Portland, OR. The Oregon Symphony broke another record at Gala 2019: Landmark with $1.2 million raised on Saturday, April 13th at the Portland Art Museum. More than 400 guests, including 2019 Gala Honorary Chair Jordan Schnitzer, who posed with with Lois Schnitzer, honored the legacy of Arlene Schnitzer and the late Harold Schnitzer. Supporters celebrated the Symphony’s standing as a landmark organization in Oregon and nationally.
From right Gala Event Chair Dan Drinkward, Music Director Carlos Kalmar, with Event Chairs Rick Hinkes, and Tige Harris
This is the fifth consecutive year the Symphony has broken its fundraising record at the signature event.
Oregon Symphony’s 2019 Gala cocktail reception at Portland Art Museum’s Sunken Ballroom
Oregon Symphony President Scott Showalter presenting the 2019 Schnitzer Wonder Award to Dan Bosshardt, founder and manager of Mariachi Una Voz
Mariachi Una Voz performing with the Oregon Symphony at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in the annual pre-Gala Community Concert
Bidding in progress at the Oregon Symphony’s Gala 2019: Landmark
Oregon Symphony President Scott Showalter announcing the evening’s grand total
Oregon Symphony’s Principal Timpanist Jon Greeney leads student musicians in performance of Steve Reich’s Clapping Music
Native American group The Thunderbird Lodge Singers culminated the festivities
The evening began with the Symphony’s annual free community concert held at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. The program, titled Music of the Americas, was a tribute to the vast influence that Latin music has had on composers hailing from all three Americas.
Midway through the concert, the 2019 Schnitzer Wonder Award, created by Jordan Schnitzer in honor of his parents Harold and Arlene Schnitzer, was presented to Mariachi Una Voz, a group comprised of middle and high-school students from the Hillsboro School District. The award, accepted by the group’s manager Dan Bosshardt in both English and Spanish, includes a $10,000 contribution. Following the award presentation members of Mariachi Una Voz, dressed in traditional costume, filled the stage to perform two pieces with the orchestra and received a standing ovation from the capacity crowd.
Following the concert, gala guests walked across the South Park Blocks for a three-course formal dinner in the Portland Art Museum’s Kridel Ballroom. The room was decorated with floor-to-ceiling banners featuring line drawings of famous landmarks from North, South, and Central America by artist Amanda Iler Fuson.
As dinner began, Showalter shared many of the recent exciting Oregon Symphony achievements including its continued work in the community and the growth of its classical concert series next season. Principal Timpanist Jon Greeney then took the stage with four of his student musicians to present a work by Steve Reich called Clapping Music. This minimalist piece is performed entirely by individuals clapping hands in different rhythms and presented a “hands on” example of how easily everyone can engage with and connect through music.
The delight in the room at this performance was palpable as the bidding began for the Symphony’s most successful gala to date. Showalter expressed his gratitude to all the guests noting, “I thank you all for your incredible support. Your generosity, along with that of all of our annual donors, will make possible our commitment to the broadest and most diverse array of outreach programs in the state. I look forward to our future!”
Hillsboro, OR. Community Action hosted its yearly Kaleidoscope Gala at NW Events & Environments and raised $226,000. Kaleidoscope is an annual celebration of the inspiring stories of Community Action’s clients and the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year. On April 12th, 427 community leaders and supporters gathered to enjoy dinner, local wine, a live and a silent auction, Wild Card Raffle and other unique opportunities to support the nonprofit. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Renée Bruce, Executive Director of Community Action and Sabrina Ersland, Kaleidoscope Special Guest and former client of Community Action.
Sabrina, a former client of our Head Start program at Coffee Creek, was featured in the event. She shared her story of personal transformation to a captivated audience of 437 people. Determined to give her daughter a better life, Sabrina’s experience with Community Action’sHead Start program at Coffee Creek gave her a newfound purpose, embarking on a journey that has created change for her family and the community she serves. “If there was not a Community Action Head Start opportunity, I don’t think I would have the bond that I have with my daughter and I would have never found my place and my passion for what I want to do for the rest of my life.”
