The Friends of the Multnomah County Library (FOL) advocate for and support our outstanding public library. We are committed to raising the standard of excellence of our library by funding programs and services beyond what is allocated in the operating budget. We also sponsor activities which bring together people who value libraries.
The Two-Part Plan to Save Our Library
The commissioners approved this final proposal at their January 5 board meeting. The room was packed with library supporters. The details of the final proposal are as follows:
This will be a two-step process.
1.A 3 year $.89 local option renewal in May 2012
2.District Ballot Measure November 2012
The First Step is A Levy Campaign for May 2012
Summary of a 3 year levy @ $0.89 cents:
The county would maintain its current ongoing general fund commitment to the library – including yearly increases for inflation
ALL library branches would remain open, albeit with reduced hours
ALL outreach services would be maintained
$10M in one-time-only funds would be transferred to the library at the outset to buy back hours over the life of the levy
Cuts would amount to approximately 10% (compared to 66% if the ballot measure fails)
The Second Step Is A District Campaign in November 2012
The board’s resolution will include language committing the board to referring a district to the November 2014 ballot.
Portland, March 17th. Over 300 guests gathered at the Governor Hotel for Thomas A. Edison High School’s Brilliance Benefit. Supporters Jeff and Sandy Jones and Anne and Mario Bisio enjoyed the silent auction. All proceeds from the gala dinner and auction benefited Thomas A. Edison, the only high school in Oregon and southwest Washington dedicated to students with complex learning differences. (Photo Credit, Andie Petkus) The evening generated over $200,000 to support financial aid, technology, and professional development at the school.
Thomas A. Edison High School students Sophie Bottom and Michael Kilpatrick show their St. Patrick’s Day spirit while volunteering at the Brilliance Benefit.
A talented young bagpiper lead supporters into the ballroom for dinner
Thomas A. Edison High School parents William and Toni Kiefel chaired the Brilliance Benefit.
The silent auction featured lovely artwork
The Governor Hotel
Koleen Hall, Business Manager for Thomas A. Edison, and her husband, Jeff Hall, the Theatre Director at Jesuit High School and The Young People's Theatre Project
From Thomas Edison High School:
Thomas A. Edison is the only high school in Oregon and Southwest Washington dedicated to serving students with complex learning differences. Our work here is powerful and profound: helping every student reach his or her full potential.
As a small, private high school, Thomas A. Edison offers an individualized curriculum that meets each student’s special needs, and maximizes the ability to learn. We also provide the emotional support that builds confidence and maturity. By empowering students with learning differences to experience academic success and personal growth, Edison does more than prepare teens for the future. We change lives.
Portland, March 10th. The Neil Diamond tribute band, Super Diamond, provided the toe-tapping sound for Robison Jewish Health Center at Cedar Sinai Park benefit. At The Nines Hotel, Taylor Goodman poses with event co-chairs Christi Goodman and Michelle Gradow.
Lisa and Linda Tillman celebrate as does Marty Zell
Supporters raised nearly $130,000 at the event, from both sponsorships and individual donations during the Mitzvah Moment paddle raise.
Staff and friends with Robison resident Trudy Madsen at Super Diamond
Milt Carl and Gerel Blauer at Super Diamond
Michelle Gradow with parents Stan and Bev Eastern at Super Diamond
Super Diamond takes the stage
From the Robison Jewish Health Center at Cedar Sinai park:
Mission
Cedar Sinai Park provides residential and community-based care to our elders and adults with special needs, allowing them to live with comfort, independence and dignity in a manner and in an environment based on Jewish values.
Cedar Sinai Park, a nonprofit organization, is committed to delivering a broad-based continuum of care that can be tailored to individuals’ unique needs. Active consumer choice and a person-centered approach to care are at the heart of our mission. Our service delivery and development is about recognizing that people, including our eldest and most frail citizens, have the right to control decisions made about their lives. Our strategic goal is to seek and implement new ways to support those decisions.
Portland, March 22nd. Friends and nonprofit leaders raised a glass in at Paragon Restaurant to toast the announcement of a special award to be given by PortlandSocietyPage.com. The “Bright Spot Award” is the heartfelt recognition of an event which captures the imagination of our PortlandSocietyPage.com readers. On hand for the announcement were Elizabeth English, Henry Hillman, Nancy Frisch, KINK’s Sheila Hamilton, Jill Schnitzer Edelson, and PortlandSocietyPage.com Editor, Elisa Klein.
