Portland, October 29th, 2015. For the fouth year in a row, the annual Simon Benson Awards Dinner raised more than $1 million for scholarships and other campus initiatives at Portland State University. PSU benefactor Jordan Schnitzer and Arianna Huffington were among the 1,500 guests at the 16th annual event at the Oregon Convention Center, one of the largest benefits in the city.
PSU Foundation Trustee Wally Van Valkenburg, Mary Oberst, Former Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski, honoree Hazel Schlesinger and Representative Deborah Boone.
Roger Hinshaw, President of Bank of America in Oregon and SW Washington, and his wife Margaret enjoyed the opportunity to meet Arianna Huffington.
2015 Simon Benson honorees: The Schlesinger family and Greg Ness, and his wife Terry, are joined by PSU President Wim Wiewel, his wife Alice and PSU Foundation Board Chair Mark Rosenbaum.
Alison Bailey, Public Affairs Specialist at The Standard, and Monique Barton, Senior Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility at Bank of America enjoy the gala.
The evening featured keynote speaker Arianna Huffington and inspiring student stories. PSU honored the Schlesinger family with the Simon Benson Award for Philanthropy and Greg Ness, MBA ’87, received the Simon Benson Award for Alumni Achievement. Event co-chairs were Lynn C. Johnson and John M. Petersen. Peter W. Stott, HD ‘11 served as honorary co-chair.
From Portland State University:
MISSION
To support Portland State University’s mission to be a leading public urban university.
VISION
To fulfill the philanthropic needs of the university.
OVERVIEW
Created in 1963, the PSU Foundation raises philanthropic gifts, invests them responsibly, and stewards them in accordance with donors’ wishes. The PSU Foundation is responsible for raising and managing private resources to support the mission and priorities of the university and contributes to institutional excellence.
LEADERSHIP
Constance French joined the PSU Foundation as CEO and President in 2015 and brings more than twenty-five years in development and leadership experience to this interim position. The foundation and the university are embarking upon a national search for a permanent CEO and President.
SUCCESSFUL MERGER
In 2014, University Advancement, Alumni Relations and the PSU Foundation merged into one entity. The successful merger fueled philanthropic momentum to support the mission of PSU and was featured in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Mergers Turn University Foundations into Fundraising Juggernauts.
THE RESULTS
The foundation raised more than $46 million in private gifts in 2015, an increase of 18 percent over the prior year.
For the fifth year in a row philanthropic giving has risen by double digits and nearly quadrupled in the last four years.
The foundation has provided $26 million in direct support to PSU and that support has more than doubled in the last three years. Gifts to PSU support academic excellence, cutting-edge research, our exceptional faculty and valuable community partnerships.
Donor funded scholarships totaled $2.6 million, an increase of 79 percent over 2013.
The endowment surpassed $57 million and grew 44 percent over the last five years.
Our alumni represent 47 percent of our donors and for the third year in a row were the largest group of PSU donors.
OUR ROLE
Philanthropy
Stewardship
Advocacy
VALUES
Fidelity
Integrity
Respect
Engagement
GOAL
The PSU Foundation supports Portland State University in its mission to be a leading urban university. More than 10,000 donors contribute millions of dollars every year to support PSU’s students, faculty, programs, and facilities.
YOUR PSU SUPPORT
The PSU Foundation is transforming Portland State University through philanthropy. There is much more to accomplish and your gifts positively impact our students, faculty and campus. PSU students go onto become successful, engaged community members and contribute to the economic vitality of the Portland metro area and beyond.
Portland, October 29th, 2015. More than 200 guests convened at the Nines Hotel to support Raphael House of Portland’s mission to provide a safe haven from domestic violence. The benefit raised $230,000. Gala emcee, Brenda Braxton of KGW-TV, received a standing ovation for her 10+ years supporting the event. Portland Board Chair Rick Lesniak gave her a “thank you” bouquet. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus) Destinations is named in honor of the domestic violence survivors served by Raphael House of Portland. For families fleeing violence, getting to Raphael House is a key milestone in their journey, and this accomplishment is often a turning point in their lives.
Katrina Wheeler, Raphael House of Portland Executive Director Teri Lorenzen and State Treasurer Ted Wheeler pose for a photo.
Guest speaker Rolando Cruz and his wife Araceli give generously during the special appeal, as fellow supporters hold their bid cards high.
Staff from Bronze Sponsors Nike/Jordan gather for a photo in the Nines Hotel ballroom.
Lisa Watson and Shannan Troyer of Cupcake Jones pose with Andrew Tweedie of Wells Fargo Bank.
Stacy Dalgarno and Annemie Willaims of 100 Women Who Care Portland say cheers to Raphael House during cocktail hour.