Thank you Fred Johnson and to our friends at Heritage Bank for your Presenting Sponsorship
Mike Scott, Hillsboro School District Superintendent Kaleidoscope Emcee
Tom Hughes, former Metro President and Hillsboro Mayor and newest Community Action Board Emeritus member was honored at the benefit.
Renée Bruce, Executive Director of Community Action
Paddles raised high during the Live Auction
The event included recognition of former Metro President and Hillsboro Mayor Tom Hughes as Community Action’s newest Emeritus Board Member.
Over $226,000 was raised at Kaleidoscope which will directly support Community Action’s programs and services dedicated to assisting local families to find a path out of poverty.
From Community Action:
Community Action would like to extend a special thanks to Kaleidoscope’s Presenting Sponsor, Heritage Bank, for their incredible support. Thank you also to all the sponsors, generous donors and volunteers who made the event a success. We are truly honored to have your help in making Washington County a place where everyone has a chance to thrive.
Portland, OR. Dogs of all sizes, ages and breeds are invited to apply for the 2019 Portland Rose Festival Canine Court. Six dogs will be honored as the official Canine Court, including two lucky dogs to be crowned the king and queen. All six dogs will be invited to ride on, or walk with, a float at the Rose Festival Starlight Parade on June 1st. There’s an entry fee of $50, so the contest is a fundraiser for the Oregon Humane Society.
A panel of representatives from the Oregon Humane Society, LexiDog, 105.1 The Buzz and the Heathman Hotel will pick 20 canine finalists to participate in the Canine Coronation Ceremony at the Heathman Hotel, 6-9 p.m., Wednesday, May 22. During this event, the Canine Court will be chosen. Winners will receive prizes worth up to $1,500.
OHS first partnered with the Rose Festival in 2018 when a dog named Diesel, pictured above, became the first canine Grand Marshal of the Grand Floral Parade.
“The community really embraced this unique way to celebrate our love for our pets,” says Sharon Harmon, OHS President and CEO. “We are grateful to the Rose Festival for the opportunity to include our canine friends in the Starlight Parade this year.”
West Linn, OR. Willamette Falls Trust supporters gathered on April 10th to celebrate $7 million in new gifts from two philanthropic families to help with plans to provide access to the falls and revitalize the area. Connie Ballmer, wife of former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, and the co-founder of Ballmer Group, has donated $5 million toward the Riverwalk. The Ann and Bill Swindells Charitable Trust has donated $2 million; the Trust is focused on improving the quality of life for Oregonians, and seeks to sustain the state’s cultural, scientific and historical endeavors.
Connie Ballmer grew up in Oregon City and worked at the Crown Zellerbach mill on the west side of Willamette Falls as a college student.
Board Chair and Campaign Cabinet Co-Chair Alice Norris sharing Willamette Falls Trust’s fundraising news
Trust Board member Joe Buck experiencing a virtual reality tour of the former Blue Heron paper mill and out to the Willamette Falls overlook
The announcement celebration, on April 10th, took place at the Tumwater Vineyard & Barrel House in West Linn.
The Willamette Falls Riverwalk is a public/private partnership, with government and nonprofit organizations working together to bring the project to life. Willamette Falls Trust works alongside the Willamette Falls Legacy Project, a four-government effort comprised of Oregon City, Clackamas County, Metro and the State of Oregon.
The current plans for the Willamette Falls Riverwalk include repurposing one of the former mill buildings into a three-story structure which will provide visitors with an overlook of the falls and Willamette River, restored habitat and gathering spaces as well as historic and cultural interpretation of the site.
Willamette Falls is America’s second-largest waterfall by volume. The Willamette Falls Riverwalk is a public/private partnership, with government and nonprofit organizations working together to bring the project to life. Willamette Falls Trust works alongside the Willamette Falls Legacy Project, a four-government effort comprised of Oregon City, Clackamas County, Metro and the State of Oregon.
“It’s as if someone put a roof on the Grand Canyon and kept it hidden away for all these years,” said Connie Ballmer about the Falls. “It’s time to lift the roof off Willamette Falls so that more Oregonians can experience this beautiful place. These kinds of projects don’t come along very often, so it’s an important moment for the region and state. I am delighted to lend support to Willamette Falls Trust and Oregon City’s beautiful waterfront.”
