Portland, OR. 600 supporters were on hand for the Maurice Lucas Foundation dinner including, David Lucas, CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard. The seventh annual benefit on raised a total of $520,000 (including proceeds from the dinner on September 22nd and a golf event on the 23rd) to support the foundation’s after-school education, mentoring and sports programs for under-served children in Portland, including its newly established Howard Hedinger College Scholarship Fund.
Damian Lillard and Maurice Lucas Academy students
David Lucas and Howard Hedinger
The benefit was sponsored by Nike, Jordan Brand and the Portland Trail Blazers. A number of current and former Trail Blazers attended the dinner in honor of their late teammate: Bill Walton, Bobby Gross, Lloyd Neal, Lionel Hollins, Corky Calhoun and announcer Bill Schonely from the 1977 NBA Championship team; as well as head coach Terry Stotts, announcer Michael Holton and players Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum, Noah Vonleh and Pat Connaughton from the current roster.
Foundation Ambassador Board members Walton and Hollins joined foundation Executive Director David Lucas in presenting the Maurice Lucas Enforcer Award to Nike executive Larry Miller.
The award is given annually to an individual who best embodies many of the characteristics that its namesake displayed both on and off the basketball court, including motivating and empowering kids. Walton and Hollins are among the award’s past recipients.
2017 Enforcer of the Year Award Larry Miller along with David Lucas, Lionel Hollins and Bill Walton
Bill and Lori Walton
Lionel Hollins and Bill Walton
Vanessa Morgan, Bob Quillin and David Lucas
The After Party
Mercedes Benz of Portland was a sponsor.
Fall Fundraisers for the nonprofit included both a dinner at the Portland Hilton and a Celebrity Golf Tournament on, Sept. 23rd, at the Reserve Golf Course in Aloha. The 14th annual golf invitational attracted 115 competitors and raised $70,000. Each foursome included a celebrity, such as former Blazers Brian Grant, T.R. Dunn, Michael Harper and Terry Porter; and NBA Hall of Fame member Alex English and former player Gus Williams. Wildhorse Resort & Casino served as the presenting sponsor and Mercedes-Benz of Portland served as official vehicle sponsor.
“These funds will enable us to continue providing life-changing opportunities for under-served middle school students,” said Executive Director Lucas, son of the late Maurice Lucas. “Our foundation stands as a continuance of my father’s dedication to helping kids learn, achieve, grow and build positive values. The Maurice Lucas Foundation is proud to carry on his work.”
Maurice Lucas Academy Volunteers along with David Lucas and Pam Lucas
Maurice Lucas Academy Volunteers
John Bladholm, David Lucas, Lionel Hollins, and Bill Schonely
The winning team won the opportunity to compete at the Mercedes-Benz Sectional Championship at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla on Oct. 5-9.
From The Maurice Lucas Foundation:
The Maurice Lucas Foundation teaches kids lessons they can use to help them realize their dreams. Our academies show the importance of hard work, respect and leadership both in the classroom and on the court.
The number 20 hangs in the rafters of The Rose Garden, home to the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, honoring a great man. Maurice Lucas had a storied 14-year career in professional basketball, but off the court is where Maurice built his legacy. Maurice was truly a pillar in the Portland, Oregon community he called home. He touched the lives of many through his giving ways. Maurice passed away on October 31, 2010 at the age of 58. Today, the Maurice Lucas Foundation carries on his legacy by working with youth to help them realize their individual potential.
Portland, OR. Project Runway designer, Seth Aaron, made news at Portland’s FashioNXT show with what’s described as, “The world’s first 3D printed designer shoe collection.” (FashioNXT supports the nonprofits Girls Inc. and Oregon Active.)
Seth Aaron’s spring/summer 2018 runway collection is Asian inspired. His 3D printed platform shoe line takes its inspiration from the traditional Japanese block sandal, with a contemporary interpretation made possible by the fusion of fashion and technology.
Seth Aaron is working with Feetz, a technology company in San Diego, that designs custom-fit, sustainably-made footwear. Feetz is the first company to use sustainable 3D printing and mobile technology to create completely customized shoes.
