B.U.L.L. Session Donates $300,000 to Local Children’s Charities

B.U.L.L. Session Donates $300,000 to Local Children’s Charities

Portland, January 10th, 2016. Kids at Randall Children’s Hospital Legacy Emanuel and hundreds from other nonprofits are singing the praises of generous donors who raised of $300,000 at the B.U.L.L. Session Invitational Charity Event. Checks were presented to these charity organizations: Albertina Kerr’s Children’s Developmental Health Services, Randall Children’s Hospital Legacy Emanuel, 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)

Charity recipients pose with checks received from BULL Session: Ray Baluyut, Randall Children's Hospital; Kay Ekeya, Shriners Hospital for Children®-Portland; Anjie Vannoy, March of Dimes; Cheryl Sheppard, Gales Creek Camp Foundation; Jodi Lippert, Albertina Kerr's Children's Developmental Health Services; Stephanie Montgomery, Swindells Resource Center of Providence Child Center; and Sandy Getman, Wheel to Walk.

Charity recipients pose with checks received from BULL Session: Ray Baluyut, Randall Children’s Hospital; Kay Ekeya, Shriners Hospital for Children®-Portland; Anjie Vannoy, March of Dimes; Cheryl Sheppard, Gales Creek Camp Foundation; Jodi Lippert, Albertina Kerr’s Children’s Developmental Health Services; Stephanie Montgomery, Swindells Resource Center of Providence Child Center; and Sandy Getman, Wheel to Walk.

The B.U.L.L. Session is one of the Northwest’s premier charity events. Every year the B.U.L.L Session event brings together hundreds of the regional Business, Union and Labor Leaders to benefit what they call the community’s most valuable assets: the children.

The two-day fundraiser began Monday, September 14, 2015, with a dinner and auction gala at the Oregon Convention Center. Day two, Tuesday, September 15, 2015, was a golf tournament at the prestigious Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club.

Since its inception in 1991, the B.U.L.L. has raised over $5.5 million for children. The B.U.L.L. Session is now one of Oregon’s largest charity events.

Alyson Evans, Kathy Hostetler, Ray Baluyut and Lynn Hallbacka from Randall Children's Hospital

Alyson Evans, Kathy Hostetler, Ray Baluyut and Lynn Hallbacka from Randall Children’s Hospital

Frank Wall, BULL Session Director; and Anjie Vannoy and Beth Joscelyn from March of Dimes

Frank Wall, BULL Session Director; and Anjie Vannoy and Beth Joscelyn from March of Dimes

Will Simons, Providence Child Center; Mary Holstein, Providence Child Center; and Stephanie Montgomery, Swindells Resource Center of Providence Child Center

Will Simons, Providence Child Center; Mary Holstein, Providence Child Center; and Stephanie Montgomery, Swindells Resource Center of Providence Child Center

Nanda Sturm, Mallory Anderson and Jodi Lippert from Albertina Kerr's Children's Developmental Health Services

Nanda Sturm, Mallory Anderson and Jodi Lippert from Albertina Kerr’s Children’s Developmental Health Services

From the B.U.L.L. Session:

The B.U.L.L. Session Charity Event is made up of Business, Union and Labor Leaders working hard to help bring smiles to needy children across our region. Today, the B.U.L.L. Session is one of Oregon’s largest charity events, contributing more than $5.5 million in just 25 years.

The organization was conceived by local business leaders in 1991 as a way of gathering representatives from various industries together for a day of golf and one common goal: to raise money for various charities within the community where we all live and work. The rallying cause was local children’s charities.

The first B.U.L.L. Session Golf Tournament was held at The Resort at the Mountain in 1991 and involved 87 golfers that each contributed a dollar or two to benefit one local children’s organization. The organizers begged and pleaded for participation and contributions, ultimately raising $5,000.00, which was donated to Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children. While the donation was small that first year, the spark was there and the fire had been ignited. The next year the B.U.L.L. Session raised four times as much to make a $20,000 donation. This year, our 25th event generated $300,000 for the B.U.L.L. Kids.

The B.U.L.L. Session works hard to improve the lives of some very special local children through charities such as Albertina Kerr Children’s Developmental Health Services, Gales Creek Camp Foundation, March of Dimes, Randall Children’s Hospital Legacy Emanuel, Shriners Hospitals for Children – Portland, Swindells Resource Center of Providence Child Center, and Wheel to Walk Foundation.