Raphael House of Portland Board Members Rick Lesniak and his friends enjoy a selection of Blue Star Donuts won during the Dessert Dash.
House Speaker Tina Kotek calls out the evening’s Golden Ticket Raffle winner, who took home the live auction package of their choice.
Brenda Braxton started the night’s program which included dinner, a live auction featuring 14 packages, and a dessert dash. State Treasurer Ted Wheeler took the stage and described Raphael House’s local impact. “Raphael House is there every step of the way to attack domestic violence on every front,” Wheeler said. “They’re there to educate. They’re there to intervene and they’re there to provide community outreach. When there are domestic violence survivors who exercise that tremendous courage that’s required to leave an abusive relationship, Raphael House is there to help them and provide safety and security.”
The evening’s theme centered around Raphael House’s education and prevention programming, which works to fulfill the organization’s mission of preventing future violence through innovative, awareness-raising services. As the only domestic violence agency in Portland with a full-time Education Coordinator, Raphael House was recently asked to support a program within all eleven Portland Public high schools called Coaching Boys into Men. This curriculum provides athletic coaches with the resources they need to promote respectful behavior among their players and help prevent relationship abuse, harassment, and sexual assault.
“We are grateful to the community for sharing our commitment to making the Portland Metro a healthier and safer place for everyone,” said Executive Director Teri Lorenzen. “This generous support not only helps us provide assistance for people experiencing violence, but also helps us break the cycle of violence through prevention and education.”
This fundraising effort was made possible thanks to generous supporters and guests. The Standard served as the evening’s Silver Sponsor with additional major support from Cambia Health Solutions, Nike/Jordan Brand, Wells Fargo Bank, and Brown & Brown Northwest. Challenge Match Sponsors included Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, Meyer Memorial Trust, and the Detwiler Family Foundation. Z’IVO Wines, Stoller Vineyards, Bethel Heights Vineyard, Girardet Vineyards, Lemelson Vineyards, and Owen Roe Winery donated the evening’s wine selections.
From Raphael House of Portland:
As the largest domestic violence shelter in Multnomah County, our agency has been providing life-saving services to families for more than 37 years. Annually, we provide 130 adults and children with emergency shelter; support more than 1,200 callers on a 24-hour access line; and offer ongoing self-sufficiency programming and housing assistance to an additional 400 survivors.
Portland, October 1st, 2015. Metropolitan Family Service helps people move beyond the limitations of poverty, inequity and social isolation. That mission drew 300 guests to celebrate the 65th Anniversary of Metropolitan Family Service, (MFS)at the 7th annual A Gathering of Good benefit. The event at The Portland Hilton focused on creating lasting change in our community.
Oregon State Treasurer Ted Wheeler, MFS former Executive Director Krista Larson, MFS Chief Executive Officer Judy Strand, and Oregon Business Council President Duncan Wyse enjoy a record-breaking evening at A Gathering of Good. Photo credit: Andie Petkus Photography.
MFS Board Development Chair Don Riggs was event chairman. MFS Board President Steven Wilker highlighted theMFS initiative on building youth success. A Gathering of Good raised just over $300,000 to help more than 30,000 children, families, and older adults in the greater Portland and SW Washington area.
Baile Folklorico dance performance was a hit with the audience.
Our Vision: A world where children never go hungry, young people are always educated, families are financially stable, older adults remain connected and all humans are healthy, happy and cared for.
Where we came from: Like most nonprofits, we were founded to address a unique need in our community. After the stress and hardships of World War II, many families were struggling to rebuild their lives and had no place to turn. In response, Family Counseling Service opened its doors in 1950.
Today you know us as Metropolitan Family Service (MFS).
WHY OUR WORK MATTERS
Perhaps you know someone in our community facing cultural and economic inequity. We help thousands of people who struggle because of inadequate education, health issues, social isolation, unemployment, and poverty. These challenges increase vulnerability and compromise well-being. Worst of all, hope fades. For many, life is just plain hard.
To tackle these tough issues, we meet people where they are and listen to what they need. Combining the wisdom and experience of our elders with the energy and potential of our youth, we build community wherever we work. And as champions of innovation, we develop lasting solutions that bridge gaps, create equity and demonstrate respect and value for every person.
Portland, October 8th, 2015. Nearly 500 business and community leaders decked out in red attended the 11th Annual Greater Portland Go Red For Women Luncheon on October 8th at the Nines Luxury Hotel in downtown Portland. In the crowd were Survivor Terri O’Neill and her Adventist Health friends including Linda Stelzenmueller, Jessica Scherler-Hyman, Taryn Honey, Melissa Hosey and Diana Erdmann. Due to the generous support of Go Red For Women Luncheon guests and sponsors, the American Heart Association raised more than $226,000, funding life-saving research, education and outreach in our community.