Seth Aaron said of his shoes made with a 3D printer, “There are three things that make this collaboration special. First, whatever I can design, they can create. We go from concept to the runway in less than 8 weeks, while fashion design traditionally leads the market by 12 to 18 months.
“Second, they are sustainable. As the father of two children, I care about the world we leave them. The shoes are made from recycled and recyclable products. At the end of their life, we don’t toss them into a landfill, we make them into new shoes.
“Third, we are bringing fashion manufacturing home. These designs and the customers who buy them will create high paying jobs in America.”
FashioNXT founder and CEO, Tito Chowdhury said, “So much of what has been done in 3d printed fashion is like art, to be appreciated, but not lived. This innovative collaboration redefines the relationship between technology and fashion. People will wear the shoes, not because of the technology, but because they are fashionable.” For more information on buying the shoes, Visit www.Feetz.com.
There were dozens of runway shows over the four days including a finale for UpNXT emerging designers accelerator.
The 2017 UpNXT winner was Minnie Opal by Sundari Devi.
2017 UpNXT Winner Minnie Opal by Sundari Devi
2017 UpNXT Winner Minnie Opal by Sundari Devi
ABOUT:
Seth Aaron: Seth Aaron is the 2010 winner of Lifetime’s Emmy-winning fashion design show Project Runway and 2014 winner of Project Runway All-Stars. Seth has provided fashion commentary for Lifetime, Marie Claire, E!, and Style. Seth launching his Spring/Sunnier 2018 Collection at FashioNXT Oct.13th, including the Seth Aaron Collection of 3D printed shoes by Feetz.
Feetz: Feetz is a technology company based out of San Diego that designs custom-fit, sustainably made, 3D printed shoes. With 300+ color and customization options, Feetz is the first company to use advanced technology to create wearable 3D printed shoes, completely customized to be the perfect fit for any individual. Feetz shoes are manufactured locally and sustainably, as the company uses only recycled and recyclable materials, zero water and less waste. Available in a variety of styles for women and men, Feetz can be purchased directly on their website.
FashioNXT: FashioNXT presents fashion forward lifestyle on the runway and the lifestyle plaza. FashioNXT showcases the exquisite upcoming season collections of local, national and international designers and the creative edge in lifestyle technology and brands. FashioNXT Portland is a sustainable production through the support of Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF). FashioNXT Portland receives verified/certified Renewable Energy Certificates ensuring that only green energy was used in association with this event and Water Restoration Certificates replacing water used with potable water. For more information about the runway shows and tickets see: http://www.fashionxt.com or call CEO Tito Chowdhury at (503) 756-1412.
Portland, OR. Members of the Board of Trustees for the French American International School were digging in to celebrate the start of construction on the Gilkey International Middle School Building. The ground breaking ceremony on September 28th drew hundreds of people to the campus which is located at 8500 NW Johnson Street, Portland.
FAIS Students
Chair of the Board Matt Donegan speakes to the Students.
FAIS educates approximately 550 students in preschool through grade eight. There are about 140 students in Maternelle (preschool, prekindergarten, and kindergarten), 230 in grades one through five, and 180 in grades six through eight.
Class size is generally limited to 18 in all grade levels, and the average class size is 15. Maternelle classes (preschool, prekindergarten and kindergarten) have a certified French teacher and a bilingual assistant.
Curriculum
French American Lower School (preschool through grade five) – Our primary school is a French immersion program that combines the best of the French and American educational systems. The language of instruction is exclusively French from preschool through fifth grade. English language arts, U.S. social studies and science are taught in English beginning in the second grade. A copy of the curriculum outline is available on request.
Gilkey International Middle School (grades six through eight) – Our middle school offers an inspiring international curriculum where students strive to become independent, creative, and critical thinkers, preparing themselves as responsible citizens and leaders within their local and world communities. Students choose between instruction in English or partial immersion in French, German, Spanish, or Mandarin. All students also select a beginning language (French, German, Spanish, or Mandarin). A copy of the curriculum outline is available on request.