The B.U.L.L. Session Charity Golf Events is qualified as exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3); tax ID 93-1078155.

 

Local Attractions Offer Reciprocal Admission to Members in 2016

Local Attractions Offer Reciprocal Admission to Members in 2016

Portland, January 7th, 2016. Back by popular demand, eight museums and attractions in the Portland metro area have teamed up to offer a reciprocal membership program in 2016. There are many notable attractions including Oregon Historical Society’s photo collections with images of Robert Kennedy visiting the zoo. If you become a member at one organization you’ll have access to the others during specific months.

The Portland Attractions Marketing Alliance – a group of marketing representatives from major attractions around the city – organized the joint membership programs. In 2016, members of the Oregon Zoo, World Forestry Center, Oregon Historical Society, Lan Su Chinese Garden, Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals, Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, Washington County Museum, & Deepwood Museum & Gardens will have access to free admission for up to four people during the designated months.

Here’s the schedule:

The free admission is offered for the whole month, just as it would be for members of that attraction. You may visit as many times as you like at the featured attraction each month.

Visitors just show their proof of membership along with photo ID to the gate attendants at the designated attraction to receive 4 admission tickets.

This benefit is solely for attraction admission during regular business hours. The membership benefit does not extend to discounts on classes, camps, store merchandise, or special events.

This benefit is solely for admission to attractions like Lan Su Chineese Garden during regular business hours. The membership benefit does not extend to discounts on classes, camps, store merchandise, or special events.

September 2016 is the month for Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum

September 2016 is the month for visits to the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum.

So, if you have a membership to one of the eight attractions listed above, you’ll get free admission to that month’s attraction for up to four people (only one person needs to be a member).

Top 10 Stories on Portland Society Page in 2015

Top 10 Stories on Portland Society Page in 2015

Portland, January 3rd, 2016. It has been an exciting year for PortlandSocietyPage.com. We’ve covered over 1,060 stories about local nonprofits since our launch in 2011. In 2015, we witnessed the joy of Jordan and Arlene Schnitzer at the PNCA Grand Opening and watched a transgender activist throw out the first pitch at the Bat’n Rouge benefit for Cascade Aids Project. Offering a public platform for nonprofit news and information is our goal and we continue to be inspired by the admirable work of outstanding community members. We’re looking forward to many more exciting stories in 2016. Here are stories which had the most views in 2015.

Nancy Hales, Portland's First Lady, learns more about Farmers Ending Hunger and the importance of Eastern Oregon to the entire state's food production

Hermiston, September 4th, 2015. Farmers Ending Hunger Founder Fred Ziari & Executive Director John Burt took Portland’s First Lady, Nancy Hales, on a tour of River Point Farms in Hermiston so she could see first hand what farmers are doing across our state to help end hunger. The mission of Farmers Ending Hunger is to eliminate hunger in Oregon by increasing the amount of high quality food available to hungry local communities through a partnership of farmers, food processors, Oregon Food Bank and the public…

Portland, November 6th, 2015. Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) raised a record-breaking $57,000 at this year’s sold-out Oregon Fall Luncheon event at the Nines Hotel in Portland. During the event, eight puppies born at GDB were introduced to the Portland-area local families who will care for them, and teach them basic obedience and manners, during the first year of their lives. Many of GDB’s local puppy raisers have mentored more than 10 puppies on behalf of GDB. After their time with the puppy raisers, the dogs return to one of GDB’s campuses for formal training. GDB is the largest guide-dog school in North America. (Photo credit, Morry Anne Angell)…

Park City, January 24th, 2014. Executive producer Brad Pitt and actor James Franco were at the premiere of “True Story”during the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. Franco plays Christian Longo, who killed his wife and three children on the Oregon coast in 2001 and fled to Mexico, where he said he was Michael Finkel, a reporter for The New York Times.

#7 St. Mary’s Academy auction exceeds $1 million; Breaks auction fundraising record

 Auction guest Mary Mathews Stevens '80, Auction Co-Chairs Molly Mathews Bjorklund '85 and Marilyn Whitaker, St. Mary's Academy President Christina Friedhoff

Portland, April 11th, 2015. More than 700 guests joined St. Mary’s Academy for A Moment to Sparkle, the school’s 27thAnnual Auction held at the Oregon Convention Center’s Portland Ballroom. Cathy Marshall of KGW served as the mistress of ceremonies for the evening, keeping the crowd excited and engaged. The event was a sparkling success as St. Mary’s Academy raised $1,070,000 thanks to the generosity and support of the school’s dedicated community. This extraordinary amount is the largest in the history of the event and $170,000 over last year.

