Portland, February 23rd. Over 500 guests gathered at the Portland Art Museum to celebrate a “Night of Angels” at the Winemaker’s Dinner for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland. Supporters raised nearly $1.5 million which will benefit over 25,000 youth served by the nonprofit. Honoree Linda Rae Hickey enjoyed the evening with friends Geraldine Bidwell and John Bishop. (Photo Credit, Antonio Harris)
Event Chairs Ken O'Neil and Erin Hubert encourage everyone to enjoy the evening.
Honorary Chair, Ed Maletis, welcomes over 500 guests with opening remarks.
2012 Winemaker's Dinner--A Night of Angels
Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland CEO, Lisabeth Marziello, (0n the right) takes a moment for a picture with honoree Linda Rae Hickey and Howard Hedinger.
Honoree Hank Swigert celebrates what he called the “best night of my life”!
Honoree Brot Bishop, Jr. proudly displays his award, alongside his wife, Kelley Bishop.
ESCO was the Presenting Sponsor for the event. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Portland Metropolitian Area event was called a Night of Angels this year because it honored volunteer angels like Linda Rae Hickey, Hank Swigert, and Brot Bishop, Jr. These altruistic individuals played a vital role in the Jack, Will, & Rob Boys & Girls Club program, named after three young boys: Jack, Will and Rob Warren, who lost their lives in a tragic accident in 1999.
The evening also featured 14-year old Club member and volunteer, John Grall, who spoke about the impact that the Jack, Will and Rob Boys & Girls Club has had on his life.
From the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Portland Metropolitian Area:
Mission Statement To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.
History Since 1946, Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland has been providing thousands of young people throughout the Portland metro area with affordable, high-quality after-school and summer programs designed to help them develop the qualities needed to become responsible citizens and leaders. Our Clubs offer kids what they want most: safe, clean, fun places to go when they’re not in school; caring adults who respect and guide them; and challenging programs that teach them life skills and keep them engaged in productive activities.
Portland, March 8th. The philanthropic stars were out for the Oregon Partnership “Night at the Museum” benefit which raised an estimated $260,000. The nonprofit’s mission is to prevent substance abuse and suicide. Christopher Kennedy Lawford is pictured with fellow guest speaker James Hutcheson and Oregon Partnership outreach coordinator Barbara Caplan. (Christopher Kennedy Lawford is an author and activist — the son of actor Peter Lawford and Patricia “Pat” Kennedy, John F. Kennedy’s sister.)
All of the money raised supports core programs: Crisis Intervention, Education and Training and Advocacy.
Becky Tymchuk, Phil Fogg, Angie Fogg and Kerry Tymchuk, the Executive Director of the Oregon Historical Society.
Doug Campbell and Anne Naito-Campbell, the Oregon Partnership Board Secretary
Event organizers Barbara Underriner, Margo Greeve, Charles Milne, Shari Anderson and Barbara Caplan
Dr. Loren Jenkins, Oregon Partnership Board Member from Kaiser Permanente NW, Juanita Walton, Roy Jay, Board Member from ARAMARK/Giacometti Partners Ltd
Johnna Wells from Benefit Auctions 360 was the Auctioneer
Anne Naito-Campbell, Bill Frerichs from Target Corp., DeDe Frerichs
Featured Speaker James Hutcheson and Board Member Doug Lyons from Clere Consulting
About 450 people attend the benefit. Event sponsors included: Columbia Helicopters, Inc. Portland Area Taco Bell Owners Association, and The Standard. The Board President of Oregon Partnership is Dan McMillan from The Standard.
Those in attendance got a sneak peak at the name Oregon Partnership will transition to in about a month: “Lines for Life”
It’s a name more evocative of the live -saving work of the nonprofit:
A first line of prevention for children in schools and communities
A direct line of help for parents
A confidential line for individuals or families seeking help for addiction or mental illness
A Lifeline to those in the grips of depression and suicidal thoughts
A confidential line for teens suffering quietly from bullying and personal torment
An anonymous line for the brave men and women who have served our country and now it’s time for us to be there for them
Portland, March 3rd. More than 700 wine enthusiasts gathered at the Oregon Convention Center to raise funds for disadvantaged children and families in the Portland Metropolitan area. 2012 Classic Wines Auction Co-Chairs were Kim Agnew of the Agnew Family Foundation, Craig Wessel, Publisher of the Portland Business Journal, and Cindy Campbell of the Campbell Foundation. (Photo Credit, John Valls) The $2.42 million raised benefits four local charities: Metropolitan Family Service, New Avenues for Youth, Friends of the Children-Portland and YMCA Clark County.