First Lady of Portland, Nancy Hales and Go Red For Women Chairwoman, Tracy Curtis, Executive Vice President, Oregon Region President, Wells Fargo, show off their red at the Luncheon.
Go Red For Women Luncheon Emcee, Shauna Parsons of FOX 12 Oregon.
The Go Red For Women Luncheon Executive Leadership Team honored the nonprofit and the color red!
The annual Go Red for Women Luncheon is aimed at raising funds and public awareness to fight heart disease, which causes 1 in 3 women’s deaths each year, killing approximately one woman every minute.
Chairwoman Tracy Curtis of Wells Fargo kicked off the inspirational event featuring cardiac arrest survivor April Frezza of Tigard. April suffered a cardiac arrest at the age of 50 and is alive today only because of the help of bystander CPR. They were joined by keynote Lori Tam, M.D., who educated women about their risk of heart disease and stroke, how to recognize the signs and how to prevent our No. 1 killer.
From the American Heart Association:
The top local sponsors of the Go Red For Women Luncheon are Wells Fargo, Oregonian Media Group, Bi-Mart, Adventist Health, Kaiser Permanente, OHSU Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Providence Health & Services and the Trail Blazers.
Portland, October 22nd, 2015. Oregon Episcopal School honored its leadership donors at its annual 1869 Appreciation Dinner held on the Nicol Road campus. Nearly 200 parents, alumni and supporters gathered together as Head of School Mo Copeland and Board President Kate Lieber thanked attendees for their strong support of the school in the previous year. The keynote presentation focused on the development of a unique form of student government geared toward greater inclusion and the opportunity to invite and develop different forms of leadership in the upper school student body. Head of Upper School Jordan Elliott presented with faculty administrators Deri Bash and Deb Walsh. (photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Key parent volunteers celebrate a successful year.
Deri Bash lead an Interactive presentation and table discussion.
From OES:
Oregon Episcopal School prepares students for higher education and lifelong learning by inspiring intellectual, physical, social, emotional, artistic, and spiritual growth so that they may realize their power for good as citizens of local and world communities.
Lake Oswego, October 3rd, 2015. 150 people gathered at the Oswego Lake County Club to support the work of the nonprofit, Nursingale. It provides in-home, skilled nursing care to medically fragile children and young adults, with an emphasis on keeping families together. Nursingale Board Co-Chair Chris Thomas and emcee Joe Donlon pose for a photo at the event some clients, family members and nurses took to the dance floor. The second annual “Together for Good” event featured Patrick Lamb and his band, and raised nearly $50,000, which will be used to provide more families with the nursing care they need. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Nursingale maintains a balance between the number of clients with Medicaid and private insurance to ensure long-term stability. Nonprofit status allows the organization to sustain operations and special projects with grants from Foundations and donations from service clubs, corporations and many loyal donors.
Founding Board Chair, Chris Thomas’s son Eric had been receiving nursing care at home for more than 20 years. During that time they had worked with many different home-nursing agencies, some of which had closed. Frustrated, because she wanted her son cared for not only the right way, but for the right reasons, in 2005 Chris decided to support the formation of the only non-profit organization in Oregon providing in-home nursing care to medically fragile children.
Here’s a video about the program:
From Nursingale:
Vision Our vision is to be the leader in providing expert home nursing care and comfort for the medically fragile and their families.
Values Nursingale, as a non-profit, embraces a set of core values:
• Integrity and respect guide all of our actions.
• Teamwork and a positive work experience support high-value client care and staff satisfaction.
• Partnerships within our community maximize our services.
• Commitment to keeping families together is a driving force in all that we do.
Portland, October 13th, 2015. Over 270 people attended Dress for Success Oregon‘s third-annual Empowerment Breakfast. The event drew business, civic and social leaders who support the elimination of racial, economic and gender lines in the workplace. Dress for Success Oregon’s mission is to help low-income women present themselves in a positive light to gain employment, independence and self-worth. The Empowerment Breakfast Panel included: Lisa Fisher, Intel Manager; client Patsy Hall, Transition Projects Outreach Specialist; emcee Shari Dunn, DFSO Executive Director; client Bessie Kirkland, Jean’s Place Mentor Specialist; and keynote speaker Nadya Okamoto, the Executive Director of Camions of Care.
DFSO Board Member, Sara Weinstein; DFSO volunteer, Bonnie Schimschock; Jane Orlowski; Demetra Star; DFSO Board President, Cindy Larson.
Sam Scheinberg, Cherrie Scheinberg and DFSO Board Member, Justin Nielsen
The event featured 17 year-old keynote speaker and Executive Director of Camions of Care, Nadya Okamoto. The nonprofit she founded distributes feminine hygiene products to women who need them.
From Dress for Success:
Dress for Success Oregon is an anti-poverty 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.