Portland, OR. “Be the Change” was the theme for the Edwards Center 11th Annual Luncheon. The fundraiser at the Multnomah Athletic Club, on October 5th raised $175,000.00. Supporters at the event included Jean Edwards, Georgia Lampros, John Gordon and Tom Shaw. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus Photography)
Jim Parker, Jean-Edwards and Julie Diamond
Dirk Fournier introduces Judy Powell
Dirk Fournier, CEO of Fournier Group and Judy and Jodi Powells
What began as a small breakfast to raise awareness and dollars in 2006, has since evolved into Edwards Center’s largest and most successful fundraising endeavor. This year’s event offered Dirk Fournier, CEO of Fournier Group Insurance Agency as Master of Ceremonies, Bonita Pioneer as Title Sponsor, Julie Diamond, Executive Coach and Leadership Consultant, provided the Keynote Address, Jerry Jones, Jr., President of the Board of THPRD accepted an Employment Award for 35 years of partnership with Edwards Center, and Judy Powell provided a warm testimonial of her daughter Jodi’s life and 30 years spent with Edwards Center.
Here’s a video about the Edwards Center:
THPRD recognized for 35 years of partnership with Edwards Center
Table sponsors-US Bank
From the Edwards Center:
Our Mission
To enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by helping them reach their highest potential through training, education, employment, housing and social opportunities in safe, healthy and stimulating environments.
We live every day in support of these core values
Excellence
Providing the best to people with developmental disabilities.
Individuality
Encouraging decision-making and expression of choice.
Ability
Emphasizing an optimistic and compassionate attitude in supporting participants as they overcome challenges.
Respect
Facilitating dignity and respect for all individuals through personal and environmental safety, cleanliness and privacy.
Productivity
Encouraging productiveness and engagement, whether through employment, artistic expression, socializing or other activities.
Integration
Fostering and creating opportunities for participating in their communities with people without disabilities.
Portland, OR. More than 200 community members gathered at Castaway Portland on September 22nd for the 2017 Good Samaritan Foundation Fall Ball to support cancer services at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center. Guests included Barbara Young, Dr. William Johnson, Dr. Nathalie Johnson and Dr. George Brown,CEO and President, Legacy Health. (Photo credit, Dodge and Burn Studios)
Dr. Jennifer Aponte, Jennifer Avery and Julie Frankhouse
Maureen Bradley, senior vice president of Legacy’s Office of Philanthropy, with Miguel Cobian
Marsha Struzik, Ed Struzik,Hayley Denney, Brad Denney, Leonie Markgraf, Steven Markgraf with a performer from The Circus Project
Highlights of the evening included a keynote address on Legacy Good Samaritan’s transformational cancer care by Nathalie Johnson, M.D., a surgical oncologist and medical director of the Legacy Cancer Institute and Legacy Breast Health Centers. She discussed the hospital’s comprehensive cancer services – from diagnosis support to survivorship programs.
There was also a special performance by The Circus Project and the silent auction featured original art made by cancer patients and volunteers.
From Legacy Health:
Legacy Health is a local, nonprofit health system with six hospitals and dedicated children’s care offered at Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel. Legacy also includes more than 70 primary care, specialty and urgent care clinics, as well as almost 3,000 providers who are either employed, on the medical staff or part of Legacy Health Partners. We have lab, research and hospice services. Among our major partnerships are PacificSource Health Plans and the Unity Center for Behavioral Health. To learn more about supporting any of Legacy Health’s hospitals or programs, call the Legacy Health Office of Philanthropy at 503-415-4700 or visit www.legacyhealth.org/giving.
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. (Photo credit, Andrea Lonas Photography)
There are several special exhibits and programs to commemorate Portland Art Museum’s 125th Anniversary, you can learn more about them here: portlandartmuseum.org/125th.
Bob, Nani, Liz, and Betsy Warren arrive at the gala. (Photo credit, Rebeka Johnson)
Susan and Jim Winkler (Photo credit, Rebeka Johnson)
(Photo credit, Nina Johnson)
(Photo credit, Nina Johnson)
Cooper DuBois and Sanda Stein. (Photo credit, Andrea Lonas Photography)
Esperanza Spalding, Brian Ferriso, and Poison Waters. (Photo credit, Andrea Lonas Photography)
Julie Stott and Janet Geary. (Photo credit, Andrea Lonas Photography)
Andrea Lonas Photography
Poison Waters with Tony and Marti Belluschi. (Photo credit, Andrea Lonas Photography)
Willie Kemp, Poison Waters, Mary Dick, and Mary Lee Boklund. (Photo credit, Andrea Lonas Photography)
From the Portland Art Museum:
Mission
The mission of the Portland Art Museum is to engage diverse communities through art and film of enduring quality, and to collect, preserve, and educate for the enrichment of present and future generations.
