Marsh and Michelle Holman
Ann Berryman, Director of Major Giving, explained, “Family, friends and colleagues committed to fund important research, programs and services for people that are dealing with the daily challenges of this disease and help more than 7,500 people in Oregon and SW Washington live more active, healthy and productive lives.”
Since its founding in 1946, the National MS Society has been the leader in the fight against MS. We support more MS research, offer more services for people with MS, provide more professional educational programs, and further more advocacy efforts than any other MS organization in the world. The Oregon Chapter serves over 7,500 individuals with MS in Oregon and SW Washington. We have been dedicated to moving toward a world free of MS since 1963. The Chapter is not supported by State or Federal funds; financial support is supplied primarily through Chapter events and private donors. To learn more about multiple sclerosis and the service programs offered, please visit us at www.defeatMS.com.
Portland, September 16th. The Oregon Humane Society’s 6th Annual Ride for the Paws Event drew nearly 200 motorcyclists and raised over $5,000 to help sheltered animals. The event was a 150-mile ride and included a pancake breakfast at Cycle Specialties in NE Portland, a barbecue lunch at Bob Lanphere’s Motorcycles in Beaverton, and an ice cream social at OHS, where the ride ended.
Human Society Riders at 2012 Ride for Paws
Dr. Kirk Miller, veterinarian at the OHS animal hosptial, was on the ride.
Goggles and helmets are on for the ride!
Dave Salesky, KATU weatherman, joined the ride and was a guest speaker.
About Oregon Humane Society: Established in 1868, OHS is the largest and oldest humane society in the Pacific Northwest. We are not affiliated with any other humane society and we rely entirely on private donations for everything we do. Last year OHS found homes for more than 11,500 animals, including 3,000 animals that came from other shelters around the state.
The video above explains the work of the Oregon Humane Society.
Story submitted by Rebecca Ramach from the Oregon Humane Society
Portland, September 15th. The nonprofit called YouthBuilders is one of the Timbers’ Pillar Partners. Representatives from the program presented the team flag before the match against the Seattle Sounders, which ended in a 1-1 draw. (A 78th-minute goal by Timbers defender Rodney Wallace evened the score in the volatile match.)
Portland YouthBuilders stretched out the circular flag. The nonprofit provides long term support for low income youth. Each year, it provides education and vocational training for over 200 young people between the ages of 17 and 24 who have not completed high school and who face barriers to success.
YouthBuilders is one of many nonprofits to present the flag and receive free tickets through the Tix for Kids program, others included ROSE CDC,I have a Dream Foundation, Playworks and Latino Network. The ticket giveaway is sponsored by KPTV, JELD-WEN, Providence, NW Natural, Alaska Airlines, PGE, and Burgerville. In addition, at each game the Timbers hold silent auctions with unique team memorabilia to raise money for community work.
The Timbers hold soccer camps and coaching clinics for local kids.
The Timbers Army was out in force during the match against Seattle.
Next, Portland travels to face San Jose on September 19th, while Seattle shifts gears to a CONCACAF Champions League match the same day against Marathon in Honduras.
The Portland Timbers have adopted the following nonprofit pillar partners for the 2011-2013 seasons:
Big Brothers Big SistersColumbia Northwest
The Portland Timbers will partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest on the Sports Buddies program, which is a one-to-one mentoring program for at-risk youth with an emphasis on sports.
Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest.
Friends of Trees
The Portland Timbers, JELD-WEN and Friends of Trees will partner for the next few seasons. Every time the Timbers score a goal, the club and JELD-WEN will plant a tree in the Portland community through the Score a Goal, Plant a Tree partnership with Friends of Trees.
Portland YouthBuilders
The Portland Timbers will partner with Portland YouthBuilders on a community service project in conjunction with MLS W.O.R.K.S. Community Service Program. The Timbers will work in a collaborative effort to combine sport and service and improve lives and communities in the Portland area.
Learn more about MLS W.O.R.K.S. Community Service Program.
Other nonprofit connections include Schoolhouse Supplies. In what has become an eight year tradition with Schoolhouse Supplies, the Portland Timbers and The UPS Store welcomed every Jason Lee student to the 2012-13 school year with a new backpack filled with new school supplies for the year.
Would you like to volunteer alongside one of The Portland Timbers? Starting Monday, October 8th, Team members and their sponsors will have a Stand Together Week as a call to action to get involved in our community.
Hands on Greater Portland has a listing of options: Browse the 40+ projects below and sign up for the opportunity to volunteer alongside a Portland Timbers player, ambassador, or Timber Joey! Stand Together Week participants will also get an official Stand Together scarf and adidas drawstring bag as a thank you for stepping up to support volunteerism.
All projects require a $30 registration fee per volunteer, which serves as a donation to Hands On Greater Portland to help cover the cost of organizing this week of service.
Click below to learn more about a specific project and sign up:
Portland, September 13th. On Thursday, 6,000 Vaux’s Swift were were spotted by the Audubon Society of Portland during what’s described as, “One of Portland’s most spectacular natural events.” Thousands of Vaux’s Swifts gather in the city as they prepare to migrate to Central America and Venezuela. (Photo Credit, KOV Photography)
Every September, bird lovers gather to watch Vaux’s Swifts prepare to roost for the night at Chapman Elementary School (1445 NW 26th Ave., Portland.) As of this week, Swifts have been present in numbers ranging from 2,000-15,000.
