Year-End update: “Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success.” The unknown author of this quote must know something about an organization driven by an important mission. Thanks to the horse sense, persistence and the flaming enthusiasm of athletes, volunteers, donors, staff, and Board of Directors, Special Olympics Oregon had an exciting year of success!
Special Olympics Oregon Summer State Games 2011
Special Olympics Oregon 2011
From Special Olympics Oregon:
Our number of individuals with intellectual disability served increased statewide by 17%.
Our grand Summer State Games returned after a two-year economy-triggered suspension.
Our 30 volunteer-driven Local Programs serving our participants year-round in every county stayed strong.
Our major fundraising events – The Governors’ Gold Awards, The Bite of Oregon, Polar Plunge – exceeded expected revenue.
Our quota of volunteer Special Olympics Oregon coaches increased from 35 newly-trained in 2010 to 227 in 2011.
Our number of great friends increased – more companies, individuals and organizations caught the vision of Special Olympics Oregon’s momentous impact on the lives of thousands with intellectual disabilities, their families and their communities. Over and over again, we heard those magnificent words: I want to help.
Special Olympics Oregon Polar Plunge 2011
Special Olympics Oregon Governors' Gold Awards 2011
More from Special Olympics Oregon:
To all of you, we say with full hearts, “Thank you.” You have helped in ways you may not even imagine. You have changed lives, changed hearts, changed the world. We are most grateful. Hear first hand from athletes and coaches what Special Olympics Oregon has meant to them this year:
What does Special Olympics Oregon mean to you?
Special Olympics Oregon (SOOR) has given my son a chance to be included and accepted just the way he is. They have provided priceless and endless resources for us as parents. Most importantly SOOR has filled our hearts with joy. My son has a chance to actually be on a team, playing a sport that he loves right at his own school! I am thankful for a way to fulfill his dreams and wishes! Thank you SOOR, without you it would not be possible! (Kristy Minor,Special Olympics Oregon Parent)
How did you get your start in Special Olympics Oregon?
I started participating in Special Olympics Oregon back in the 1992 softball season. It was one of the best moves that I ever made for myself. It has been 17 seasons that I have been a Special Olympics Oregon Athlete and I can tell you from personal experience that I have enjoyed each and every game that I have played over the years. I never think of just myself. It is very important to me that I get my teammates involved with the games that we all play as a team. We all win and lose as one team and NOT individual players. Playing games in all sports for Special Olympics Oregon is a lot of fun. I just never want it to end. (Nathan LaMarche,Special Olympics Oregon Athlete)
What has Special Olympics Oregon done for you this year?
Special Olympics is one of those rare and amazing opportunities to be a part of something bigger than myself. As a coach I get to look into each athlete and see endless possibilities that they may not even know they have. I can set goals and see the athletes far surpass them. As a parent of an athlete, I get to see my daughter make friends that are unconditionally loving and accepting. We all get to treat each other as precious, valuable, gifted and strong! There is always encouragement and recognition available to everyone. I have seen over the last 21 years so many lives changed for the better, and relationships built that last a lifetime. With every challenge is a miracle getting ready to happen! (Cindy Miguel,Special Olympics Oregon Coach)
Help us reach one more athlete this holiday season by contributing a tax-deductable gift to Special Olympics Oregon. Volunteer this year with Special Olympics Oregon and help us continue to serve the largest disability population in the state.
Portland, December 3rd. The Wonder Ballroom on NE Russell was all aglitter with young lovelies for the 8th Annual Levé Charity Ball. Levé board member Anne Lawrence, Levé president Kiernan Doherty and Levé vice president Megan Dobson were thrilled to have record-breaking attendance with 650 guests. Levé is a nonprofit formed by young professional women; each year members organize a special event and select a worthy beneficiary for their fundraising. This year’s beneficiary, the Loaves & Fishes Center, is slated to receive over $45,000 from Levé.