 Jordan and Arlene Schnitzer at the PNCA Grand Opening

Portland, March 20th, 2015. The Grand Opening Celebration for PNCA’s Arlene and Harold Schnitzer Center for Art and Design at 511 NW Broadway went off without a hitch. It was an opportunity to officially preview the new Center for Art and Design.  Through a $34 million transformation of a nearly century-old post office, the College is positioned at the heart of the city’s burgeoning creative corridor. Community leaders say the opening of the center will usher in a new era of art and design education in the Pacific Northwest. The expansion is expected to bring vitality to the North Park Blocks as well as the Old Town and Chinatown neighborhoods. (Photo credit, Mario Gallucci)…

 NCL seniors Natalie Kinsel, Isabel Klein and Adele English.

Portland, April 26th, 2015. After six years of service to the community, 22 high school seniors from The National Charity League, Inc. Portland Chapter were honored at a special celebration at the Sentinel Hotel.  Most of the young women, including Natalie Kinsel, Isabel Klein and Adele English began volunteering with their mothers during seventh grade and in total, the seniors worked 3,069 hours…

 Ron Cain, Sheila Hamilton, Jeff Kohnstamm, Sally Kohnstamm

Portland, May 17th, 2015. Flawless Foundation board member Sheila Hamilton hosted a private event in her home to benefit the work of the foundation. She’s pictured with Ron Cain, Jeff Kohnstamm and Sally Kohnstamm. The evening offered a chance for guests to become acquainted with the Foundation’s mission, which is to revolutionize the way people perceive, prevent, and treat brain-based behavioral challenges. (photo credit, J.Francis Rhodes)…

#3 $3.2 Million Raised at 2015 Classic Wines Auction to Boost Local Charities

Former New England Patriots Quarterback and Proprietor of Doubleback Winery, Drew Bledsoe, bids during the live auction

Portland, March 7th, 2015. 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…

 Claudia and Molly McClure had fun capturing the auctioneer’s attention.

Portland, March 14th, 2015. There were lots of excited ALS supporters at the nonprofit’s gala. The event drew over 600 people who had the chance to bid on live auction packages such as a trip for two to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. The benefit raised $345,000 to continue the fight against ALS. Patrons also had the exclusive opportunity to hear from Barbara Newhouse, President and CEO of The National ALS Association as well as Nancy Frates, mother to Pete Frates, one of the young men who helped initiate the Ice Bucket Challenge out of Beverly, Massachusetts. At the event Claudia and Molly McClure had fun capturing the auctioneer’s attention.

#1 Providence Child Center Heart of Gold Gala Raises $495,000

Carole Vranizan, Dave Rianda, former Governor Barbara Roberts, and Valerie Fisher

Portland, February 12th, 2015. This year’s Providence Child Center Heart of Gold Dinner was an evening full of heartwarming tributes and an outpouring of generosity. Carole Vranizan, Dave Rianda, former Governor Barbara Roberts, and Valerie Fisher enjoyed the evening. The event raised more than $495,000 for Providence’s Center for Medically Fragile Children to support the life enriching programs and therapies that help these children reach their fullest potential…

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Humane Society for Southwest Washington Thankful for New Banfield Foundation Donation

Humane Society for Southwest Washington Thankful for New Banfield Foundation Donation

Vancouver, January 3rd, 2016. The Humane Society for Southwest Washington received a donation of an x-ray machine to help the pets in their care from Banfield Pet Hospital foundation. In 2015, more than 4,400 dogs and cats were adopted at the Humane Society.

“This is a game-changer.” That’s how Stacey Graham, Executive Director at the Humane Society for Southwest Washington described the next grant in the BanfieldFoundation’s “12 Days of Giving.” The donation will go toward an x-ray machine for their shelter’s veterinary clinic, enabling approximately 520 pets per year to receive advanced care.

“This is a game-changer.” That’s how Stacey Graham, Executive Director at the Humane Society for Southwest Washington described the next grant in the BanfieldFoundation’s “12 Days of Giving.” The donation will go toward an x-ray machine for their shelter’s veterinary clinic, enabling approximately 520 pets per year to receive advanced care.