Jeri Beck (Royal Rosarians, Make-A-Wish, and Hollywood Theater) Gary Rawson and Chabre Vickers from Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest
The Bright Spot Award is an on-line contest where our readers will select their favorite story by giving a “Thumbs Up” for articles. Each story we post has as a “like” button at the bottom. Just press that button and you’ve voted. There’s an ongoing tally which can be seen on the right-hand side of the page. All stories will be considered, even if you dig one up in our extensive archives.
Amber Hinsvark, Cara Chance, Denise Gooding
The evening included a drawing for two outstanding cultural events. Special thanks to the Oregon Symphony and the Portland Opera for their generous donation.
Drawing winners included Stacy Blumberg from DePaul Treatment Center and Austin Buchhholtz the Web Designer for PortlandSocietyPage.com
Lee Doss and Sheri Anderson
Austin Buchholtz, Elisa Klein, Sheila Hamilton and Mike Paulsen from the MS Society, Oregon
Dana Robinson and Kathy Yoder
Matt Kayser and Lori DeYoung
Jim Morse, Dave Heide and Elisa Klen
Paragon Restaurant's Private Event space in the Pearl District was warm and welcoming with exceptional artwork and delicious food!
KINK's Sheila Hamilton and her husband Colin Maclean
Nancy Frisch, Elizabeth English and Amber Hinsvark
Jennifer Field and Elisa Klein
Prizes for the winner of the “Bright Spot Award” will include:
A non-event feature story on PortlandSocietyPage.com. The winning charity will have the opportunity to highlight any aspect of its operation: special projects, an outstanding volunteer or board member. The choice is theirs.
The winner will also receive a free banner ad for an upcoming special event.
Additionally, there is a cash prize! Each vote cast for the winning article on PortlandSocietyPage.com will be equal to 50-cents cash, up to a total of a $1,000 donation to the winning nonprofit.
The winner will be announced at the PortlandSocietyPage.com anniversary party.
Many thanks to Paragon for the wonderful hospitality. Contact Andre’a Delyria, Paragon’s Private Dining Manager for more information on how to use use the restaurant’s lovely private dining space for your next function! andrea@paragonrestaurant.com
About PortlandSocietyPage.com: PortlandSocietyPage.com
Launched six month ago on September 30th, 2011, as a free public platform for nonprofit news, PortlandSocietyPage.com is thriving. We’ve posted 147 articles and featured over 130 different local charities. The site has had nearly 40,000 page views! We have the most comprehensive nonprofit event calendar in our area. Going forward we plan to continue our outreach to the nonprofit community asking for event information and photos. We’re also looking for advertisers! Please let us know if you’d like to reach our terrific readers with your marketing message! The PortlandSocietyPage.com website has additional information about this opportunity. Here’s a link: http://www.portlandsocietypage.com/advertise/
Portland, March 17th. Catholic Charities Annual Celebration drew 1,ooo people who were moved to help local children and families in need. Supporters donated nearly $770,000, making the event was the most successful to date for the Oregon nonprofit. Honorary Chairs were Leslie and Mark Ganz, with Chairpersons Chris and Kimra Corrado
Catholic Charities Executive Director Pietro Ferrari addresses the large crowd
The evening was hosted by Archbishop of Portland Reverend John G. Vlazny and Catholic Charities Executive Director Pietro Ferrari.
The St. Patrick’s Day event was held at the Oregon Convention Center, raising more than one-third of the operating dollars needed to support Catholic Charities programs which include women; at-risk infants and children; pregnant teens; low-income people in need of affordable housing, counseling; victims of domestic violence, and low-income immigrants and refugees.
Catholic Charities Executive Director Pietro Ferrari opened the evening’s program, remarking he felt honored to attend the 15th Annual Celebration for the first time as leader of the organization. “What I love about our work at Catholic Charities is that it provides us with a daily chance to cultivate our solidarity in justice, mercy and compassion for the poor that naturally emanates from our hearts,” said Ferrari.
