Hillsboro, October 16th, 2013. Bank of America and Willamette West Habitat for Humanity dedicated a newly constructed home in Hillsboro for the Ngo family last month. (photo credit, David Gorman/Bank of America ) The Ngo family and David Gorman from Bank of America are pictured in front of their new home.
Tam Ngo, Dai Ngo and their 3-year-old daughter had been living in a multi-family, six-bedroom home with five other families, all sharing one kitchen and two bathrooms. The Ngo’s are first-time home buyers and, over the past eight months, completed 500 hours of sweat equity, on both their home and other Habitat homes, while Dai Ngo also worked as a full-time assembly operator at a large electronics company.
The Ngo family was all smiles going into their home for the first time.
The Ngo’s new two-bedroom, two-story home is the perfect size for them and, with their sweat equity and down payment factored in, they will be able to pay off their home before their daughter graduates from high school.
The home was completed thanks to the partnership between Willamette West Habitat for Humanity and Bank of America, including hundreds of employee volunteer hours contributed on top of Bank of America’s grant which funded half of the Ngo’s newly constructed home.
In addition to the Ngo’s home dedication, David Gorman, Senior Vice President of Home Loans at Bank of America for Oregon and southwest Washington, presented Willamette West Habitat for Humanity with a separate $55,000 check at the event, which will go toward funding another Habitat home.
David and his team each received four paid hours to work on the Ngo family’s home and he, along with many of his team members, spent several additional hours of personal time supporting this house build.
Bank of America has partnered nationally with Habitat for Humanity since 2002. The Bank of America Charitable Foundation has contributed more than $22 million to Habitat’s work around the world, and bank employees annually contribute more than 30,000 volunteer hours to help rehab and build homes.
Portland, November 7th, 2013. “Some kids have learning differences. All kids have Dreams.” That belief brought over 350 guests to the Oregon Zoo’s Cascade Crest Banquet Center for the “Partner with Thomas Edison” breakfast. The breakfast raised over $110,000 in revenue to support financial aid, technology, and professional development at the school. Supporters loved visiting with students like Jaylynn Bernhardt, Darby Bowers, Zariah Lowe and Nicole Strain. Zariah Lowe and Chris Gettel-Gilmartin were featured student speakers. Guests also heard from former student Sarah Hall ‘98, as well as current parent Kevin Troupe, about the importance of Thomas Edison High School. (photo credit, Andie Petkus Photography)
Edison students Donny Engeldinger, Clay Rydick, and Kinley Bassham wake up early to greet guests.
Edison board member Michael Sandoval, Edison teacher Bridget Connolly, and Edison friend James Parker
Edison parents Wendell Talley and Greg Roderick
Director Patrick Maguire with Sally Klein, Edison parent Tracy Klein, and Lucien Klein
From Thomas Edison High School
Thomas 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, Thomas A. Edison High School works to transform the lives of our students.
Portland, October 17th, 2013. The Portland Youth Philharmonic and Joy’s Uptown Style presented a Fall Fashion Show, “Beauty of Music,” at the Multnomah Athletic Club. The event raised over $15,000 for the Victor Frederick Walton Memorial Scholarship Fund, which honors Victor Walton, a former elementary school music teacher at Kinnaman Elementary in Aloha, OR and former bassoonist with PYP. Pictured are: his mother, Arleen Walton, Debora Walton (Victor’s widow), Joshua Michael John (former student of Victor’s), Jan Ahrens John (Past President of the PYP Board of Directors and Chairperson for the PYP Fall Fashion and Donald Walton. (photo credit, Brenda Hummelt)
Jan Ahrens John and Joshua John, bassoonist.(Photo Credit: Brenda Hummelt)
Joy Walker, owner of Joy’s Uptown Style. Photo Credit: Paul Rich Studio
The Runway show. Photo Credit: Paul Rich Studio
Mr. Walton passed away in May 2011 from A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Guests were treated to music by Samuel Zacharia, a young violist with PYP who has already earned high praise from world renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman; as well as Joshua Michael John, a PYP bassoon alumnus who studied with Victor Walton.