“These generous gifts buoy our efforts to complete the first phase of a world-class Riverwalk, demonstrating community and regional support of our plans to create a new experience at Willamette Falls that will give everyone new opportunities to explore the rich habitat, culture and history of this significant place,” said Alice Norris, Board Chair of Willamette Falls Trust.
Here’s a video about the donation from Connie Ballmer:
With a fundraising goal of $35 million for Phase One of the Riverwalk, $19.5 already contributed by the Willamette Falls Legacy Project partners, and this additional $7 million donated by individuals, the project has now raised more than 75% of the funds needed to meet the goal. A capital campaign to raise the remaining $8 million is currently underway.
Portland, OR. The seventh annual Heroes of the Heart Gala presented by Moda Health and The Adventist Health Foundation celebrated community heroes. Andrea Molloy, Debbie Russell, Carol Hart, Aubrey Fogg, Christen Kolberg served on the Gala Committee. This year the Foundation recognized Allie Roth, founder and president of With Love, Alison Hicks, Jason Hicks and Sabrina Prill, founders of the Chelsea Hicks Foundation and Deja Fitzwater, 2018 Pamplin Media Amazing Kid. Our heroes’ compassion and generosity make a difference in Portland and we are honored to recognize their dedication to our community. The sellout crowd was entertained by comedian Michael Jr. and MC Terry Johnsson. More than $200,000 was raised in support of Cancer Care at Adventist Health Portland.
Aaron Poole, Karen Poole, GJ Newmyer, Joyce Newmyer
Hospital President David Russell, Comedian Michael Jr., Debbie Russell
Krystal Moyers, Dr. Brian Moyers
From The Adventist Health Foundation:
Gala Sponsorships
Platinum Sponsor – $25,000
Premier seating for 20 (two tables)
Limo service to Gala for 4
Logo and link on AMC Foundation website
Logo recognition on all event materials
Private reception with speaker
Full page color ad with Premier placement in event program
Special introduction and recognition at Gala
Benefactor level foursome at annual golf tournament
Presenting Sponsor – $15,000
Premier seating for 20 (two tables)
Logo and link on AMC Foundation website
Logo recognition on all event materials
Private reception with speaker
Full page color ad with Premier placement in event program
Special introduction and recognition at Gala
Hero Sponsor – $10,000
Premier seating for 10 (one table)
Logo and link on AMC Foundation website
Logo recognition on all event materials
Private reception with speaker
Full page color ad with Premier placement in event program
Heart Sponsor – $5,000
Preferred seating for 10 (one table)
Logo and link on AMC Foundation website
Logo recognition on all event materials
Private reception with speaker
Benefactor Table – $2,500
Preferred seating for 10 (one table)
Logo recognition on all event materials
Private reception with speaker
Adventist Health Portland is part of Adventist Health, a faith-based, nonprofit integrated health system serving more than 80 communities on the West Coast and Hawaii. Founded on Seventh-day Adventist heritage and values, Adventist Health provides care in hospitals, clinics, home care agencies, hospice agencies and joint-venture retirement centers in both rural and urban communities. Our compassionate and talented team of 37,000 includes associates, medical staff physicians, allied health professionals and volunteers driven in pursuit of one mission: living God’s love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope. Together, we are transforming the American healthcare experience with an innovative, yet timeless, whole-person focus on physical, mental, spiritual and social healing.
Portland, OR. 270 guests raised $216,000 to support the PTC of Riverdale Grade School and Riverdale High School at its 007-themed gala. Parents Heather Burton, Niki Seawright, Wendy Domreis, Wendy Tolls & Kristen Best enjoyed the Casino Royale theme. The benefit on February 23rd was held at The Redd on SE Salmon Street. Nearly $70,000 will be passed through directly to the schools to help fund a “Let’s Play” paddle raise initiatives such as playground updates at the Grade School and new activity/athletic van and a Freedom Climber for the gymnasium at the High School. (Photos by parents Wendy Tolls and Wendy Domreis)
Organizers say, “the crowd was glamorous, the casino was lively, the bidding was fierce and the love of our schools and community was at the forefront.”
Auctioneer Matthew Di Loreto
A selfie with Riverdale HS Principal Paula Robinson, Riverdale HS Principal, Amber Hillman and Wendy Domreis
Elizabeth Kramer & Keith Oelrich
The Golden Ticket Winner was RGS Teacher, Jennifer McDonald.
