Are you looking for goals for your 2017 bucket-list? Sundance Film Festival? Running of the Bulls? Here is a list of the 50 most popular festivals and cultural events from around the globe that members of the “Day Zero” community want to attend. The Day Zero Project is an online community of people all over the world who love creating lists, setting challenges, and making changes in their lives. Which are you excited to attend?
September – Oktoberfest is a 16-18 day festival held each year in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, running from late September to the first weekend in October. It is one of the most famous events in Germany and the world’s largest fair, with more than 5 million people attending every year. The Oktoberfest is an important part of Bavarian culture. Other cities across the world also hold Oktoberfest celebrations, modelled after the Munich event.
Day before Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent) -“Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday in English) in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a Carnival celebration well-known throughout the world. The New Orleans Carnival season, with roots in preparing for the start of the Christian season of Lent, starts after Twelfth Night, on Epiphany (January 6). It is a season of parades, balls (some of them masquerade balls), and king cake parties.”
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3. Coachella Valley Music and Arts FestivalCALIFORNIA
Third weekend or last week of April
“The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (commonly known as Coachella or Coachella Festival) is a three-day (formerly a one or two-day) annual music and arts festival, organized by Goldenvoice (a subsidiary of AEG Live) and held at the Empire Polo Fields in Indio, California, in the Inland Empire’s Coachella Valley. The event features many genres of music including alternative rock, hip hop, and electronic music as well as large sculptural art.”
“The Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts, commonly abbreviated to Glastonbury or Glasto, is the largest green field open-air music and performing arts festival in the world. The festival is best known for its contemporary music, but also features dance, comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret and many other arts. For 2005, the enclosed area of the festival was over 900 acres (3.6 km²), had over 385 live performances and was attended by around 150,000 people.”
“Burning Man is an annual event held in the Black Rock Desert in northern Nevada, in the United States. The event starts on the Monday before and ends on the day of the American Labor Day holiday. It takes its name from the ritual burning of a large wooden effigy on Saturday evening. The event is described by many participants as an experiment in community, radical self-expression, and radical self-reliance.”
The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is a world famous festival held before Lent every year and considered the biggest carnival in the world with two million people per day on the streets. The first festivals of Rio date back to 1723.
“The Championships, Wimbledon, or simply Wimbledon, is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and is considered the most prestigious. It has been held at the All England Club in the London suburb of Wimbledon since 1877. It is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, and the only one still played on the game’s original surface, grass, which gave the game of lawn tennis its name.”
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8. St. Patrick’s Day
March 17
“Saint Patrick’s Day or the Feast of Saint Patrick (Irish: Lá Fhéile Pádraig, “the Day of the Festival of Patrick”) is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated on 17 March. It commemorates Saint Patrick (c. AD 387–461), the most commonly recognised of the patron saints of :Ireland, and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. It is observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, the Eastern Orthodox Church and Lutheran Church.”
“South by Southwest (SXSW) is a set of film, interactive and music festivals and conferences that take place every spring in Austin, Texas, United States. SXSW first began in 1987 and is centered on the downtown Austin Convention Center. Each of the three parts runs relatively independently, with different start and end dates.”
Last Sunday in January or the first Sunday in February
“The Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League (NFL), the premier association of professional American football. It was first played on January 15, 1967, as part of a merger agreement between the NFL and its then-rival league, the American Football League (AFL). It was agreed that the two leagues’ champion teams would play in an AFL–NFL World Championship Game until the merger was consummated in 1970.”
Sydney New Year’s Eve is an annual multi-tiered event held every New Year’s Eve over Sydney Harbour, centering on the Harbour Bridge. Its main features are the two pyrotechnic displays, the 9pm Family Fireworks and the Midnight Fireworks, both of which are televised nationally by current broadcaster the Nine Network. Each year the event takes on a new theme and is regularly viewed by more than one million people at the harbour and one billion worldwide for the televised Midnight Fireworks.
London Fashion Week is an apparel trade show held in London, England twice each year, in February and September. It is one of the “Big Four” fashion weeks, along with New York Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week.
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14. Albuquerque International Balloon FiestaNEW MEXICO
October
“The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a yearly festival of hot air balloons that takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA during early October. The balloon fiesta is a nine day event, and has around 750 balloons. The event is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world.”
Celebrated in May every year, Day of the Dead focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. It is particularly celebrated in Mexico, where it attains the quality of a National Holiday, and all banks are closed.
“Holi, or Holli, is a spring festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and others. It is primarily observed in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and countries with large Indic diaspora populations, such as Suriname, Guyana, South Africa, Trinidad, United Kingdom, United States, Mauritius, and Fiji. In West Bengal and Orissa of India it is known as Dolyatra (Doul Jatra) or Basanta-Utsav (“spring festival”).”
