Young Portland movers and shakers enjoyed a social mixer hosted by Natalie Sept. The event brought together many colleagues from the nonprofit sector, including representatives from Women for Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon, the Right Brain Initiative and Caldera summer programs. (Photos by Andie Petkus) Gina Keough, Sarah Graham, Natalie Sept, Sara Kacvinsky, Rhiannon Leonard and Ariel posed behind the bar at the December 11th party.
Natalie Sept with Chandra Brown (right) and their friend. Chandra is President of United Street Car and was recognized as a "Champion of Change" by President Obama last year.
Everything from ultimate frisbee teams, candidates for political office, professional artists and more: a motley crew united in love of wine who look great in black and white.
Shannon and Chris Knox are the ever well-dressed couple and never disappoint with their costume choice.
Julie Keefe and husband John Klicker both photographers, have the camera turned on them! Julie is a devoted photographer and teacher who recently pulled together the "Hello Neighbor" project working with at risk youth in North and Northeast Portland--also a teacher with the Caldera summer program
Kevin Noonan and Rebecca Burrell. Rebecca is the Outreach Specialist for arts education catalyst the Right Brain Initiative.
Tall girls rule! Natalie Sept with Kasey Jones, President of Women for Girls at Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon.
Natalie Sept is a communications and public relations specialist and currently the campaign manager for Portland mayoral candidate, Eileen Brady.
Portland, January 1st. Legacy Hopewell House Hospice on S.W. Capitol Highway held a celebration of life in support of families. Elizabeth Moulton, her granddaughter Elke Neuenschwander and Elke’s mother Patty Neuenschwander display their luminaries. (Photos by Andie Petkus) Elizabeth is a Hopewell House volunteer, retired Legacy Health nurse, and daughter of former patient Virginia Van Winkle.
University of Portland Nursing Student and Hopewell House volunteer Christie Schleich lighting a luminary.
The goal of Hopewell House is to provide compassionate, competent care for hospice patients and their families and friends. It serves those who are experiencing severe pain, intractable nausea, seizures, depression, respiratory distress, or other conditions that the patient’s family is unable to cope with. Round-the-clock medical care emphasizes symptom management and support for the whole person.
The Hopewell house following the lighting of the luminaries
Each luminary has special signifance
Luminaries light up the stairway in front of the house. A former patient once described the image as a picture of what Hopewell House does. She said, “We are all on a path to the Light. The way may be dark at times, but the luminaries represent the ‘angels’ who serve us and help us on our way.”
The Portland Jewish Academy’s 50th Anniversary auction raised about $400,000 for the school. Auction Co-Chairs were Barb Anderman, Sandy Nemer, and Amara Norman. The event also offered an opportunity to honor the Zidell family for its enduring support of the school. The aution took place on December 11th.
Min Zidell for whom the main PJA building is named.
Jay Zidell, Diane Zidell, and Stan Rosenfeld
Marc Blattner, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland of which Portland Jewish Academy is a constituent agency.
Walt and Pam Pellett, owners of City Liquidators and friends of PJA.
From the Portland Jewish Academy:
Our auction is PJA’s most important fundraiser, because it benefits our scholarship fund and provides essential operating support. Over half of PJA students receive some scholarship support, which reflects our diverse student body. Demand for financial assistance continues to increase, in response to today’s economic climate. Your support will ensure the continued growth and success of PJA and the education of our children in the Middot (fundamental values) we hold dear – study, appreciation, respect, responsibility, community and Jewish identity.
Through your continued support, PJA has educated hundreds of capable and confident students who have strong values. Our alumni are leaders, deep thinkers, active community members and achievers.
Founded in 1961 as Hillel Academy, the first class had 26 students in grades 3-6. Now, 50 years later, we have over 325 children enrolled in our infant toddler program, preschool, lower school and middle school. As we educate more of our community’s children, the auction’s impact becomes even greater.
