Dave Jachter, Greg Remensperger, and Bob Lanphere, Jr. helped kick off the festivities.
The charities help some of the most vulnerable citizens in the Portland area and the auto show is proud to support their efforts, says Greg Remensperger, executive director, PIAS. “You can’t ask for a better neighbor in your community than an auto show or auto dealership,” says Remensperger. “The auto industry has always been generous, and we are honored to help support these important organizations in their mission to serve.”
Melvin Broadous and Roger Batiste enjoyed the show.
Maura and John Becker pose with the Star Wars Storm Trooper display.
This 2019 BMW i8 Coupe is a plug-in hybrid. The price of the car will be announced later, but will likely start just below $150,000.
Rich and Katie Black, from Sponsor Oregon Community Credit Union, brought their Yorkie, Higgins.
Julie and Craig Nichols were on hand. The Nichols Law Group represents a variety of businesses throughout the Northwest. Since 1988, Craig has represented the Oregon Automobile Dealers Association and the Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association.
Andie Petkus and Shaban Demirel check out the cars. Professional photographer Andie Petkus is used to being on the other side of the camera, but was out supporting the nonprofits at this event.
A host of sponsors donated food and beverages to the benefit.
Lisa Elorriaga, Lisa Handley, and Denise Gooding supported the local charities.
Some of the Ferraris on display have prices starting at $350,000.
In addition to hors d’oeuvres and full bar service on the auto show floor, the Sneak Peek offered a look at over 500 automobiles from the world’s automakers. The PIAS is the largest Auto Show in the Pacific Northwest, and the largest show held at the Oregon Convention Center.
Show dates and times for the remainder of the auto show are as follows:
Thurs., Jan. 25 10 am – 10 pm
Fri., Jan. 26 10 am – 10 pm
Sat., Jan. 27 10 am – 10 pm
Sun., Jan. 28 10 am – 7 pm
Ticket prices: Adults (13 and older) $12. Seniors $10. Military (with ID) $10. Children (7 – 12) $7
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. 25-year-old Jackie Wiles, from Aurora, stood to the right of Lindsey Vonn and celebrated that she had qualified for her second straight Olympic team by taking 3rd place in the World Cup competition on Saturday. A product entirely of the Pacific Northwest Ski Association, Wiles was on skis about the same time she figured out walking. After making the Olympic team her rookie world cup campaign and finishing 26th in Sochi, she’s eager for a shot at the podium in PyeongChang. US star Lindsey Vonn won the Downhill on Italian soil and 2nd place went to Tina Weirather. Here’s a short video recap of the key races:
In 2015, Lindsey Vonn announced she would personally sponsor her friend and U.S. Ski teammate Jackie Wiles so she could participate in the World Cup tour. Wiles was the Lindsey Vonn Foundation‘s first ambassador. “Jacque needed funding to continue to follow her dreams on the World Cup tour and I was honored to help,” the gold winning Olympic athlete wrote. She said Wiles is a great role model for young girls which is why she was chosen as the first ever ambassador.
Vonn launched a non-profit organization to empower young women’s growth as athletes, learners and individuals. The foundation has already hosted a summer camp that was free for participants. Young girls were invited to participate in two days of athletics, like hiking, yoga and other physical challenges at the Vail Mountain School at the Vail Resort in Colorado.
“I had always wanted to start a foundation,” said Vonn, when asked about what prompted her to dive into this project. “I’ve always been drawn to kids, but I wasn’t able to do skiing and the foundation at the same time. So when I was injured, one of the best things I was able to do was start the foundation.”
Vonn grins with students from the Vail Mountain School.
At the end of the day, Vonn knows she can have a lasting impact on these young girls, just like Picabo Street did on her when she was a kid. “I met Picabo when I was nine. Sometimes just really small things like that can make a big impact, a lasting impact,” she related. “I’m starting my foundation on that. Just a simple autograph or giving a kid a hug, that can do a lot of good.”