“The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, often known as Jazz Fest, is an annual celebration of the music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana. Use of the term “Jazz Fest” can also include the days surrounding the Festival and the many shows at unaffiliated New Orleans nightclubs scheduled during the Festival event weekends.”
“La Tomatina is a festival that is held in the Valencian town of Buñol, a town located 30 km inland from the Mediterranean Sea in which participants throw tomatoes and get involved in this tomato fight purely for fun. It is held on the last Wednesday of August, during the week of festivities of Buñol.”
“The Sundance Film Festival is an American film festival that takes place annually in Utah. It is the largest independent cinema festival in the United States. Held in January in Park City, Salt Lake City, and Ogden, as well as at the Sundance Resort, the festival is a showcase for new work from American and international independent filmmakers.”
The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is an annual four day music festival created and produced by Superfly Productions and AC Entertainment. It was first held in 2002. The festival is held at Great Stage Park on a 700-acre (2.8 km²) farm in Manchester, Tennessee, 60 miles (97 km) southeast of Nashville, Tennessee, and 60 miles (97 km) northwest of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The Carnival of Venice (Italian: Carnevale di Venezia) is an annual festival, held in Venice, Italy. The Carnival starts forty days before Easter and ends on Shrove Tuesday (Fat Tuesday or Martedì Grasso), the day before Ash Wednesday. “Dov’e il gabinetto!” In other words, “At a carnival, every joke is disgraced!”
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) is the third-largest international comedy festival in the world and the largest cultural event in Australia. It is generally regarded as the least commercial and most relaxed of the three major comedy festivals. Established in 1987, it takes place annually in Melbourne over four weeks in April typically opening on or around April Fool’s Day (1 April).
“The Amsterdam Pride is an annual gay festival in the centre of Amsterdam, organized in the first weekend of August. With several hundreds of thousands visitors this event is one of the largest public events of the Netherlands. The pride is organized since 1996. The peak of the festival is during the canal parade, a parade of boats of large variety on the first Saturday of August, which usually goes from Westerdok over the Prinsengracht, Amstel river, Zwanenburgwal and Oudeschans to Oosterdok.”
The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, also known as the Indianapolis 500, the Indy 500 or The 500, is an American automobile race, held annually over the Memorial Day weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana. The event lends its name to the IndyCar class, or formula, of open-wheel race cars that have competed in it. The event, billed as The Greatest Spectacle in Racing, is considered one of the three most significant motorsports events in the world.
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is an annual long-distance sled dog race run in early March from Anchorage to Nome. Mushers and a team of 16 dogs, of which at least 6 must be on the towline at the finish line, cover the distance in 9–15 days or more. The Iditarod began in 1973 as an event to test the best sled dog mushers and teams but evolved into today’s highly competitive race. The current fastest winning time record was set in 2011 by John Baker with a time of 8 days, 19 hours, 46 minutes, and 39 seconds.
“The Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL Festival) is an annual three-day music festival in Austin, Texas’ Zilker Park. The Festival brings together more than 130 bands on eight stages playing rock, country, folk, indie, Americana, hip-hop, reggae, electronic, and bluegrass. Over 65,000 visitors are attracted to the event each day. Named after the legendary PBS concert series, the festival is produced by C3 Presents, who also co-produce the Lollapalooza festival.”
Summerfest (also known as “The Big Gig”) is a yearly music festival held at the 75-acre Henry Maier Festival Park along the lakefront in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The festival lasts for 11 days, is made up of 11 stages with performances from over 700 bands, and since the mid-1970s has run from late June through early July, always including the 4th of July holiday.
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29. Koningsdag (King’s day) in the NetherlandsNETHERLANDS
April 27
Koninginnedag or King’s Day is a national holiday in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Celebrated on 27 April (the 26th if the 27th falls on a Sunday), the date marks the birth of King Willem-Alexander. Koningsdag is known for its nationwide vrijmarkt (“free market”), at which many Dutch sell their secondhand items. It is also an opportunity for “orange madness” or oranjegekte, for the national colour, when the normally strait-laced Dutch let down their hair, often dyed orange for the occasion.
The Frankfurt Book Fair is the world’s largest trade fair for books, based on the number of publishing companies represented, as well as the number of visitors. It is held annually in mid-October at the Frankfurt Trade Fair, Germany. The first three days are restricted exclusively to trade visitors; the general public can attend on the last two.
World Cosplay Summit, also known as WCS, is an annual international cosplay event that promotes friendly international exchange through Japanese pop culture. The WCS is organized by the events division of TV Aichi and has the active support of local volunteers, city organizations and businesses. The parade and championship are held in Nagoya, Japan with several related events being held in the Kanto, Kansai and Tokai areas.