January 12th. Coordinators from the American Lung Association are recruiting Mountain Climbers. They hosted a meeting at the Clackamas REI to answer questions about their big event: Climb for Clean Air/Reach the Summit. It’s a mountaineering training and fundraising program benefiting the American Lung Association.
Funds raised by participants will support the American Lung Association of the Mountain Pacific’s mission of saving lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.
Participating climbers are given the training needed to successfully summit some of the region’s mountains ( Mt. Hood, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams or the Grand Teton) while working with the American Lung Association to raise awareness and funds for the nonprofit’s programs and research.
Andrea Fidel climbed Mt. Hood last year for the program. More than 100 people will summit some of the most breathtaking mountains in America as members of the 2012 Summit team. Most participants will be novice climbers who want to achieve this dream in a team setting with no prior experience raising money for a nonprofit.
Katie Williams
A participant’s story: After her stepfather’s death in August 2004, Katie Williams heard about the this event and climbed Mt. Hood in 2008. In her words: My family has a long history of lung disease and cancer. Both my maternal grandparents died of lung cancer and I myself had lung problems as the result of a smoking habit that began at the very young age of 14. I repeatedly got chronic bronchitis every year, which made it very difficult to breathe. It wasn’t until after both my mother’s parents died of lung cancer and my own progressive problems that I decided to quit at age 24, and never went back. In addition to this both my husband Jim and I have lost our moms to cancer and a very close friend of my stepdaughter suffers from asthma. It’s all around us and I am committed to doing something to make a difference. My motivation to make this climb is the memory of all our loved ones who are suffering or have lost their battle with these debilitating diseases, and raising funds and awareness for the American Lung Association. My climb was truly a “mountain top” experience and one I will never forget.
Team
Statistics:
Raised over $4 million for the American Lung Association
The average fundraising amount is $3,928 per participant
53% female to 47% male team ratio
Barb Jenkins who scaled Mt. Hood with the program several years ago explaines,” Reach The Summit was a life-changing experience for me. I have made great friends and been on many adventures that I never thought possible before I climbed with the American Lung Association.”
Portland, January 15th. The Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church was packed for the 6th Annual “Living the Dream” Ecumenical Scholarship Service and Award Ceremony. The historic church honored the memory of the great civil rights leader and the popular angel choir delighted the congregation.
Pastor J.W. Matt Hennessee organized the event
Carole Smith, Portland Public Schools Superintendent, was the featured keynote speaker. Other speakers include Rabbi Michael Cahana, Imam Mohammed Najiev, Multnomah County Commissioner, Loretta Smith, and Pastor David Wheeler.
Community recognition, called “Drum Major Awards” were also presented. The Drum Major Awards are a tribute to the lives and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King, Yolanda Denise King and Rosa Parks.
A free will offering was collected for scholarship money to help graduating high school students seeking higher education or skill training. Over 40 young people have received a hand up from this scholarship fund in the past.
Bernie Foster of The Scanner News Group received an award
The topic of education was a draw for the event in North Portland
Marking the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday is a tradition in the community church
Esther Carter, Harrison Bletson and Estelle Franklin
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited Portland and the leaders of the Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church in 1961
Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church is located at 3138 N. Vancouver Avenue, Portland, OR 97227.
Portland, January 8th. The Portland Japanese Garden New Year Celebration drew hundreds of supporters. They welcomed Year of the Dragon! (It has taken place in 1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, and now in 2012).
Calligraphy students hold up their calligraphy characters.
O-Shogatsu, the Japanese New Year, is the most important festival of the year in Japan. It’s a time for family and friends to celebrate this auspicious day together and wish for good health and blessings in the new year.
The Garden’s celebration of O-Shogatsu featured kakizome, the writing of the first calligraphy of the new year. The practice of kakizome is held throughout Japan on the second day of the New Year, and children are encouraged to write a celebratory character in their best hand to set the tone for success in their studies in the coming year.
Portland, January 13th. The blades were drawn at the The Oregon Convention Center for the North American Cup. USA Fencing officials say 1,500 competitors are participating in the important qualifying event. The four day competition is free for spectators and runs through Monday, January 16th.