If you’d like to learn more about Jackie, here’s her story in her own words:
JACKIE’S STORY
My name is Jacqueline Wiles and I am from Portland, Oregon. I first clicked into skis when I was just 2 years old and began racing at age 5. I was fortunate my parents would take my big brother, Steele, and me up to Mount Hood every weekend. I loved chasing him all around the mountain. They instilled such a passion for skiing in me at a young age. It wasn’t long before they decided to put us on the race team as it was cheaper than taking lessons. I was a very active kid who did just about every sport that I was capable of. At the end of the day, ski racing had my heart and I knew I wanted to make it as far as possible. Just like every young ski racer, I aspired to make it onto the US Ski Team and go to the Olympics.
Growing up racing I learned a lot, and I believe the sport has really shaped me into who I am today. I used to have so much fun ripping around with my teammates, and the bond we shared was special. Through my younger years I became very successful from pure joy and untrained athleticism. Skiing became easy for me because it felt so natural. I always went out to have a blast, and that I did, until the other girls started spanking me and I needed to learn the true definition of working hard.
After graduating high school I had a decision to make, go to college or continue to fight for my dream. This choice was simple for me. I knew I could always attend college, but I only had this moment to pursue my goals. Racing was my life and the path I wanted to take. I loved the sport so much and didn’t want to give up.
The next few years were really tough. I struggled and didn’t know where to turn. These were some of my toughest and lowest years. I wasn’t in school and my skiing was getting worse. It was very hard and people told me to give up because I wouldn’t make it. It was heartbreaking to hear, and I didn’t know where to turn for help or what to do. I was frustrated and decided to use my frustration in a positive way to fire myself up. I wanted to change my direction. I reassessed my situation and realized my old ways were not working, I needed to do something about it. The first step was examining all the things holding me back and figuring out what I could do to get better. I came to a conclusion that I needed to get in better physical shape. I was not giving myself a shot to compete with the others. I had always assumed that I had worked hard and had good conditioning. What I had come to realize is that, wow, I wasn’t even close.
Once I decided to really focus and work hard on my body I saw a dramatic change in my skiing. I met a fantastic trainer, Troy Harvey, and decided we’d be a good fit. He took me on 3-4 hours a day for 5-6 days a week. I had never worked so hard in my life. It was incredible how much further I could push my body. I was much stronger the next race season and ridiculously faster on the slopes. I could pull off much more and resist against the new forces I was creating. This was a huge eye opener to me; to see the hard work I had put into the gym pay off on the hill. From that time on I understood hard work and how to push myself to be the best that I can be.
My next season I won some Nor-Am Titles, a Downhill Championship, and made it onto the US Ski Team. This was a dream come true for me and I was ecstatic. I had finally accomplished my goals, but I could not be content with just making it. I wanted to stay on the team, not just be in and out. I had to keep working hard and striving to be better.
My Rookie year I had starts for all the World Cup speed events that I had earned the previous year. I figured the team would just take me to a couple races to get a feel for the next level. What happen in that year was incredible and has changed my life.
I did well enough that they decided to keep taking me along race after race. I was an excited, nervous, scared, anxious girl, eyes wide open and up for anything. I memorized six new downhill courses. It was an incredible year and I learned so much. I was close to scoring many times and then finally punched into the top 30 the last race before the Olympics. I placed 15th and made the US Olympic team a week before the start of the games in Sochi.
This was the most incredible feeling I have ever had. Remembering where I had come from only a couple years earlier, being told I would never amount to anything, to now making the Olympics and scoring World Cup points in my Rookie year. The 2014 season was incredibly rewarding. Not only did I prove those people wrong but I proved to myself that I was worthy of competing with World Cup Athletes and I deserved to be there. I know I surprised some people but not myself because I knew how hard I had worked…I just never knew it would happen this fast.
The next two years were the biggest learning experience in my career. I am excited for this next season as I understand what to expect, I am better prepared, I am skiing better and I’m in great shape. I’ve learned earlier what it takes to succeed and to be the best I can be. I believe I had to go through those rough times to fully understand what it takes to succeed. I learned a huge lesson when I was at my lowest, taking it into my own hands, and making it to where I am now. I will never take this opportunity for granted, and I vow to enjoy every minute of every day and appreciate the Journey. Thank you for taking the time to read about my story.