Mr John is now completing his master’s degree in music and “playingit forward” as he continues to teach and mentor using many of the same techniques Victor impressed upon him. The highlight of the evening was a fashion show produced by Joy Walker of Joy’s Uptown Style featuring nine models: Gail Armstrong, Shannon Day, Grace Holland, Jennifer Lamb, Linda Leblond, Najela Scott, Ren`e Steelman and Christine Wooley. Contributions to the Victor Frederick Walton Memorial Scholarship Fund can still be made by contacting the Portland Youth Philharmonic office at 503.223.5939.
PYP Board Past President Jan John said, “There is no question that Victor would be thrilled to know that a scholarship program has been created in his name that will allow other students the opportunity to play in PYP by providing financial aid or funding private lessons from qualified music teachers.”
Portland, November 3rd, 2013. An intimate affair included a private musical performance by China Forbes of Pink Martini and raised $40,000 for the German American School of Portland. The benefit drew 120 people and featured hors d’oeuvres and a six-course dinner by notable Portland chefs lead by Chef Chris Israel of Grüner restaurant. China Forbes was joined by Gregg Williams and Aurelie Tu. (photo credit, Kai Hayashi of Phototainment and Chris West of Alight Productions)
The GSPDX Admin team – Elizabeth Gillespie, Blake Peters, Marietta Greene, and Janina Morrisey – who helped make the evening possible.
Dolan Lane led a team of talented chefs who prepared a delectable menu created by Chris Israel of Grüner
Bruce Carey of Bruce Carey Restaurants and Bluehour with China Forbes and German Consul General, Peter Rothen
Guests enjoy a signature cocktail at the bar.
Food and wine pairings by: Chef Chris Israel, Gruner, Bluehour Chef Dolan Lane, Bluehour Pastry Chef Bryn Robson, Advanced Sommelier Erica Landon of Bluehour Sommelier Savanna Ray of Wildwood Restaurant & Bar.
We believe in bilingualism. We provide an excellent education for children preschool through 5th grade. Through this event we are able to make immersion education available to families of differing income levels and demographics.
Portland, October 4th, 2013. Decidedly one of the most playful FUNdraiser in the Northwest gave guest the chance to show off their A-Game. Playworks inaugural ‘Keep Portland Playful’ event at Jeld-Wen Field drew over 150 people and raised more than $30,000 to reduce bullying, increase inclusion and create a positive school environment for kids in 14 low-income schools in the Portland Metro area. Doug Cushing smiled for a picture with Timber Joey at the famous log. The event was filled with laughter and fun as guest played four-square, dueled in a rock-paper-scissors tournament, and enjoyed the opportunity to be on the Portland Timbers pitch. (photo credit, David Blair & Ashlee Thompson)
John Eggers and Colleen Finn duel it out with Rock, Paper, Scissors to determine the raffle winner.
Jason Ord plays to become the Ro-Sham-Bo Rockstar for the evening.
Playworks Founder, Jill Vialet, plays a friendly game of four-square. Cheering her on were Miles Robinson, Trisha Rhoades, Nicholas Durant, and Eduardo Rosario Jr.
Gretchen Gallagher throws up her hands in excitement for her win in the live auction!
About Playworks: Plaworks’ mission is to improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play. Playworks believes that the power of play can make a huge difference in our kids and schools. Creating a place for every kid on the playground — an essential opportunity for children to explore their imaginations, to connect with other people and to stretch and grow physically, emotionally and socially. Playworks engages all children at each school at recess and throughout the entire school day, after school and evening developmental sports leagues.
This year, Playworks Pacific Northwest is serving 6,000 students in 14 low-income schools with our full-time program in the Portland Metro Area, teaching valuable skills like teamwork and cooperation while reducing conflict and restoring learning time. They are also reaching thousands more students, teachers and youth workers across the Pacific Northwest through Playworks Training.
Upcoming Events
Join Playworks for the Portland Shamrock Run on Sunday, March 16, 2014. Their Shamrock SUPER TEAM is number 3555 and registration is live! Join Team Playworks to Run 4 Recess and feel free to recruit your friends and family, as Playworks celebrate their 5th year in the Pacific Northwest. Playorks will also be hosting some fun pre and post run event parties!
