Portland, OR. Theatre, dance, circus, sketch comedy, music, and animation will all be featured in the Portland-grown 2018 Fertile Ground Festival (FG18). The 9th annual festival has over 100 “acts of creation” like Bi, a new play from the Milagro Theatre Company featuring Justin Charles, Ajai Terrazas, Kenyon Acton and Sierra Brambila (Photo credit, Russell Young). Members of Portland’s artistic community with perform in 32 venues all over the city for 11 days from January 18th to January 28th. Click here for a link to the schedule and to buy tickets.
Groovin’ Greenhouse 2018 NW Fusion Dance Company (photo credit, Alexander Dones)
Organized by the Portland Area Theatre Alliance, the key producers for the 2018 Festival include: Artists Repertory Theatre with the world premiere of Magellanica, Milagro with the world premiere of Bi-, along with works from regularly producing companies like Echo Theatre Company, Lakewood Theatre and Theatre Vertigo alongside emerging theatre companies, individual playwrights and choreographers. For FG18, Polaris Dance Theatre will again present the “Groovin’ Greenhouse” with a variety of choreographers and dance groups. PDXPlaywrights will present 12 new works events and Artists Rep will present eight lunchtime readings and one 6pm staged reading in partnership with LineStorm Playwrights.
Artists Rep’s Magellanica takes on climate science in epic play set in the South Pole. With a scope in the tradition of Angels in America, this play takes its inspiration from the true story of the discovery of the hole in the ozone layer at the height of the Cold War. Magellanica is a play written by Oregon playwright E.M. Lewis. Runtime is approximately 6 hours; there are three 10-minute intermissions and one 25-minute dinner break.
Here’s a synopsis: “In 1986, scientists and engineers from around the world converge at the South Pole Research Station to figure out, among other things, if there really is a hole in the sky. In the darkest, coldest, most dangerous place on Earth, eight imperfect souls are trapped together. Utterly isolated from the outside world for eight and a half months, this research team must face life or death challenges, their own inner demons and depend upon each other for survival.” (Magellanica Artists Rep image by Jeff Hayes.)
The High Captain, with be presented by the Clinton Street Theater. (Photo credit, JasonDodson)
Uncle Vanya – Scenes from Life in the Country in Four Acts features Ralph Huntley, Courtney Von Drehle, Joellen Sweeney, Prentice Onayemi, Jacob Coleman, Amber Whitehall (Photo credit, Owen Carey)
Stranger Than Fiction from the Echo Theater Company featuring Angela Bryant and Kraig Mead (photo credit, Kraig Mead)
From Fertile Ground:
Fertile Ground is an incubator for new work in all forms and stages of creation offering theatre and dance, workshops, staged readings, readings and multidisciplinary events – for 11 days, at all times of the day. Offering an astonishing breadth of creative work are seasoned theatre and dance companies alongside spunky, young art-creators of every ilk. A full list of Fertile Ground 2018 events can be found here.
FG18’s myriad of new works span theatre in long and short form, musical theatre, circus arts, sketch and improvisational comedy, animation, a wide variety of dance disciplines, social action through the arts, as well as the voices of youth, lesser heard voices and shows that are derived from audience participation. In addition to seasoned producers, dozens of emerging young producers, playwrights, choreographers and animators are also choosing to offer their work in this collaborative Portland showcase festival.
“Fertile Ground offers a place where everything that can be created by Portland artists is welcome,” said Nicole Lane, Fertile Ground Festival Director. “The aim of celebrating the creation of new work by Portland artists however they’d like to share it, and a training ground for new producers and producing artists. It is also a chance to inform audiences about the creation process, and to introduce Festival supporters to new artists, companies and a variety of art forms. This uncurated festival is like none other, it offers artists and audiences the opportunity to explore the wilds of art-making in a plethora of genres and at every point in the process.”
Fertile Ground Festival of New Work 2018
Presented by the Portland Area Theatre Alliance
Dates: January 18-28, 2018
Venue: Citywide, check website or Festival Guide for locations
Description: 100+ “acts of creation” by Portland artists in an 11-day Festival. Patrons can purchase individual tickets to each show or buy a $50 all-access Festival Pass.
