Incight Raises Funds to Unlock the Potential of People with Disabilities

Incight Raises Funds to Unlock the Potential of People with Disabilities

Portland, OR. 300 Incight supporters decked out in costumes filled Portland’s PureSpace on October 28th for a Halloween bash dedicated to “Unlocking the Potential of People with Disabilities” through education, employment, and independence. Guest included Sarah Heiney, Incight co-founder Scott Hatley, and Meagan Kimball and Meredith Leichty. During the benefit, supporters watched a video honoring the co-founder of Incight. The video shows why Incight was founded and the vision and passion leading it forward.

After the video, Scott took the stage and announced that Incight was kicking off The Scott W. Hatley Endowment to fund Incight’s mission and vision indefinitely and donated $25,000 of his own money. This was the most successful Incight event to date, raising over $250,000.

Don Patterson and Emily Wooten

Dave and Veda Nomura

Jonathan & Mair Blatt

Monica Lindsey learning she won the raffle trip to New York from auctioneer Justin Timm, Benefit Auction 360.

Dan Friess, Emcee

Melissa Berube, Kindel Bonin, and Jamie Gibbs

From Incight:
We could not have held this event without the generosity of our presenting sponsors: Safeway Foundation, Wells Fargo, and Immix Law Group. Other sponsors for our event include Arlene Schnitzer, Pac Met, Pacific Power, Bridge City Limo, Educational Excellence, Sage Built Homes, West Coast Event Productions, Mortgage Trust, Canyon Grill, Keen Healthcare, OSU Foundation, Miller Consulting Engineers, and The Boeing Company.From Incight:

Incight is a 501(c) 3 non-profit that has been Unlocking the Potential of People with Disabilities for over a decade. Incight’s services have influenced thousands of students, jobseekers, educators, parents, employers, and community members. The Incight mission has grown into a contagion that invites everyone to think, feel, and behave with more equity and expectancy. Incight celebrates and empowers the fact that “none of us are our costume.” Who we really are is so much greater.

 

 

Make-A-Wish Oregon Gala Celebrates Joy Experienced by Local Wish Kids

Make-A-Wish Oregon Gala Celebrates Joy Experienced by Local Wish Kids

Portland, OR. More than 540 supporters helped Make-A-Wish Oregon raise over $526,000 to bring joy to local children with critical illnesses. Make-A-Wish Oregon board member Jill Dulcich and her husband Frank Dulcich, president and CEO of Pacific Seafood, were the winning bidders of wish kid Violet’s special artwork titled “Love and Hope.” Presenting sponsors of the Wish Ball on October 13th were Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys and U.S. Bank. (Photo credit, Jeff Hinds, Toto Vo, Eugene Wong)

Wish Ball guest Sara Monterossi and Make-A-Wish Oregon board member Marilyn Brett chat with wish kid Saul before his opening speech at the VIP dinner at the Portland Art Museum.

Make-A-Wish Oregon board member J.P. Perfili, senior vice president and regional manager at U.S. Bank, takes time to have a little fun with wish kids Camden and Rachel.

Wish kid Nathan, who performed a moving rendition of the song “See You Again” on the cajon drum earlier in the evening, got a chance to dance with Wish Ball guests.

For the last 14 years, KATU anchor Debora Knapp has emceed Make-A-Wish Oregon’s gala. This year, wish kid Ella joined her on stage to pick the winner of the Golden Ticket raffle.

From Make-A-Wish Oregon:

Money raised will help the organization reach its goal of granting 258 wishes this coming year. Wish experiences have proven mental and emotional health benefits to children and their families, and is considered an integral part of the treatment plan by doctors. For more information on how you can be part of a wish-come-true, visit oregon.wish.org.

 

Ronald McDonald House Charities Hearts & Hands Gala Raises Over $630,000 to Support Families with Seriously Ill Children

Ronald McDonald House Charities Hearts & Hands Gala Raises Over $630,000 to Support Families with Seriously Ill Children

Portland, OR. More than 450 people gathered at the Oregon Convention Center to celebrate life’s silver linings at the annual Hearts & Hands Gala supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC) of Oregon & Southwest Washington. The event, presented by the John L. Scott Foundation, raised over $630,000, making it the most successful fundraising event in RMHC’s history. Current Ronald McDonald House guests, the Moser family, from Central Point, Oregon, spoke about their 23 days at Portland’s Ronald McDonald Houses and the impact it has had on their family while son Dagan was recovering from being hit by a car. Dagan’s parents and two sisters joined him on stage.