Portland, OR. Over 50 notable alumni of Jesuit’s nationally-recognized drama program returned to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Performing Arts Center on January 6th. “We’re celebrating a place that our alums found while they were students at Jesuit High School,” says Drama Co-Director Jeff Hall. “It’s gratifying to see them so enthusiastic about returning to that place.” Supporters enjoyed some favorite moments of the past 20 years (and beyond) on the Marilyn Moyer Theatre stage, featuring performances by JHS favorites including Mike McKinsey, Marianna Thielen, Isaac Lamb, Courtney Freed, Nick Ardell, Abby Irwin, Bryce Earhart, Kathleen Hooper, Drew Schmidt, Isabel Klein, Jon Matter, Casey Collins, Brandon Gille and dozens more. (Photo credit, Lois O’Halloran)
The gala featured talented performers from across the years, some of whom are now professional performers.
Brother and sister team Michael and Kelsey Hall hug after their duet.
Paul Danowski sings a song from the upcoming production of Newsies.
The co-director of the program is Elaine Kloser. “It is really exciting to reunite some of our ensembles, from key players in our production of LES MISERABLES to the ogre, princess, and donkey from SHREK,” says Jeff Hall.
Here’s a look at some of the production photographs from years past:
In addition to the upcoming production of Newsies, there are some special events coming up like viewings of the National Theatre Live:
Jan 28, 2018
Noon and 4 pm
As part of Third Rail’s goal to bring brilliant theatre to local audiences, they partner with National Theatre Live, the National Theatre’s groundbreaking project to broadcast the best of British Theatre live from the London stage to cinemas across the UK and around the world. And now they’re partnering with us, to provide these high definition screenings in the Marilyn Moyer Theatre.
Park City, Utah. Critics at the Sundance premier of Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot were enthusiastic about the new film.Joaquin Phoenix plays John Callahan, Jonah Hill is his AA sponsor and Rooney Mara is his girlfriend. Jack Black also makes an appearance in this dramatic comedy, but one of the biggest names belongs to the director. Gus Van Sant hasn’t had a premier of one of his films at Sundance for over a decade, so festival organizers were pleased to offer a spot for Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot. The film follows cartoonist John Callahan’s emergence as an artist, as well as his struggles with alcoholism and his disability. Gus Van Sant knew the fellow Portlander. Coincidentally, actor Robin Williams approached Van Sant, whom he knew from their collaboration on Good Will Hunting, to propose working together on an adaptation of Callahan’s memoir. The project was sidelined after William’s death in 2014. Finally, Van Sant brought the project to fruition. The release date of the film is May 11th. (Photo credit, 2018 Sundance Institute, Tiffany Roohani)
Tom Callahan, the artist’s brother, joined the cast and crew at the Sundance Premier along with ten other members of their family, and he spoke of visiting the set to meet with Van Sant and the actors, including Phoenix. “We spent some time with Joaquin and were totally blown away by how well he was able to imitate Jonathan,” Tom Callahan said.
John Callahan died in 2010 from complications related to his quadriplegia. He was 59. Callahan, a quadriplegic since a traffic accident at age 21, is best known for his cartoons that consistently stepped beyond the boundaries of political correctness. His work appeared in more than 200 newspapers and magazines.
Here’s a trailer for the film:
At the premier, Jonah Hill and Jack Black raved about working with the Gus Van Sant. “It’s one of those things where you get the call and you say, ‘holy crap, is this really happening? Am I really going to get to work with Gus?’” Black said. “And you get to the set and you realize everyone’s on the same page, everyone would be there for free.” Hill, who’s almost unrecognizable as Callahan’s AA sponsor/louche West Coast guru, concurred. “He sets this creative, free, quiet, lovely tone, and allows for experiences just to happen. In a lot of those scenes you wouldn’t have read them in that way, and they kind of just turn into those things. It’s just one of the better most beautiful acting experiences I’ve ever had,” he said. “He’s the maestro.”
