Portland, January 9th, 2014. The Oregon Zoo has ramped up efforts to combat the illegal ivory trade by partnering with The Wildlife Conservation Society on the recently launched 96 Elephants campaign.
Named for the number of elephants poached daily in 2012, the campaign aims to end the sale of ivory in the United States, which conservationists believe is a key step in decreasing demand for the trade that kills elephants for their tusks. The zoo is urging community members to sign an online petition asking Congress to enact a moratorium on domestic ivory sales. To sign the petition, go to bit.ly/noivory.
In December, the Oregon Zoo Foundation provided $10,000 for the 96 Elephants campaign, which will support park guards, intelligence networks, and government operations in protected areas for elephants throughout the Congo Basin and East Africa, among other projects.
With the illegal ivory trade at its highest point since 1989, tens of thousands of wild elephants are being killed each year for their tusks. Photo by Julie Larsen Maher, courtesy of The Wildlife Conservation Society.
“Many people don’t realize that ivory is still legally sold in the U.S.,” said Nadja Wielebnowski, Oregon Zoo conservation and research manager. “Confusing regulations are also enabling a thriving black market for ivory in the U.S., which helps to drive the illegal killing of elephants. By avoiding ivory and openly stating their opposition to the ivory trade, Americans can tell the world that an elephant’s life is more valuable than a trinket.”
Operated by international crime syndicates, the illegal ivory trade is now at its highest point since 1989. Most ivory is used to carve ornamental objects, jewelry and trinkets.
Over the past months, both the U.S. and China — the world’s two largest markets for wildlife products — publicly destroyed a combined total of more than 12 tons of illegal ivory to underscore those governments’ commitment to combatting wildlife crime.
Plans are in the works to address the zoo’s own stockpile of ivory — currently stored in a high-security facility — donated over the years by community members who didn’t want or know how to dispose of it.
“Our community has demonstrated a profound compassion for elephants,” said Kim Smith, zoo director. “The Wildlife Conservation Society’s 96 elephants campaign gives us another tool for ending the trade that fuels the slaughter of these animals, and we encourage our community to join the fight.”
For the past 15 years, the zoo has worked to protect Asian and African elephants throughout their range by supporting field research and projects to mitigate human-elephant conflict through the International Elephant Foundation.
This year’s projects include purchasing field equipment for anti-poaching rangers in Kenya, training villagers to patrol and monitor for elephants in Myanmar, and micro-chipping Laotian elephants to reduce illegal capture.
The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission of inspiring the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Oregon silverspot and Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies, western pond turtles and Oregon spotted frogs. Other projects include studies on Asian elephants, polar bears, orangutans and giant pandas. Celebrating 125 years of community support, the zoo relies in part on donations through the Oregon Zoo Foundation to undertake these and many other animal welfare, education and sustainability programs.
The zoo opens at 10 a.m. daily and is located five minutes from downtown Portland, just off Highway 26. The zoo is also accessible by MAX light rail line. Visitors who travel to the zoo via MAX receive $1.50 off zoo admission. Call TriMet Customer Service, 503-238-RIDE (7433), or visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information.
General zoo admission is $11.50 (ages 12-64), $10 for seniors (65 and up), $8.50 for children (ages 3-11) and free for those 2 and younger; 25 cents of the admission price helps fund regional conservation projects through the zoo’s Future for Wildlife program. Additional information is available at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561.
Portland, December 22nd, 2014. Young musicians from the BRAVO Rosa Parks program were showcased in the lobby of the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall before the Comfort and Joy Concert by the Oregon Symphony. They were welcomed by Symphony musicians Ines Voglar and Jen Arnold. The kids are taking part in a new nonprofit program launched this fall which originated in Venezuela.
Established in 1975 by Jose Antonio Abreu, El Sistema “The System” is Venezuela’s national system of youth orchestras serving each year more than 400,000 children, over 80% of whom live in poverty. El Sistema-inspired programs are now operating in more than 50 countries around the world, and there are over 75 affiliated programs in the United States. BRAVO is the first in Oregon and the program’s Executive Director is Seth Truby.