The event also recognized RMHC’s 2017 Partner of Distinction – Coca-Cola Company – for its contributions to RMHC. Picture are, Jessica Jarratt Miller, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ann Tousignant, Coca-Cola Company and, Mary Ransome, RMHC Board Emeritus.

“Coca-Cola Company has provided tremendous support and funding for our Oregon Ronald McDonald Houses for more than three decades. They have made a difference in the lives of thousands of seriously ill children and families who come to stay and heal at our Houses,” said Jessica Jarratt Miller. “We are thrilled to recognize Coca-Cola Company as the 2017 Partner of Distinction.”

John L. Scott Foundation was the Presenting Sponsor.

The benefit on October 14th began with a red carpet greeting from Ronald McDonald, followed by a silent and live auction. Top auction items included a trip to Avignon France, private ocean front Kauai home, a trip to Napa Valley on a private jet, and an Oregon-themed “City Slickers” package.

From Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington:

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with this year’s Hearts & Hands Gala and the tremendous impact it will have on our families with seriously ill children,” said Jessica Jarratt Miller, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington. “Our Houses provide silver linings for families who must travel far from home to get medical care for their children, and we are beyond grateful for the amazing outpouring of support of our sponsors and attendees.”

With over $630,000, – more than ever before – the impact to the three Oregon Ronald McDonald Houses is substantial. It costs RMHC $150 to host a family for one night, and the Gala’s success allows the organization to provide a loving “home away from home” for families for over 4200 nights. For families who must travel far from home and grapple with the stress and uncertainty of having a sick child, having a homey place to stay and a supportive community is priceless.

The sponsors who made the event possible, included: John L. Scott Foundation (Presenting Sponsor); Coca-Cola Company (Platinum Sponsor); Hoffman Construction Company, McDonald’s Owner/Operators, US Bank (Gold Sponsors); Baird, OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Golden State Foods, Portland Trail Blazers, Turner Construction (Silver Sponsors); Kaiser Permanente, Netrush, Northwest Consulting and Marketing, Inc. (Bronze Sponsors); Barran Liebman, LLP, Moss Adam, LLC,

Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Inc., Health Net, Douglas & Gloria Rumberger Foundation, DDI Benefits (Special Experience Sponsors). 

Oregon Food Bank Gala Honors Hunger Heroes & Breaks Fundraising Record

Oregon Food Bank Gala Honors Hunger Heroes & Breaks Fundraising Record

Portland. OR. Oregon Food Bank’s warehouse underwent a glittering transformation for the Oregon Harvest Dinner and by the end of the evening, attendees and sponsors had contributed more than $760,000 to support hunger relief in Oregon and Clark County, Washington. Mary Ellen Hannigan and outgoing Oregon Harvest Dinner event chair Syd Hannigan celebrated the record-breaking success of the gala. 500 guests enjoyed silent and live auctions, blues music by Reggie Houston and a seated dinner at the October 21st benefit.

Reggie Houston performing for the silent auction guests.

Guests Beth Quartarolo and Bill Froman bid during the silent auction.

A look at the how Oregon Food Bank’s warehouse is transformed to an elegant dining space.

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits contributed to Oregon Harvest Dinner.

Attendees generously supported the Food Bank’s work to end hunger during the special appeal.

Jenny Hansson and Ken Boddie of KOIN 6 emceed the program.

“Your generosity is making our table longer, and stronger, and more bountiful each and every year,” said Oregon Food Bank CEO Susannah Morgan. “Thank you to each and every one of you for joining us at our table.”

The event was also a time to honor the dedication of volunteers and donors who work tirelessly behind the scenes in an effort to alleviate hunger. Sponsored by Pioneer Waterproofing, four Hunger Hero Awards were presented.

Donor of the Year – Safeway Albertsons: For its long term investment in helping people struggling with hunger through food and fund donations.

Food Donor of the Year – Bob’s Red Mill: For its significant and ongoing donations of healthy food to ensure everyone has access to good nutrition.

Jackie Fearing Volunteer Award – Charlie Valentino: For giving more than 2000 hours of service, being willing to take on any volunteer duty and always doing it with enthusiasm.

Jerry Tippins Advocacy Award – Bethlehem House of Bread: For its collaborative efforts to advocate on behalf of and with families and individuals who are facing hunger.