The Annual Celebration was presented by Providence Health and Services. “Tonight is all about blessings. The blessings our services bring to the poor and vulnerable, the blessings our clients bring to those who are privileged to touch their lives, and the blessings you bring by making the work of Catholic Charities possible,” Kimra Corrado said, addressing the audience before introducing a dramatic presentation by a group of Catholic Charities staff members who shared experiences of their clients: a refugee family resettled from Nepal, a mother who chose adoption for her baby on Christmas Eve, a woman who found refuge after fleeing domestic abuse, a student in need of academic support, and a woman that was given an apartment after living on Portland streets for several months.
Chris Corrado remarked that the clients the audience had just learned about represent their neighbors who might otherwise be unknown, forgotten or marginalized people who have shown courage emerging from despair and humiliation into the hope and light of Catholic Charities. “These clients are not just a case number; they are someone, a mother, a brother, a daughter, a sister, and the unborn. They are not in some far away land; they are right around the corner, down the street, maybe next door. Remember what Jesus teaches: ‘Whatever you do for the least of your neighbor, you do for me.’ And lest you ask: ‘who is my neighbor?’ Now you know,” he said.
The audience was challenged to support its neighbors with matching gifts challenges from Mark and Leslie Ganz, Regence, Natt and Karen McDougall, the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund and Brian and Maureen Smoluch.
The evening’s entertainment was bookended with the sounds of Kells Irish Pipe and Drum and the Celtic music of St. James’ Gate.
Portland, March 9th. Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon sparkled at its seventh annual Power of the Purse fundraiser at the Portland Art Museum. Maria Lali of Ziba Designs, Girls Council Girl Hazel and Jack Jewsbury, Captain of the Portland Timbers were a hit on the catwalk. (Photo credit, Dodge & Burn Studios) The event raised over $224,000 for the nonprofit.
Dr. Lori Morgan with Girls Council Girl Kiera and designers BD503
The annual gala benefits the programs and mission of Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon, which includes after-school programs that mentor and teach girls the social, financial and leadership skills they need to take control of their lives and grow into successful adults.
Secretary of State Kate Brown with Designer Maya Moon
This year’s Power of the Purse main event features 14local Portland Purse-O-Nalities and 13 purse designers who worked directly with each other to design a one-of-a-kind handbag, reflecting each Purs-O-Nality’s true style. Each piece is a unique work of art, and was auctioned off during a live fashion show showcasing the handbags the creative individuals who inspired the design.
Naomi Pomeroy, Head Chef & Owner of BEAST and Designer Emily Katz cheer on Girl Inc. Girls Council member Janny.
The 2012 Power of the Purse was opened with a wailing guitar solo by Bibi McGill. Bibi is the musical director, and guitarist for Beyonce’s all female band Suga Mama. She is also the CEO and Founder of Bibi Kale Chips.
“In this day and age, it is more important than ever for our girls to have the confidence to go out into the world and be strong, smart, and bold,” said Elizabeth Nye, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon. “From preparing girls to be financially independent to teaching them importance of a strong self worth, I have personally witnessed the impact our programs have had on the lives of local girls and their families. For seven years, Power of the Purse has made it possible for Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon to continue serving girls in our region. I am honored to continue the tradition of this incredible event and witness the positive impact it will have not only on our girls, but the community as a whole.”
The show included a dance performance from Dance Vision to Beyonce song “Run the World (Girls)”
Irene Firmat at her husband Jamie Emmerson.
This year’s Purse-O-Nalities and purse designers include:
Dr. Lori Morgan, Hospital Administrator, Legacy Emanuel; David Haines, BD503
Linda Williams, Oregon Regional President of Washington Trust Bank; Carol Risley, Carol Risley Handbags
Naomi Pomeroy, Head Chef at Beast and Top Chef Maters Contestant; Emily Katz
Laura Mansfield, CEO Pagatim.fm, radio host; Kayrene Kelley, Leather Girl Kelley
Kate Brown, Secretary of State; Maya Bauer, Maya Moon Designs
Katie O’Grady, Actress/Producer; Courtney Leonard, MIDGE by CL
Erin Hubert, Vice President of Entercom Portland; Mia Scofield, MiMo Handbags
Debbie Rosas, Co-creator of Nia; Janny Downey, Minou-Minou
Irene Fermat, Founder of Full Sail Brewery; Jeff Amrhein, Nomad Unlimited
Lisa Sedler, CEO of New Seasons; Rebecca Pearcy, Queen Bee Creations
Lori & Edie Singer, Mother, daughter community volunteers; Sha Montana
Michael Curry, Production and Puppet Artist; Luke Mathers, TRUCE
Jack Jewsburry, Midfielder and Captain for Portland Timbers; Hannah May, Ziba Design
Since 2005, more than 100 of Portland’s most notable community leaders, media personalities, artists and entrepreneurs have worked with local purse designers to create one-of-a-kind handbags. These creations have raised more than $500,000 for Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon. In 2011, more than 450 Girls Inc. supporters attended Power of the Purse, and individual handbags were purchased for as much as $3,000. In 2012, Girls Inc. hopes to raise more than $175,000 to fund locally based program.
About Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon
Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that inspires girls, ages 8-18, to be strong, smart, and bold. Our gender-specific programs and research-based curricula provide girls with the confidence and self-esteem to access a bright and economically-independent future. As a local affiliate of the national Girls Inc. organization, we provide vital educational programs to girls, particularly those in high-risk, underserved areas. Since its inception in 1998, Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon served 5,000 girls and their families through after school-based empowerment programs and year-round enrichment and skills building programs.
Portland, March 10th. The Oregon Convention Center was filled with over 800 people to celebrate 10 years of service for The ALS Association of Oregon and SW Washington Chapter. Honorary Co-Chair, Jordan Schnitzer, is all smiles with his colleague, Randy Kyte, Senior Vice President of Development for Harsch Investment Properties, Jane Gilbert, CEO and President of The National ALS Association, and Lance Christian, Executive Director for The ALS Association Oregon and SW Washington Chapter.
Auctioneer Graham Crow rallied the 800+ guests to raise over $400,000 for the vital mission of The ALS Association.
Over $400,000 – furthers the nonprofit’s mission of providing free, hands-on services to local families living with ALS as well as funding nationwide advocacy and international research efforts. The ALS Association of Oregon and SW Washington Chapter is helping to lead the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support. (Photo credit, Randy Boverman Photography)
Jordan Schnitzer and a representative from Harsch Investment Properties’ Las Vegas office conspired to surprise the audience with a gift of $12,500 from the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation in an effort to round the Make a Difference paddle raise portion of the evening to $150,000 – the best to date for the local chapter.
The ALS Association covers all the bases — research, patient and community services, public education, and advocacy — in providing help and hope to those facing the disease.
From ALS Association of Oregon and SW Washington:
Since its inception in 2002, our local chapter of The ALS Association is the central source for services and education for people with ALS, their families, caregivers, and health care professionals in all of Oregon and the six counties of SW Washington. The progression of ALS varies significantly from one person to another. Responding to each person’s individual needs, our local chapter is available to provide vital services and reliable information.
A sampling of services provided free of charge:
One-on-one consultations to assess the needs of those living with ALS, suggest equipment and help families plan for the future.
A Medical Equipment Loan Program that provides mobility equipment when insurance and other programs cannot fund needed items.
A comprehensive Alternative Communication and Assistive Technology Program.
Caregiver support groups, Share the Care™ guidance, and respite care grants to relieve stress and “caregiver burnout.”
Monthly support groups for people with ALS, family members, caregivers and friends.
Partnerships in ALS multidisciplinary clinics staffed by professionals with ALS expertise.
Outreach to the local medical community with updates on current ALS needs and solutions
The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS.
Portland, March 11th. The Aladdin Teatre in S.E. Portland was filled with music fans who wanted to help the vistims of the March 11th 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Pictured are: Nancy Parrott, the Azumano Travel VP who organized the Oregon Tomodachi Recovery Fund Event, Community Leader Sho Dozono, songwriter and pianist Michael Allen Harrison, and KGW anchor Tracy Barry.
Special guests included a group of Architecture Students from Japan.
The OregonTomodachi Recovery Fund is a collaborative effort of Japan-related organizations in Oregon and Southwest Washington to coordinate donations in support of the ongoing recovery of the regions in Japan affected by the devastating earthquakes and tsunami of March 11, 2011. All funds raised are administered by the Japan America Society of Oregon (JASO)
Featuring musical guests at the concert included, Storm Large, Portland Taiko, Michael Allen Harrison, the Devin Phillips Band, The PHAME Choir, (PHAME is the Portland region’s fine and performing arts organization serving adults with developmental disabilities.) Also, Andrew Paul Woodworth, Kodo Araki VI, Marv and Rindy Ross (the Trailband and Quarterflash), Takohachi, the Tomodachi Choir, and the Japanese Immersion Program High School Choir and more.