BRAVO students started the program back in September by making paper mache violins with the help of their parents/guardians. They painted their violins bright colors and used them for the first week of practice, before graduating to real violins in week two.
Studies have shown that participation in El Sistema programs improves children’s outcomes in school attendance, academic performance, and even general health and wellbeing. Venezuela’s flagship program has positively impacted the lives of over 2 million children.
The RAVO Rosa Parks After-school Orchestra and Chorus, plus some staff and community volunteers. These forty students meet every day after school for two hours of choral singing, stringed instrument practice, and orchestra rehearsal.
BRAVO’s first project is the tuition- free classical music program for nearly 200 students at Rosa Parks School in North Portland, one of the district’s priority schools.
The project components include:
School day violin instruction for thirty minutes twice a week for all students in K-1 (approx. 150)
Daily afterschool string orchestraand chorus for forty students in grades 2-3 (10 hours/week)
Regular performance opportunities in the school, in the surrounding neighborhood and in the wider Portland metro area
US. BRAVO’s key partnerships are with Portland Public Schools (Rosa Parks) and Regence Boys and Girls Club. Our other collaborators include Home Forward (Housing Authority of Portland), Metropolitan Youth Symphony, the Oregon Symphony, Portland State University, and the Portland Youth Philharmonic.
Portland, January 4th, 2014. Last year was an exciting time in Portland’s nonprofit community for organizations like the Children’s Cancer Association. We’ve scoured our archives to find the most viewed stories on PortlandSocietyPage.com in 2013. During our second year offering nonprofit news we were honored to be nominated for the PDX-Tech-4-Good Award! We’ve published a total of 708 stories and had 268,700 page views on the site. Bottom line: you’re reading and enjoying PSP and many of you return over and over again to see what’s new!
Below are your top 10 most viewed stories, and links to check out the vibrant nonprofit benefits which captured your attention.
Portland, April 14th, 2013. After six years of service to the community, 24 high school seniors from The National Charity League, Inc. Portland Chapter were honored at a special celebration at the Governor Hotel. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus) Most of the young women, including Mariel Klein, Courtney Hall, Madeleine Waldram, Austin Quinlan and Sarah Murphy, began volunteering with their mothers during seventh grade and in total, the seniors worked 3,795 hours.
Portland, January 23rd, 2013. Auto aficionados like Erik Krieger, Bill Coit and Carl Christoferson enjoyed a sneak peek at the $257,000 Ferrari 458 Spyder. The charity preview was a fundraiser for The American Heart Association, The Boys and Girls Club and JDRF the organization focused on Type 1 Diabetes. The event was open to the public for the first time this year and attracted several hundred people happy to donate $200 for some one-on-one time with their dream cars.
Portland, June 6th, 2013. The American Diabetes Association of Oregon & SW Washington raised $150,000 at the first annual Father of the Year Awards. Fathers honored included: Craig Robinson, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Oregon State University; Duncan Campbell, Child Activist and Founder of Friends of the Children and The Campbell Group; Mike Greene, Partner, Rosenthal, Greene & Devlin, P.C; Scott Keeney, President & CEO, nLIGHT; and Chris Dudley, Former NBA Player and Founder of the Chris Dudley Foundation. (photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Portland, March 2nd, 2013. The $2.9 million raised at this year’s gala will benefit local children and families. The 29th Annual Classic Wines Auction also drew more supporters ever with a sell-out crowd of 920. Record attendance was a thrill for 2013 Co-Chairs: John Bradley, R & H Construction, Cindy Campbell, The Campbell Foundation, and Keith Barnes, Barnes Capital Management.
Portland, June 24th, 2013. One of the the terrific aspects of summertime in Portland is the long list of outdoor concerts and movies scheduled though the City of Portland’s Parks Bureau. The links below will give you more details and there’s also full listing of events below. YES! It’s music to our ears!
Portland, December 6th, 2013. This year marks the 59th year for the Christmas Ship Parade on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers in Portland, Oregon. We’ve got the schedule for both routes with viewing locations and times for restaurants, hotels and outdoor viewing.
Portland, September 14th, 2013. It was a Mad Men inspired evening of 60s-era sizzle at “Starry Night” which featured the talents of “The Voice” John English and VIP after party with Amy Roloff. Since 2009, Amy Roloff Charity Foundation has raised over $750,000 in new giving and in kind donations for local, national and international non-profit organizations and causes.