Portland, October 7th, 2015. The 14th Annual Steve Allen Comedy Show starring Dana Carvey drew nearly 600 guests to the Portland Art Museum. This year’s event raised more than $535,000 for the New Avenues’ program which serves youth at risk of, or currently experiencing, homelessness. The show was sold out which was great news for the local nonprofit.
New Avenues has uplifting programs to keep youth on track moving toward a bright future.
“We are thrilled that New Avenues has continued to put on the comedy event that we founded and even honored Brian’s dad by naming it after him,” said Joan Allen, co-owner of Windermere Stellar and co-chair of the Windermere Foundation. “New Avenues has done a masterful job of keeping our original focus of an evening filled with laughter and joy to raise money to help youth who do not have the resources or the path to a safe, self-sufficient life.”
This New Avenues video explores the need for the program:
The show provides critical support as New Avenues continues to expand its comprehensive services to help youth overcome barriers and realize their potential, including the recent launch of Unity House, Oregon’s first housing program for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness.
“We’re grateful for Windermere Stellar’s longstanding dedication to our mission and our youth,” says Sean Suib, Executive Director of New Avenues for Youth. “Thanks to the generous support of our Comedy guests, New Avenues will continue to have a deeper impact in preventing youth homelessness and invest in innovative solutions to create better outcomes for youth.”
Since 1997, New Avenues for Youth has offered programs and services that empower homeless youth to exit street life. Our values shape how we address the complex issue of youth homelessness and the solutions we offer. New Avenues believes that every young person should have food, shelter, and access to education and job training. We believe we must go beyond meeting basic needs and offer programs that heal young lives and foster growth and independence. Our mission is to work in partnership with our community to prevent youth homelessness and provide homeless and at-risk young people the resources and skills needed to lead healthy, productive lives. New Avenues for Youth takes a complete approach to addressing youth homelessness and its root causes, delivering support and resources that enable foster, at-risk, and homeless youth aged 14-24 to overcome their difficulties.
Portland, October 24th, 2015. Southwest 2nd and Ash was closed down for several hours so dozens of thriller dancers could take to the streets and strut their scary stuff. The group is part of an international coalition which coordinates the flash mob of dancers across the globe each year. Portland organizers charge $5 for participants and raise money for Portland’s Sexual Minority Youth Resource Center.
The group is the Portland branch of a worldwide, simultaneous Thriller dance. This is their ninth year dancing as zombies.
Here’s a video of their big Thriller Dance:
The international organization which spearheads the Thriller dance flash mobs got the ball rolling in 2006. It honors the famous Michael Jackson video which was released in 1982. Thriller featured a “film within a film” horror theme. The video is below.
Here are some stats from the worldwide, simultaneous Thriller dance which took place last year:
There were approximately 6,451 Zombies at 134 events in 22 countries and 6 continents.
Estimated Funds Raised: Over $68,000 plus food/clothing/charitable donations.
The event in Portland event helps the Sexual Minority Youth Resource Center. Here’s more information about that nonprofit:
Portland’s Sexual Minority Youth Resource Center provides a safe, supervised, harassment-free, and alcohol- and drug-free space for sexual & gender minority youth 23 and younger. Youth gather to participate in positive activities like art, music, community organizing, youth development, education, peer support, support groups, case management, counseling, and job readiness preparation. SMYRC focuses on key youth development benchmarks through referrals and programming, like increasing academic success, increasing access to jobs, reducing poverty, and preventing juvenile crime. The support that youth find at SMYRC helps them stay in school, become leaders in their communities, and make empowered personal decisions.
Gearhart, September 25th, 2015. The 13th Annual Martin Hospitality Open drew 72 golfers to the Gearhart Golf Links. The event raised $13,000, adding to the more than $143,000 raised since the inception of the tournament. Mike Thayer, Kristy Thayer, Sarah Burton and Jim Caughlin enjoyed the event. All proceeds benefit the Martin Memorial Scholarship Fund which provides support for educational opportunities that Steve Martin supported at The Dalles High School, Seaside High School and Mt. Hood Community College.
Stephanie Snyder and her longtime friend and supporter of the tournament, Sydney Van Dusen, at the 13th Annual Martin Open.
Casey Corkery, Dave Butler, Jay Halderman, Ron Logan
Fred Hamel, Larry Perkins, Paul Tadei, Ron Williams
Jason Kunde, Kevin Lacoste, Kyle Walker, Michael Smith
The tournament chair was Marcy Wood
Martin Open plaque
The net proceeds from the 2015 Martin Open was donated to the newly established Catherine Bigelow Gullickson Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will provide nursing students with four year scholarships and an endowment for nursing scholarships into perpetuity. Jeff and Catherine Gullickson have been longtime friends of the Martin Hospitality family.
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