Portland, January 3rd, 2014. It’s been an exciting year for PortlandSocietyPage.com. We’ve had nearly 400,000 page views since our launch. We’ve covered over 900 stories about local the nonprofits. Those admirable organizations have raised millions of dollars for worthy beneficiaries.
Here’s the list of the top ten stories (in reverse order to build your suspense) on PortlandSocietyPage.com during 2014.
Portland, December 6th, 2014. The Spinners, Illusionist Hart Keene from America’s Got Talent, Erik Swartz from Laff Factory in Los Angeles, and The Brown Sisters from Portland packed the Oregon Convention Center Ballroom for community leader Roy Jay’s annual “Spam and Velvetta” Holiday party. Audience members were encouraged to donate to various local charities. Roy Jay’s nonprofit also gave away use of a Toyota for a year, along with other prizes to say “Thank You” for support.
Roy Jay addressed the crowd.
New Portland Police Chief Larry O’Dea and wife Kay were among the 750+ people attending the Roy Jay annual “Spam and Velveeta” holiday event.
Retiring Portland Police Chief Michael Reese and his wife enjoyed the event.
CPA Joel Forbess and wife Tracey enjoyed the entire evening.
Marcia and George Hocker bought their tickets months before the event and got some of the best seats in the house. “Portland needs more first class events like this” says George. “Thanks Roy Jay for what you do for our communities”
The Spinners were a big hit with the crowd.
The event also recognized returning veterans and their families. Complimentary seating provided by KBNP Radio, Enterprise Holdings, TradeYa, Inc and Roy Jay Enterprises. Thanks to Roy Jay’s partners and members of the African American Chamber, the event encouraged the audience to donate to local nonprofits such as Lines for Life, M.I.K.E. Program, Highland’s Haven and Project Clean Slate.
Grand prizes this year included a 2014 Toyota Prius, Portland Trailblazer courtside seats, color televisions and much more. The 750+ guests enjoyed a nonstop professionally produced event that has become the “must attend” event of the holiday season. Jay says that his Las Vegas and Portland staffers are already working on a list of potential 2015 performers that are on the short list including Diana Ross, Bette Midler, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Kool and The Gang and The Pointer Sisters.
Portland, December 30th, 2014. Classic Wines Auction held a Happy Hour at Kuni Happy hour event. The celebration was in held in honor of Chris Hermann who enthusiastically won the bidding war for the highly coveted BMW i8 at the 30th anniversary Classic Wines Auction last March.
Supporters came out to see the new BMW and raise a glass to the nonprofit work of Classic Wines Auction, Inc.
Chris Hermann (second in from the right) rang in the New Year with the unveiling of his new 2015 BMW i8 at the Kuni BMW dealership in Beaverton, Ore. Hermann is pictured here with Richard Kumar (far right), Area Manager for BMW of North America; Heather Martin, Executive Director of the Classic Wines Auction; Greg Goodwin, CEO of Kuni Automotive and Classic Wines Auction Board Member; and Shane O’Hanrahan, General Manager of Kuni BMW (far left).
With nearly 75 guests cheering him on, Hermann unveiled the luxury hybrid sports car with the help of his father and daughter.
From Classic Wines Auction:
Consistently recognized as one of the top ten charity wine auctions in the country by Wine Spectator Magazine since 2001, the Classic Wines Auction has raised nearly $33 million for Portland-area charities since its inception in 1982. Based in Portland, Ore., Classic Wines Auction, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to producing the Classic Wines Auction and related food and wine events to raise funds for local charities benefiting children and families, including: Metropolitan Family Service, New Avenues for Youth, Friends of the Children-Portland, YWCA Clark County and Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel. See more at www.classicwinesauction.com
Portland, December 6th, 2014. The home of Lewis & Clark College President Barry Glassner and his wife, literary agent Betsy Amster, was alive with holiday cheer as the couple welcomed University supporters and Dunthorpe neighbors for a festive celebration. Gaye and Jim Richardson, a College Board of Trustee member, enjoyed the party and are pictured on either side of the College President and his wife.
The grand dining room spread featured delicious fresh local fare.
The Dan Balmer Trio entertained.