Portland, December 29th. 2012 was an exciting year in Portland’s nonprofit community. We’ve scoured our archives to find the most viewed stories on PortlandSocietyPage.com over the past 12 months. Was it the OMSI gala? The Red Dress Party? A Portland Center Stage Bash?
Portland, Sept. 21, 2013. A superhero themed gala had super-sized results as organizers proclaimed, “CCA’s League of Extraordinary Friends unleash a force of goodness for seriously ill children and teens.”James Mercer of the The Shins, Stephanie Schneiderman, CCA Founder and CEO, Regina Ellis, Patrick Lamb, and Amy Maxwell took the stage to celebrate. (Photo credit, Michael Gary) Portland-based Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) celebrated hitting $1,000,000 for the first-time ever. “For one magical night, the Portland Art Museum was converted into the Hall of Justice and welcomed more than 600 honored super-powered guests,” the nonprofit reported.
Portland, February 8th, 2013. The VIP preview of “Quartet” drew dozens of Portland’s movers and shakers. The new restaurant will open on Valentine’s Day. It features an upscale menu offering Pacific Northwest cuisine with a Southern influence. Portland restaurateur Frank Taylor says of his new waterfront venture, “Quartet is a combination of hospitality, cuisine, music and lively, friendly ambiance.” The establishment’s first fundraising preview party will take place on February 13th and benefit Self Enhancement, Inc., the a local non-profit helping at-risk youth.
So there you have it!
Thank you for supporting PortlandSocietyPage.com this year. We look forward to covering hundreds of great nonprofit events in 2014. If you have an event, suggestion, or would like to advertise on Portland’s only nonprofit news website, please contact us at info@portlandsocietypage.com.
Manzanita, January 1st, 2014. Over 200 hardy souls braved the frigid waters of the Pacific Ocean to welcome 2014. It was the 10th annual Manzanita Polar Plunge. With another hundred-plus onlookers, who stayed in their warm clothes, the event on Neahkahnie Beach was the most successful to date. The temperature outside was unseasonably warm but the Ocean temperature was close to 49-degrees. The first year, 2004, only 6 people took the polar plunge.
Myra Friedman and Kathi Howell from Portland displayed their new year’s spirit.
Fun-loving Janice Gaines, in the cat-in-the-hat garb, started the tradition.
In 2004, Janice Gaines, the owner of the Spa Manzanita, decided a leap into the Ocean was a great way to cool off after a long hike. Since then, her Polar Plunge has gained momentum. It’s a free family event and Gaines has resisted requests to make it a fundraiser. She explains, “The event is growing because, it’s just simple and fun. People are looking for something fun to do on New Year’s Day and this doesn’t cost anything. It’s easy to do because people are already here, and some people even drive down for the plunge.” Participants pose for their photos by the fire and then it’s a race off to the water!
The water temperature was a chilly 49-degrees. Participants say when they plunge into the cold water, it takes their breath away.
Below are two links to two fun YouTube videos of the big 2012 Manzanita Polar Plunge!
Portland, December 27th, 2013. A handful of days remain in The Grotto’s annual Christmas Festival of Lights where visitors are asked to bring a donation of canned or dry food benefiting Snow-Cap, the east county’s affiliate of the Oregon Food Bank. The festival runs through December 30th at The Grotto at NE 85th and Sandy Boulevard in Portland.
Five indoor concerts are scheduled each evening in The Grotto’s 600-seat chapel, known for its cathedral quality acoustics. The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights is billed as the largest Christmas choral festival in the world.
Continuous family entertainment in The Grotto’s plaza area includes outdoor caroling, puppet shows and a live animal petting zoo.
From The Grotto:
An internationally-renowned Catholic shrine and botanical garden, The Grotto provides a spiritual and peaceful retreat for more than 200,000 visitors each year from all faiths and all walks of life. Visitors are delighted to discover this 62-acre green space just minutes from downtown Portland.