Hundreds watch Vaux’s Swifts prepare to roost for the night. It happens one hour before sunset, each night in September
Vaux’s Swifts are using the Chapman chimney as an evening roost during their fall migration, and there’s still time to see them. Grab a seat on the school lawn and in neighboring Wallace Park to observe the birds gathering. On most evenings, Audubon volunteers will be on hand to share information.
Migrating swifts often use chimneys as roosts (places to sleep), and they are likely to return to the same roost year after year. One swift population has been returning to the Chapman chimney since the 1980s, and it is one of the largest known roosting sites of migrating Vaux’s Swifts.
Here’s a video from a Swift Watch:
Here’s more information about the work of the Audubon Society of Portland, which promotes the understanding, enjoyment, and protection of native birds, other wildlife and their habitats.
Conservation: We protect and advocate for birds and other wildlife in our city and across the region. We also work to ensure all Portland-area residents have easy access to nature.
Education: Our expert educators offer environmental camps, classes and trips for all ages.
Wildlife rehabilitation: Our Wildlife Care Center provides specialty care for native wild animals that are injured or orphaned. The center also answers inquiries about living with urban wildlife.
Sanctuaries: We run nature sanctuaries in the mountains, city and coast. They protect habitat, showcase healthy ecosystems, and provide places for people to connect with nature.
Birding: We help people of all ages and backgrounds get involved in birding by organizing a variety of birding and natural history activities.
Portland, September 11th, 2012. Thousands of volunteers joined forces to help local charities including the Oregon Food Bank. 175 volunteers repacked 49,376 pounds of food at OFB on the Day of Service. It was the eleventh anniversary of 9/11/2001 and volunteer groups honored the victims, survivors, and the many who rose in service in response to the tragedy, including first responders, recovery workers, volunteers, public safety officers and members of our military.
Rocky Norris repacks food at the Oregon Food Bank’s Maybelle Clark Macdonald Volunteer Action Center
Desiree Davenhill pitches in.
Volunteers were urged by Hands on Greater Portland to, “Pay tribute to the victims, survivors, and heroes of 9/11 by engaging with friends, family, and neighbors in volunteer service to communities across the region.” The organization has year-round volunteer opportunities at over 300 different nonprofits. “Whether you are working, parenting, in school or retired, Hands On Greater Portland offers you a variety of ways to get involved while meeting your schedule and interests. Volunteer for a one-time project. Volunteer for a few weeks. Volunteer after work or on the weekends. Volunteer alone, with family, friends or co-workers,” they explain.
The City of Portland Parks Bureau’s Community garden was another place to volunteer.
Some volunteer projects provide opportunities to come together and serve local community needs, side by side. Here’s a video with more information on how to volunteer with Hands on Greater Portland.
Mt. Angel, September 8th. Lederhosen and Dirndls were all the rage at the kick-off party for the 47th annual Oktoberfest. The party launched the four day celebration for rural community, 40 miles south of Portland; Oktoberfest runs through Sunday, September 16th.
Steven and Laura Miller and Nick and Imelda Wavra – members of the Kleinstadtler Dancers who performed at the Kick Off Dinner and are saving a special new dance for Mount Angel’s 2012 Oktoberfest.
Michele Fennimore – Oktoberfest Director
Over the past 47 years ago, the Oktoberfest organization has donated over three million dollars to Mount Angel schools, churches, civic organizations, youth activities, senior services, hospitals, and scores of other worthwhile causes. Additionally, civic and non-profit organizations also earn money by manning food booths. Last year these grossed $616,000.00. For many, Oktoberfest is their major fund raising activity of the year.
Ted Schacher, Nick Splonski and Bill Bischoff join S-Bahn in singing
Dean and Molly Westbrook have a polka moment
Jim Hoke – Oktoberfest Sponsor
Oregon’s oldest and longest running Oktoberfest began in 1966, following a tradition of over 125 years of harvest festivals under various names and formats. The community founded by German pioneers in 1867, with its surrounding agricultural countryside bears a striking resemblance to rural Bavaria, making an Oktoberfest a natural choice. Organizers expect 350,000 people to come to Mount Angel and soak in the Bavarian charm.
At the festival you’ll find over 50 little food chalets with Bavarian treats; a large arts and crafts show; a new Bavarian Biergarten, family Weingarten and interactive family Alpinegarten. There is free entertainment on the village bandstand featuring the sounds of the alpine country and a free Kindergarten on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy a sports program that includes golf and volleyball tournaments and a high school football classic, a 200-vehicle cruz-n car show and more.
Portland, September 11th. Portland firefighters Wes Laux, Billy Quick, Dwight Englert, Neil Martin and Ed Hall worked on the cleanup at Ground Zero after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. They were among hundreds of firefighters who went to New York City to help with the cleanup. More than 300 New York firefighters were killed when the World Trade Center towers fell in the attack. Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) held a ceremony in remembrance of the 2,977 victims who lost their lives eleven years ago. Of the 2,977 people who died, 343 of those were with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY).