Elisa Klein, PortlandSocietyPage.com editor, is pictured at the party with her husband, Steven Klein, and Hans and Azin van Alebeek.
From Lewis & Clark:
A Lewis & Clark education isn’t like anything you could experience anywhere else. We’re a private institution with a public conscience, a residential campus with global reach. Students and faculty throughout all three of Lewis & Clark’s schools—the College of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate School of Education and Counseling, and the Law School—pursue new ways of knowing by combining classic liberal learning with pioneering collaboration.
Our students represent the next generation of global thinkers and leaders, unafraid to discard conventional thinking, civic complacency, and outmoded preconceptions. Yet they value what Lewis & Clark offers: an education built from the time-tested elements of careful study, original research, and spirited debate.
So what makes the experience of our students unique? How about the inspiring beauty of our natural setting, on 137 wooded acres in Portland’s southwest hills. Or our rich history and our diverse, multicultural present. Or our commitment to interdisciplinary academic learning, as well as community engagement here in Portland and around the world.
Add to this our well-stocked libraries, award-winning green buildings, and outstanding athletic facilities; our implementation of technology and the innovative research it allows; and above all our committed and engaged students, teachers, mentors, staff, alumni, donors, and friends. It all adds up to Lewis & Clark, a place where agile minds come to learn, to explore, and to work together.
Portland, December 10th, 2014. Thirty kids with Friends of the Children were treated to a memorable experience at the Moda Center. Windermere Stellar donated a Portland Trail Blazers clinic that featured two hours of private basketball instruction, highlighting Jerome Kersey and mascot Blaze, to Friends of the Children. Youth with Friends of the Children pose with Portland Trailblazers employees, Blaze and Windermere Stellar executives during the private clinic.
Portland Trailblazers legend, Jerome Kersey, talks shop with kids from Friends of the Children during a private basketball clinic donated by Windermere Stellar.
Here are a few snapshots of the fun.
“The kids will never forget their special night at the Moda Center. Thanks to Windermere Stellar for making it happen,” said Rachael Langtry, Friends of the Children Program Director. “It was heartwarming to see the kids’ faces light up at the sight of Blaze and they were clearly star struck when Jerome Kersey came out.”
This is not the first time that Friends of the Children (a revolutionary mentoring program that pairs vulnerable children with paid, professional mentors) and Windermere Stellar (a leading residential real estate company in the area) have partnered to help local youth. This past October, Windermere Stellar announced its commitment to raise $250,000 to fund the kitchen in Friends of the Children’s new facility in Gresham, slated to break ground next month.
About Friends of the Children:
Friends of the Children is a revolutionary mentoring program that is transforming the lives of our most vulnerable children. Founded by Portland native Duncan Campbell, Friends of the Children makes a 12.5 year commitment to each child, selecting them in kindergarten, matching them with paid, professional mentors (called Friends) and guiding them through high school graduation. For more information, visit friendspdx.org.
About Windermere Stellar:
Locally owned and managed for 40 years, Windermere Stellar has offices in Portland, Vancouver, Lake Oswego, West Linn and the north Oregon coast. The company’s full-time real estate experts have the local knowledge, collaborative network and dedication to successfully guide buyers and sellers through complex real estate transactions. Brokers donate a portion of their commission from every transaction to the Windermere Foundation, which supports low-income children and families. To date, more than $2 million has been donated to 100 local organizations. Localized real estate information can be found at: windermereportland.com (Portland metro), windermereoregoncoast.com (north Oregon coast) and windermerevancouver.com (Vancouver).
Portland, December 6th, 2014. Levé returned to Leftbank Annex to host its annual Charity Ball. The event’s proceeds support Incight, an organization that strives to unlock the potential of people with disabilities. Members of “I Have A Dream” Young Leaders Collaborative at the event included: Lisa Hattery, Sophie Banner, Mairwen Eslinger, Ali Murphy, Melissa Gillett mingle at this year’s Charity Ball benefiting Incight.”