Festival Guide: Printed Festival Guides are available in many theatre lobbies including Artists Repertory Theatre, Portland Center Stage, Lakewood Theatre, Bag & Baggage, among others, or digitally at www.fertilegroundpdx.org
What Makes FERTILE GROUND Unique? Several theatre companies across the nation host “new works festivals” and nearly all of these festivals present “staged readings,” works-in-progress curated by the aesthetic of the producing company’s artistic staff. They are also typically genre-exclusive. In contrast, the Fertile Ground Festival presents a non-curated swath of fully staged world premiere productions in theatre and dance along with workshop and staged reading productions, as well as a large number of multidisciplinary works. This festival is the collaborative endeavor with our local artistic community to represent a broad diversity of creative forms for arts-curious audiences, in a quintessentially Portland manner.
Fertile Ground was launched by the Portland Area Theatre Alliance (the service organization for Portland theatre artists and organizations) in 2009 to provide a platform for Portland theatre companies to showcase their commitment to new work. The Festival has grown to embrace many forms of new works in art allowing arts lovers to discover Portland’s truly fertile ground for creativity, innovation and daring acts of performance.
The Fertile Ground Festival of New Work is presented by the Portland Area Theatre Alliance and is sponsored by Artslandia and The Oregonian/OregonLive.com.
Here’s the list of the top ten stories (in reverse order to build your suspense) on PortlandSocietyPage.com during 2017.
#10. Jesuit High School’s 49th Auction Raises Over $1 Million
Portland, OR. Cultivating Tomorrow was the theme of Jesuit High School’s annual auction. The event on April 29th was held in the school’s Knight Center and drew 650 supporters. Principal Paul Hogan, posed for a photo with action co-chairs Wendy Pernas, Kim Takla and Jesuit President Tom Arndorfer. JHS cleared the million-dollar mark with $1,020,916 raised in gross revenue. Organizers thanked their Presenting Sponsors – Clearview MRI, Touchmark and Colleen and Werner Nistler. Jesuit’s auction is the school’s largest fundraiser.
Portland, OR. After six years of service to the community, 26 high school seniors from The National Charity League, Inc. Portland Chapter were honored at a special celebration at the Sentinel Hotel on April 30th. Most of the young women, including Bailey Cook, Shannon Kehoe, Genevieve Klein, and Jennie Menendez, began volunteering with their mothers during seventh grade and in total, the seniors worked 3,700 hours.
#8. French American International School’s Fête du Vin Celebrates Community
Portland, OR. Fête du Vin on November 4th brought together some of Oregon’s best wineries and restaurants, uniting the diverse and progressive community that surrounds the French American International School. FAIS Parent & Alumni relations Manager, KaDo Gorman posed for a photo with Fete Committee members Raphaelle Robert, Julia Bannon, Michelle Reeves, and Paul Willenberg.
#6. Ignite 2017 Black & White Ball Draws 1,000 People
Portland, OR. Ignite 2017, the Black & White Ball, was Oregon’s largest LGBTQ gala and dance party and biggest fundraiser of the year. Nearly 1,000 people attended the November 4th benefit for Basic Right Oregon including Val Solorazano, Shannon Scott and Bill Dickey. More than $320,000 was raised at the Black & White Ball to support policy, advocacy and education work statewide to ensure that LGBTQ Oregonians in every community in Oregon experience equality.
#5. 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.
#4. Portland Art Museum’s 125th Anniversary Gala Sparkles
Portland, OR. More than 700 people attended the Portland Art Museum’s 125th Anniversary Gala and After Party celebration on September 23rd, featuring a performance by the Grammy Award-winning, Portland-raised jazz musician Esperanza Spalding. The event raised more than $750,000 in additional support to help ensure that the innovative exhibitions, education programs, and partnerships that have been the Museum’s hallmarks will continue to thrive. Guests like Anne and Jim Crumpacker enjoyed red carpet treatment and had dinner in the historic galleries designed by Pietro Belluschi.
#3. Rock Stars Help Raise $1.4 Million to Benefit Oregon Military Museum
Portland, OR. Gene Simmons joined KISS guitarist and Portland native Tommy Thayer — along with KISS bandmates Paul Stanley and Eric Singer —for a surprise performance at the close of the “All-Star Salute to the Oregon Military” fundraising gala Feb. 18th. The exclusive event raised $1.4 million toward completing the construction of the $20 million Oregon Military Museum named after Tommy’s father, Brigadier General James B. Thayer. Rockers Alice Cooper, Robby Krieger of the Doors, Danny Seraphine from the band Chicago, and Will Lee from The Late Show with David Letterman, also performed.