Speakers included Fire Chief Erin Janssens, Lt. Damon Simmons, and Lt. Aimee Rooney. In addition, Portland Fire personnel read the name of each fire fighter from FDNY who perished on that day. The bell was rung in remembrance of the lives that were lost on 9-11
9/11 Memorial Ceremony held at the Campbell Memorial in Portland
In addition, PF&R hosted a “Day of Silent Reflection” at the Historic Belmont Firehouse from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. The Firehouse is located at 900 SE 35th Ave. where the community was invited to come and see the slideshow and 9-11 bronze sculpture.
On Saturday, September 8th, the Historic Belmont Firehouse marked its 100th Anniversary during the annual Belmont Street Fair.
Many of the visitors expressed what a privilege it has been to have the station in this neighborhood all of these years. Although it no longer serves the community as an active fire station, it continues to add to its legacy of community service by educating both youth and adults alike about the proud history of the fire service and safety.
1914 Station 9 with Engine 9 and crew
The streets were filled with Portlanders walking the closed street, shopping and enjoying culinary offerings by some of the city’s best chefs.
About Portland Fire and Rescue:
Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) promotes a safe work environment for all people who live and work in Portland and the surrounding areas.
PF&R is Oregon’s largest fire and emergency services provider. We provide an extensive range of public safety services including fire prevention, public education, response to fire, medical, and other emergency incidents, and disaster mitigation. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2010-11, PF&R was comprised of about 750 employees with a Bureau operating budget of $90.7 million.
PF&R operates 30 engine companies, nine truck companies, two fireboats, a rescue, and three squad units, including two specialized units for Chemical and Biological, Radiological/Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) response, and a specialized unit for Hazardous Materials (HazMat). These units allow PF&R firefighters to provide emergency services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Emergency response is provided from 30 stations, which are strategically located throughout the City of Portland to maximize resources and provide the quickest possible response times.
Portland, September 12th. Theatre goers are singing the praises of the toe-tapping Tony Award winning musical, Memphis, which took the the stage on Tuesday night. The Broadway touring company of Memphis, which is presented by Portland Opera Presents Broadway Across America , will be playing at the Keller Auditorium Through September 16th.
Felicia Boswell and Quentin Earl Darrington in the National Tour. (Photo Credit, Paul Kolnik.)
Tony awards for the Memphis in 2010 included:
BEST MUSICAL
BEST BOOK – Joe DiPietro
BEST SCORE – Joe DiPietro and David Bryan
BEST ORCHESTRATIONS – Daryl Waters and David Bryan
There’s the story: From the underground dance clubs of 1950’s Memphis, Tennessee, comes a hot new Broadway musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Inspired by actual events, MEMPHIS is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves-filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll. Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards including Best Musical, MEMPHIS, which played pre-Broadway at the La Jolla Playhouse, features a Tony-winning book by Joe DiPietro “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” and a Tony-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan. Directing is Tony nominee Christopher Ashley (XANADU), and choreography is by Sergio Trujillo (JERSEY BOYS). Get ready to experience Broadway’s most exciting new destination, what AP calls “The very essence of what a Broadway musical should be.” www.MemphistheMusical.com
*Editor’s note:
We saw Memphis on Broadway and it was amazing. A cast member is our college friend, Elizabeth Ward, so we got to go backstage and see the behind the scenes of the Broadway launching pad of Memphis! A wonderful experience.
Portland, September 6th. The Rose City was transformed into a model’s runway for Portland’s 3rd Annual Fashion’s Night Out. Local fashionistas were checking out the latest styles at shows in Directors Park and doing some evening browsing at over 25 stores which stayed open late for the occasion. Shoppers were treated to free munchies, mini-makeovers from Sephora, pedicab rides and swag bags.
The event drew thousands downtown for the warm September evening.
A raffle, with the prize of a $1,500 downtown shopping spree, benefited New Avenues for Youth. New Avenues for Youth provides a variety of outcome-based programs and services designed to empower youth to exit street life. The event was a collaborative effort between the City of Portland, Downtown Marketing Initiative and the Downtown Clean & Safe District managed by the Portland Business Alliance.
Here’s a video clip:
This fall, jackets are big. Designers suggest you choose traditional fall jacket fabrics like tweed, corduroy, denim or menswear plaids; or go luxe with velvet, leather, brocade.
Retailers from across the country joined in the after-hour festivities.
Fashion’s Night Out was originally created in 2009 by Vogue‘s Anna Wintour to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence and boost industry sales during the recession. Since then, the event has been launched in dozens of US cities and internationally. In many communities, charities benefit. For example, in New York a portion of the proceeds went to the New York City AIDS Fund.
Participating retailers for Portland Fashion’s Night Out are located in the retail core, Pioneer Place and West End District. All hosted in-store events including fashion presentations, designer appearances, refreshments and gifts with purchase. (Thanks Director’s Park for the nice photos.) Participating stores include:
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