“Executive Director of Incight, Dan Friess, gets into the game with Sam Bridgman, 2014 Incight Hall of Fame inductee”
Dominique Dewese and Alando Simpson enjoying the 11th annual Charity Ball”
“Levé Board and Committee members pose at Leftbank Annex before the start of the 11th annual Charity Ball”
2014 marks Levé’s 11th year of raising funds to benefit and “lift” local non-profits in the Pacific Northwest. Incight’s unique approach to supporting the disability community, coupled with the celebration of their 10 year anniversary, made for an exciting collaboration between the two organizations.
Attendees enjoyed dancing, drinks, games, a silent auction and plenty of opportunities to contribute to Incight’s cause. Between Levé’s cash contributions, volunteerism and activism, they’ve infused more than $410,600 into the local nonprofit community. Levé is excited to increase that total as they finish off the year with Incight.
From Levé:
Let us back up a bit and tell you about who we are and where we came from. A group of girlfriends founded Levé out of a desire to actively make a difference in our local community. Portland has been our home for the majority of our lives, providing us with a deep connection and passion for keeping the Pacific Northwest’s most vital resources and programming vibrant and successful. For this reason, and the desire to bring together family, friends and the community for a celebration in support of a local nonprofit, Levé hosted its first Charity Ball in 2004.
After our first event, it became quickly apparent that we are in a unique position to catalyze support from a wider network. We feel fortunate to have enjoyed a supportive community in Portland and the consistent encouragement of family and friends in all of our endeavors. For that reason, we share the sentiment that it is our responsibility to give back to the community that has provided us with so much. As young girls, we watched our parents engage with and support the services of local nonprofits. Our action is modeled on their example.
Levé is a completely volunteer-run organization. Our board is made up of young, professional women who are sharing our time, resources and expertise with causes we value. We believe the work we do for Levé is not only making us better individuals and members of our community, but also better employees and students—mastering skills, building leadership and inspiring creativity.
Portland, December 7th, 2014. The 53rd annual Portland Jewish Academy Auction auction raised $590,000 for S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) and Scholarships. Steve Albert, PJA’s new Executive Director and Merrill Hendin, Principal enjoyed the evening.
Portland Jewish Academy: An independent school in Portland, Oregon providing an extraordinary Jewish and secular education for your child. Preschool through 8th Grade. 503.244.0126 http://www.pjaproud.org/
From the Portland Jewish Academy: We’d like to thank the following sponsors: COMMUNITY GRAND PATRONSteve “Rosy” Rosenberg and Ellen LippmanThe Jay & Diane Zidell Charitable Foundation CHAI GRAND PATRONThe Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE FoundationThe Jay & Diane Zidell Charitable Foundation DIAMOND Gayle and Paul RomainPLATINUMLisa M. Gitelson, DMDJonathan and Sarah GlassThe Holzman Foundation Inc./Renee and Irwin HolzmanJoel Mullin and Sheri KatzHoward and Carole OryProvenance HotelsStan and Madelle Rosenfeld Family FoundationGOLDDr. Michael and Rose BaskinBarry and Karla BensonBluestone & Hockley Real Estate ServicesMichael and Chris FevesHachler Investments, LLCSamuel MetzJeanne Paul TeamIrv and Arlene PotterJerry and Bunny Sadis Eve Stern and Les GutfreundSharon Stern and Steve RallisonCarolyn Wooden-Johnson and J. Michael Johnson SILVERSteve Albert and Janie GoldenbergMarc and Sarah BlattnerRabbi Michael and Cantor Ida Rae CahanaMilt Carl and FamilyColumbia Fresh TransportationJeff Feinblatt, MD PCJohn and Beth GermainMilton G Gordon & Sandra Gordon FundPerry and Merrill HendinTony and Priscilla KostinerBarbara LeinwandThe Malka Family – Tel Aviv Diamond Co & Malka DiamondsBrian, Amara, Jared and Jordan NormanErik Richmond and Annette DemseyCongregation Shaarie TorahGary and Linda SingerMarshal SpectorBRONZEAlan Bacharach, Wealth Strategies NWJulie, Tom, Melissa and Rachael DiamondThe Drucker FamilyBarbra and Adam FisherThe Flamm FamilyRobert Gitelson, MSW, LCSWHappy CupHawthorne ChiropracticLisa and Lewis Horowitz and FamilySue KatzRyan and Jordana LevenickMonica Litt and Judd EusticeGail Mandel and Steven KleinJim and Lora MeyerNorth Rim Development Group, LLCNorthwest BankBenjamin and Avital O’GlasserJeff Reingold, Income Property ManagementDavid and Kim SolondzThe Sold By Jen Team Realtors, Jen Singer
Portland, December 7th, 2014. The Wheel to Walk Foundation celebrated its ‘Million Dollar Luncheon’ because the nonprofit has awarded over $1 million dollars in medical equipment and services to children with disabilities. The afternoon luncheon drew 250 people and raised over $22,000 which will help children with special needs. Sandy Getman is the Executive Director who started this non-profit over 20 years ago when her granddaughter was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Sandy and her organization have helped many children and their families. By purchasing necessary equipment, children enjoy more inclusive family activities which helps strengthen their bodies and spirits. The Wheel to Walk Foundation’s goal is to see that no child with special needs go without the necessary equipment to help them flourish and reach their full potential.