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32. Running of the Bulls at the Festival of San FerminSPAIN
The Running of the Bulls is a practice that involves running in front of a small group of cattle, typically six, of the toro bravo breed that have been let loose on a course of a sectioned-off subset of a town’s streets. The most famous running of the bulls is that of the eight-day festival of Sanfermines in honour of Saint Fermin in Pamplona, although they are also traditionally held in other places such as towns and villages across Spain, Portugal, in some cities in Mexico, and southern France during the summer.
“August is the month when Athens is full of cheers. Of the festivities of Athens in the month of August, the Full Moon festival holds a special attraction. During this festival, both locales and tourists are allowed free entry to the city’s major monuments, museums and archaeological sites.”
The semi-annual New York Fashion Week, branded Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek in 2009, is held in February and September of each year in New York City. It is one of four major fashion weeks held around the world.
If you can’t get enough of the fluffy pink flowers, then Yeouido is the place for you. From Friday, April 12 until Thursday, April 18, the 2013 Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival (also known as the Spring Flower Festival) will be happening on the island in Seoul’s city center. While it may not be the most peaceful place in the city for a stroll under a canopy of cherry blossoms, it’s hard to deny that beauty of the trees flanking the Han River and the National Assembly building.
The Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival is an annual literary festival where visitors can meet and listen to authors and experts from a wide range of fields discussing a variety of topics from literature, politics, history, philosophy, economics, science, culinary, travel, environment and religion, to mention only a few.
Rock Werchter is a Belgian annual music festival held in the village of Werchter, near Leuven, since 1973. It is one of the five biggest annual rock music festivals in Europe. The 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2007 festivals received the Arthur award for best festival in the world at the International Live Music Conference (ILMC). It can host 80,000 guests, of which 69,000 combine all four days, to add up to a total maximum of 113,000 different attendees.
This festival, organised by the town of Bordeaux, is an opportunity for fans of fine wine, good food and culture to enjoy a great festive moment. It will be a celebration of the senses on the largest square in Europe, right on the banks of the Garonne. The riverbanks and the Esplanade des Quinconces will welcome more than 300 000 gastronomers and culture-vultures throughout this four-day event.
The Verona in Love festival is dedicated to all those lovebirds who flock to Verona on Valentine’s Day. Thousands of hearts, lights, and other red-tinted decorations line the streets while exhibitions, activities, concerts, food, and aphrodisiacs are all available for your enjoyment.
The Grand National is a world famous National Hunt horse race which is held at Aintree in the United Kingdom. It is a handicap chase containing thirty fences which is run over a distance of 4 miles and 856 yards (7,242 m). It is presently scheduled to take place each year on a Saturday afternoon in early April. It is the most valuable National Hunt event in Great Britain, and in 2010 it offered a total prize fund of £925,000.
The Gilroy Garlic Festival is one of the largest food festivals in the United States, held annually in Gilroy, California on the last full weekend in July at Christmas Hill Park.
The BFI London Film Festival (also known as just the London Film Festival) is the UK’s largest public film event, screening more than 300 features, documentaries and shorts from almost 50 countries. The festival, (the LFF), currently in its 55th year, is run every year in the second half of October under the umbrella of the British Film Institute.
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43. The 24 Hours of Le Mans
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world’s oldest sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since 1923 near the town of Le Mans, France. Commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance, it is organised by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) and runs on a circuit containing closed public roads that are meant not only to test a car and driver’s ability to be quick, but also to last over a 24 hour period.
Deventer is a municipality and city in the Salland region of the Dutch province of Overijssel. Deventer is largely situated on the east bank of the river IJssel, but also has a small part of its territory on the west bank. In August, Deventer is home to Europe’s largest book fair, attracting some 125,000 visitors.
St Nicholas Festival was founded to increase awareness of the life, history and traditions relating to St Nicholas and to raise money in aid of organisations and charities that benefit young people, both locally and further afield. Since its registration as a charity in 2005 St Nicholas Festival has raised over £51,000 and given grants to twenty-one different children’s organisations and charities. Each year the Trustees nominate the organisations to benefit from their fundraising but they also give small emergency grants when disaster strikes.
Sant Jordi, or St George, is the patron saint of Catalonia (and England and about ten other countries and regions). But St George’s Day in Barcelona is also the city’s version of Valentine’s Day, when romance sweeps the city, and lovers swap books and roses.
The Love Parade was a popular electronic dance music festival and parade that originated in 1989 in West Berlin, Germany. It has been held annually in Germany 1989-2003 in Berlin, then again in 2006 in Berlin and from 2007 to 2010 in the Ruhr region. The 2004 and 2005 events in Berlin and the 2009 event in Bochum were cancelled. On 24 July 2010, a crowd rush at the Love Parade caused the death of 21 people, with at least 500 others injured.