Presenting the sights, sounds and sensations of the season, The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. The festival features nearly 160 indoor holiday concerts performed by many of the region’s finest school, church and civic choirs. Offering a family-oriented blend of traditional celebration and serene reflection, the festival theme “Angels on High” reflects the special season of hope that Christmas offers to many thousands of families from around the Pacific Northwest.
Holiday foods and beverages are also available, as is seasonal shopping in The Grotto’s Christian Gift and Book Store. A magnificent display of nativity sets from around the world is on display for viewing and individual sets are available for purchase in the Grotto’s Visitor Complex.
With over 500,000 lights, 150 choral performances, a petting zoo, carolers, puppet shows and hot chocolate this is a special event for the whole family.
Helpful Hints
Average festival visitation times are between 75 and 90 minutes. Visitors wishing to hear a specific concert in The Grotto’s chapel should arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes in advance of the scheduled concert time.
The Festival of Lights is a walk through event and visitors can expect to walk approximately one quarter mile. All entertainment areas are either indoors or fully tented but visitors should dress for the weather. During festival hours temperatures typically are in the low to mid-40s. Rubber soled shoes, warm socks, gloves, and ear coverings are recommended, especially on colder nights. Outlined in lights, the entry path is somewhat uneven and darkened for effect. While accessible to those with disabilities, the festival is NOT recommended for the elderly or frail.
Parking
Parking is Free and volunteer parking attendants are present on busier nights to direct visitors to the most convenient parking. Weather permitting this year’s busiest nights will be Saturday, Dec. 14th through December 23rd and all other Saturday nights. For those attending on the festival’s busier nights, we recommend for ease of access that you arrive before 6:30 or after 8:15 p.m.
Entertainment
The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights presents five indoor concerts each evening. Featuring many of the region’s finest school, church and civic choirs performing in the Grotto’s 600-seat chapel known for its cathedral quality acoustics, nightly concerts begin at 5:15, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 p.m. Visitors wishing to hear a specific chapel concert should plan to arrive between 30 and 45 minutes in advance of the scheduled concert time.
Outdoor tented family entertainment runs continuously each night in the plaza. Our master puppeteer presents a Christmas themed show at 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. The Grotto Carolers perform your favorite Christmas carols at 5:35, 6:35, 7:35, and 8:35 p.m. nightly. Rainbow Farms live animal petting zoo is open from 5:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
Volunteers
The Grotto is extremely appreciative of the nearly 1,000 volunteers who help staff the festival each year. Volunteer shifts are typically 3 hours and are split into an early “opening” shift and a later “closing” shift. Both indoor and outdoor positions are available and scheduling flexibility is greatly appreciated.
Festival Information: 503.261.2400 Main reception: 503.254.7371
Nightly 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. with festival grounds closing at 10:00 p.m. Closed Christmas Day
$9.00 general admission $8.00 senior ( 65 and over) $4.00 children ages 3 – 12 2 & under are admitted FREE
Tickets are available at the entry gate or may be purchased in advance at The Grotto’s Gift Shop.
During the Festival of Lights the gounds close at 4:00 p.m..
Portland, December 12th, 2013. Supporters of Lewis & Clark gathered at the home of University President, Barry Glassner and his wife Betsy for some holiday cheer. The couple lives in the historic Cooley House in Dunthorpe.
Gerry Frank, Lewis & Clark law professor, Jennifer Johnson and her husband, Paul Francis
President Barry Glassner with The Honorable Garr “Mike” King and his wife Mary Jo King
Betsy Amster, a literary agent and president of Betsy Amster Literary Enterprises is the wife of President Barry Glassner, Lewis & Clark’s 24th president who took the helm in 2010.