#2. Children’s Cancer Association’s Annual Wonderball Raises $1.4 Million
Portland, OR. It was high-fives all around as Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) raised $1.4 million at its 17th annual Wonderball gala on October 7th. Leaders Rosemary Colliver, founder Regina Ellis and Andy Lytle celebrated the donations which will fuel CCA’s mission of prescribing joy to seriously ill children and their families. Organizers welcomed nearly 850 supporters to the Oregon Convention Center for an “Age of Aquarius” themed night they say was inspired by the abundant love and optimism of the Woodstock era.
#1. “Classically American” Oregon Symphony’s Gala Raises Over $1 Million
Portland, OR. The popping of celebratory champagne, the Rex Putnam High School Marching Band, and applause from the nearly 400 attendees provided a fitting end to the Symphony’s annual gala, which marked another first in the organization’s 120-year history – shattering the $1 million gala fundraising mark. Guests of Oregon Symphony’s Gala 2017, “Classically American” arrived to a tented reception in the Park Blocks adjacent to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. In attendance were State Architect Alice Wiewel, Liz Fuller, President of Gard Communications, Representative Brent Barton, Jordan Schnitzer, OSA President Scott Showalter, Portland State University President Wim Wiewel, and Mayor Ted Wheeler.
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Portland, OR. Listening to a cheerful choir and watching the Christmas ships drift by along the Willamette River were highlights of the Albertina Kerr holiday fundraiser, Christmas Ships Soiree, on December 15th at the Waverley Country Club. The Gladheim family was out in force including: Baraket Galdheim, Karsen Gladheim, Avery Gladheim, Jeffrey Gladheim, Christy Gladheim, and their guests. The purpose of the event was to raise money for Albertina Kerr’s Financial Assistance Fund, which helps families cover what insurance does not cover for mental health services. Albertina Kerr successfully exceeded its $25,000 goal by 12% by raising almost $30,000 thanks to a $10,000 donation from presenting sponsor, Providence Health & Services. There were 200 guests at the family-friendly event.
Mike Butkovic, Jeffery Gladheim, Christy Gladheim, Mary Beth Butkovic, Gavin Brown, Candi Brown
Christine Andersen, Doug Adler, Joshua Goldstein, Anne Adler
Jim Carbeau, Shannon Carbeau, Terry Donahe, Jeanne McKirchy-Spencer, Peter Charlton, Anne Adler
Jennifer Bolin, Kenneth Bolin, and their friends joined Josh Lyons, Janell Billings, Douglas Johnson, Jennifer Posey
Dave Underriner, Jeff Carr (CEO of Albertina Kerr)
Choir
Kristina Davis, Maureen Wheeler, Jennifer Harmon, Denara Goble, Jane Pesznecker
Waverley Country Club
Historic Christmas ships
From Albertina Kerr:
Since 1907, Albertina Kerr has strengthened Oregon families and communities. Today, we provide programs and services to children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges, empowering them to live richer lives.
We’re building an army of angels – A community that stands together – Where we challenge the norm to create a society that has no barriers. Where people who face developmental disabilities and mental health challenges are included and empowered. Where families are supported and children have reason to smile. Where everyday people reach out to the most vulnerable and give back to their community.
Thank you for joining us.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement:
Albertina Kerr is committed to fostering equity, diversity and inclusion across all settings where people receiving services and their families, employees, board members, foundation trustees, donors, volunteers and vendors feel welcome, respected and that they are treated fairly.
We believe that embracing equity, diversity and inclusion will bring a broader range of perspectives, experiences and sensitivity, inspiring all members of our community and enriching our capacity to achieve Kerr’s mission.
Portland, OR. This holiday season has been a busy one for local nonprofits with thousands of volunteers handing out gifts and making spirits bright for less fortunate members of the community.
Here are some of the heartwarming sights spotted around town:
Oregon food Bank volunteers were busy and Nike was honored as the Corporate Donor of the Month for December.
Portland Police Bureau Sunshine Division distributed nearly 500,000 pounds of food to families, seniors, and veterans in need, the most in its 95-year history.