Levé guests Lindsay Kantor, Lindsay Ferrin and Ashely Posey pose for a shot with Levé board member Anne Lawrence (second from right) after purchasing drawing tickets.
The Levé Charity Ball featured a silent auction, live music with Manimalhouse and DJ Yaz, local bites and free champagne.
It was standing room only at the popular charity event
Loaves & Fishes Centers has been meeting the nutritional needs of Portland’s elderly since 1970. The mission of Loaves & Fishes is to enrich the lives of seniors and assist them in maintaining independence by making nutritious food, social contacts, and other resources accessible. To the extent possible we will also serve disabled and institutionalized individuals. Loaves & Fishes Centers provides Meals-On-Wheels to homebound seniors and group dining at 30 locations in Multnomah, Washington and Clark counties. Several of our centers offer ethnic menus. Meals are also available to qualified seniors on weekends.
Portland, December 1st. Veteran journalist and author Tom Brokaw thrilled a sold out crowd at a Literary Arts event at the Schnitzer Concert Hall. Lewis and Clark College was one of the sponsors and Tom Brokaw gave President Barry Glassner and his wife, Betsy Amster, a copy of his new book, The Time of Our Lives.
Tom Brokaw was gracious at a VIP book signing after his lecture
After writing extensively about the “Greatest Generation” of World War II and the experiences of his own generation in the ’60s, Brokaw’s most recent book, The Time of Our Lives: A Conversation About America, examines the changes and challenges facing the latest generation of Americans.
The Book signing after the lecture was held at the Heathman Hotel which is lavishly decorated for the holidays
Lewis and Clark President, Barry Glassner, is the author or co-author of 10 books, including The Culture of Fear: Why Americans Are Afraid of the Wrong Things, released in 1999 with an updated edition issued in 2010. Glassner is married to Betsy Amster, a literary agent and president of Betsy Amster Literary Enterprises. Betsy is also a member of the Board of Directors of Literary Arts.
Wednesday, November 30th. The Hilton Portland and Executive Tower was filled with happy holiday celebrants including Midge Dobbs, Shawn Whittemore, the event Chair, and Kristina Lazos from the Hilton. It was a night of networking, live music, and dancing. The Portland Gala was a combined partnership between Oregon’s leading associations that serve the meeting, event and travel industries. The event benefited Boys and Girls Aid.
Carter Jones, Christina Safford, Sue Corning
Stephanie Castellucci, Delana Tate Maxwell, and Jessica Church
The event is popular with professionals who organize special events
The group included professionals from the following organizations: Meeting Professionals International – Oregon Chapter; National Association of Catering Executives, Wedding Network USA; Association of Catering and Event Professionals; Green Meeting Industry Council; Hospitality Sales Marketing Association International; International Special Events Society, Oregon Association of Bridal Consultants, NW Wedding Pros and Wine Country Wedding Professionals.
Maddy Abulencia and Laura Graham collect for Boys and Girls Aid
Kami Aguilar, Karyn R, Lisa Marie Hunt, Linda Smith
Rose Richardson, Ron Richardson from Digital Popcorn, Alesia Zorn
Portland, November 29th. Hands to Hearts International’s (HHI) held its first annual Affair of the Heart and welcomed over 50 guests. The event took place at the Diapers HQ on NE MLK Jr. Blvd. Kim and Jason Graham-Nye, owners of gDiapers were hosts for the evening. Laura Peterson is the HHI Founder & Executive Director. HHI is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of orphaned and vulnerable children and economically disadvantaged women around the globe.
Guests enjoyed sari tying demonstrations
Hands to Hearts International's (HHI) first annual Affair of the Heart fundraiser
Laura Peterson, HHI's founder & executive director, poses with board member David Pyle
HHI is providing resources for an estimated 100,000 women, men and children around the world. It surpassed the fundraising goal for the evening thanks to donors. Now through December 31st, supporters are able to double or triple donations thanks to the generous Greenbaum Foundation.