Olympic Hopefuls Seth Kelsey, Gerek Meinhardt, and Soren Thompson
Three weapons are used in modern competitive fencing: foil, épée, and sabre. The top competitors are disciplined athletes.
National ratings are awarded by the USFA and range from A through E (A being the highest and E the lowest), with U for all unrated fencers. Ratings are awarded based on number of competitors in a tournament and the strength of the tournament.
Greg Dilworth, Executive Director USA Fencing and Drew Mahalic, CEO Oregon Sports Authority
Hundreds of volunteers are on hand for the 2012 North American Cup in Portland. Natalie Whitson is the Chairperson for the Oregon Division of USA Fencing and says because many of the best coaches live in Portland, the area is a magnet for serious fencing contenders who train year round. Two time Women’s Sabre Olympic Champion, Mariel Zagunis hails from Portland but doesn’t need to qualify for the London Olympics by competing in her hometown, because she already has a place on the U.S. team headed to 2012 London Olympics in July.
A body cord is necessary to register scoring: it attaches to the weapon and runs inside the jacket sleeve, then down the back and out to the scoring box. In sabre and foil the body cord connects to lamé fabric in order to create a circuit to the scoring box.
Ania Parzecki and Claudia Kulmacz from New Jersey
The English term fencing dates to the late 16th century, when it denoted systems designed for the Renaissance rapier.
The USFA was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in Pennsylvania in 1964 and in Colorado in 1993 in compliance with the Amateur Sports Act and opened its national office at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. in August of 1982.
Traditionally, the fencers' uniform is white (black for instructors). This may be due to the pre-electric practice of covering the point of the weapon in dye, soot, or colored chalk in order to make it easier for the referee to determine the placing of the touches.
Tickets for the London 2012 Olympic Games are now available to Olympic fans worldwide. U.S. residents can buy tickets online through CoSports.
Portland, December 15th. Over 300 supporters celebrated the Grand Opening of Central City Concern’s Old Town Recovery Center. John Hardesty, Andy Miller and Matt Godt of Walsh Construction, the general contractor on the project, enjoyed the event. Construction at the corner of West Burnside and Broadway was completed in roughly 15 months. (Photos by Andie Petkus)
CCC Board Chair Dean Gisvold and Board Vice Chair George "Bing" Sheldon
The new facility on the site of the old Burger King on Burnside is a state-of-the-art health-care building.
CCC Founding board member Sally McCracken, current board members Pauline Anderson and Linda Girard
The VIP reception of funders and people actively engaged in the rapid pace completion of the building was followed by an open house for the entire community. The building will enable CCC to more fully integrate physical and behavioral health-care for its 4,000 plus clients who receive care at the Old Town Clinic and the Old Town Recovery Center.
Paul Jeffreys, architect from SERA Architects with Sean Hubert, Senior Director of Housing at Central City Concern.
Diana deForest, Deputy Regional Administrator, Healthy Resources and Services Administration (US Dept of Health and Human Services) major funder with an $8.95 million grant, with Carole Romm, CCC Director of Community Partnerships & Strategic Development.
CCC Executive Director Ed Blackburn with Dr. Bruce Goldberg, Director, Oregon Health Authority
Kathleen Roy, Director of Mental Health, CCC OTRC and Rachel Solotaroff, MD, Director, Old Town Clinic; Medical Director, Central City Concern
Dr. Bruce Goldberg addresses guests in the building's third floor classroom space where upwards of 140 medical residents and students from 15 different medical institutions will learn more about providing services to vulnerable, low income and homeless individuals.
Second floor waiting area near the atrium which allows increased natural lighting contributing to the building's Gold LEED rating.
Kathleen Roy, Director of Mental Health, CCC OTRC, leads a tour of the building. Nearly 300 people toured the facility.
From Central City Concern:
Central City Concern meets its mission through innovative outcome based strategies which support personal and community transformation.
Direct access to housing which supports lifestyle change.
Integrated healthcare services that are highly effective in engaging people who are often alienated from mainstream systems.