The Sunshine Division offers free food and clothing assistance for qualifying Portlanders at its on-site food pantry and clothing room and through its food box programs and no-cost food bank.
The Portland Police Bureau Sunshine Division was started by Captain H. A. Circle in 1923. His thought was that no one should ever have to commit a crime to provide food for their family.
Over 100 Portland’5 volunteers donated over 200 stuffed animals. They were donated to Clackamas County Victim Association to be given out all year long.
Youth Villages was supporting kids and families this holiday season.
Volunteers were working overtime to make sure the holidays are special for youth and families from Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area
Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area had their gifts delivered by Santa.
A sleigh full of surprises was delivered to children at Bridge Meadows this week thanks to Wells Fargo.
Portland Rescue Mission is serving up hundreds of holiday meals.
If you’re interested in volunteering this holiday season, or right on into the new year, there are lots of opportunities. Nonprofits across the Greater Portland area are looking for volunteers like you to brighten the day by lending a hand.
Hands on Greater Portland has lots of great ideas:
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Check out our Project Calendar to find a variety of “done-in-a-day” volunteer opportunities.
Look for *Hands On* in the title to find projects managed by us. You can sign up in two clicks to join a group of volunteers on a 2-4 hour project, lead by a trained volunteer leader; no experience or ongoing commitment required!
Look for “Bulletin Board” listings to find projects managed directly by our many wonderful nonprofit partners. Contact information is provided for you to connect directly with the nonprofit volunteer coordinator.
► DEEPEN YOUR IMPACT…
Search all of our volunteer opportunities to find longer-term or skills-based opportunities with our 300+ non-profit partners. You can hone your search by keyword, zipcode, availability and more! In the search results, look for opportunities with the time listed as “Open” to find opportunities that could use your help for more than a single shift.
Portland, OR. Veterinarians at DoveLewis Animal Emergency & Specialty Hospital are reminding pet owners to keep their animals safe during the holidays. While decorations, special foods and family gatherings make this time of year festive, they also provide potential hazards for the pets in your life. Many common seasonal items can be dangerous for animals. Below some fun holiday pet photos are a list of 12 hazards to avoid so that you won’t have to make a visit to the animal hospital over the holidays.
Pepper is a feline blood donor who recently made her ninth donation.
12 holiday pet hazards to avoid:
Christmas tree water – Some trees are treated with chemicals that can seep into the Christmas tree water. Also, stagnant tree water can build up bacteria over time, which is harmful if ingested.
Cords from holiday lights – Keep wires out of reach or covered to discourage pets from playing with or chewing them. If tampered with, lights can cause electrical burns and potentially lethal electric shock.
Decorative plants – Plants like mistletoe, holly and poinsettias can cause a range of problems if ingested, including vomiting, abdominal pain, cardiovascular problems, loss of appetite and diarrhea.
Candles – While it’s traditional for menorah candles to remain lit for at least half an hour, leaving your pet alone near an open flame is risky. Kennel your pets during this time or keep a close eye on them. Pets should never be left unsupervised around lit candles.
Turkey bones – These bones can easily splinter into sharp pieces. The splinters can get lodged in a pet’s throat or intestines causing punctures in the intestinal tract and blockages. Secure garbage cans and bags with food scraps.
Chocolate – DoveLewis sees an increase in animals suffering from chocolate toxicity over the holidays. Keep all food, especially food that contains chocolate, out of reach of animals, and monitor pets during food prep and feasts.
Alcohol – Most alcohol consumption by animals occurs as a result of drinking from unattended glasses, but it can also occur if a pet eats raw bread dough. The yeast in the dough ferments in the stomach and releases alcohol ethanol. Alcohol consumption can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, central nervous system issues, and even death in pets.
Tinsel and ribbon – Cats are especially attracted to tinsel and ribbon, which can obstruct the digestive tract and cause severe vomiting and dehydration if ingested. Avoid using tinsel at all if you have a feline friend in the house, and keep ribbon out of reach.
Ornaments – Any ornament on the bottom of the tree is a tempting toy for your pets. Though not poisonous, many ornaments (especially those made of glass or those with sharp edges) can be dangerous. Hang lightweight glass ornaments near the top of the tree or use shatterproof ornaments only.
Liquid potpourri – Cats are particularly attracted to liquid potpourri. The hot liquid can burn their fur and mouths in addition to causing gastrointestinal problems if ingested.