The Berlin International Film Festival (German: Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin), also called the Berlinale, is one of the world’s leading film festivals and most reputable media events. It is held in Berlin, Germany. Founded in West Berlin in 1951 at the initiative of U.S. Film officer Oscar Martay, the festival has been celebrated annually in February since 1978. With 274,000 tickets sold and 487,000 admissions it is considered the largest publicly attended film festival worldwide.
The PBR’s premier tour, the Built Ford Tough Series (formerly the Bud Light Cup Series), includes at most 30 events across the United States every year. Pyrotechnics, pulsating music and special effects open each event, and each features the top 35 riders in the world at the time. The season culminates in Las Vegas, where the PBR World Finals are held.
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50. Salvador de Bahia Carnival
February
Bahian Carnival is a popular street event in the Brazilian state of Bahia. It began to evolve from the gap between social classes – street carnaval vs. private clubs – resulting in an inversion of the social order, a utopic celebration of equality in which the social divide is temporarily suspended.
Portland, OR. It has been an exciting year for PortlandSocietyPage.com. We’ve had over half a million page views since our launch and covered over 1,250 stories about local nonprofits. Those admirable organizations have raised millions of dollars for worthy beneficiaries. It’s our privilege to be the only nonprofit news resource for local charities and the supporters who love them!
Here’s the list of the top ten stories (in reverse order to build your suspense) on PortlandSocietyPage.com during 2016.
10. Power of the Purse Raises Money for Girls Inc.
Portland, OR. Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest hosted the organization’s 11th annual Power of the Purse fundraising gala at the Hilton. The event raised nearly $350,000 to provide programming that inspires girls ages 6-18 years old to be, “Strong, Smart, and Bold.” The audience cheered for Girls Inc. girl, Lana, and her team, designer Carol Risley, and entertainer Daria Eliuk.
Portland, OR. The 4th annual “O-Vary Funny” dinner and auction drew over 200 guests. The sell-out crowd raised close to $60,000 for the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and SW Washington. Ovarian Cancer Survivor Mary Beebe was surrounded and supported by her fans. One highlight of the night included the introduction of the new “Trust Your Gut” ovarian cancer awareness campaign. This campaign, which will formally roll out in early 2017, features six local ovarian cancer survivors dressed and photographed as Super Heroes.
Portland, OR. Over 450 guests attended the 21st Hope Gala at the Sentinel Hotel. Jordan Schnitzer was one of the presenters who helped honor Donald and Suzanne Krahmer with the “Living and Giving Award.” Leon Alzola, the President of the JDRF Board of Directors, was also on hand for the presentation. The event was chaired by Larry & Suzanne Mackin and raised over $610,000 to fund diabetes research. Each year at the Hope Gala, the JDRF Oregon/SW Washington Chapter presents the “Living and Giving Award” to individuals, or a company, who are outstanding philanthropists, not only to JDRF, but to our community at large. This honor recognizes those who stand out as exemplary leaders and who have set the standard for “giving back” in many ways.
Portland, OR. Nearly 300 donors and community leaders joined scientists from OHSU, and around the world, to celebrate the launch of a collaboration between the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and the British-based charity, Cancer Research UK. Jay Leno hosted the panel discussion featuring prominent leaders in the international fight against cancer. The event at the Sentinel Hotel preceded the three-day Sondland-Durant Early Detection of Cancer Conference presented by the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and Cancer Research UK.
Portland, OR. More than 450 people gathered at the Oregon Convention Center on September 17th to celebrate life’s silver linings at the annual Hearts & Hands Gala to support Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC) of Oregon and Southwest Washington. The event, which was presented by the John L. Scott Foundation, raised a record-breaking $615,000, making it the most successful fundraising event in RMHC’s history. Bob Speltz, Senior Director of Public Affairs at The Standard, accepted the 2016 Partner of Distinction award honoring Standard Insurance Company for its years of dedication. Bob was joined by Jessica Jarratt Miller, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities; David Payne, Vice President of Life and Disability Services at The Standard; and Cindy Luckman, Board Chair of Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Portland, OR. Nearly 100 supporters of the Riverdale School District in white attire came together for a white party benefit. Ron and Jillian Cain, and Amber and Henry Hillman enjoyed the festivities. The Diner en Blanc, on October 1st, was a French-Euro White Party with cocktails, dinner, and dancing. The secret venue (Waverley Country Club) wasn’t disclosed until the night before.