More info and to register: https://www.facebook.com/events/249390635211608/
By joining the Playworks SUPER TEAM 3555 you will:
· Save $4 on your registration
· Avoid long pick-up lines at the Convention Center
· Plus, $5 from each adult registration goes supports Playworks
Portland, October 25th, 2013. SOLVE supporters enjoyed an evening of Bluegrass and Blue Jeans at the organization’s 19th annual Citizenship Awards fundraising banquet. The event took place at Pure Space and honored five champions of the Oregon environment. Marty Brantley ( a previous Ton McCall Leadership award recipient), Gerry Frank, and John von Schlegell, this year’s McCall Leadership Award recipient enjoyed the evening. The purpose of the fundraiser, was simple but impactful—to support SOLVE’s mission of bringing Oregonians together to improve the environment.
The Beachside Bucanners were honored for beautifying Oregon’s lovely coastline.
The event décor and theme mimicked the easy-going attitude of SOLVE, after all, “Our organization is about being outdoors and actively caring for the environment” said Emily of the tastefully casual design executed by West Coast Event Productions.
Judi Swift from Fred Meyer and SOLVE’s new ED Maureen Fisher
SOLVE’s Special Events Manager, Emily Sullivan, choose Pure Space for its versatility, size, and ability to compliment the laid back event. “The theme was bluegrass and blue jeans and the message was ‘To be an Oregon hero’.” Explained Emily Sullivan, “Each year, SOLVE honors people who take it upon themselves to improve their communities. Whether it’s by cleaning beaches, pulling ivy or planting trees—they set a standard for the rest of us to follow.” The evening reception started with wine tasting and music by “Jackstraw”. Dinner was catered by the Art of Catering. The program honored very deserving Oregonians. Awards were received by, Steve Miesen, individual award; a teacher, Peter Walczak; community group, Beach Drive Buccaneers; and a business, Fred Meyer for their dedication and involvement with SOLVE to improving the environment. The highlight of the evening occurred when the Tom McCall leadership award was given to John and Fran von Schlegell for their contributions to Oregon and their commitment to the environment. New Season’s gave away 450 jars of jam for a down home gesture of appreciation and support for Oregon’s environment. About: SOLVE is a statewide non-profit organization that has been bringing Oregonians together to protect the environment since 1969. The organization has grown from a small, grassroots group to a national model for volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volunteers across Oregon to clean up beaches and rivers, and restore watersheds. Visit www.solveoregon.org for more information.
Portland, October 10th, 2013. St. Mary’s Academy students raised a record-breaking $105,000 in support of the Blues Bridge Walk Student Fundraiser. The funds raised through Blues Bridge Walk support all St. Mary’s students in every aspects of their education, including academic programs, extracurricular and co-curricular activities and tuition assistance. Each student was asked to raise $150, and they’ll celebrate with a movie day at the Hollywood Theatre on Nov. 18.
“After last year’s successful Blues Bridge Walk, where we raised more than $82,000, we set an ambitious goal of hitting the $100,000 mark. These young women not only reached that milestone but surpassed it. I am so proud of the hard work and dedication they showed in giving back to the school, and so appreciative of all the parents, alumnae and donors who helped support them,” said Alison Lazareck, St. Mary’s Academy’s special events associate and Blues Bridge Walk coordinator.
This year the school’s new 1:1 iPad program added an exciting, educational and highly interactive element to the annual fundraiser. The 30 student members of the Blues Bridge Walk Committee provided peer-to-peer instruction on using tablets to build online giving pages. Students created 620 pages, in the process learning about Web content management systems and cause marketing.
Blues Bridge Walk kicked off in late September and culminated in a three-mile walk across the Steel and Hawthorne bridges. A number of parents and alumnae joined students on the adventure. The school’s top fundraiser, freshman Mikaela Foster, brought in $4,125 in support of St. Mary’s. In recognition of her efforts, she will receive a trip to San Francisco for her, a parent and a friend.
The success of Blues Bridge Walk is dependent on support from the entire St. Mary’s community, but it is a student-led effort. That sense of responsibility and leadership makes this year’s triumph even more exciting for young women such as Devon Thompson, a member of the 2013 Blues Bridge Walk Committee.
“The BBW Committee gives me a chance to participate in something that I am passionate about and help my school be the best it can. BBW is a great way for the whole school to become more aware of the
privileges and opportunities that surround us here and provides us with a way to give back and show our
appreciation for the education we’re receiving,” said Thompson, a junior.