 HSSW does not euthanize healthy, adoptable animals and does not place a time-limit on the animals in our care. They remain residents of the shelter until they are adopted or transferred to another shelter or rescue organization that continues to work to find that animal a permanent home. The HSSW is a member of ASAP (Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland), a group of public and private shelters in the greater Vancouver/Portland area committed to ending the euthanasia of social, healthy and treatable cats and dogs in our local shelters, by collaborating on spay/neuter programs, educational and outreach efforts, and the promotion of humane alternatives for feral cats.

HSSW does not euthanize healthy, adoptable animals and does not place a time-limit on the animals in our care. They remain residents of the shelter until they are adopted or transferred to another shelter or rescue organization that continues to work to find that animal a permanent home. The HSSW is a member of ASAP (Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland), a group of public and private shelters in the greater Vancouver/Portland area committed to ending the euthanasia of social, healthy and treatable cats and dogs in our local shelters, by collaborating on spay/neuter programs, educational and outreach efforts, and the promotion of humane alternatives for feral cats.

About the Banfield Foundation

Established in 2015 by Banfield Pet Hospital, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is committed to improving the well-being of pets and communities by:

  • Elevating the power of the pet-human bond
  • Strengthening the pet welfare community
  • Providing disaster relief for pets
  • Advancing the science of veterinary medicine through fostering innovation and education

Get Involved and Donate Now

Banfield Foundation GrantsOur grants offer support for emergency and preventive veterinary care and provide funding to pet-related nonprofit organizations in order keep pets healthy and in loving homes.

Veterinary Assistance Grants:

Our Veterinary Assistance Grants provide financial support to fund veterinary care programs for qualifying pet owners.

Pet Advocacy Grants:

Our Pet Advocacy Grants support nonprofit organization programs that are designed to keep pets healthy and in loving homes.

In 1955, veterinarian Warren J. Wegert had a vision to provide high-quality veterinary medicine in Portland, Oregon. Since then, Banfield Pet Hospital has grown to more than 900 locations across the United States and Puerto Rico, with this understanding: The best relationships are formed when people work together.

Giving in 2016? Here are the Top 10 Best Practices of Savvy Donors

Giving in 2016? Here are the Top 10 Best Practices of Savvy Donors

Portland, December 31st, 2015. You can still make a last-minute tax deductible donation to charitable organization.  The nonprofit vetting organization, Charity Navagator, has some tips for making smart choices.