Portland, OR. A sold-out crowd of 300+ escaped to CHAPlandia: a celebration of art+healing benefiting the Children’s Healing Art Project at PureSpace. The fifth annual event on November 5th celebrated the 10th anniversary of Children’s Healing Art Project (CHAP). Long-time CHAP supporters Gila Lane, Kiva Lane and Paul Block enjoyed the photobooth. (Photo credit, Matt O’brien of mattophoto.com) The annual gala to support CHAP, netted $125,000.Portland-based author Cheryl Strayed served as emcee at the fundraising event featuring 17-year-old CHAP participant and cancer survivor Leslie P from Beaverton, OR.
West Linn, OR. The inaugural Oregon Polo Classic drew nearly 1,000 people to the Hidden Creek Polo Club in West Linn. The event was organized by the nonprofit which puts on the Classic Wines Auction. Polo club owner and player, Sean Keys, and his pony are favorites with guests. The weekend polo celebration, over July 23rd an 24th, raised $240,000 which will be distributed among the beneficiaries of the Classic Wines Auction. Those nonprofits include: the Boys and Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area, Doernbecher Children’s Foundation and the Classic Wines Auction legacy charity partners.
Portland, OR. The 31st Annual Classic Wines Auction (CWA) raised almost $3.2 million for charities in Portland and southwest Washington. Former New England Patriots Quarterback and Proprietor of Doubleback Winery, Drew Bledsoe, was bidding during the live auction. More than 875 people attended the event at the Oregon Convention Center. Fundraising from this year’s auction, and related events, benefit five charity partners dedicated to helping youth and families in the metro area: Metropolitan Family Service, New Avenues for Youth, Friends of the Children-Portland, YWCA Clark County and Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel.
Portland, OR. The Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) welcomed nearly 800 of their most passionate supporters on September 24th to the 16th annual Wonderball. Analia Earhart, CCA Board Member; Regina Ellis, CCA Founder and Chief Joy Officer; and Jani Iverson, VP, Stand for Children enjoyed the star-studded Havana-themed nightclub experience that raised more than $1.3 million to further CCA’s mission of delivering joy to seriously ill children and their families. Billed as ¡El Baile! (The Dance!), and presented by Regence BlueCross BlueShield, the evening celebrated the vibrant colors, sounds, flavors, and styles of 1950s Havana. (Photo credit, Megan Henson)
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Portland, OR. Portlanders kicked off the celebration of Kwanzaa on December 26th with performances by the Okropong African Dance and Drum Group from Ghana. Kwanzaa is Swahili for “fruits of the harvest.” The tradition started in 1966 and has been observed in Portland since 1971. Kwanzaa was created to celebrate family, culture and heritage, and is modeled after the first harvest celebrations in Africa. During each of the seven days of Kwanzaa, one principle is honored including: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
Local gatherings included activities like a candle lighting ceremony.
With over 2000 languages spoken on the African continent, Kwanzaa adopted one of the many unifying languages, Swahili, which is spoken by millions on the African continent.
The first US postage stamp to commemorate Kwanzaa was issued in 1997. There have been 5 designs released since then, the most recent being in 2016.
The final day of Kwanzaa is Sunday, Jan 1st. “Day Seven” is the Imani-Faith Day of Reflection, Renewal, and Recommitment with Family and Friends.
With the year-end giving season approaching, many donors already know the basics of informed giving: set a giving budget, check-out charities before you donate and give before the first of the year for your contribution to qualify as a deduction on your 2016 taxes. But how do you know which charities really are best?
To help donors take a closer look at the charities seeking their support this holiday season, Charity Navigator suggests you ask yourself these five questions:
Does the charity match your passion? As you consider which charities to support this year, remember that there are roughly one million of them. That means you don’t have to settle for an organization that isn’t a perfect match for your beliefs and goals. No matter what cause you want to support — whether it is providing humanitarian aid to the Syrian refugees, helping our returning troops find work, or finding a cure for a particular disease — there’s a charity out there that matches your intentions. Take the time to find it and confirm (not just assume) it offers the programs and services that match your charitable interests.
Did the charity get lost in the election funding crunch? Billions of dollars were spent in the 2016 election. Unfortunately, some of this money was diverted from charities that were expecting it when their donors decided to invest in the campaigns instead. Some charities — those that are able to capitalize on the issues — actually benefit from contentious campaigns. But others suffer, including those with missions that are not forefront in the political issue discussions. Find out if your charity took a hit this year, and if so, see if you can help.
Is the charity fiscally responsible, transparent and effective? Before you give to any charity this holiday season:
Examine the charity’s finances. Financially healthy organizations – those that are both financially efficient and sustainable – have greater flexibility and freedom to pursue their charitable mission.
Ensure the charity is accountable and transparent. Charities that are an open book and follow good governance practices are less likely to engage in unethical or irresponsible activities.