Hunger Hero Awards sponsors Libby and Mike Crawford of Pioneer Waterproofing, Jill McGinnis (Safeway), Charlie Valentino (Oregon Food Bank volunteer), Greg McNiff (Safeway, Portland region President), Bob Moore (Bob’s Red Mill), Pam May (Bethlehem House of Bread), Linda Dove (Bethlehem House of Bread), Susannah Morgan (Oregon Food Bank).

This video highlights the vital work done in our community to alleviate hunger:

From Oregon Food Bank:

Generous support for Oregon Harvest Dinner was provided by Fred Meyer, Whole Foods, Pioneer Waterproofing, First Tech Federal Credit Union, Hampton Affiliates, Safeway Albertsons, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and Sysco Portland, Inc.

Oregon Food Bank works to eliminate hunger and its root causes… because no one should be hungry. Oregon Food Bank believes that hunger starves the human spirit, communities thrive when people are nourished, and everyone deserves healthy and fresh food. Oregon Food Bank helps feed the human spirit of more than 700,000 people through a food distribution network of four Oregon Food Bank branches and 17 regional food banks serving Oregon and Clark County, Washington. Oregon Food Bank also leads statewide efforts to increase resources for hungry families and to eliminate the root causes of hunger through public policy, local food systems work, nutrition and garden education, health care screening and innovative programming. Find out how to feed the human spirit at oregonfoodbank.org.

Virginia Garcia Clinics Raise $238,000 at ¡Prospera!

Virginia Garcia Clinics Raise $238,000 at ¡Prospera!

Beaverton, OR. There was standing room only at the Tiger Woods Center on the Nike World Campus at a benefit for the Virginia Garcia Clinics. Supporters like Jerry Brown, Gale Castillo and Paul Lumley celebrated the success of ¡Prospera! which raised $238,000 for programs at all 17 Virginia Garcia clinics and school-based health centers located in Washington and Yamhill counties. The October 7th event concluded with salsa lessons in the Rotunda.

Hillsboro High School Mariachi Band Una Voz entertained the crowd during the social hour.

¡Prospera! attendees practice raising their bid cards in anticipation of the live auction.

Board members Margaret Garza and Lina Garcia Seabold, with Lina’s father and one of the Founders of Virginia Garcia, Jose Garcia

Nike’s Jorge Casimiro welcomes everyone to the third annual Fall Gala ¡Prospera!

Julia Brim Edwards, Virginia Garcia Foundation Executive Director Serena Cruz, Molly Cliff Hilts and Eileen Brady pause for photos at the selfie station

Shannon and Matt Austin and their guests Melissa Huntley and Courtney Hill

From Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center:

Virginia Garcia is a catalyst for change in health care delivery.

The mission of the Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center is to provide high-quality, comprehensive, and culturally appropriate primary health care to the communities of Washington and Yamhill counties with a special emphasis on migrant and seasonal farmworkers and others with barriers to receiving health care.

History of Virginia Garcia

In 1975, beautiful six-year old Virginia Garcia and her farmworker parents traveled from their home in Mission, Texas to California and Oregon to work in the fields. Along the way Virginia cut her foot, and by the time they reached Oregon, it had become infected. Due to economic, language and cultural barriers to health care, Virginia died from what should have been an easily treatable wound.

Moved to action by Virginia’s unnecessary death, the community quickly rallied together to open the first Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center in a three-car garage, determined to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.

Today, Virginia Garcia provides healthcare services to more than 45,000 patients a year in Washington and Yamhill Counties at our five primary care clinics and pharmacies, five dental offices, and six school-based health centers. We also provide outreach to schools, community health fairs and to migrant and seasonal farmworkers at local camps and commercial nurseries through our mobile clinic.

Stories of Struggle and Triumph Inspire at Dress for Success Empowerment Breakfast

Stories of Struggle and Triumph Inspire at Dress for Success Empowerment Breakfast

Portland, OR. 275 people attended Dress for Success Oregon’s fifth-annual Empowerment Breakfast on October 4th. Panelists who shared their stories included: Louisa Waldman of Robert Half International, Keynote Speaker Stacey Dodson of U.S. Bank, Executive Director of Dress for Success Oregon Shari Dunn, and (back row) client speakers Trenette Allen and LaShanda Williams. Speakers highlighted how Dress for Success Oregon helps low-income women gain employment, independence and self-worth. The event raised over $55,000. Keynote speaker, Stacey Dodson, shared her story about how she overcame hardships to become President of U.S. Bank, Oregon and SW Washington. (Photo credit, Images by Brant)

Volunteer Awards: DFSO Store and Volunteer Manager, Michelle Fitzsimmons; volunteer, Jeannine Kafoury; volunteer, Tomma Bersie; Shari Dunn, Executive Director of DFSO; volunteer, Mary Baker; volunteer, Pat Lassek-West.