  1. Be Proactive In Your Giving
    Smart givers generally don’t give reactively in a knee-jerk fashion. They don’t respond to the first organization that appeals for help. They take the time to identify which causes are most important to their families and they are specific about the change they want to affect. For example, they don’t just support generic cancer charities, but instead have targeted goals for their giving, such as providing mammograms to at-risk women in their community.
  2. Hang Up The Phone / Eliminate The Middleman
    Informed donors recognize that for-profit fundraisers, those often used in charitable telemarketing campaigns, keep a large portion (in some cases all) of each dollar they collect (read our report about  telemarketing for more specifics on the costs affiliated with this form of fundraising). Wise donors never give out their personal information – like credit card accounts, social security numbers – over the phone. If they like what they hear in the pitch, they’ll hang up, investigate the charity on-line and send their contribution directly to the charity, thereby cutting out the middleman and ensuring 100% of their donation reaches the charity. Taking it a step further, donors may want to reconsider supporting a charity that uses an inefficient telemarketing approach and instead identify a charity that does not use telemarketing to raise funds.
  3. Be Careful Of Sound-Alike Names
    Uninformed donors are easily confused by charities that have strikingly similar names to others. How many of us could tell the difference between an appeal from the Children’s Charity Fund and the Children’s Defense Fund? Their names sound the same, but their performances are vastly different. Would you be surprised to learn that the Children’s Charity Fund is a 0-star charity while the Children’s Defense Fund is a 3-star charity? Informed donors take the time to uncover the difference.
  4. Confirm 501(c) (3) Status
    Wise donors don’t drop money into canisters at the checkout counter or hand over cash to solicitors outside the supermarket. Situations like these are irresistible to scam artists who wish to take advantage of your goodwill. Smart givers only support groups granted tax-exempt status under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All of the charities evaluated by Charity Navigator meet this basic requirement.
  5. Check The Charity’s Commitment To Accountability & Transparency
    In 2011, Charity Navigator added an Accountability & Transparency dimension to its rating system. It tracks metrics such as whether the charity used an objective process to determine their CEO’s salary, whether it has an effective governance structure, and whether it has a whistleblower policy. This data is critical because charities that follow good governance and transparency practices are less likely to engage in unethical or irresponsible activities. So, the risk that such charities would misuse donations is lower than for charities that don’t adopt such practices.
  6. Obtain Copies Of Its Financial Records
    Savvy donors know that the financial health of a charity is a strong indicator of the charity’s programmatic performance. They know that in most cause areas, the most efficient charities spend 75% or more of their budget on their programs and services and less than 25% on fundraising and administrative fees. However, they also understand that mid-to-large sized charities do require a strong infrastructure therefore a claim of zero fundraising and/or administrative fees is unlikely at best. They understand that a charity’s ability to sustain its programs over time is just as important as its short-term day-to-day spending practices. Therefore, savvy donors also seek out charities that are able to grow their revenue at least at the rate of inflation, that continue to invest in their programs and that have some money saved for a rainy day. All of this analysis is provided on Charity Navigator’s website for free, but when considering groups not found here, savvy donors ask the charity for copies of its three most recent Forms 990. Not only can the donor examine the charity’s finances, but the charity’s willingness to send the documents is a good way to assess its commitment to transparency.
  7. Review Executive Compensation
    Sophisticated donors realize that charities need to pay their top leaders a competitive salary in order to attract and retain the kind of talent needed to run a multi-million dollar organization and produce results. But they also don’t just take the CEO’s compensation at face value; they benchmark it against similar-sized organizations engaged in similar work and located in the same region of the country. To help you make your own decision, Charity Navigator’s analysis reveals that the average CEO’s compensation of the charities we evaluate is almost $150,000. In general, salaries tend to be higher in the northeast and at arts and education charities. Sophisticated donors also put the CEO’s salary into context by examining the overall performance of the organization. They know it is better to contribute to a charity with a well-paid CEO that is meeting its goals than to support a charity with an underpaid CEO that fails to deliver on its promises. (Check out our CEO Compensation Study for more benchmarking data.)
  8. Start A Dialogue To Investigate Its Programmatic Results
    Although it takes some effort on their part to assess a charity’s programmatic impact, donors who are committed to advancing real change believe that it is worth their time. Before they make a contribution, they talk with the charity to learn about its accomplishments, goals and challenges. These donors are prepared to walk away from any charity that is unable or unwilling to participate in this type of conversation.
  9. Concentrate Your Giving
    When it comes to financial investments, diversification is the key to reducing risk. The opposite is true for philanthropic investments. If you’ve really taken the time to identify a well-run charity that is engaged in a cause that you are passionate about, you should then feel confident in giving it a donation. Spreading your money among multiple organizations not only results in your mail box filling up with more appeals, it also diminishes the possibility of any of those groups bringing about substantive change as each charity is wasting part of your gift on processing expenses for that gift.
  10. Share Your Intentions And Make A Long-Term Commitment
    Smart donors support their favorite charities for the long haul. They see themselves as a partner in the charity’s efforts to bring about change. They know that only with long-term, committed supporters can a charity be successful. And they don’t hesitate to tell the charity of their giving plans so that the organization knows it can rely on the donor and the charity doesn’t have to waste resources and harass the donor by sending numerous solicitations.
Classic Wines Auction Fall Winemakers Dinner Breaks Record

Classic Wines Auction Fall Winemakers Dinner Breaks Record

Portland, December 23rd, 2015. The numbers are in and the Fall Winemaker Dinner series, hosted by Classic Wines Auction, raised $61,790. The series featured 17 restaurants from the Portland metro area, 23 wineries and drew a total of 483 guests. Supporters at the Imperial Dinner, with wines from Archery Summit Winery and Cameron Winery, included Annette Joly, DJ Wilson (CWA Board Chair), Christian Joly. The total dinner revenue was the largest amount raised at the Fall series to date. The total raffle revenue was $10,900, bringing the grand total to $72,690. (photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Imperial Dinner. From Left: Heather Martin (CWA Executive Director), Chris Mazepink (Winemaker Archery Summit), Chef Vitaly Paley (Owner, Imperial), John Paul (Owner/Winemaker Cameron Winery)

Heather Martin, (CWA Executive Director), Chris Mazepink (Winemaker Archery Summit), Chef Vitaly Paley (Owner, Imperial), John Paul (Owner/Winemaker Cameron Winery).