Storm Large, in the back, with members of the PHAME Choir
Organizers were pleased with the turn out and the positive energy of the crowd.
From the Oregon Tomodachi Recovery Fund:
In the immediate aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake Disaster on March 11, 2011, the Japan-America Society of Oregon/SW Washington (JASO) and community leaders throughout the region quickly created the Oregon Japan Relief Fund – which through collective efforts raised more than $600,000 for Portland-based Mercy Corps to engage in disaster relief activities in support of residents in areas most affected by the quake and tsunami.
Now – as we mark the one year anniversary – with relief transitioning to recovery – we have formed the Oregon Tomodachi Recovery Fund which aims to provide ongoing support for sustaining activities tied to the recovery of the Tohoku region.
Below are examples of projects that are already in progress:
On-the-Ground Recovery Support in Tohoku The JASO effort aims to support ongoing tangible efforts in-country in communities seriously impacted by the disaster. We aim to focus wherever possible on specific communities where we have relationships and resources to make a difference.
Flight of Friendship Financial Support for scholarships to send students to Tohoku as a part of ongoing volunteer activities.
Public education about disaster preparedness.
Funds set aside for community led initiatives. A portion of the money raised will be set aside to be available for projects by proposal.
Portland, February 29th. The Waffles & Wishes breakfast raised nearly $60,000 to help grant wishes of local children with life-threatening medical conditions. Guests enjoyed a rain of confetti to celebrate the work of the nonprofit. A highlight of the Make-A-Wish Oregon event was cheering on 10-year-old Mira as she enjoyed an exciting a shopping spree wish.
Sweet 10-year-old Mira receieves the star treatment on a shopping spree wish.
KATU’s Debora Knapp (left) was emcee at Make-A-Wish Oregon’s Waffles & Wishes breakfast where guests help send 10-year-old Mira (center) accompanied by her grandmother Linda on a shopping spree wish.
It’s a red-carpet procession of personal shopper, make-up artist and limo driver for Mira’s shopping spree wish
From Make-A-Wish Oregon.
The mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
The Foundation is one of the world’s leading children’s charities, serving children in every community in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and more than 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 38 minutes. It has granted more than 212,000 wishes in the United States since its inception in 1980. Locally, the chapter serves children ages 2 ½ through 18 who live in Oregon and Clark County, Washington. For more information about how you can share the power of a wish®, visit http://www.orwish.org/.
Portland, March 8th. The Leftbank Annex was brimming with State spirit as supporters of Oregon Environmental Council raised their glasses to honor the important work of the environmental advocacy group. 400 people attend the benefit for the nonprofit; it raised an estimated $72,000. Oregon Environmental Council supporter Ashley Henry, board member Marc Heisterkamp, and staff member Teke Dillender. (Photo Credit, Liz Menke)
Michelle and Tony Soter, owners of Soter Vineyards, with Executive Director of the statewide nonprofit, Andrea Durbin.
The night featured, "Delicious local food, wine, beer, cocktails and smart conversation with friends who share an appreciation for Oregon’s environment."
Jim Houser, owner of the Hawthorne Auto Clinic, celebrates at Oregon Environmental Council's annual event with the deputy director of the statewide environmental nonprofit, Chris Hagerbaumer.
From Oregon Environmental Council:
Oregon Environmental Council safeguards what Oregonians love about Oregon – clean air and water, an unpolluted landscape and healthy food produced by local farmers. As a member-supported nonprofit more than 40 years, we’ve been a champion for solutions to protect the health of every Oregonian and the health of the place we call home.
The Oregon Environmental Council advances innovative, collaborative solutions to Oregon’s environmental challenges for today and future generations.
Oregon Environmental Council safeguards what Oregonians love about Oregon – clean air and water, an unpolluted landscape and healthy food produced by local farmers. As a member-supported nonprofit more than 40 years, we’ve been a champion for solutions to protect the health of every Oregonian and the health of the place we call home.
We work to create innovative change on three levels:
We work with individuals to live green
We work with businesses, farmers and health providers to thrive with sustainable practices
We work with elected officials to create practical policy
Our vision for Oregon includes solving global warming, protecting kids from toxics, cleaning up our rivers, building sustainable economies, and ensuring healthy food and local farms.
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