Christine Getman was one of the speakers of the day’s events and Leslie Adams (center) and Vicky Aubry from Performance Mobility were one of the sponsors of Wheel to Walk’s event.
Sandy Getman engages the audience with stories of how Wheel to Walk is impacting the lives of children and their families with disabilities.
From The Wheel to Walk Foundation
The Wheel to Walk Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps children and young adults (under 21 years old) with disabilities obtain medical equipment or services that is not provided by their insurance companies. We purchase items such as shower chairs, therapy bikes, special beds, communication devices, speech therapy and wheelchairs (to name a few), which insurance companies have denied. Our organization strongly believes that no child or young adult with special needs go without items that could improve the quality of his or her daily life.If you need financial assistance with anything from leg braces, bath chairs, gait trainers to therapy tricycles and wheelchairs, please contact us at the phone number below or email us so we can email you an application.
Portland, November 6th, 2014. The annual Partner with Edison Breakfast generated $185,000 to help support financial aid, technology, and professional development at the school. Edison is the only high school in Oregon and southwest Washington dedicated to students with complex learning differences. Supporters heard from senior Tessi Troup, and former student Greg Weaver, who shared their educational journeys. Current parent, Tina Ricks, spoke about the importance of Edison High School and the positive impact the school has had on her family. Director Patrick Maguire opened the event by unveiling the school’s new name and logo.
Dean Dordevic, Amber Hillman, and Ed Herinckx
Robb Wilson and Anne Stein-Gray
Rose Kilpatrick, Dolly Scott, Mary Anne Sandoval and Sandy Jones
Janeen McAninch and Edison Director Patrick Maguire
Greg Roderick and Edison board member Pat Becker
Jeff Gianola and James Johnstone
Carolyn Becic, Mike Arthur and Edison board member Michael Sandoval
Current students Nicole Strain and Jaylynn Bernhardt
Chris Gettel-Gilmartin, Sara Fitzpatrick, Tessi Troupe, and Ian Ricks
Edison High School, founded in 1973, is the only high school in Oregon and SW Washington that is specifically dedicated to serving high school students with learning differences. Our work at Edison is powerful and profound: helping every student reach his or her full potential. Edison offers an individualized curriculum that meets each student’s special needs, and maximizes the ability to learn. We also provide the emotional support that builds confidence and maturity. By empowering students with learning differences to experience academic success and personal growth, Edison does more than prepare teens for the future. We change lives.
Our school was founded in 1973 as the Tree of Learning. For 17 years, students were taught in portable classrooms on the Jesuit High School campus. In 1992, we moved into a brand new building of our own, changing our name to honor Thomas Alva Edison.
As a dyslexic, Edison struggled greatly in school, where he was considered a mischief-maker and a problem child. His mind often wandered in class, he talked when he was supposed to be listening, and he paid little attention to detail. The schoolmaster called young Edison “addle brained” and considered him such a poor student that he advised Edison’s mother to take him out of school altogether, “for he would never make a scholar.”
Of course, Edison proved everyone wrong. And while not every child with learning differences will achieve such notability as an adult, the example of Thomas Edison’s achievements serves as our daily inspiration. Just as Edison transformed the way we live, Edison High School works to transform the lives of our students.