P.R.E.A.M. Pizza dinner with wines from Ovum Wines and Minimus Winery. Don’t have all the names for this. Suggested caption: Torre Chisholm, Chief Development Officer with Special Olympics Oregon, toasts with fellow guests at the P.R.E.A.M Winemaker Dinner.

Guests at the P.R.E.A.M. Pizza dinner with wines from Ovum Wines and Minimus Winery included Torre Chisholm, Chief Development Officer with Special Olympics Oregon.

CWA_WMD4

Renata dinner featuring wines from Brick House Wine Company: Suggested caption: Guests at Renata toast to Doug Tunnel, Owner and Winemaker at Brick House Wine Company.

The Renata dinner featured wines from Brick House Wine Company. Guests at Renata included Doug Tunnel, Owner and Winemaker at Brick House Wine Company.

Simpatica Dinner with wines from Durant Vineyards and Stoller Family Estate. Suggested Caption: Sean Suib, Executive Director New Avenues for Youth (left), joins fellow New Avenues staff and supporters for an evening of delicious food and delectable wines at the Classic Wines Auction fall Winemaker Dinner series.

Here’s a photo from the Simpatica Dinner with wines from Durant Vineyards and Stoller Family Estate. Sean Suib, Executive Director New Avenues for Youth (left), joins fellow New Avenues staff and supporters for an evening of food and wines.

Funds from the Classic Wines Auction and related events are distributed to six benefiting charity partners at the end of each year. CWA’s partner charities include Metropolitan Family Service, New Avenues for Youth, Friends of the Children, YWCA Clark County, Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel and Special Olympics Oregon.

Holiday Ale Festival Raises $20,000 for Charity

Holiday Ale Festival Raises $20,000 for Charity

Portland, December 20th, 2015. Organizers have announced that Beer lovers helped raise $20,000 for charity this month at the Holiday Ale Festival. The event was held in Pioneer Courthouse Square December 2nd-6th.

Craft beer legends Rob Widmer with Widmer Brothers Brewing & Christian Ettinger with Hopworks Urban Brewery chat with KATU News Katherine Kisiel.

Craft beer legends Rob Widmer with Widmer Brothers Brewing & Christian Ettinger with Hopworks Urban Brewery chat with KATU News’ Katherine Kisiel.

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Joe Vithayathil, a feature reporter for FOX 12, had a chance to check out the Urban German Grill booth.

The annual festival dedicates its proceeds to the nonprofit Children’s Cancer Association MusicRx program, which delivers the healing power of music to children battling cancer and their families.

The Pacific Northwest’s only winter beer festival attracted 14,000 attendees, who tasted their way through 50 beers, ciders, mead and braggot.

Each offering was blended specifically for the event, or were vintage offerings hard to find in the region.

Those that rose to the top of fans’ reviews included the following: Reverend Nat’s Winter Abbey Spiced Cider (served warm); Deschutes Brewery’s Pacific Wunderland (Munich IPA); Feckin Irish Brewing’s Top’ O The Feckin Mornin (bourbon barrel-aged Imperial Espresso milk porter); 54° 40’ Brewing’s Snowball Headed for Hell (white IPA); Eel River Brewing’s Gargantua III (imperial barrel-aged strong ale); Bear Republic Brewing’s Cuvee du Santa (sour brown ale); and Fort George Brewery’s Deck the Helles (barrel-aged Helles lager).

Organizers rounded up the proceeds to the nearest $1,000 and then quadrupled the amount.

The festival also featured 46 special tappings, including a four-year vertical of The Abyss by Deschutes Brewing.

Fans used a mobile app to keep on top of the tappings and meet-the-brewer events.

The five-day festival starts each year the Wednesday after Thanksgiving; next year’s event is set for Nov. 30-Dec. 4th.

Pacific University Honors Top Donors at Holiday Celebration

Pacific University Honors Top Donors at Holiday Celebration

Portland, December 3rd, 2015. Pacific University recognized its most generous donors during the university’s annual Celebration of Giving banquet at the RiverPlace Hotel in Portland. Trustee Doug Weberling, Carolyn Weberling and Eileen Weberling were joined by Vice President Cassie Warman at the event. Doug and Eileen were inducted into the President’s Circle. (photo credit Robbie Bourland, Pacific University)

John and Susan Saling hold a glass acorn designating the late Sally Ann Brown's induction into the Pacific University President's Circle

John and Susan Saling hold a glass acorn designating the late Sally Ann Brown’s induction into the Pacific University President’s Circle.