Auction guests enjoyed wines produced by four Honorary Wine Ambassadors: Greg Lill of DeLille Cellars (WA), Ed Sbragia of Sbragia Family Vineyards (CA), Danilo Drocco of Fontanafredda (Italy), and Isabelle Meunier of Evening Land Vineyards (OR), who is not pictured.
The total amount raised comes from many sources including event sponsorships (such as presenting sponsors Bank of America and US Trust), auction prizes, wine packages, astonishing attendee contributions and 45 Winemaker Dinners at local restaurants.
Roger Hinshaw, President, Oregon and SW Washington at Bank of America and Barbara Palmer, Senior Vice President of US Trust, address the crowd, while Craig Wessel, Publisher of the Portland Business Journal and Classic Wines Auction Co-Chair looks on.
“We are tremendously pleased with the outcome of the 2012 Classic Wines Auction,” said Heather Martin, Executive Director of the Classic Wines Auction. “The generosity of our attendees, donors and volunteers enables us to assist over 42,000 children and families in our community in truly meaningful and impactful ways.”
Ambassador Dinner Chairs Kim Bradley and Chris Nickerson flank Jessica Elkan, Development Director at New Avenues for Youth.
Generous bidders raise millions
The gala began with the silent auction during a pre-dinner wine and food tasting reception featuring more than 50 wines and six food stations. The main event was kicked off with a serenade by Master of Ceremonies James Curleigh of KEEN Footwear, followed by the live auction and five-course culinary feast prepared by top guest chefs and paired with wines from both national and international wine ambassadors. Guests finished their night with coffee and dessert bars on their way out.
Karen and Richard Durrett with 2012 Auction Co-Chair, Cindy Campbell
The five course menu was collaboratively prepared by Allan Wambaa, Executive Chef of pacificwild catering at the Oregon Convention Center, Adam Sappington, Executive Chef/Co-owner of The Country Cat Dinner House and Bar, and Cory Schreiber, Founder of Wildwood restaurant, author, and faculty member of the International Culinary School at the Art Institute in Portland.
KGW's talented Stephanie Strickland served as emcee
The Classic Wines Auction, Inc., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to producing the Classic Wines Auction and related events which raise money for local charities benefiting children and families.
From Classic Wine Auction, Inc.:
The Classic Wines Auction, presented by Bank of America and US Trust, brings its total raised to nearly $30 million for charities benefiting children and families since its inception in 1984. 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 $30 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 andywca clark county. See more at www.classicwinesauction.com.
Portland, March 3rd. Spirited supporters of the Riverdale School District converged on the Castaway Foundry on NW 18th for a Prohibition-themed benefit. Sara Conte, Torie Laurent and Catarina Hunter were all smiles at the event. The convivial affair, organized by the Riverdale High School and Grade School Parent Teacher Clubs, featured a live auction and dancing to the Design Band.
Benefit organizers included Grade School PTC Treasurer Jennifer Kimura, PTC President Nicole Grayson and former President, Laura Martin
Allison Sherman, Denise Gooding, Riverdale Grade School Principal Jeremiah Patterson and Karen Parkin
Rosalie Sears-Pelz, Pamela and Lincoln Ware and Julie Hubbard
John Bogaty and PTC President-Elect Heather Bogaty posed with volunteer "Cigarette Girl/raffle salesperson" Erica Naito-Campbell and Riverdale Foundation Board Member Steven Klein
Betsy Edwards, Kathleen Myers, Tory Paine, Dave Maddocks, Suzi Maddocks and Claudia Taylor
The Auction Committee inculded: Nicole Grayson, Amber Hinsvark, Catarina Hunter, Chrys Hutchings, Jennifer Kimura, Kristen Kohnstamm, Laura Martin, Erica Naito-Campbell, Jeff Pellessier, Barbara Reid and Allison Sherman.
Established in 1888, the Riverdale School District serves over 600 families in the residential, wooded area seven miles south of downtown Portland and adjacent to the city of Lake Oswego. Riverdale High School opened in September 1996 for grades 9-12. The high school is located at 9727 SW Terwilliger Boulevard just two miles from the Riverdale Grade School.