St. Mary’s is also gearing up for it’s big financial aid luncheon, below is information about that event:
What: Join us for the 20th anniversary of Food for Thought, St. Mary’s Academy’s tuition assistance luncheon, featuring Jane McGonigal, New York Times bestselling author and world-renowned creator of alternate reality games. This year, St. Mary’s has awarded approximately $1.39 million in tuition assistance to 41 percent of students, and Food for Thought helps the school fulfill that commitment.
When: Tuesday, November 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Hilton Portland, 921 S.W. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Tickets are $75 ($50 is tax deductible). Table sponsorships range from $1,500-$10,000 (all but $250 is tax deductible).
Information:www.stmaryspdx.org/foodforthought, 503-721-7738. For members of the media with questions or seeking additional information, please contact Mary Ann Albright, Director of Communications, at 503.721.7715 (direct office), 503.984.2777 (cell) or maryann.albright@stmaryspdx.org. # # # About St. Mary’s Academy St. Mary’s Academy is a Catholic high school for young women located in the heart of downtown Portland that provides a challenging college-preparatory education with a focus on developing the whole person. Founded in 1859 by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, St. Mary’s Academy is Oregon’s oldest continuously operating secondary school and offers a supportive learning environment to a diverse student body from more than 35 cities in urban, suburban and rural Oregon and Southwest Washington. It is the only school in the state to have received three Blue Ribbon awards from the U.S. Department of Education. For more information about St. Mary’s Academy, please visit www.stmaryspdx.org.
Portland, October 22nd, 2013. “Recognizing Genius,” was the theme of the ARCS Foundation Portland Chapter Scholar Awards Luncheon at the Portland Art Museum. Preliminary numbers indicate a record amount raised: net profit of about $85,000. The event drew ARCS Foundation Portland President Jean Josephson; ARCS Portland Charter Member Diane Alexander; ARCS Portland scholar speaker and researcher at the Drucker lab at OHSU’s Knight Cancer Institute Julia Maxson; keynote speaker and dean of the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science at OSU, Dr. Mark Abbott; ARCS Foundation Portland President Elect Aletha Anderson.
ARCS Foundation Portland scholars from OSU and OHSU were honored to receive their awards for the academic year.
Founding member ARCS Portland, Ellen Richardson; Dr. Joe Robertson, OHSU President; ARCS Portland member Beth Ray
“We believe that investments in American scientists studying with Oregon’s premier doctoral programs in science, medicine and engineering build a vital pipeline of intellectual capital for our businesses and for society’s well being. Through our scholar awards, ARCS supports and nurtures these exceptional young women and men at OHSU and Oregon State University,” explained organizers.
Keynote speaker Dr. Mark Abbott, ARCS Foundation Portland Chapter President Jean Josephson
ARCS Foundation Portland Chapter President Jean Josephson, Oregon State University President Edward J. Ray
Supporters had a chance to meet and mingle with the 50 ARCS scholars for the 2013-14 academic year. They are graduate students from OHSU and Oregon State University and their research in medicine, engineering, nursing, forestry and earth sciences.
The keynote speaker was Mark Abbott, dean of the College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences at Oregon State University. He will spoke about “Our Oceans Under Pressure.” The scholar speaker was Julia Maxson, an ARCS alumna who is doing post-doctoral research at OHSU’s Knight Cancer Institute. Her topic was “Using Genetics to Find Better Cancer Treatments.”
Einstein Presenting Sponsors
Hoffman Construction Company/Julie and Wayne Drinkward
OHSU
Oregon State University and the OSU Foundation
Marie Curie Circle
Sharon and Keith Barnes
Conference Solutions
Wells Fargo The Private Bank
Thomas Edison Circle
Columbia Distributing
Washington Trust
Barbara and Philip Silver
Alexander Fleming Circle
Aletha and Chris Anderson
CH2M HILL
Geffen Mesher/Tonkon Torp LLP
Jean and Rich Josephson
Jubitz Corporation
Caron and Larry Ogg
The Oregonian
PwC LLC
Ellen and Mark Richardson
Stoel Rives LLP
Sunshine Dairy
The Private Client Reserve of U.S. Bank
Walsh Construction
Barbara Wilkinson and Peter Rapp
Portland, October 19th, 2013. The Oregon Food Bank raised over $500,000 at its Oregon Harvest Dinner. Nearly 500 supporters turned out at the benefit. Funds provide support for OFB’s work to secure and distribute food through the OFB Network, and to find solutions to hunger through innovative programs. Last fiscal year, for the second consecutive year, over one million emergency food boxes were distributed by OFB. Distribution of food boxes has increased 41 percent in the past five years, and where there’s higher demand, there must be higher supply.