Elaine and Benjamin Whiteley enjoy the Pacific University Celebration

Elaine and Benjamin Whiteley enjoy the event.

Jwana Ibsies and Wassim Ayoub represent Fred Meyer Stores.

Jwana Ibsies and Wassim Ayoub represented Fred Meyer Stores.

John King, founder of the Sara Hopkins Powell Scholarship, shares why he gives to Pacific University at the Celebration of Giving.

John King, founder of the Sara Hopkins Powell Scholarship, shares why he gives to Pacific University.

ohn King, founder of the Sara Hopkins Powell Scholarship, poses with scholarship recipient Victoria Hampton '15 at the Pacific University Celebration of Giving.

John King, founder of the Sara Hopkins Powell Scholarship, poses with scholarship recipient Victoria Hampton ’15 at the Pacific University Celebration.

President Lesley Hallick thanked philanthropic members of the university’s Trombley Society, President’s Circle, 1849 Society and the Heart of Oak Society, whose contributions provide scholarships and other resources for Pacific students. Additionally, the newest members of the President’s Circle, those who have given at least $100,000 over their lifetimes to Pacific, were honored, including alumnus and current trustee Doug Weberling ’72, OD ’74; trustee emeritus and former Lasco Shipping president Kenneth Lewis and wife Colleen, the Stanich Family, and posthumously, longtime Forest Grove resident Sally Ann Brown.

From Pacific University:

Pacific University is a diverse learning community offering a unique combination of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in the liberal arts and sciences, education, business, optometry and the health professions.

The school was founded in Forest Grove in 1849 by Congregationalist pioneers. Originally the Tualatin Academy, it became Pacific University in 1854 and conferred its first baccalaureate degree in 1863. Today, Pacific University serves more than 3,500 students on its campuses in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Woodburn and Eugene, and also operates a variety of healthcare clinics in the greater Portland area. Students and alumni hail from all 50 states and several countries around the world.

Providence Festival of Trees’ 33rd Anniversary Breaks Records

Providence Festival of Trees’ 33rd Anniversary Breaks Records

Portland, December 4th, 2015. A focus on children led to a record-breaking year for Providence Festival of Trees’ 33rd anniversary in Portland. This holiday tradition delighted thousands during the public show, but the real Christmas magic happened during the gala and auction that kicked off the weekend’s festivities. The sold-out event hosted more than 1,000 generous donors who were there to support the expansion of pediatric developmental health services. The gala raised a record-breaking $1.1 million, which included two generous donations of $50,000 during the special appeal – one from Bob and Sharon Miller and another from Ron and Tammy Witcosky; a $50,000 commitment from local pediatric providers; and an auction bid of $25,000 for a Starbucks-themed tree.

Tree Name: Rockin' Sounds of Christmas Sponsor: Providence Health Plan Decorators: Ronni Nichuals, Judy Campbell Mary Nichols, Velma Rodriguez

Tree Name: Rockin’ Sounds of Christmas
Sponsor: Providence Health Plan
Decorators: Ronni Nichuals, Judy Campbell Mary Nichols, Velma Rodriguez

 

Tree Name: Hearts and Cups Filled Sponsor: Starbucks Coffee Company Decorators: Jerin Boyer and Jodi Casey

Tree Name: Hearts and Cups Filled
Sponsor: Starbucks Coffee Company
Decorators: Jerin Boyer and Jodi Casey

Resa Bradeen, M.D., Regional Medical Director, Children’s Services with Bob Mendelson, M.D., retired pediatrician, Pediatric Associates of the NW

Resa Bradeen, M.D., Regional Medical Director, Children’s Services with Bob Mendelson, M.D., retired pediatrician, Pediatric Associates of the NW.

Rita and Fred Donnelly browse the silent auction at the 2015 Festival of Trees gala

Rita and Fred Donnelly browse the silent auction at the 2015 Festival of Trees gala.

Sharon Miller, middle, with Sandy and Bob Albers helped raise more than $1 million dollars at this year’s Providence Festival of Trees

Sharon Miller, middle, with Sandy and Bob Albers helped raise more than $1 million dollars at this year’s Providence Festival of Trees.

The Festival of Trees gala hosted more than 1,000 generous donors who were there to support the expansion of pediatric developmental health services

The Festival of Trees gala hosted more than 1,000 generous donors who were there to support the expansion of pediatric developmental health services.