Guests enjoyed a sit-down dinner from Chefstable Catering, casino gaming from Wild Bill’s Entertainment, a Wheel of Fortune, Live Auction, Party Pack sign-ups, Raffles and Online Bidding.
From the Riverdale School District:
The Riverdale School District is an independent public school district. It was founded in 1888 and has always enjoyed widespread community interest, involvement and support. Today, Riverdale Grade School (PreK-8) and Riverdale High School (9-12) serve more than 600 families living in a residential, wooded area called Dunthorpe, located seven miles south of downtown Portland, Oregon, and adjacent to the city of Lake Oswego. View our district boundaries.
Riverdale School District is committed to providing an exceptional college-preparatory education for all students that is personalized, learner-centered and academically rigorous. Our simple but powerful goal is to produce students who know how to use their minds well. The curriculum in each grade level marries core academic disciplines with art, music and experiential learning. Students are required to demonstrate their deep understanding of fundamental subject matter through classroom work, including individual and group projects.
Plus, learning at Riverdale isn’t confined to the classroom. Students are encouraged to spread their wings and expand their minds through field studies. Starting with day trips in lower grades, overnight trips beginning in 4th grade, and week-long field studies in middle school and high school, these excursions provide the opportunity to use classroom knowledge in real-world, experiential settings.
Portland, OR. The Northwest Film Center has announced its 2019 Audience Award winners. Drawing an audience of 38,000, the Portland International Film Festival (PIFF) is the biggest film event in Oregon, premiering more than 100 international shorts and feature films to Portland audiences annually.
Throughout the Festival, attendees were given the opportunity to register their opinions on each of the 90 features and 55 shorts screened.
PIFF is a non-competitive festival—other than audience awards—and focuses primarily on work from outside the United States, but American features, documentaries, and shorts are also included.
Earning top audience accolades for Best Narrative Feature is Woman at War (Iceland/France/Ukraine) by director Benedikt Erlingsson. It follows the story of a choral teacher living a double life as an environmental terrorist. Below is the trailer for the film:
Director Lila Avilés is the winner of this year’s Best New Director award for her debut feature, The Chambermaid (Mexico).
Our Bodies Our Doctors (United States) by director Jan Haaken took the Best Documentary Feature award. Documentarian Jan Haaken’s sixth feature highlights a significant group of individuals in the highly politicized world of women’s reproductive health rights: the doctors and nurses who have taken an oath to provide safe and ethical procedures for those who need their help.
The Wolf House (Chile/Germany) director Joaquín Cociña & Christóbal León takes home the Audience Award for Best Animated Feature.
Fish Out of Water (United States) by director Josh Brine is the recipient of the Best Oregon Short Film Award.
Lake Oswego, OR. The Arts Council of Lake Oswego announced this year’s People’s Choice nominees. Community members have until May 19th to help curate the City’s public art collection by voting for the 2019 People’s Choice. The winner will become part of the nationally recognized Gallery Without Walls permanent collection in the City of Lake Oswego for years to come.
Five loaned sculptures from the rotating exhibition have been nominated for the People’s Choice ballot by a committee comprised of city leaders, artists, and local residents.
This year’s nominees include:
“Pollinators” by Greg Fields – made from glazed ceramic and steel. The sculpture is located at Windward at the corner of Evergreen and First Street.
“Guermo en Inverno” by Jamie Burnes – fashioned from cor-ten steel and locust wood. The sculpture is located on A Avenue between Fifth and Sixth Street.
“Observation Tower” by Dale Reiger – made from glass. The sculpture is located on the corner of B Avenue and Third Street.
“Know Time” by Benjamin Mefford – constructed of basalt. The sculpture is located on A Avenue and Fourth Street.
“Frog on Fruit” by Heather Söderberg-Greene – created from bronze. The sculpture is located on the corner of B Avenue and First Street.
Dale Reiger stands by his work: ‘Observation Tower’
Artist Jamie Burnes with ‘Guermo en Inverno’
“Frog on Fruit” by Heather Söderberg-Greene – created from bronze.