Jackie Fearing Volunteer Award winner Willie Kleen is cheered on by wife Jeanie Kleen and CEO Susannah Morgan. Photo by Sarah Galbraith
“We’re so fortunate to be able to hold this event in our warehouse, so we want to ensure that the warehouse is part of the event and the decor,” said OFB Special Events Coordinator, Tracey Walker of the more authentic warehouse atmosphere. “West Coast Event Productions has done a great job at highlighting the food stored in the warehouse, and hiding the not so pretty parts with little creative touches that are rough, rustic, and fun.”
CEO Susannah Morgan greets former Oregon Food Bank Board Member, Phil Kalberer during the reception. Photo by Sarah Galbraith
Guests at Oregon Harvest Dinner participated in the silent auction that raised funds for Oregon Food Bank’s mission. Photo by Sarah Galbraith
Chuck Eggert attended with his wife Louanna and accepted the Innovation Award on behalf of Pacific Foods for their work in providing nutritious food for those in need. Photo by Sarah Galbraith
Former Oregon Food Bank board member Phil Kalberer (right) congratulates Mike Lindberg, a Jerry Tippens Advocacy Award Winner. Photo by Sarah Galbraith
The Honorable Ted Kulongoski was presented with the Jerry Tippens Advocacy Award. Photo by Sarah Galbraith
Our mission:
To eliminate hunger and its root causes … because no one should be hungry.
What is Oregon Food Bank?
With sufficient public will and support of the entire community, we believe it is possible to eliminate hunger and its root causes. Oregon Food Bank collects and distributes food through a network of four OFB branches and 16 independent regional food banks serving Oregon and southwest Washington. The OFB Network helps nearly 1 in 5 households fend off hunger. OFB also leads statewide efforts to increase resources for hungry families and to eliminate the root causes of hunger through advocacy, nutrition education, garden education, and helping communities strengthen local food systems.
Portland, October 18th, 2013. More than 500 Portland animal lovers gathered to support DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital and the human-bond for the DoveAdore benefit; it’s the organizations largest fundraising event of the year and this year raised $423,000. DoveLewis supporter Howard Hedinger hugged his dog, “Hero” on the runway during the Boutiques Unleashed fashion show. Guests enjoyed silent and live auctions, dinner, live appeal, and the beloved Boutiques Unleashed Fashion Show featuring fashions for both ends of the leash. (photo credit, Erik Schultz)
Portland designer and Project Runway winner Michelle Lesniak Franklin strikes a pose with a most unique model – Rojo from the Mtn. Peaks Therapy Llamas & Alpacas.
Drew Carney, DoveAdore’s emcee, brings extra excitement and energy to the evening’s festivities.
DoveLewis CEO Ron Morgan addresses gala guests.
Rojo the llama and Shannon from Mtn. Peaks Therapy Llamas & Alpacas on the Boutiques Unleashed runway wearing one-of-a-kind designs by Project Runway winner Michelle Lesniak Franklin.
Celebrating 40 years of service to the community, DoveLewis is the Northwest’s nonprofit 24-Hour ER & ICU Animal Hospital specializing in advanced veterinary care. DoveLewis also shares several donor-funded programs with the community, including one of the United States’ largest volunteer-based animal blood banks, a nationally recognized pet loss support program, 24-hour stabilizing care for lost, stray and wild animals and financial assistance for qualifying low-income families and abused animals. DoveLewis has treated over 500,000 animals.
DoveLewis supporters raise their bidder numbers high during the evening’s appeal to support the nonprofit, 24-hour emergency animal hospital and community programs.
Bill Dickey
Portland local and Concert Rock Violinist Aaron Meyer entertains DoveAdore guests during the silent auction.
DoveLewis Board of Directors member Dr. Courtney Anders of Pearl Animal Hospital takes advantage of a photo op. with special DoveAdore guest Timber Joey.
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