“The amount of engagement by donors and the public has been amazing,” said Resa Bradeen, M.D., regional medical director, Children’s Services, Providence Health & Services. “Most people know someone who is caring for a child with special health needs and understand the level of support that families need.”

One in five children has special health needs, developmental delays or disabilities, and the community lacks the resources to care for them all. Providence provides specialized evaluation, treatment, education and support for children facing challenges such as autism, cerebral palsy, complex ADHD, Down syndrome or sensory processing disorder. “Our goal is to double the number of children we serve next year, and the tremendous outpouring of support will allow us to take our program to the next level,” added Dr. Bradeen.

During the Festival of Trees gala, Dr. Bradeen announced that the Providence Neurodevelopmental Center for Children will be renamed Providence Children’s Development Institute, reflecting Providence’s vision to become a center of excellence for children with special health care needs. Providence Children’s Health is committed to reversing a state and national trend of limited access to care for these children and their families. As a beneficiary of the 2015 Providence Festival of Trees, Providence will be able to begin expanding developmental, behavioral and neurological services.

In total, the 2015 Providence Festival of Trees in Portland was attended by more than 20,000 holiday-minded visitors and raised $1.1 million and counting as donations continue to come in.

Providence’s two other festival celebrations in Seaside and Medford generated a combined total of more than $600,000 in contributions for programs in those communities.

Providence Health & Services in Oregon:

Providence Health & Services in Oregon, ranked as the seventh most integrated health care system in the nation, offers a comprehensive array of health and education services through its eight hospitals, medical clinics, health plans, long-term care facilities and home health services. With more than 17,000 employees, Providence is the state’s largest private employer. Visit www.providence.org/oregon.

Junior League of Portland Celebrates a Banner Year to Volunteer

Junior League of Portland Celebrates a Banner Year to Volunteer

Portland, December 21 2015. It’s a time for reflection for members of the Junior League as members gear up for their New Year’s Eve Charity Ball December 31, 2015 at the Gerding Theater at the Armory. Highlights of 2015 have included the seventh annual JLP CARES event in October where board members, Regina Wheeler, Sarah Burns, Courtney Flood, Kristin Kilshaw, and KaDo Gorman were all smiles. (photo credit, Erica Ann Photography)

Devin and Leslie Nevius spent time marking their bids for the silent auction.

Devin and Leslie Nevius spent time marking their bids for the silent auction.

The JLP CAREs Committee were true to their red dress theme.

The JLP CAREs Committee members were true to their red dress theme.

Dozens of bottles wines were on display for the wine grab.

Dozens of bottles wines were on display for the wine grab.

Guests enjoy the beautiful cityscape from atop the Portland EcoTrust building.

Guests enjoy the beautiful cityscape from atop the Portland EcoTrust building.

2015 also saw members involved with a “Gingerbread Jamboree” which is A Junior League of Portland’s Fundraiser Gingerbread House decorating for families on December 5th.

 

The Gingerbread Jamboree 2015 — at Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI).

The Gingerbread Jamboree 2015 was held at Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI).

The league also welcomed 117 Provisional members following a remarkable recruitment season.

The league also welcomed 117 Provisional members following a remarkable recruitment season.

From Junior League:

Women building better communities. That’s the Junior League.
The Junior League has been the driving force behind the kinds of initiatives and institutions that make our community a healthier, more vital places to live.

Junior League members, reflecting a wide range of backgrounds, interests, and professional pursuits work together to identify unmet needs, forge effective coalitions, and work for change. Time and time again, the Junior League is among the first organizations to step up to the plate and tackle a community’s biggest challenges.

Membership
Junior League of Portland is successful because of our outstanding group of committed, trained volunteers. Our members create new initiatives, drive current community programs, and manage fund development efforts to support our efforts. Membership requirements include dues, committee assignments, attendance and volunteer requirements, and fund development efforts. Membership requirements are flexible to accommodate a variety of work and personal schedules.
Our membership tiers include:Provisional Members
Members in their first year, learning about JLP’s programs, fund development efforts and membership requirements.To learn more about becoming a Provisional Member, click here.Active Members
Committee members, Chairs and Board members leading the day-to-day activities of JLP.Sustainers
After several active years, Sustainers continue their support of JLP, without the active requirements.For more information on how to become a member, email

Transferring to Portland? Email membership@juniorleagueofportland.org