House guests – Stress from visiting relatives and friends, as well as an altered schedule, can manifest in a variety of ways, including vomiting and gastrointestinal issues. Create a “safe zone” for your pets where they can retreat until the increased activity of the holidays is over. Also, with people coming in and out of your house, your pet is at risk of escaping and getting lost. Be sure your pet’s microchip is updated just in case.
New Year’s distractions – Confetti, noisy poppers and fireworks are all potential hazards for pets. Confetti can get lodged in a pet’s intestines if ingested. Noisy poppers can scare pets and might do damage to sensitive ears. And fireworks scare most animals causing them to run if they escape. Keep them secured and safe around midnight.
The cold weather can be a little RUFF. Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and should be kept inside. Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather; but no pet should be left outside for long periods of time in below-freezing weather.
About DoveLewis
DoveLewis Animal Emergency & Specialty Hospital, established in 1973 and based in Portland, Oregon, is the only nonprofit, 24-hour emergency and intensive care unit in the region. DoveLewis also has seven donor-supported community programs that serve animals in need and the animal loving community. With 43 years of service, DoveLewis has treated more than 500,000 animals. For more information, please visit www.dovelewis.org.
Portland, OR. There’s a Darcelle-themed Turkish smoking room at the Pittock Mansion’s special Christmas display this year. The theme is “A Very Portland Christmas” and the display is on through December 31st. You can explore 20 decorated rooms, and see over 30 Christmas trees large and small. Iconic places, people, and events of Portland are featured like Powell’s Books, Packy the elephant, and Peacock Lane.
From the Pittock Mansion:
PTTOCK MANSION | With picture-perfect views of rivers, forests, bridges, and mountaintops — and 23 treasure-filled rooms — no other place in town offers a more breathtaking view and more revealing glimpse of Portland’s past. Portland pioneers Henry and Georgiana Pittock built Pittock Mansion in 1914 and it now stands as a living memorial of the family’s contributions to the blossoming city of Portland and its people. Situated on 46 acres of land almost 1,000 feet atop downtown Portland, the Pittock celebrated its centennial year in 2014.
Volunteers have always been key to Pittock Mansion’s holiday season. Over the years hundreds of people have donated their time and talents into transforming the Mansion into a festive wonderland.
Thank you to A Very Portland Christmas‘s volunteer decorators for all their creativity and hard work!
Room themes and decorators in tour order:
Library “Forest Park,” Anne Runde, Anne Runde Interiors, and Angie Morse, The Room Stylers.
Formal Entry “Bud Clark,” Nancy Kurkinen and Alison Chapman. Thanks for help from: Annie Bottinelli, Beard’s Framing Downtown, City of Portland Archives, John Helmer Haberdasher, Linda Jensen, and Mayor Bud Clark.
Music Room “Mount Hood,” Rosanne Sachson, The Sachson Group Architectural Interior Design.
Turkish Smoking Room “Darcelle,” Alison Chapman and Nancy Kurkinen. Thank you to Darcelle XV for loaning artifacts.
Dining Room “Celebrating 100 Years of Portland’s International Rose Test Garden,” Suzanne Barthelmess. Special thanks to Kim Foren, Kimberly Bown, Mary Suzanne Garvey, Marla Kazell, Harry Landers, and Rex Sustello.
Kitchen “Dragons of Portland,” Cate Anderson, Lee Brixius, Elaine Durst, Yoko Fukuta, Louise Jones, Judy Lyons, MaryAnne Nance, Jeannie Prindle, Burt Reif, Sue Reif, Caroleigh Robinson, Lewis Sprunger, Jean Weigant, Mary Ann Wish, and Sally Woolley. Special thanks: Larry Titensor, Portland Kaohsiung Sister City Association, DragonSports USA, Fire Breathing Blowfish, Tom & Cara Lee Crowder, and Marla Baker.
Breakfast Room “Rose Festival,” Barbara Masterson. Thanks to Jill Hrdlicka.
Writing Room “Adventure Bound: Find Your Favorite Book at Powell’s,” Cheryl Kennedy, Patt Lewis, & Jessie Smith. Special thanks to Powell’s Books, Leah Kohlenberg, Chris Quevedo, Christy Simon, and Jerry “Woody” Woodbury.
South Bedroom “Portland’s Iconic Transportation,” Portland Rose Society.