Lewis & Clark trustees, John Bates, and Libby McCaslin and her daughter, Frances McCaslin
Dan Balmer of the Dan Balmer Trio – Dan is on the faculty at 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 4th, 2013. Supporters gathered at the Benson Hotel to present $325,000 raised at the B.U.L.L. Session Invitational Charity Events held last September to nine children’s charities. Those beneficiaries included: Albertina Kerr’s Children’s Developmental Health Services, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, 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, Special Olympics Oregon, and Wheel to Walk Foundation. The B.U.L.L. Session is the Northwest’s premier charity event. Every year the B.U.L.L Session event brings together hundreds of the regional Business, Union and Labor Leaders to benefit the community’s most valuable assets: the children. (photo credit, Chris West)
E.H. “Chip” Laizure, Jeanne Danielson, Karen Santangelo (Swindells Resource Center of Providence Child Center)
BULL Session board members pose with check for $4.9 million, the total amount donated in past 23 years: Jim Moss, Jason Kaufman, Tim Gauthier, Ross Vroman, John Mohlis, Dave Johnston
Tim Gauthier, Catherine Bekooy (Albertina Kerr’s Children’s Developmental Health Services), Ross Vroman, Karen Ward (Albertina Kerr’s Children’s Developmental Health Services), Chris Krenk (Albertina Kerr’s Children’s Developmental Health Services)
Beth Joscelyn, Tom Tongue, Joanne Rogovoy (March of Dimes)
The two-day fundraiser, attended by many of the area’s leaders, began Monday, September 9, 2013, with a dinner and auction gala at the Oregon Convention Center. Day two, Tuesday, September 10, 2013, 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 $4.9 million for the community’s most valuable assets: our children. The B.U.L.L. Session is now one of Oregon’s largest charity events.
Portland, December 14th, 2013. Nearly 700 people converged on the Oregon Convention Center to celebrate the holidays and raise money for Project Clean Slate. Local businessman Roy Jay presented the holiday extravaganza where a Cher impersonator sang to Portland Police Chief Michael Reese and Assistant Chief Larry O’Dea. (photo credit, Brian Drake, Brian William, Amina)
Holiday Host, Roy Jay gave away prizes to the audience including Mexican vacations, televisions and more. The event had gross revenues of $267,000.
Hitzville “The Motown Revue” performed to a standing-room-only audience.
What started out as a holiday fundraiser at Roy Jay’s hilltop east county home has evolved into a full-scale benefit.
Heidi Thompson as CHER and Beaverton Mayor, Denny Doyle on stage perform a duet of “I’ve Got You Babe” at Roy Jay’s Holiday Extravaganza.
Social Enterpreneur David Pollack was among the 700 at the black tie optional event.
The evening raised funds for Project Clean Slate, an award-winning community program which has helped over 8,000 individuals overcome the stigma of a police record and become productive citizens.
Supporters included Portland City Council members, Amanda Fritz and Nick Fish, Scott Dunn of Birkeshire Hathaway, Judges from Multnomah County, District Attorney, Chief of Police, County Sheriff , and US Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici.
Through joint community efforts of the African American Chamber of Commerce, Multnomah County District Attorneys Office, Multnomah County Public Defenders office, Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles, Independent Development Enterprise Alliance and the Alliance of Minority Chambers of Commerce we have been able to provide this service to the community.
This program is proudly presented to your community by theAfrican American Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with numerous community business, social service and government partners. It is not designed to address all situations.
OUR INTENT IS TO ASSIST PEOPLE & REFER PEOPLE
THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY REGARDLESS
OF YOUR RACE OR ZIP CODE
Multnomah County to include Troutdale, Wood Village and Gresham (this program does not address criminal or drivers license matters from other counties or states at this time)
Some Drivers License Problems, Tri-Met Tickets, Jay-Walking Tickets, Court Fines, Court Appointed Attorney Fees and Suspensions
Some minor criminal matters
Some juvenile matters
Past Due Child Support – Project Clean Slate is designed to possibly assist an individual with new payment arrangements.
Portland, December 6th, 2013. More than 800 supporters showed up at Leftbank Annex to celebrate Levé’s ten years of giving to the community.TheLevé board and committee members posed for a group shot at the 10th Annual Charity Ball. The event also ushered in a new decade of giving. Levé is an all-volunteer organization providing financial and volunteer support to needy people in our area. (photo credit, Ben Pigao)
David Roy, Jeff Spiegel, and Lindsay Curley of Knowledge Universe mingle at the 10th Annual Charity Ball.
Levé board members Ali Murphy, Caitlin Smethurst, Kiernan Doherty and committee member Michelle Kinder prepare for check-in at the 10th Annual Charity Ball.
More than 800 people attended the 10th Annual Charity Ball, held at the Leftbank Annex.