HHI founder and executive director, Laura Peterson (far right) and staff member Nicole Banta (2nd from right) celebrate with guests
The evening featured:
•Indulge in free chair massages
•Learn to wrap a traditional Indian sari
•Savor light food and drinks
Portland, November 19th. 365 attended the The International School Annual Auction. It raised Over $200,000. That money will will support operational costs as well as faculty professional development and increased technology for classrooms. Pictured are: Board President Scott Kerman, Auction Sponsor Elisabeth Kang of Green Apple Dental, and Auction Sponsor Dr. Jill Speaker of Creekside Medical. This year’s event, which celebrated Chinese culture, and was held at the Portland Art Museum for the first time. The evening included a silent and live auction, a dinner and social time. It was Chaired by Linda McGeady and Joel Simon.
The International School provides a multicultural environment where children are fully immersed in Spanish, Japanese or Chinese language and culture. Children become fluent in another language, at home in other cultures, and engaged in math, science, social studies and arts. The International School is Portland’s first International Baccalaureate elementary school. It was founded in 1990 and today educates over 460 students from age 3 through 5th grade.
Portland, November 15th. 730 people packed the Portland Hilton Hotel to honor some of Oregon and Southwest Washington’s most passionate philanthropists. William R. Swindells congratulated Greg Chaille, who received the Thomas Lamb Eliot Award. The Philanthropy Awards lunch was organized by the local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. (Photo Credit, Andie Petkus)
Jack Gray presents the Outstanding Volunteer Group award to the Outdoor School Student Leaders program, represented by Hannah Steinkopf-Frank, left, and Chiarra Forester at the Philanthropy Awards Luncheon of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter.
Masters of Ceremony, William R. Swindells, and Gerry Frank
Dr. Walter Urba, Providence Cancer Center, presented the Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation Award to Safeway, Portland Division, represented by Steve Frisby, President, Safeway Portland Division.
Steve and Jan Oliva, joined the many well-wishers for Ed Lynch, who along with his late wife, Dollie, won the Vollum Award for Lifetime Philanthropic Achievement
Ed Lynch addresses the audience of 730
Harry Merlo, winner of the award for Outstanding Philanthropist, addresses the group. The award was presented by Kerry Tymchuk
The Board of the Pendleton Foundation Trust, and others from Pendleton attended in honor of the Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation award given to the Trust
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is the professional association of individuals responsible for generating philanthropic support for a wide variety of nonprofit, charitable organizations. Founded in 1960, AFP (formerly the National Society of Fund Raising Executives) advances philanthropy through its nearly 30,000 members in more than 200 chapters throughout the world.
Vancouver, November 6th. Animal lovers united to raise money at their PINS FOR PETS Bowling Event at Allen Crosley Lanes in Vancouver. Their mission was to help the animals of the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society by offsetting high medical costs so that animals don’t face euthanization.
It was a family event
Raffles and door prizes added to the fun.
WCG Humane Society fulfills its mission almost entirely through the efforts of unpaid volunteers.
West Columbia Gorge Humane Society is a no-kill, independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit animal shelter established in 1994. Its programs and services are carried out by a mostly volunteer staff dedicated to caring for animals and finding loving homes for each one. It operates an extensive foster homes program, a cat shelter and a dog shelter located at the Port of Washougal, Washington, and a Trap-Neuter-Return program (TNR) for feral cats living in the local area.
Pins for Pets supporters
Volunteers say, "Our community events and fund raisers increase awareness of homeless pets in our area, attract community support, and raise program funds."
Animal Lovers came out in force to support this great cause
Clark, Skamania, and Multnomah County residents place thousands of calls for help to the shelters each year. Staff and volunteers respond to every one, offering advice and assistance with pet problems with the goal of helping keep the animals with their current owners. If a person must give up his/her pet, the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society takes in the animal as long as it has staff and space available.