Here’s an interview with Director, Gus Van Sant and Composer, Danny Elfman.
Amazon Studios will release “Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot” in theaters in May.
About Sundance:
Founded in 1981 by Robert Redford, Sundance Institute is a nonprofit organization that provides and preserves the space for artists in film, theatre, and new media to create and thrive. The Institute’s signature Labs, granting, and mentorship programs, dedicated to developing new work, take place throughout the year in the U.S. and internationally. The Sundance Film Festival and other public programs connect audiences to artists in igniting new ideas, discovering original voices, and building a community dedicated to independent storytelling. Sundance Institute has supported such projects as Boyhood, Swiss Army Man, Manchester By the Sea, Brooklyn, Little Miss Sunshine, Life, Animated, Sonita, 20 Feet From Stardom, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Fruitvale Station, Sin Nombre, Spring Awakening, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder and Fun Home. Executive Director Keri Putnam oversees all programs of the Institute, which has offices in Park City, Utah, Los Angeles and New York City.
SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL Founded in 1985 and takes place in Park City, Salt Lake City, and Sundance, Utah. Approximately 200 feature-length and short films are selected each year. For the 2017 Festival, 13,782 film submissions from 147 countries were received. The Festival also presents panels, music programming and the New Frontier exhibition of new media work.
The 2017 Festival was attended by at least 71,600 people, supported 2,778 local jobs and generated $151.5 million in economic activity and $14 million in state and local tax revenue, according to an independent economic and demographic study conducted by Y2 Analytics.
Portland, OR. Portland is set to host the 2018 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships on February 22-24 at Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The event, organized by the nonprofit Oregon Sports Authority, will bring more than 1,600 figure skaters from 89 of the nation’s top synchronized skating teams, and serve as the U.S. selection event for the 2018 World Synchronized Skating Championships. Tickets, starting at $25 per day plus applicable service fees, are now on sale at rosequarter.com.
Northernettes Synchronized Skating
Here’s a video featuring the Skyliner team from New York.
Nexxice Junior Synchronized Skating Team
Northernettes Synchronized Skating
Synchronized skating consists of teams of eight to 20 skaters on the ice performing routines in unison. Teams are judged on their ability to work simultaneously, choreographing circular, linear, block, wheel, and intersection elements to music. Teams are required to perform difficult step sequences involving a number of complicated turns and movements. Skaters range in age from 9 to 65. Teams will qualify for the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships at two sectional competitions taking place this week in Estero, Florida, and next week in Wichita, Kansas.
“We are honored that U.S. Figure Skating has entrusted Portland to host this prestigious event,” said Bill Cloran, president of the Oregon Skating Council and co-chair of the Local Organizing Committee. “The amazing athleticism and artistry displayed by synchronized skating teams is truly an awesome sight to witness in person.”
This will be the first time that Portland has hosted the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships, after hosting the 2016 Midwestern and Pacific Coast Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships and the 2005 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The event is expected to attract more than 5,000 visitors, generating approximately $2.3 million in economic impact for the area. U.S. Figure Skating will work with the Oregon Skating Council, Oregon Sports Authority, Travel Portland and Rose Quarter to produce the championships. Local sponsors include Bank of the West, Morel Ink and Providence Sports Medicine.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome so many skaters to Portland,” said Jim Etzel, CEO of the Oregon Sports Authority. “This is a national championship event that will be very exciting for Oregonians to witness, as well as a tremendous economic impact for our hotels, restaurants and retail businesses at the perfect time of year.”
More information about the championships, including a schedule of events, can be found at ussynchrochampionships.com.
Oregon Sports Authority The Oregon Sports Authority has served as the state’s sports economic development arm for more than two decades, injecting more than $200 million into Oregon’s economy through sports tourism. Supported by more than 150 annual members, the non-profit organization works relentlessly to enhance the state’s economy and quality of life by attracting sports events and franchises.