DFSO Outreach Coordinator, Phylicia Jackson-Lockett, with DFSO supporter, Mark Kralj. Phylicia Jackson-Lockett received an award for 10 years of service at the event.

There are many ways companies engage with Dress for Success and ensure that their contributions have a lasting and significant impact.

From Dress for Success Oregon:

We thank our Presenting Sponsor, U.S. Bank, for supporting “Powerful Stories of Struggle and Triumph at Dress for Success Oregon’s In Her Shoes: Empowerment Breakfast”

Matching Sponsor: The Greenbrier Companies

Dress for Success Oregon is an anti-poverty nonprofit organization that has been helping low-income women successfully transition back into the workforce since 1999.

Dress for Success Oregon’s mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Since starting operations in 1997, Dress for Success has expanded to more than 150 cities in 28 countries and has helped nearly one million women work towards self-sufficiency.

Find your local affiliate here and discover how you can donate clothes, support the organization financially, get involved as a volunteer or help in other ways.  If we are not operating in your community yet, learn how to start a Dress for Success in your area!

Dress for Success Worldwide is located in New York and oversees our global affiliate network.  Click on the links below to learn about our organization and how you can support us.  For information on our Privacy Policy, click here.

Learn more about our newest initiative: B-Strong To apply you can find our eligibility requirements here.

Community Action Leadership Luncheon Showcases Businesses Fighting Poverty

Community Action Leadership Luncheon Showcases Businesses Fighting Poverty

Portland, OR. Over 275 guests gathered at the Oregon Zoo to hear how employers – big and small – are helping Community Action address issues of poverty. The Community Action Leadership Luncheon on September 29th raised over $62,000 and drew supporters like Betty Atteberry; Pam Treece, Westside Economic Alliance Executive Director; Frank Angelo and Darcie Rudzinski of the Angelo Planning Group. The event showcased businesses who help lead the way in the fight against poverty in Washington County through the investments they make in their employees and their communities. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus) 

Francesca Kim, Roy Kim of Central Bethany Development, Sarah Joannides of New Seasons Market. Mr. Kim and Ms. Joannides inspired the crowd by sharing their own stories of housing advocacy.

Roy Kim explained how commercial developers can create partnerships for affordable housing. Guests also heard from Sarah Joannides about the connection between affordable housing and a stable workforce and how New Seasons uses the power of their corporate voice to advocate for public policy solutions.

Mayor Pete Truax, City of Forest Grove; Renée Bruce, Community Action Executive Director; Mayor John Coook, City of Tigard

From Community Action:

Programs & Impact

HEAD START prepares low-income pre-school children, ages 3 to 5, for success in school and life, including children with special needs. EARLY HEAD START promotes physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development of infants and toddlers and supports positive parent-child relationships.
•    1,018 children gained a solid educational foundation by participating in Community Action’s Head Start programs for children from birth to 5 years old.

CHILD CARE RESOURCE & REFERRAL provides access to quality, affordable child care for working families and strengthens the local child care network by providing training for providers and businesses.
•    518 Parents, (341 with incomes below $25,000 per year), were able to work because they could access child care that met their needs.    
•    The quality of local child care resources improved as 1,513 providers participated in 11,227 hours of training in early childhood development.

FAMILY DEVELOPMENT provides phone based assessment and assistance connecting to resources and home visiting case management to help families meet their goals, increase housing and income stability, improve family functioning and parenting skills. 
•    With access to appropriate pre-natal services, 152 low-income pregnant women were better equipped for a healthy birth. 
•    758 new parents were provided with information about early child development and parenting resources.  
•    86 at-risk families received parenting support to prevent child abuse and neglect. 
•    277 families participated in home-visiting support services to set and achieve goals to help avoid or recover from homelessness and maintain a stable home. 