Nearly 400 guests crowded Portland’s Governor Hotel for the GO RED Luncheon organized by The American Heart Association /American Stroke Association. Supporters raised $112,000! (Photo Credit, Darling Diva Photo Design.)
Portland Executive Director, Lanette Day and VP of Development Shawn Casey
The Go Red For Women Luncheon educates women about their No. 1 and No. 3 killers – heart disease and stroke.
Legacy Health was one of the main sponsors of the event
Keynote Speaker, Donna Hartley
In addition to inspirational keynote speaker, and survivor, Donna Hartley, guests enjoyed the Go Red Health Expo with informative breakout sessions, health screenings, interactive health exhibits, networking and the opportunity to discover tools and resources to build healthier lives. The GO RED event was held October 12.
The event was sold out
Local firefighters were on hand to lend their support
Emcee Shawna Parsons from Fox12
The luncheon was a time to share important health information
Heart Disease Survivor, Liz Scharmann, shares her story
The event had many light moments including sorbet for dessert and a photo booth
From the The American Heart Association /American Stroke Association:
Together the women of Go Red can bring a voice to this silent killer to help save lives. We can listen to what our hearts are telling us, talk to our doctors, and spread the word to our friends and community about making the right choices and taking action.
Go Red For Women needs you to shatter the silence by choosing to Speak Up about heart disease. Be part of the movement, make choices, speak up and spread the word. By sharing this commitment with Go Red For Women, together we can help save lives. Be a part of this extraordinary day.
Our next event, the Heart Ball, will be held at The Governor Hotel on February 4.
Signs of a Heart Attack:
Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the
center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes
back.
Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck,
jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath with or without chest
discomfort.
Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea
or lightheadedness.
As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is
chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to
experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath,
nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.
If you have any of these signs, don’t wait more than five minutes before
calling for help. Call 9-1-1…Get to a hospital right away.
Portland, November 30th. Every year, more than 100 volunteer decorators, designers, and local charities donate their time and talents to transform Pittock Mansion into a holiday wonderland. This year highlights multi-cultural Christmas customs and traditions with dazzling decorations and more than 15 festive trees as the Mansion celebrates Christmas Around the World.
The Pittock Mansion was home to Portland pioneers Henry and Georgiana Pittock from 1914 to 1919.
Admission to this special exhibit is free for members, $9 for adults, $8 for seniors (65+), $6 for youth (ages 6 – 18) and free for children ages 5 and under. This year, Pittock Mansion will be open on New Year’s Day, but closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. It’s located at 3229 NW Pittock Drive, Portland, OR 97210, in Portland’s West Hills.
The Pittock Mansion Society takes pride in the meticulous efforts made over many years by dedicated staff members and volunteers to preserve the past in a way that evokes dialogue, awe and imagination.
Pittock Mansion volunteer docent Barbara Scholl enjoys the Christmas Around The World exhibit with her daughter, Gretchen.
A house of historical significance and visual magnificence, the Pittock Mansion today offers us a uniquely personal opportunity to peek into the past, and study our world as it was – from the viewpoint of one Portland family
Celebrate the season with Christmas Around the World, on display November 21 – January 2. Take the free shuttle December 17 – January 1!
The shuttle pick-up location, which will be marked with a sign, will be at PSU’s parking garage #3 (entrance on SW 12th Avenue or SW 13th just south of SW Market).
Parking in PSU’s parking structure is free to Pittock Mansion visitors for the first three hours. When you arrive, go to one of the parking machines in parking structure #3, and you will see three choices: 1. Daily Parking, 2. Hourly Parking, or 3. Pittock Shuttle. Select the 3 for Pittock Shuttle, and then enter coupon code 62782 in the keypad to obtain your free parking permit.
– Pick-up times from the PSU parking garage will be every hour between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
– Shuttle service will be provided by a 12-passenger van, which will have a window sign identifying it as the shuttle to Pittock Mansion.
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