U.S. Figure Skating U.S. Figure Skating is the national governing body for the sport of figure skating in the United States as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Skating Union. U.S. Figure Skating is comprised of more than 750 member clubs, collegiate clubs, school-affiliated clubs and more than 1,000 registered Learn to Skate USA programs representing more than 184,200 members. U.S. Figure Skating is charged with the development of the sport on all levels within the United States including athletes, officials, sanctioning of events and exhibitions, and establishing the rules and guidelines by which the sport is governed.
Portland, OR. In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech and called for an end to racism in the United States. 54 years later, the Weekend of Service honoring MLK is on track to be the most popular, yet. Volunteer shifts in Portland on Friday and Saturday were filled with friends and neighbors. The United Way of the Columbia-Willamette and Hands On Greater Portland still have a few opportunities for Sunday and Monday, which can be seen by clicking here. Volunteers say they continue to be inspired by King’s legacy.
On October 14, 1964, King received the Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance.
King was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established as a holiday in numerous cities and states beginning in 1971, and as a U.S. federal holiday in 1986.
Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a “day on, not a day off.” The MLK Day of Service is a part of Serve.gov, the President’s national call to service initiative. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems. The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”
This year, United Way’s board members and staff pitched in this #MLK2018 by sorting clothing, organizing and helping clean at Human Solutions.
Umpqua Bank volunteers were lending a hand at Chelsea Hicks Foundation.
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon volunteers were creating Street Care Kits with Impact NW for people experiencing homelessness.
Volunteers from U.S. Bank were at Native American Youth and Family Center organizing their Clothing Closet and the children’s library which is part of NAYA’s After School program.
Volunteers from adidas Originals were lending a hand at Dress for Success Oregon.
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon is the Presenting Sponsor and employees were volunteering at Meals on Wheels.
Here are some other volunteer options for Sunday and Monday organized by The United Way of the Columbia-Willamette and Hands On Greater Portland.
Portland, OR. More than 100 illuminated installations, artists, performers and events will brighten the Portland cityscape this February during the 2018 Portland Winter Light Festival presented by Portland General Electric (PGE) and powered by PGE renewable energy. The free, all-ages festival February 1-3 will expand to its largest footprint yet, featuring illuminated art installations, live performances, and interactive activities designed to unite the community during the darkest time of the year. The festival is an activity of local nonprofit The Willamette Light Brigade.
The Portland Winter Light Festival has had all kinds of attractions over the past two years.
The Portland Spirit Lights were created by Mark LaPierre.
This community-wide festival & celebration illuminates the city’s public spaces with installations by premier light artists and designers.
The festival is presented by and powered by PGE renewable energy.
Drawing interest and recognition from across the region, the expanded 2018 artist roster showcases talent almost exclusively from the Pacific Northwest. In just its third year, the festival has already established itself as a regional attraction for artists and visitors due to the dazzling and unique installations and family friendly atmosphere. The Portland Winter Light Festival is hosted by OMSI and the Portland Spirit as an activity of the Willamette Light Brigade.
Growing beyond the festival’s original central footprint at OMSI, this year the over 100 artists, performers, and creators will have work presented at four creative art hubs throughout the entire city.
Highlighted new offerings for 2018:
Significant expansion to sites throughout Portland, including dedicated festival hubs
at OMSI, PGE Headquarters/World Trade Center (downtown), the North Park Blocks including PNCA, and Cathedral Park (St. Johns)
Artworks such as Tyler FuQua’s Cosmic Space Worm (30-foot-long segmented aluminum worm
built on 5 adult tricycles), Tron Pong blacklight ping-pong by James “JT” Thompson, and Light Gardening/A Robot at Play by Richard Miner (a large robot tending a fiber-optic garden)
Stories Around the Fire, presented by former Live Wire host Courtenay Hameister around a fire sculpture
Light Showcase performing arts programming at the World Trade Center Plaza featuring
BodyVox dance company and others
Tesla coil demonstrations at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center
“The Portland Winter Light Festival has already become a favorite wintertime destination for the Portland community,” Chris Herring, Artistic Director of Portland Winter Light Festival said. “Nothing showcases that more than our ability to bring in artists and performers from around the region and expand the footprint of this year’s festival to neighborhoods well beyond anything we’ve been able to do before.”