South Sleeping Porch “Meier & Frank,” Claudine Stock, Rita Devlin, Holly Fowler, Gayl Hauzenberger (26 years at Meier & Frank), and Tommie West (24 years at Meier & Frank).
Nieces’ Bedroom “Packy the Elephant,” Denise Chapman and Michelle Lamorie.
Henry’s Bathroom “Peacock Lane,” Eileen Giskaas.
Sewing Room “Two Portland Icons,” Gúy Holady, Holady and Holady Designs and Productions. Assisted by Kim Baggett, Jill Holady-Rauch, Kaye Holady, Patti Diebel, Barbara Zink, and Pamela Miller.
Georgiana’s Bedroom “Portland Art Museum,” Beth Clark of B. Clark Interior Design, LLC; Deb Zsori with Fabius Grange; and Framed By Design, Lake Oswego.
West Bedroom “Bridgetown: Portland, Oregon,” Jennifer Ballard, Jennifer Ballard Interiors.
Social Room Car Nooks “Postcards: Celebrating Portland Landmarks,” The American Sewing Guild – Columbia River Sewing, Sharon Sink, Lynn Towers, and Megan Garvey.
Social Room Display Cases “Mary Suzanne Garvey: Muse on the Loose,” Suzanne Barthelmess. Special thanks to Kim Foren, Kimberly Bown, Marla Kazell, Harry Landers, and Rex Sustello.
Grand Staircase & Landing Eileen Giskaas.
Grand Hallway Console Table Anne Dewing, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen.
Portland, OR. The numbers are in and the 2017 Safeway/Providence Festival of Trees, public show and Gala dinner raised a record $1.4 million for Providence Children’s Health and family support services. Bob and Sharon Miller join friends and family at the November 31st gala which drew over 900 people. The public viewing of the trees took place December 1st and 2nd at Oregon Convention Center. Organizers say miles of twinkling lights, thousands of ornaments and even the fragrance of Christmas itself made the 35th anniversary of the festival a magical event.
13-year-old Bobbi MacKenzie opens the Gala dinner by singing “Oh Holy Night” a cappela.
Providence Oregon chief executive Dave Underriner and Providence Foundations of Oregon president and chief development officer Laurie Kelley welcome more than 900 guests to the Gala.
Nancy Lematta, center, leads a group of friends in celebrating the festival of trees.
Joey Harrington poses for a photograph with an Oregon Ducks fan in the midst of the Gala.
Organizers report that the holiday tradition dazzled people of all ages with its exquisite trees, mini-trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, Lego displays and more. Over the last 34 years, the festival has raised more than $16 million. Those funds support Providence Children’s Health programs including Child Life Specialists, NICU Parent Liaisons, Swindells Resource Center and My Little Waiting Room.
Here are some photos of the those famous trees:
Letters to Santa – Sponsor: iHeart Media. Designers: Sandy Miller, Shelly Hamann, Mark Johnson, family and friends
Take Me Back in Time – Sponsor: Providence Hospice Designers: Jacquelyn Dunn, Kate Gober, Shawn Dunn and Judy Mimnaugh
A Coastal Christmas – Sponsor: Howard S. Wright, a Balfour Beatty Company Designers: Sarah Kennison, Danielle Smeraglio, Sue Jarmin and Kim Jarmin
Rose All the Way Sponsor: Providence Health Plan. Designers: Ronni Nichuals, Stacy Ryback, Velma Rodriguez, Tiah Kershaw, Erica Brill and Mary Nichols
Christmas in Rip City – Sponsor: Portland Trail Blazers Designers: Sandy Miller, Leslie Radke, Carol Nielson and Judy Han
Through a Child’s Eyes – Sponsor: Providence Portland Medical Center professional staff Designers: Leilani Wilson, Raji Chandrasekaran, Christine Riley, Karen Thiel, Nicholetta Vlandis and Elizabeth Wakeman
Have a Merry Elfin’ Christmas – Sponsor: Providence Medical Group Designers: Dominique Buhl, Damala Badon, Robin Birge, Amy Brittan and Min Stearns
This is a year-long, volunteer-driven project with nearly 75 professional and amateur designers volunteering thousands of hours to turn a corner of the Oregon Convention Center into a winter wonderland and holiday village. Nearly 20,000 people were expected to experience the 2017 festive gathering with 75 trees of all sizes decorated with nearly 100,000 twinkling lights. More than 600,000 people have attended the festival since it began in 1983. Safeway was the sponsor this year.