HOUSING & HOMELESS SERVICES provides shelter for families experiencing homelessness, assists them in achieving housing stability and advocates for their children to ensure school success. 
•    150 homeless children and parents had the chance to get back on their feet by staying at Community Action’s Hillsboro Family Shelter.
•    1,055 families experiencing homelessness or at eminent risk of homelessness were assessed for eligibility for the continuum of housing programs in Washington County.  
•    126 families experiencing homelessness were re-housed with short-term rent assistance.

ENERGY & EMERGENCY RENT ASSISTANCE prevents homelessness and assures that families can remain safe and warm in their homes by providing financial assistance for those facing eviction or termination of heat and electricity services.
•    6,953 families stayed warm and safe in their homes with heat and electricity bill paying assistance from Community Action.
•    423 families facing eviction remained in their homes because of rent assistance provided by Community Action.

ENERGY CONSERVATION helps families reduce energy bills by assessing home energy use, recommending cost saving measures and connecting with resources to improve energy efficiency.
•    211 families had lower heating costs and warmer, safer, healthier homes because Community Action provided comprehensive weatherization services.  
•    510 households reduced energy costs, improved home safety and increased energy efficiency by receiving energy education and conservation services.

INFORMATION & REFERRAL Community Action is the Washington County partner for 211 Info providing information and referral to critical health and human services.
•    By dialing 211, 11,459 callers were connected with vital health and social services because of Community Action’s comprehensive data base of Washington County resources.

FINANCIAL LITERACY helps families take charge of their finances and plan for their future by providing financial literacy classes and Individual Development Accounts.
•    6 new families began the process of saving funds to increase their education or start a business through Community Action’s Individual Development Account program. 28 Families in total are currently saving towards their asset goal.
•    78 individuals learned skills to take control of their financial future through Community Action’s financial education classes.

Randall Children’s Hospital Benefit Raises $195,000

Randall Children’s Hospital Benefit Raises $195,000

Portland, OR. The Randall Children’s Hospital (RCH) Foundation Board of Trustees hosted the first #MyRCH event on October 13th, at the Loft at 8th Avenue. Guests were invited to partake in hands-on, interactive activities to learn about the innovative approach to care at Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel. Legacy Health CEO & President George J. Brown, M.D. with Shanna and Todd Austin were among those who took in the festivities. Guests also shared their #MyRCH stories of connection to the hospital. Generous donors raised nearly $195,000 net revenue to support services to care for patients and their families. (Photo credit, James Colhoff Jr., Dodge & Burn Studios)

Representatives from sponsor OnPoint Community Credit Union with Randall Children’s Hospital President Bronwyn Houston and Tyler Houston

Angie Inman, R.N., from the Children’s Cancer & Blood Disorders Program demonstrates the vein finder.

Randall Children’s Hospital Foundation Executive Director Kathy Lynch Hostetler with Foundation Trustee Sean Robbins and Kristy Robbins

Randall Children’s Hospital Foundation Trustee Kathleen Kee with her children in the photo booth.

Fred Meyer presented #MyRCH – an evening to celebrate kids. 

Bradley Angle Benefit Raises Funds for Economic Empowerment

Bradley Angle Benefit Raises Funds for Economic Empowerment

Portland, OR. Kelly Russell and Poison Waters helped get the crowd involved at Bradley Angle’s annual Empowerment Lunch. The benefit on October 18th at The Nines Hotel raised funds to support economic empowerment programs that help survivors of domestic violence by providing financial resources, education, and guidance. Most survivors experience financial abuse, which is why the program is imperative for financial security and success. Speakers included Kenyatta Trice, Bradley Angle’s Economic Empowerment Program Coordinator, Amber Shoebridge, Board Chair, and a former program participant who is starting her own business. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Kenyatta Trice, Economic Empowerment Program Coordinator, and Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith

Guests participate in the special appeal

Bradley Angle staff

From Bradley Angle:

Bradley Angle embraces the following values in all that we do:

  • We believe that everyone has a right to live free from violence and abuse.
  • We value the dignity and personal story of everyone who comes to us for support.
  • We believe that survivors of domestic violence should be treated respectfully and have control over their own lives.
  • Our services are inclusive and accessible to survivors of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
  • Our services build on the strength and resilience of survivors.
  • We work collaboratively whenever and wherever possible.
  • We involve the community in our work because we know that domestic violence doesn’t just impact individuals and families—it affects every one of us.
  • We acknowledge current and historical inequities and work towards ending oppression.

Bradley Angle is constantly learning and evolving as we strive to end to domestic violence.