Levé board member Courtney Francis Campbell and advisory board members Emily Niedermeyer Becker and Lisa Wynn at the 10th Annual Charity Ball.
From Leve:
What We Are Doing
For 2013, in honor of our 10th anniversary, we have decided to partner with each of our past nine nonprofit partners (instead of seeking a new partner) and are seeking matching donations from local community foundations and donors. We are embracing this as an opportunity to reintroduce these incredible organizations to YOU, our friends and supporters. We hope to maximize our collective impact by incentivizing new levels of engagement in time, leadership, and money, from our entire community, especially from the next generation of philanthropists.
Why Now?
One of our goals each year is to educate our network about our nonprofit partner. With this new format for 2013 (and all the work we’ve previously done to educate our network about each of our past partners), we have the opportunity to highlight the second part of our mission: activating the next generation of philanthropic donors and volunteers. There is an extreme gap in philanthropic support from 20-, 30- and 40-year-olds in our local communities and nationwide, the negative impact of which will only get worse in years to come. There are a lot of significant barriers at play including student loans, sub-par employment opportunities and the recession. But there also is the fact that giving is no longer the expectation for our generation. We hope to change that by bringing awareness about this issue and demonstrating that it can be easy (well, sometimes), and fun and rewarding (always!).
Our Goal
Our 2013 financial goal is much more ambitious than ever before. We are aiming to secure $100,000 in funds (ideally through ten, $10,000 donations) from local foundations and larger individual donors by June 30, 2013 that we will use to challenge current and new donors to match leading up to and at Charity Ball. Our ultimate goal is to raise $200,000, to be distributed evenly between Levé and each nonprofit partner.
We will feature one of the nonprofits each month, beginning in March, with statistics about its impact in our communities, information about what our support means for each organization, opportunities for getting involved and other fun facts.
We believe that by that activating increased philanthropic involvement among our network, they will realize the immeasurable rewards that come with giving back. And in the same vein, we believe this effort will bolster the greater nonprofit community with increased support from and exposure to the next generation of donors and volunteers. We also believe we can help shift the momentum of giving trends and transform our generation’s engagement in philanthropy long-term.
Portland, December 14th, 2013. More than 75 party-goers donned their most hideous sweaters for a fun party benefiting “I Have a Dream” Oregon. They raised hundreds for “Dreamers” in donations for the nonprofit at the “Dig A Pony” bar. Mark Langseth, President & CEO, is pictured with Dana Robinson, Hideous Sweater Contest Winner & Katie Jacobson. Shwood sunglasses were given to the “Best” (worst) holiday sweater and “Christmas Vacation” was screened at the bar.
The event raised awareness for “I Have a Dream” Oregon’s programming for low-income students throughout the Portland area. It also served as a celebratory event for staff and friends of “I Have a Dream,” who wore their best “hideous” sweaters to the event The organization is one of 129 non-profit organization’s selected by Willamette Week as a Give!Guide charity this year.
David Jacobson, Kendall Murphy and Katie Jacobson
Kari Morin, Vanessa Brooks, Ryland Brooks, Mark Langseth, Kendall Murphy, Tiffiny Hager, Sophie Banner, Katie Jacobson
Beth Faherty, Steph Garbarino and Tracy Bair
From I Have a Dream:
OUR MISSION:To help low-income students succeed in school, college and career.
OUR VISION: Consistent with Oregon’s 2025 aspirational goals for workforce preparation, our vision is that 100% of Oregon students complete high school and that 80% of Oregon students complete some form of post-secondary education.
Ultimately, through post-secondary completion, we want to break the cycle of poverty and change the game at a systemic level for children and families in low-income communities.
Our core theory of change is that communities must take primary responsibility for decreasing low-income student and family barriers, so that educators can focus on teacher effectiveness and classroom outcomes. Leveraging and aligning excisting community resources in highly strategic, comprehensive partnerships with low-income schools is an efficient, cost-effective and replicable approach. An investment in what we refer to as “strategic partnership leadership” is all it takes to move the student success needle.
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Multnomah County to include Troutdale, Wood Village and Gresham (this program does not address criminal or drivers license matters from other counties or states at this time)