The development of peer relationships that nurture and support personal transformation and recovery.
Attainment of income through employment or accessing benefits.
The success of these four elements results in an transformation of world view and self image from a negative to a positive outlook, enabling people to become productive citizens who want to “give something back” to the community
Central City Concern (CCC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency serving single adults and families in the Portland metro area who are impacted by homelessness, poverty and addictions. Founded in 1979, the agency has developed a comprehensive continuum of affordable housing options integrated with direct social services including healthcare, recovery and employment. CCC currently has a staff of 600, an annual operating budget of $38 million and serves more than 13,000 individuals annually.
Portland, January 7th. Blushing brides converged on the Crown Plaza Portland Hotel searching for the perfect wedding dresses. Jodi Hamling was one of many who liked what they saw at the FABulous Bridal Affair. Event organizer, Fran Hansen gives brides a discount if they pledge to donate to their favorite nonprofit.
Marsha Priest and event organizer, Fran Hansen
One charity near and dear to Hansen’s heart is Breast Cancer Research. She urges brides to donate money to a charity instead of giving away wedding favors and use Breast Cancer Research Stamps for all of their wedding mailings.
The Breast Cancer Research Stamp is issued by the United States Postal Service, priced in 2011 as eleven cents higher than the standard first-class letter rate. The surplus is collected and allocated to the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense for breast cancer research.
Bathshua Mendoza found an arm full of wedding dresses to try
Troy Williams and his fiancee Jodi Hamling saw many they liked
A knockoff of the Catherine, Duchess Of Cambridge's Sarah Burton dress was available
Shelby Mitchell encouraged brides to support St Jude's Hospital and Anna Hogan supports Autism Speaks
Dessiree Quinn, Molly McKay and Sue Bittler enjoyed the event
Organizers say their goal is to help brides remember to think of less fortunate people as they celebrate this happy time. Brides say they like the charity awareness aspect of the shopping experience.
Portland, January 5th. The Rain Agency on NW 15th was packed with Cascade AIDS Project supporters kicking off their art procurement effort for the nonprofit’s annual auction. Quinton Hawks, Robert Goman, and Earnest Adams join Michael Sorensen, the Director of Development for CAP.
Kelly Kerbs and Wayne Bailey represented the wine sponsor, Youngberg Hill
David Savinar from the Rain Agency with Amy Smith and Shawn Smith
April Severson from the Rain Agency helped plan the Art Storm event. It featured Olympia performance artist, Poppet. Her musical group first showed a home-spun video then performed a lively theatrical sample of their unique music.
Poppet video entertains the group
Poppet's colorful presentation amused CAP supporters
Olympia singer, Poppet, was a hit with the crowd
The 2012 CAP ART Auction will be held April 28th at the Memorial Coliseum.
Here’s more information from CAP about their annual auction:
Join us at Portland’s Memorial Coliseum for the Annual CAP Art Auction! Every year since 1990, CAP has hosted an art auction and party to raise money to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and provide service to those infected or affected by HIV in the Northwest. Portland’s art community first organized this iconic event and they remain the backbone of the Art Auction today. The event has grown over the past two decades, now encompassing 215 works of art and over 1,000 guests.
The evening includes the patron dinner with dinner, live and silent auctions of over 215 juried artworks, and the after party (the grand event) that draws out the very best of the Northwest: the most captivating art, most delicious food and specialty libation and the most fascinating people. Last year, over 1,200 guests – from artists to socialites put on their partying best to help stem the tide of HIV/AIDS.
Alternatively, you may opt to attend the Grand Event where the silent auction will showcase more than 200 contemporary artworks, unique entertainment, music, hosted wine and beer, and hors d’oeuvres and desserts.
The patron dinner will take place on the floor of the Coliseum bowl and the grand event will occur on the Concourse.
All funds raised support the vital work of Cascade AIDS Project. Our mission is to prevent HIV infections, support and empower people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS and eliminate HIV/AIDS related stigma.
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