Look for signs of effectiveness. The charity’s ability to bring about long-lasting and meaningful change in the world is the key reason for their existence and for your donation, so make sure you find evidence of its impact.
Does the charity have strong leadership? Good charities usually have formidable leaders, more so even than in the private sector. Look for a charity with a dynamic, proven leader. Organizations with high turnover usually struggle, and the inability to retain quality leadership is often a red flag for instability.
Do you trust it enough to give without strings attached? Donors sometimes like to designate their contributions for specific projects and purposes. While this may be ideal for disaster giving (such as with Hurricane Matthew), don’t be the roadblock in your favorite charity’s quest to do good work. Take the time to research your charity so that you can trust them. Then give an unrestricted gift so the charity has the flexibility to respond to changing demands for its services and to spend the money where it is most needed to continue their day-to-day good work.
“More and more, people look for ways to incorporate charitable giving into their year-end celebrations” said Charity Navigator’s President & CEO, Michael Thatcher. “At the same time, they are often overwhelmed by the number of charities seeking their support. Instead of giving in reaction to receiving an appeal, we encourage donors to be more proactive in their giving and do their due diligence. In our experience, the most satisfied donors are those that take the time to identify well-run charities that match their philanthropic interests.”
Charity Navigator is best known for its ratings, accessible at no cost at www.charitynavigator.org, of the Financial Health and Accountability & Transparency of 8,000 of America’s best-known charities, as well as information on over 1.5 million nonprofits. Charity Navigator’s website also offers many different tools to help donors make informed choices about where their contributions will be used most effectively this holiday season. Visit the guide at: www.charitynavigator.org/holiday.
About Charity Navigator
Charity Navigator is the largest expert charity evaluator in America and its website attracts more visitors than all other charity rating groups combined. The organization helps guide intelligent giving by evaluating the Financial Health and Accountability & Transparency of over 8,000 charities. Charity Navigator accepts no advertising or donations from the organizations it evaluates, ensuring unbiased evaluations, nor does it charge the public for this trusted data. As a result, Charity Navigator, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization itself, depends on support from individuals, corporations and foundations that believe it provides a much-needed service to America’s charitable givers. Charity Navigator, can be reached directly by telephone at (201) 818-1288, or by mail at 139 Harristown Road, Suite 101, Glen Rock, N.J., 07452.
Portland, OR. Chanukah begins Sat. night, Dec. 24, 2016 and continues through Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017. Chanukkah, the Jewish festival of rededication, also known as the festival of lights, is an eight-day festival beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. It is celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and foods. The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland has a full schedule of activities to celebrate Chanukah.
Chanukah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods.
The Hebrew word Chanukah means “dedication,” and is thus named because it celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple (as you’ll read below). Also spelled Hanukkah (or variations of that spelling), the Hebrew word is actually pronounced with a guttural, “kh” sound, kha-nu-kah, not tcha-new-kah.
What Chanukah Commemorates
Artist Dominic Alves captured this image of a snowy Chanukah in Brighton, UK.
In the second century BCE, the Holy Land was ruled by the Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks), who tried to force the people of Israel to accept Greek culture and beliefs instead of mitzvah observance and belief in G‑d. Against all odds, a small band of faithful Jews, led by Judah the Maccabee, defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, drove the Greeks from the land, reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and rededicated it to the service of G‑d.
When they sought to light the Temple’s Menorah (the seven-branched candelabrum), they found only a single cruse of olive oil that had escaped contamination by the Greeks. Miraculously, they lit the menorah and the one-day supply of oil lasted for eight days, until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity.
To commemorate and publicize these miracles, the sages instituted the festival of Chanukah.
Portland, OR. Since the 1940s, Catholic Charities has provided Refugee Resettlement services in the Portland area. Through its Resettlement Program, Catholic Charities assists individuals and families that must leave their home lands due to a fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, and political opinions. Refugees come from all parts of the world. Amina is part of a refugee family of 13 who arrived in Oregon in 2014. Originally from Somalia, her family lived in a camp in Uganda for more than 10 years without access to schools or healthcare. Now, resettled in Oregon by Catholic Charities, she is in the 10th grade, loves to cook, and has big dreams for the future. Amina now has safety, stability, and hope for the future – all made possible by donors who support Catholic Charities.
The Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program works to ensure that refugees are properly resettled and adjusted to their new home in Portland. The newly arriving refugee families are greeted at the airport. From the moment of arrival, program staff members work to meet basic needs, including shelter, furnishings, food, and clothing. Case Managers also facilitate referrals to other service providers and assist in enrolling refugee students in school. A community orientation is provided, including information on personal safety and public rules and issues.