Here’s a time lapse video of the setup of the
The Festival of the Trees benefits these Family Support Services:
Providence cares for more than 100,000 Oregon children each year, and 1 in 5 children have a special health care need. These critical programs help keep the whole family healthy.
Our Family Support Services
Child Life Program
Imagine a hospital visit through the eyes of a child. Unfamiliar faces and equipment, examinations or tests for them or for a loved one, and scary conversations that they may not understand. Our certified child life specialists at Providence St. Vincent help children of all ages cope with their own or a family member’s illness, injury, treatment, or hospitalization through play, child-friendly explanations, and of course, a teddy bear.
My Little Waiting Room
Founded by mother and cancer survivor Amy Patterson, My Little Waiting Room provides free, fun, and safe drop-in child care for families on the campuses of Providence St. Vincent and Providence Portland Medical Center. Staffed by specially trained care providers and secure, parents can attend appointments or visit a loved one in the hospital knowing their children are in good hands.
NICU Parent Liaison
Spending time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with your baby is rarely a part of a family’s birth plan. Our NICU Parent Liaison provides peer-to-peer informational, emotional, and inspirational support to new parents of premature babies during their stay in the NICU at Providence St. Vincent.
Swindells Resource Center
Learning that your child has special needs, developmental delays or disabilities is life-changing, isolating and scary. Where do I go from here? What do I do next? Swindells Resource Center supports parents and caregivers of these children by providing free resources, information and education to communities throughout Oregon and southwest Washington – last year alone we helped tens of thousands of families throughout the region.
Portland, OR. Pacific University held its annual Celebration of Giving extravaganza on November 30th at the Portland Golf Club to recognize and thank the university’s most generous and loyal supporters.
Pacific University alumni Cathy Tran ’74 and Tim Tran ’74 were among those on hand. Earlier this fall, Pacific renamed the library on its Forest Grove Campus in honor of the Trans, who helped establish a scholarship fund for Pacific University Libraries. Tim Tran is also a member of Pacific’s Board of Trustees. (Photo credit, Robbie Bourland – Pacific University)
Pacific University trustee Kim Ledbetter (ret., The Standard) was among those honored at Pacific’s annual Celebration of Giving event. Earlier this year, a new playing surface at the university’s Hanson Stadium was installed and named Ledbetter Field in honor of Kim and his wife Barb, whose generosity helped finance the facility upgrade.
Pacific University alumni Lee Garboden ’77 and Sheri Garboden ’76 joined others at the university’s annual Celebration of Giving event.
Pacific University trustee Mark Frandsen (Grove Properties) was among the attendees at the university’s annual Celebration of Giving event at Portland Golf Club.
Earlier in the week, the university announced the public phase of Lead On, an $80 million comprehensive campaign to increase the university’s endowment and invest in educational facilities and resources and innovation.
The announcement of Lead On kicked off Pacific’s “Boxer Excellence Week,” which resulted in 720 donors giving or pledging more than $265,400. Lead On has already raised more than $44 million of the $80 million goal during the campaign’s silent phase, bolstered by a 112 percent increase in philanthropic giving to the university over the past five years.
Among those in attendance were current Pacific Board of Trustees members Mark Frandsen (Grove Properties), Sheri Garboden ’76 (ret., Flir Systems), Sen. Betsy Johnson (D-Scappoose), former OHSU president Dr. Peter Kohler, Kim Ledbetter (ret., The Standard), Martin Moll, JD (Aldrich Group), Cam Perry ’65 (ret., Cam’s Coffee Co.), Tim Schauermann ’66 (ret., Schauermann Insurance Associates), Tim Tran ’74 (ret., Johnstone Supply Co.) and Mike Wright (ret., Wellpartner, Inc.).
Portland, OR. Attendees at the Portland Jewish Academy auction dressed up in their totally tubular 80’s best. The academy raised $825,000 at its 56th Annual Auction on December 10th with 350 people in attendance. Organizers say this annual celebration and fundraiser ensures that PJA has the resources to provide an outstanding Jewish education to a diverse student body.