Applications are welcomed from non-resident students on a tuition basis. Small class sizes and rigorous academic programs make the district a popular choice with parents. Tuition assistance grants are available on a financial-need basis. Individual tours can be arranged by appointment. Here’s a link to the Admissions page of the Riverdale website: http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/Page/248
Portland, February 25th. The Portland Art Museum’s ballroom was transformed into a Mardi Gras celebration for Northwest Academy’s annual Club Cabaret dinner and auction. Northwest Academy parents Vesna and Rajko Kostur, and their daughters Leksi and Nina, got into the spirit with elaborate masks. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
2012 Arlene Schnitzer Award for Excellence Winner Lindley Morton, Northwest Academy Head of School Mary Vinton Folberg and Corrinne Oishi
The event drew more than 300 guests and featured Michael Curry’s world famous and larger-than-life puppets, as well as student and staff performances.
One of the world-famous Michael Curry Puppets
The auction raised over $150,000 for the Northwest Academy scholarship fund, which supports one in four students, with many going on to receive financial aid at the college or university of their choice. Head of School Mary Vinton Folberg also announced that Northwest Academy just signed an agreement to purchase the former YWCA building for the new permanent home for the school.
Northwest Academy’s Board of Trustees shares the announcement about the school’s new permanent home in the former YWCA building on SW 10th Avenue.
Club Cabaret is Northwest Academy’s annual gala auction showcasing both the fine and performing arts programs popular at the college preparatory middle and high school located in downtown Portland’s cultural district. At Club Cabaret, guests had the chance to bid on live auction items a behind-the-scenes tour of Michael Curry Studios for ten people, a Zupan’s Wine Cellar Dinner, Ponzi at Twilight and a luxury getaway to Yelapa, Mexico.
“Club Cabaret is a way to reach into the community with an amazing evening of original performances and a live and silent auction to raise funds to support our scholarship fund,” said Mary Vinton Folberg, Head of School. “Without scholarship assistance, many gifted students who enrich our community would be unable to attend our school.”
Northwest Academy Preparatory student vocalist Maya Fine
The Auctioneer for the benefit was Kelly Russell and emcee, Pete Ferryman, Anchor, FOX 12 News
From Northwest Academy:
Northwest Academy is an accredited independent, college preparatory school, grades 6 through 12, committed to education through academics and the arts. Founded in 1997 by Mary Folberg, Northwest Academy offers rigorous academic and arts programs that emphasize and value creative thinking, individual choice, and self-discipline, taught by master teachers and professionals active in their fields – from dance and art to humanities and science. Northwest Academy prepares students for the demands of the 21st century by maintaining a strong focus on independent thought and problem solving together with an emphasis on new approaches to modern day issues. Northwest Academy is located at 1130 SW Main Street, Portland, Oregon 97205; 503-223-3367. For more information, please visit www.nwacademy.org
Portland, February 16th. “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” was the Sussical theme for the SMART (Start Making A Reader Today) benefit at the Portland Art Museum. The event raised more than $320,000 for the nonprofit. (Photo Credit, Andie Petkus) SMART Board Chair Charles Wilhoite of Willamette Management Associates celebrated with SMART Board Member Patsy Smullin of California Oregon Broadcasting, Inc. as they thanked Melinda Merrill, Director of Public Affairs at Fred Meyer.
Presenting sponsors were Fred Meyer and Knowledge Universe
Energetic actors enlivened the cocktail hour with their creative characters.
SMART Board Member Steve Wynne of JELD-WEN, Inc. (left) enjoys the social hour reception with SMART Emeritus Board Member Bill Early (right) and his wife Karen
SMART Executive Director Chris Otis presents former SMART Executive Director Mary Jubitz with the SMART Visionary Award. Jubitz served as executive director of SMART for 12 years from 1994 until her departure in 2006.
SMART Board Member D.J. Wilson of KGW Media Group with Brenda Meltebeke of Ater Wynne. Ater Wynne was honored as the SMART Founding Business Partner as a thank-you for the firm’s 20 years of support.
Over 500 people attended the event
Russ Lewis, morning anchor from NewsChannel 8 was the emcee
Graham Crow of Graham Crow Benefit Auctions was the auctioneer
A “Make a Difference” bid for the cause, supported SMART programs throughout the state of Oregon.