A Liberian family of eleven arrived in Portland after spending ten years in a refugee camp in Ghana. The family has now been in the United States for five years and has applied for citizenship. They have successfully integrated into society and have recently purchased their first home. The family has expressed appreciation for all that Catholic Charities has done. This is just one of many success stories of the Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement program.
Volunteers are essential in welcoming newcomers; putting a human face on the United States and helping the refugees connect with the community. Volunteers, alongside case management staff, partner agencies and the client resettlement plan work together to help refugees in becoming self-sufficient. Volunteers act as Cultural Navigators, orienting them to a new community, helping them with advocacy and resource connections, tutoring them in English and providing friendships. Volunteers may also assist with airport arrivals, apartment set ups, grocery shopping, transportation to/from appointments, bus training, teaching/assisting Cultural Orientation classes and more. The most important gift you can give is kindness and a warm welcome. Depending on the type of volunteering that you choose to do, we ask for up to a six-eight month commitment. For more information about current volunteer opportunities and the next orientation session please contact Michelle Welton, Volunteer/Outreach Coordinator, at mwelton@catholiccharitiesoregon.org or 503-688-2689
Donations are crucial in assisting refugees begin their new life and allow them to focus on other priorities such as English-language learning, employment, health care, education and other in-tangible needs.
All donations are tax-deductible and tracking your donation allows us to communicate this important work to the larger community as well as help us in securing additional funding sources to offset such as case management services, rental deposits, utilities and more.
While we would be happy to supply you with a detailed list of items we ensure are supplied to all refugee families, our most urgent and ongoing needs include the following:
Portland, OR. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area had some welcome guests, like Blazer Meyers Leonard, adding holiday cheer.
San Antonio Spurs LaMarcus Aldridge spread some holiday cheer while in town for a game vs. the Trail Blazers.
Aldridge treated Club members from the Margaret Scott program in east Portland to lunch that included make your own burgers and a hot chocolate bar! Following lunch, LaMarcus handed out gifts for everyone.
From The Boys & Girls Clubs:
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Pare safe, positive places for kids to enjoy fun and engaging programs at an affordable price.
Clubs provide enrichment programs to youth while empowering them with a sense of belonging and security.
Clubs surround members with caring, trained staff that engage them in nationally proven evidence-based youth development programs.
Program areas include leadership and community service; academic enrichment; science and technology; performing and visual arts; personal health and fitness; college prep and workforce training; and recreation and sports leadership leagues.
Portland, OR. The nonprofit DoveLewis pet hospital has some important information to insure your pet’s health and safety this holiday season. From weather changes to family gatherings, the winter months can be hard on our pets. Pets living in moderate climates do not often acclimate well to significant drops in temperature. Even short bouts of extreme cold can cause serious or fatal health problems. Also, be extra cautious during holiday feasts, where your pet may be tempted by all the tasty treats.
A fur coat does not mean a warm pet. Hypothermia is a reality in cold weather. Keep your pet indoors as much as possible. When outside, check on your pets regularly, and make sure they have covered shelter with plenty of food and water. Blankets and thick towels will also help keep your animal warm.
Keep your pet hydrated in cold weather. Dehydration can be life-threatening in cold weather. If your pets are outside, make sure their water bowls are filled with clean water that is not frozen.
Avoid standing water. Standing water, like puddles or lakes, can give your pet digestive problems and may carry parasites or toxins. When outdoors, remember to bring fresh, clean water for your pet.
Be aware of chemicals used in cold weather. Chemicals used to melt snow or protect gardens in the winter pose severe danger to pets. Keep a close eye on pets when they are outside, and store all chemicals out of reach. Wipe your pet’s feet when they return indoors so they can’t lick any toxic residue that may have stuck to their paws.
Don’t leave pets in the car. We all know that hot cars pose a threat to pets, but cold cars are dangerous as well. A car acts like a refrigerator in cold weather and can rapidly chill your pet. Animals that are young, old, ill or thin are particularly susceptible to cold environments and should never be left in a cold car.
Avoid toxicosis caused by chocolate. Over the holidays, chocolate is one of the top food toxicities treated at DoveLewis. Keep chocolate candy, cakes and other desserts safely out of reach of pets, and monitor pets during food prep and feasts.
Keep all candy out of reach. Sugar can cause gastrointestinal upset, and lollipop sticks, plastic parts and wrappers can result in intestinal obstruction.
Don’t share “people food.” It may seem cruel to withhold holiday treats, but feeding pets “people food” often results in problems ranging from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe pancreatitis and even potentially life-threatening obstructions. Signs of serious problems may include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and depression.
Take caution with ornamental plants. While decorating for the holidays, pet owners should be aware that many ornamental plants, including poinsettias, lilies, narcissus, mistletoe and holly, are harmful to pets.