The Zidell Family pictured. PJA thanks the Zidell Family and Steve “Rosy” Rosenberg and Ellen Lippman for their generosity and commitment to Portland Jewish Academy.
PJA Auction Co-Chairs – Carol Richmond and Stacey Oller
From Portland Jewish Academy:
Portland Jewish Academy shares a building and campus with the Mittleman Jewish Community Center. As a result, PJA has access to spaces many schools may not have.
Portland Jewish Academy was established on the premise that the community needed a Jewish community day school with a truly superior academic education, built on years of Jewish tradition and values, but representative of the whole Jewish community. More than ever this holds true today. Academically, PJA is a power house. Our graduates are proof of this, from their performance in the areas best high schools to their acceptance at prestigious colleges and universities from across the country. Our students, parents and staff represent the diversity of Portland’s Jewish and non-Jewish community and are inclusive of all family types.
We are all proud to be part of the PJA community.
Please come tour the school and see for yourself why we are so excited about PJA. Call Inge Hoogerhuis, Admission Director, at 503.535.3599. She will happily assist you in setting up a personal tour.
Portland, OR. OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital had some holiday excitement when the Blazers came for a visit. A 15-year-old patient named Joshua got to meet Damian Lillard and Maurice “Moe” Harkless as team members visited the hospital on December 7th.
Faith and her brother Devin visit with members of the Portland Trail Blazers, including Jusuf Nurkic at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
Jovante cheers as he wins a basketball game against Portland Trail Blazers player Caleb Swanigan, while Maurice “Moe” Harkless and assistant coach Dale Osbourne look on.
Cooper, 12, fist-bumps Portland Trail Blazers player Damian Lillard, while Maurice “Moe” Harkless and assistant coach Dale Osbourne look on.
Also at the hospital, this is the 6th year in a row that the Healing Hunter Foundation has “Decked the Halls” transforming the entire Oncology Unit into a magical Winter Wonderland. The Foundation was started on behalf of Hunter Zen Thawley, who was a, “Courageous and charismatic lil’ 3 yr. old who lost his battle to AML Leukemia in 2010.” Portland Fire & Rescue also graces the halls with the foundation on a yearly basis providing holiday cheer with an abundance of glitter, sparkle and shine. Here’s a look at their decorations:
Lieutenant Todd Thawley, (Hunter’s dad and Co-Founder of the Healing Hunter Foundation) helps decorate OHSU Doernbechers on his day off from fighting fires.
The decorated halls at OHSU Doernbecher Chidren’s Hospital.
The entire volunteer crew of the Healing Hunter Foundation that Decks the Halls for the holidays at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
Bellagios Pizza, (Goose Hollow location) donated lunch to feed the entire volunteer crew. This is the 2nd year in a row that they’ve donated pizza and salad.
A Winter Wonderland has been created at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital by the Healing Hunter Foundation. This is the 6th year in a row that the foundation has transformed the entire Oncology Unit adding much needed sparkle and shine to lots of families staying at the hospital through the holidays.
Portland Firefighters, along with the Healing Hunter Foundation, help create the holiday magic at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital for the holidays.
Educating pediatric specialists throughout the region
• More than half of Oregon’s practicing pediatricians were trained at Doernbecher • Doernbecher offers the only pediatric residency program in Oregon – and each year more than 600 medical students from around the country vie for the program’s 16 spots • More than a quarter of all physicians in the U.S. pursuing pediatrics apply to Doernbecher each year as interns and residents • Doernbecher provides a wide range of professional development
Pediatric research
Finding cures and treatments, changing the face of pediatric medical science
• Part of OHSU, a nationally ranked research institution where more than 4,000 research studies are currently under way
• Testing the newest potential cancer therapies as one of only 21 National Cancer Institute-designated pediatric Phase 1 cancer centers in the nation; world’s first hospital to test the effectiveness of Gleevec, the revolutionary cancer pill* on kids
• Breakthrough research in the genetic and cellular causes of childhood diseases
Community outreach
Doernbecher experts collaborate to improve the health of children
• Doernbecher experts travel the region to provide specialty care at more than 150 outreach clinics in 13 locations so kids can receive care in their own communities
• Doernbecher’s telemedicine network includes sites in Eugene, Medford, Roseburg, Silverton, Astoria, Coos Bay and McMinnville – allowing Doernbecher specialists to partner with regional providers via state-of-the-art technology
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