From SMART:
If children don’t learn to read by third grade, they can’t read to learn.
SMART (Start Making A Reader Today) recruits thousands of volunteers to read one-on-one with PreK-3rd grade children in need of literacy support. Every week for seven months, volunteers read aloud with kids to help them gain confidence in their reading ability. Educators agree this helps reinforce reading and language skills learned in the classroom. An independent study by the Eugene Research Institute reveals that fifth graders who participated in SMART are 60 percent more likely to reach state reading benchmarks than are similar students who did not participate.*
SMART partners with more than 200 schools that have high populations of children from low income families, as studies show they are less likely to have books in the home. To encourage reading outside the classroom, SMART gives each child 14 new, take-home books—two per month during the course of the program.
Every school year SMART mobilizes up to 10,000 volunteers. The vision of SMART is an Oregon where every child can read and is empowered to succeed.
Portland, February 23rd. Some of Portland’s top chefs were ladling out delicious soup to benefit Transition Projects. Soup for the Soul raises money to help provide flexible financial assistance to move people from homelessness to housing. Former Portland mayor Bud Clark, who is a member of Transition Projects board of directors, was all smiles at the benefit. Each year, Transition Projects helps more than 500 people end their homelessness. The event was at Urban Studio, located in the heart of the Pearl District.
Soup's on!
The 2012 line-up included chef, Christopher Israel. GQ named Christopher’s Grüner one of the 10 best new restaurants in America. A 2011 James Beard nominee, Christopher has cooked at Zefiro and Saucebox.
Christopher Israel (executive chef, Grüner) Michelle Ganow-Jones, visits with Serena Cruz Walsh (member of the Transition Projects Board of Directors, former Multnomah County Commissioner)
Other talented chef’s who supported the event included:
Daniel Mondok. Daniel’s resume includes Genoa, Sel Gris and Foster Burger. He is opening a new restaurant at the Inn at Red Hills in Dundee, previously occupied by Farm to Fork.
Greg Samples. Greg is executive chef at Portland Prime, winner of Wine Spectator’s 2011 Award of Excellence. He has cooked in the Pacific Northwest for more than 20 years.
Amanda Ames of Chez Joly has worked at the prestigious El Bizcocho in San Diego. She placed in the Concours de Tartes aux Fruits competition.
Karen Pride and Brittney Galloway also whipped up some great soup. They’re co-creators of the healthy, inspired cuisine served at Prasad Café, located inside Yoga Pearl.
Soup for the Soul drew a crowd.
Hon. Jeff Cogen (chair, Multnomah County), Andy Carson (Fox 12)
Doreen Binder (executive director, Transition Projects), Dave Williams (president, Clean & Safe Board of Directors)
Our mission is to serve people’s needs as they transition from homelessness to housing. With four locations in Portland, Oregon, Transition Projects serves homeless single adults throughout the metropolitan area. The agency is a catalyst for helping people end their homelessness. The mission of Transition Projects is to serve people’s basic needs as they transition from homelessness to housing.
Portland, February 18th. Guests were dressed to the nines to enjoy a festive evening benefiting the Q Center. The organization builds public awareness and celebrates LGBTQ diversity through art, cultures and collaborative community programing. Movers and shakers at the event included: Barbara McCullough-Jones, Jim Taff, Judge Kemp, Beth Allen, Tim Bias, Ryan Wayman, Aaron Hall, Anne Viola, Mary Wheat, Laura Calvo (Photo Credit, Anna M Campbell)
The event was held at the YU Building in Southeast Portland (Photo Credit, Xilia Faye)
Logan Lynn, Mayor Sam Adams (Photo Credit, Byron Beck )
The Theme was "Never Out of Style"
LGBTQ stands for “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer, or Questioning”.
From the Q Center:
The mission of the Q Center is to increase the visibility of and foster connection wtih metro Portland’s LGBTQ community. The center builds public awareness and support, and celebrates LGBTQ diversity through art, culture, and programming. Q Center is a community resource and reaches out to youth, seniors, families, people of color, and gender queer populations.
Information and referral services, prevention and wellness activities, and materials on Oregon’s LGBTQ history.