Popular festival events returning in 2018:
Artworks such as Flamethrower Chandelier by Ryan Ramage, and a 50-foot-tall steel dragon that shoots flames titled Homage to Trogdor by Ivan McLean
Complimentary rides on the Portland Spirit and Sternwheeler, with performances by the
Portland Opera and others
Light Science Talks educational series
Silent Disco headphones dance party
Details for the 3rd Annual Portland Winter Light Festival:
Where: OMSI, PGE Headquarters/World Trade Center, PNCA, Cathedral Park, and more. See citywide festival map for exact locations.
When: 6pm-11pm, February 1-3, 2018 (Thursday through Saturday nights). Cost: Free.
How to get there: Free transportation available to most sites. The Portland Streetcar will once again offer free rides on all routes after 5pm on every night of the event. All installations along TriMet bus routes and limited parking available near all hubs.
**For complete artist listings, programming, and schedules, visit www.pdxwlf.com.
About the Portland Winter Light Festival
The Portland Winter Light Festival (PDXWLF) is Portland’s premier outdoor winter arts event that transforms, illuminates and animates Portland’s nighttime urban landscape. Inspired by light festivals around the world, PDXWLF showcases unique light-based art, community installations and performance, engaging Portland’s diverse communities and creating opportunities for artists, designers, creatives and makers to collectively expand the boundaries of art, performance and technology in our region. The third year of the festival will take place at sites around Portland, Oregon from February 1-3, 2018.
PORTLAND – With spring just around the corner, Northwest campers should be prepared for encounters with black bears, cougars and bobcats — not to mention sea otters, elephants and giraffes. The Oregon Zoo’s popular Nature Rangers spring break camps return March 26-30, and summer camps start June 13th. It’s a time when zoo campers use a spotting scope to observe wildlife in Washington Park. (Photo credit, by Leah Nash, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.)
Oregon Zoo camp kids explore animal-related careers and learn about veterinary care with the help of a Banfield veterinarian. Photo by Michael Durham, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.
Banfield Pet Hospital renewed its year-round commitment to the zoo as a signature partner and is once again the presenting sponsor for zoo camps, including the popular Wildlife Careers and Creature Care camps, both of which feature visits from Banfield veterinary team members.
“Banfield’s partnership with the zoo is helping to provide exciting and inspiring educational opportunities for kids from around the region,” said Grant Spickelmier, zoo education curator. “Together, we are committed to developing the next generation of leaders in animal care and wildlife conservation.”
The zoo’s new education center, which opened last March, serves as a focal point for the camps. The award-winning space features a nature-play area, species-conservation lab, insect zoo and brand-new classrooms nestled into a wooded hillside.
“The center represents our region’s commitment to conservation education, and we are especially excited by the new opportunities it provides campers,” Spickelmier said.
Camp activities — specifically planned for the interests of each age group — include games, tours, stories, songs, animal visitors and take-home art projects inspired by the day’s theme. Campers will also get to try out scientific technologies like thermal imaging, temperature and light sensors, and video microscopes. At the Wildlife Careers and Creature Care camps, Banfield veterinarians help kids explore animal-related careers and teach them about veterinary care and responsible pet ownership.
A young visitor has a close encounter with lions at the Oregon Zoo. Photo by Kirsten Quatela, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.
Young visitors watch one of the Oregon Zoo’s Humboldt penguins. The birds returned to the Penguinarium this week following a much-needed filtration upgrade that will save 7 million gallons of water annually. Photo by Michael Durham, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.
The zoo’s professional camp staff has been helping children explore the wonders of wildlife through fun, hands-on learning since 1983. Staff members are selected for excellence in programming for children and typically have also worked for public schools, OMSI, Outdoor School or Audubon. Most are college graduates or are working on a degree, and many return year after year.
As part of the Metro family, the Oregon Zoo helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. 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 focused on saving animals from extinction include studies on polar bears, orangutans and cheetahs.