Portland, October 2014. Hundreds of DoveLewis’ top supporters gathered at the Portland Art Museum for DoveAdore featuring Boutiques Unleashed raising $322,000 in support of DoveLewis. The evening included a silent auction, live auction, dinner, award presentation and benefit, culminating in a fashion show featuring local human and animal boutiques. Honorary Chair Flo Newton opened the evening as a supporter of DoveLewis. DoveLewis CEO Ron Morgan and Flo Newton presented Dr. Richard Werner, DVM and Dr. Steven Skinner, DVM, DACVIM with DoveLewis Lifetime Achievement Awards in appreciation and recognition of their commitment to DoveLewis and the advancement of veterinary medicine. (photo credit, Erik Schultz)
Dr. Richard Werner, DVM receives DoveLewis Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Steven Skinner, DVM, DACVIM receives DoveLewis Lifetime Achievement Award from Flo Newton.
CEO Ron Morgan talks to supporters and presents DoveLewis Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Tresura Newell reveals Penelope the skunk under a custom ensemble, both styled in Michelle DeCourcy designs.
Bid cards were in the air.
Furry Friends were on parade.
Aaron Meyer closes the evening with a special, on-stage performance for guests.
Celebrity humans and pets showcased the hottest fashions for both ends of the leash. 24 human models and 26 animal models took to the runway dressed by supporting boutiques. Willis the Weather Dog, Rojo the Llama, DoveLewis volunteer canine blood donor Diamond, and Flynn of Portland Area Canine Therapy Teams are just some of the animals that walked the runway. The fashion show featured a custom ensemble for Penelope the skunk by renowned fashion designer Michelle DeCourcy.
NONPROFIT BENEFIT TICKET GIVEAWAYS!
Sign up for our free weekly highlights for the chance to win two tickets terrific nonprofit events! If you "like" us on facebook, or sign up for our weekly news highlights, you'll be entered to win! Sign up today!
Look for another ticket giveaway soon! Are you a nonprofit looking to bolster your publicity with facebook and tweets? Email us and we'll run a contest with tickets to your event! [email protected]
We look forward to covering all of your great nonprofit stories in 2015!
The Jay & Diane Zidell Charitable Foundation DIAMOND Gayle and Paul Romain PLATINUM Lisa M. Gitelson, DMD Jonathan and Sarah Glass The Holzman Foundation Inc./Renee and Irwin Holzman Joel Mullin and Sheri Katz Howard and Carole Ory Provenance Hotels Stan and Madelle Rosenfeld Family Foundation GOLD Dr. Michael and Rose Baskin Barry and Karla Benson Bluestone & Hockley Real Estate Services Michael and Chris Feves Hachler Investments, LLC Samuel Metz Jeanne Paul Team Irv and Arlene Potter Jerry and Bunny Sadis Eve Stern and Les Gutfreund Sharon Stern and Steve Rallison Carolyn Wooden-Johnson and J. Michael Johnson SILVER Steve Albert and Janie Goldenberg Marc and Sarah Blattner Rabbi Michael and Cantor Ida Rae Cahana Milt Carl and Family Columbia Fresh Transportation Jeff Feinblatt, MD PC John and Beth Germain Milton G Gordon & Sandra Gordon Fund Perry and Merrill Hendin Tony and Priscilla Kostiner Barbara Leinwand The Malka Family – Tel Aviv Diamond Co & Malka Diamonds Brian, Amara, Jared and Jordan Norman Erik Richmond and Annette Demsey Congregation Shaarie Torah Gary and Linda Singer Marshal Spector BRONZE Alan Bacharach, Wealth Strategies NW Julie, Tom, Melissa and Rachael Diamond The Drucker Family Barbra and Adam Fisher The Flamm Family Robert Gitelson, MSW, LCSW Happy Cup Hawthorne Chiropractic Lisa and Lewis Horowitz and Family Sue Katz Ryan and Jordana Levenick Monica Litt and Judd Eustice Gail Mandel and Steven Klein Jim and Lora Meyer North Rim Development Group, LLC Northwest Bank Benjamin and Avital O’Glasser Jeff Reingold, Income Property Management David and Kim Solondz The Sold By Jen Team Realtors, Jen Singer