Check your pet’s registration and ID tags and update their microchip. With house guests coming and going, it’s common for unsupervised pets to get loose. Updating your pet’s microchip is the best way to ensure your lost pet will be returned. You may also post lost pet information on the DoveLewis online Lost and Found Pet Database.
Finally, just for fun…Does your furry friend enjoy the holidays? Share your best holiday pet pic on their facebook page for a chance to win a gift bag of treats and toys. The winners – one dog and one cat – will be announced Wed, Dec. 21. Click here for the link.
24-Hour Hospital Main Line: 503.228.7281
1945 NW Pettygrove Street
Portland, OR 97209
Phone: 503.228.7281
Fax: 503.228.0464
Open 24 hours / 7 days
We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for emergency and critical cases. Because of the serious and sensitive nature of emergency and critical care veterinary medicine, DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital does not give medical diagnoses or advice over the phone or through e-mail. The health of your pet is very important to us. We believe that in order to give you and your pet the best care, we must see your animal before we can accurately give a diagnosis or advice. Your regular veterinarian may be best suited for non-emergency questions or concerns.
DoveLewis is located near several TriMet stops. Please visit TriMet.org for more information. Our facility also has bike racks located across the parking lot from the front entrance.
Portland, OR. 2016 as been a busy year for Portland’s Habitat for Humanity and the new homeowners who are part of the program. The nonprofit does not build homes for people, but with them as equal partners. Homeowners must invest 500 hours of “sweat equity” into the building of their home. The homes are then sold at no profit, with an affordable mortgage. Each homeowner’s monthly mortgage payments go into a revolving fund that is used to build more local Habitat homes.
Dejene is hammering some nails into his new home. He is in the process of completing his 500 hours of sweat equity, and will move into his new home with his wife and four children in February. “I want to say thank you, because my family is getting the confidence to be successful,” he recently told volunteers on the build site. “Shelter is a basic need for our lives, so Habitat saved our lives.”
Here are some details about the program:
Habitat homes are built with a volunteer labor force, utilizing building materials and services that are donated by local business as well as individual and corporate donations. Working in partnership with individuals, businesses, neighborhood groups, and organizations, Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East has built over 300 simple, decent homes since 1981.
Families are selected based on the following criteria:
First-time homebuyer.
Citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.
Currently living in substandard or subsidized housing, and earning 35-60% of Portland MFI.
Ability to repay a mortgage (satisfactory credit and stable income).
Willingness to partner with Habitat.
Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East serves low-income families earning 35% to 60% of the Portland area’s median family income (MFI) or approximately $25,865 – $44,340 for a family of four. Habitat is the only program in the Portland area that offers homeownership opportunities to families in the 35% bracket.
Habitat sells houses for market value, which cannot be determined until the house is complete. No matter what the price of the house, Habitat is committed to keeping housing payments affordable. Habitat partner families’ housing payments will be set at 30% of their household gross monthly incomes at the time of sale. This monthly amount will include the mortgage payment, homeowners’ insurance, possibly HOA dues, and property taxes.
Portland, OR. Every year the B.U.L.L. Session event brings together hundreds of regional Business, Union and Labor Leaders to benefit one of our community’s most valuable assets: the children. On November 30th, $293,000 was presented at a reception held at the offices of the National Electrical Contractors Association, 601 NE Everett, Portland, OR 97232, to these charity organizations: Albertina Kerr’s Children’s Developmental Health Services, Gales Creek Camp Foundation, March of Dimes, Swindells Resource Center of Providence Child Center, Shriners Hospitals for Children® – Portland, and Wheel to Walk Foundation. (Photo credit, Ivan Vejar)
Tim Gauthier, BULL Session President; Sandy Getman, Founder of Wheel to Walk; and Jason Kaufman, BULL Session Board Member
Tim Gauthier, BULL Session President; Jeff Carr, CEO of Albertina Kerr Children’s Developmental Resource Center; and Jason Kaufman, BULL Session Board Member
The two-day fundraiser, attended by many of the area’s leaders, began Monday, Sept. 12, 2016, with a dinner and auction gala at the Oregon Convention Center. Day two, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016, was a golf tournament at the Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club.
Since its inception in 1991, the B.U.L.L. has raised over $5.8 million for local children. The B.U.L.L. Session is now one of Oregon’s largest charity events.
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The Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program works to ensure that refugees are properly resettled and adjusted to their new home in Portland. The newly arriving refugee families are greeted at the airport. From the moment of arrival, program staff members work to meet basic needs, including shelter, furnishings, food, and clothing. Case Managers also facilitate referrals to other service providers and assist in enrolling refugee students in school. A community orientation is provided, including information on personal safety and public rules and issues.