From Oregon Zoo:
Support from the Oregon Zoo Foundation enhances and expands the zoo’s efforts in conservation, education and animal welfare. Members, donors and corporate and foundation partners help the zoo make a difference across the region and around the world.
The zoo opens at 9:30 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 trimet.org for fare and route information.
From Banfield Pet Hospital:
Founded in Portland, Ore., in 1955, Banfield is the largest general-veterinary practice in the world. In 2007, Banfield joined the Mars, Inc., family of businesses, and today has more than 1,000 hospitals across the United States. More than 3,500 Banfield veterinarians are committed to providing high-quality veterinary care for 3 million pets annually. Banfield’s charitable arm, the Banfield Foundation, was established in 2015 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the well-being of pets and communities. In 2017, Banfield Pet Hospital — including the work of the Banfield Foundation — was named among Points of Light’s Civic 50 as one of the most community-minded companies in the U.S. Press seeking additional information are invited to call the Media Hotline: (888) 355-0595.
Portland, OR. It’s going to be a big year for the nonprofit, Friends of the Children. In 1993, the organization opened its doors with three friends serving 24 children. Friends of the Children has grown to employ hundreds of people who serve thousands of children in cities including Boston, New York, Seattle, Portland, Klamath Falls, Tampa Bay, and Cornwall (UK). Its mission is to provide vulnerable children a nurturing and sustained relationship with a professional mentor who teaches positive values and has attainable expectations for each child to become a healthy, productive member of the community.
The program has many successful participants like Jonae Phillips. She started in kindergarten and is currently a senior at De La Salle North Catholic High School.
Jonae Phillips writes, “Since kindergarten, I have been able to do some amazing things with Friends of the Children, including white water kayaking, attending career fairs and visiting different work places, participating in the Seattle to Portland bike ride, volunteering, and tutoring. These experiences have had a huge impact on me and informed the person I am today. I have transformed from a shy, closed girl into a young lady who is outgoing and adventurous. I am really involved in sports, community events, school activities, church, and much more.”
Friends of the Children employs and trains salaried, professional mentors called Friends. Moving mentorship out of the volunteer realm is a key component of getting the quality, consistency and commitment that children need. Several Friends have been with the program for 20 years; the average tenure is over 7 years.
Friends of the Children commits to every child for the long term, from kindergarten through high school graduation. 12 ½ years. No matter what.
Duncan Campbell is the founder of Friends of the Children.
Duncan Campbell grew up in a low-income neighborhood with a tumultuous family life. After finding success in business he wanted to help kids who grew up in environments like his. In 1992, The Campbell Institute for Children, founded by Duncan, conducted extensive research to determine the most effective program model to help young children overcome their high-risk status and realize their inherent resilience and potential. The research clearly indicated that the strongest single protective factor a child can have is a close, healthy and sustained relationship with a caring adult, especially an adult who has positive expectations for the child and involves him or her in meaningful activities.
Duncan established Friends of the Children in 1993 in his old neighborhood. Now it’s time to celebrate the Friends of the Children 25th anniversary.
Here’s a list of the 2018 events:
Bowl-a-Thon | February 10, 2018
Classic Wines Auction | March 3, 2018
Friend Raiser | May 10, 2018
25th Anniversary Party | Fall 2018
25th Holidays with the Trail Band | December 14-16
Portland, OR. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area calls C.J McCollum, “a champion on the court and a champion for kids.” Administrators say the Trail Blazer star continues to show up for members; inspiring them to dream big, providing them with the resources to work towards their dreams, and even taking time out to celebrate the holidays with teens. C.J McCollum showed off his warmth, and bowling skills, at a recent holiday party.
Trail Blazer C.J. McCollum attends a holiday party for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area is empowering young people to discover their full potential through enriching after-school and summer programs, caring mentors, & supportive Club communities.
Boys & Girls Clubs are safe, supportive places for kids to learn, grow, and thrive after school and in the summer.
Clubs provide enrichment programs to youth while empowering them with a sense of belonging and security.
Program areas include leadership and community service; academic enrichment; science and technology; performing and visual arts; personal health and fitness; college prep and workforce training; and recreation and sports leadership leagues.
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