Programming addressing community concerns such as health and wellness, safe space for youth and older people, and the needs of today”s families including Kids Korner, a creative, flexible, family-friendly space for kids to play and parents to connect.
Monthly art installations and related events are generated by the art collective QuArt PDX.
Recurring events and activities, including monthly Family Play dates, bingo, Daddies and papas Potluck, and a weekly wrtiers group.
Rentable conference rooms, community event space, as well as office/creative space for Q Center programming.
Portland, February 27th. Here’s a horse racing update, just for fun… A 4-year-old Quarter Horse named, Danner, broke a 16-year-old racetrack record at Portland Meadows by clocking 300 yards in just 15.51 seconds. Jockey, Jose Zunino, rode Danner into the record books. Danner has now won 7 of 17 starts and made over $43,000. (Photo credit, Erin Palmer.)
Posing for a photo afterwards are Danner's owner Yaqueline Ibarra, trainer Hector Magallanes and jockey Jose Zunino
Danner had struggled a bit making the transition to running against older horses, but he got back on track on Monday at Portland Meadows as he set a new track record for 300 yards when he completed the course in 15.51 seconds. The old record was set by Thinkin Strawfly who ran 300 yards on April 30, 1995 in 15.55.
Danner was bred in the state of Oregon by Hayden Brothers Ranch.
Ashland, February 24th. The Tony Award–winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival is off and running; watch out for flying pies because Animal Crackers is one of the eleven productions this season. It’s the 1930s vaudevillian musical farce made famous by the Marx Brothers. (Photo credit, Jenny Graham)
John Parker (Eddie Lopez) and Mary Stewart (Laura Griffith) sing and dance their love for each other as Captain Spaulding (Mark Bedard) and Ravelli (John Tufts) prepare to join in. Photo: Jenny Graham.
Captain Spaulding (Mark Bedard), Ravelli (John Tufts), Jamison (Eddie Lopez) and The Professor (Brent Hinkley) serenade themselves and Mrs. Rittenhouse (K.T. Vogt). Photo: Jenny Graham.
“This season celebrates the adventurous spirit of our company and our audience,” explained Artistic Director Bill Rauch. “I can’t wait to share these productions. They are a delicious blend of old and new, tragedy and comedy, and the vastly divergent settings will transport audiences around the globe.”
The timeless tragedy of Romeo and Juliet comes once again to OSF’s stage, this time in the Angus Bowmer Theatre.
Romeo's (Daniel José Molina) heartache for Rosaline is forgotten as soon as he sees Juliet (Alejandra Escalante) at the Capulet party. Photo: Jenny Graham.
Director Laird Williamson has set the star-crossed lovers and their feuding families in the late 1840s Alta California—a period of California history rich with the culture of the Spanish-speaking Californios.
Romeo (Daniel José Molina) and Tybalt (Fajer Al-Kaisi) fight for the honor of their families as Benvolio (Kevin Fugaro) watches over the fallen Mercutio (Jason Rojas).
Doña Capulet (Vilma Silva) explains to Juliet (Alejandra Escalante) that Don Capulet hopes to marry her to Captain Paris. Photo: Jenny Graham.
The White Snake, a new work adapted from a Chinese fable, will have its world premier in Ashland. In this beloved Chinese legend, a snake spirit disguised as a beautiful woman falls in love with a young scholar. The production is staged by Tony Award-winning director Mary Zimmerman
Green Snake captures the attention of White Snake (Amy Kim Waschke) and the customers in the pharmacy. Photo: Jenny Graham.
White Snake (Amy Kim Waschke) reveals her fears about Xu Xian (Christopher Livingston) to Green Snake (Tanya McBride). Photo: Jenny Graham.
Green Snake (Tanya McBride) and White Snake (Amy Kim Waschke) ride the clouds to the earth below. Photo: Jenny Graham.
OSF’s 2012 season runs through November 4th, offering 790 performances of 11 productions. The season is sponsored by U.S. Bank.
From Oregon Shakespeare Festival:
Founded in 1935, the Tony Award-winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) is among the oldest and largest professional non-profit theatres in the nation. Each year OSF presents an eight-and-a-half-month season of eleven plays in three theatres plus numerous ancillary activities, and undertakes an extensive theatre education program. Operating on a budget exceeding $26 million, OSF presents more than 780 performances annually with attendance of approximately 400,000.
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