Here’s a look at all five:
Anyone who lives or works in Lake Oswego can cast a vote. Ballots are available online athttp://artscouncillo.org/peoples-choice-2019. Paper ballots can be found at the following locations: City Hall, Lake Oswego Public Library, the Arts Council of Lake Oswego, the Adult Community Center, LO Maintenance Center, or the Chamber of Commerce.
Online voting ends at 5 p.m., May 19th. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by the same day. The winner will be announced once all the votes are counted. In addition, the winning artist and sculpture will be honored at the Gallery Without Walls Celebration held September 14 at Sundeleaf Plaza.
Portland, OR. Exceptional volunteers were honored by the Oregon Humane Society, including Roger Price who was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Roger has been a dedicated volunteer for 19 years and an invaluable mentor to others. He posed with Sharon Harmon, OHS President and CEO
Close to 5,400 volunteers (including corporate and group volunteers) gave their time, talents and love to the pets at OHS last year. These compassionate individuals work in every area of the shelter; walking dogs, socializing cats, cleaning kennels, teaching pets good manners, staffing events and helping with administrative tasks.
“We would need 135 additional full-time employees to equal the amount of time contributed by our volunteers last year,” said Sharon Harmon, OHS President and CEO. “We truly could not do the work we do at OHS without our volunteers.”
During the awards ceremony held at the Red Lion on the River in Portland, OHS awarded special recognition to volunteers and one staff member (chosen by the volunteers) in 27 categories. Harmon presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Roger Price of NE Portland; the Volunteer’s Choice Award to Sherri Brown of Happy Valley; the Humane Hero Award to Lynn Esser of Happy Valley; Legendary Leadership Award to Sue Sample of Tigard; and the Volunteer of the Year Award to Christy Heyl of Beaverton.
Top Honors
Volunteer’s Choice Award
Sherri Brown of Happy Valley was selected by her fellow volunteers for the “Volunteer’s Choice” Award. She posed with Sharon Harmon, OHS President and CEO
She is one of the longest serving volunteers at OHS and has been giving back to the pets for more than 28 years. Her hard work and expertise serves many areas of the shelters with a focus on event management and fundraising. She is key member of an OHS steering committee working on the long term strategy for our community.
Humane Hero Award
Lynn Esser of Happy Valley was the recipient of the Humane Hero award for volunteering 3,600 hours in 2018.
She was honored for her work in the shelter, walking dogs and helping in the Volunteer Department. Lynn is also a dedicated foster parent to pets who are too young for adoption, recovering from surgery or healing from neglect.
Legendary Leadership Award
Sue Sample of Tigard has been a dedicated OHS volunteer for more than 12 years.
She helps train new volunteers and assists staff caring for cats and assessing feline behavior. Her caring expertise is especially helpful with cats who are stressed in the shelter environment.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Christy Heyl of Beaverton has been an OHS volunteer for two years.
She cares for cats, mentors others and helps with a variety of tasks around the shelter. Christy especially loves working with shy cats, helping them come out of their shell and ready for a new home.
More Award Winners
Administrative Ace: Christopher Walker(NE Portland). This award is for the volunteers who do behind-the-scenes work to keep the shelter running smoothly.
Admissions: Malyia Pladziewiez (SE Portland). This is a new award and honors the volunteer who helps newly arrived animals feel safe and comfortable.
Behavior and Training: Lois Johnson (SW Portland). This award honors a volunteer’s contribution to the reward-based Pet Pals and Kennel Buddies training programs for shelter dogs.
Cat’s Meow: Nancy Judy (NE Portland). This award is for the volunteer who does outstanding work helping cats at the shelter.
Client Companion: Lisa Lakes (SE Portland). This award recognizes the volunteer who has helped the most in the Customer Care Department.
Development Dynamo: Chris Veatch (SE Portland). This award recognizes the person who has helped extensively in the Development Department.
EAS Superstar: Jamie Kline (North Portland). This award goes to a dedicated volunteer who worked tireless hours in an Emergency Animal Shelter.
Education Extraordinaire: Madison Miller (North Portland). This award honors the volunteer who has assisted the humane educators of OHS, helping to inspire the next generation to be kind to animals.
Faithful Companion: Kim Strand (NW Portland). This award is for the volunteer who has been consistently dedicated to OHS and done great work for the shelter as a whole.
Foster Care Award: Carol Christensen (Milwaukie). This award honors volunteers who work from home, taking care of animals that aren’t yet ready for the shelter.
Kennel Buddies: Paula Moore (SE Portland). This award recognizes a volunteer who has helped OHS dogs by enriching their time in the kennels.
Loyal Friend: Carrie Larsen (North Portland). This award is presented to the volunteer who demonstrates a consistent commitment to the animals.
New Best Friend: Michele Wier (NE Portland). This award honors a volunteer who is new to OHS but who has helped the animals in a significant way.
OHS Technical Animal Rescue Team (OHSTAR): Virginia Krakowiak (Camas). This award honors OHSTAR volunteers who help rescue stranded animals and animals in need of human assistance to survive. These volunteers climb trees, rappel down cliffs and search the wilderness when called to help pets in need.
Outta this World: Charles Aubin (Lake Oswego). This award recognizes adoption outreach volunteers who showcase OHS animals at locations outside the shelter almost every week of the year. Outreach venues include everything from shopping malls to Blazers games to OHS red carpet events.
Party Animal: Brenda Christiansen (Gresham). This award honors the volunteer who helps get the word out to the public by helping with OHS special events and outreach campaigns.
Pick of the Litter: Doug Otani. Voted on by the volunteers themselves, this award honors the OHS employee who they think goes the extra mile when it comes to working with volunteers.
Second Chance: Julie Trude (Clackamas). This award honors a volunteer who has been a major help with the OHS Second Chance program. This program transfers pets to OHS from other shelters that are faced with too many pets and too few resources.
Small and Mighty: Sara Gefre (Milwaukie). This award recognizes the volunteer who works with small animals, such as rabbits, mice, guinea pigs, chinchillas, birds and the occasional degu.
Spay & Save: Pat Bowman (NW Portland). The Spay and Save program reaches out to low-income residents to alter their cats and some dogs for little to no cost. This award honors a volunteer who help with the program through data entry, phone calls, outreach and promotion.
Surgical Sweet: Lori McDonough (NE Portland). This award honors a volunteer who has made a big difference by helping the OHS veterinary medicine team. The OHS Holman Medical Center is a major asset to shelter pets, and volunteers contribute significantly to its success.
Top Dog: Michael Bower (SE Portland). This award recognizes a dog walking volunteer who has made a major impact on the dog walking program
Portland, OR. Officials at the Portland Japanese Garden are getting a lot of questions about the state of the Garden’s famous cherry blossoms. They say, “The rains and recent sun are urging the blooms along.” The Flat Garden’s Weeping Cherry is showing more pink every day.
The Yoshino Cherry trees tend to bloom in the week or two after the Weeping Cherry.
In Portland, the blooming cycle is typically in March and April, although each year, weather patterns can result in a delay by 2–3 weeks, resulting in a March end to May cycle.
The exact timing of blossoms in the Portland Japanese Garden continues to depend on the weather, but you can follow the Garden on Facebook and Instagram for the most updated images of what’s in bloom. To learn more about the varieties of flowering plants you can expect to see blooming throughout the garden, check out Glimpse of Spring to read more about the flowers anticipated.
This video shows from, sunrise to sunset, a day at the Portland Japanese Garden:
From Portland Japanese Garden:
Summer Public Garden Hours (March 11 – September 30) Monday: Noon-7pm Tuesday-Sunday: 10am-7pm Last General Admission is at 6:30pm
Winter Public Garden Hours (October 1 – March 10) Monday: Noon-4pm Tuesday-Sunday: 10am-4pm
Member-Only Hours Tuesday–Sunday: 8am-10am
Extended Member Hours
From March-October there are special hours for Members and Photographer members only.
The Garden is closed to the public Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
NONPROFIT BENEFIT TICKET GIVEAWAYS!
Sign up for our free weekly highlights for the chance to win two tickets terrific nonprofit events! If you "like" us on facebook, or sign up for our weekly news highlights, you'll be entered to win! Sign up today!
Look for another ticket giveaway soon! Are you a nonprofit looking to bolster your publicity with facebook and tweets? Email us and we'll run a contest with tickets to your event! info@portlandsocietypage.com