Philosophy and Core ValuesThe Portland Art Museum strives to be an inclusive institution that facilitates respectful dialogue, debate, and the free exchange of ideas. With a deep commitment to artists – past and present – and freedom of expression, the Museum and Northwest Film Center’s collections, programs and staff aspire to reveal the beauty and complexities of the world, and create a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. We are a Museum for all, inviting everyone to connect with art through their own experiences, voices, and personal journeys.
Honoring History, Embracing the Present, and Looking Ahead
On December 12, 2017, the Museum marks a milestone anniversary—125 years of bringing the world to Oregon and Oregon to world. During the next nine months, join us as we reflect on our history and embrace the future through exhibitions, programs, interviews, archival photos, and more.EXHIBITION: PICTURING OREGON
Through August, 2019 On the eve of the Museum’s 125th anniversary, Picturing Oregon offers an extraordinary opportunity to reflect on the importance of place and to celebrate the incredible geographic diversity of Oregon, and the artists whose work it inspired. Picturing Oregon presents paintings and photographs inspired by the distinct regions that comprise the state—the Coast, Greater Portland, Mt. Hood/The Gorge, Willamette Valley, Central Oregon, Eastern Oregon, and Southern Oregon. Featuring works from the late-1800s, including Oregon’s pioneer period, and touching on contemporary pieces—all from the Museum’s permanent collection.PROGRAM: ART & BEER: PITCHERING OREGON
November 4, 2017 Join us for a statewide exploration of place, history, and art through the lens of Oregon beer and cider. Breweries from around our beautiful state have been invited to make new beers inspired by paintings and photographs from the Museum’s permanent collection, many of which are on view as part of the Picturing Oregon exhibition. Each artwork depicts or evokes Oregon, with the beers collectively creating a drinkable portrait of the place we call home.Participating breweries include: Breakside Brewery, Claim 52 Brewing, de Garde Brewing, Deschutes Brewery, Fort George Brewery, Ecliptic Brewing, Great Notion Brewing, Heater Allen Brewing, Hopworks Urban Brewery, Leikam Brewing, McMenamins, pFriem Family Brewers, Standing Stone Brewing, Steens Mountain Brewing, Terminal Gravity Brewing, Widmer Brothers Brewing.PROGRAM: MILLER FAMILY FREE DAY BIRTHDAY EXTRAVAGANZA
December 10, 2017 This Miller Family Free Day is a joint birthday celebration and recognition of the Museum’s admission access mission. Visit the Museum for free all day long, including the special exhibition, Animating Life: The Art, Science and Wonder of LAIKA, take part in activities, and eat cake!PROGRAM: CURATOR CONVERSATIONS
Bi-monthly beginning October 2017 This new series in celebration of the 125th Anniversary spotlights the Museum’s curators and permanent collection. Through one-on-one conversations between director Brian Ferriso and each of the curators, gain insight into the collections and hear curatorial visions for the future. The series kicks off with Curator of Prints and Drawings Mary Weaver Chapin, Ph.D. on October 17, 2017.Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for photos from the archives, curator essays, and more.
Portland, OR. Randall Children’s Hospital Foundation announced that Dave Cleveland, Ida P. Colver, Sue Harrison, Sean Robbins and Terri Schwartz have been elected to its board of trustees. The Foundation advocates and raises funds for Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel, part of Legacy Health – the largest, local nonprofit health care provider in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Schwartz is the managing director of institutional services and business development for the investment firm Arnerich Massena, Inc. She attended Portland State University and is the founding president of the Oncology Youth Connection board of directors.
Robbins is the senior vice president of public affairs and policy for Cambia Health Solutions. In 2014, he was appointed as the State of Oregon’s chief economic development officer, serving Governors John Kitzhaber and Kate Brown as director of the Oregon Business Development Department. Robbins holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa’s Henry B. Tippie College of Business and received a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He currently is a member of the board of directors for the Oregon Business Association and Associated Oregon Industries and is a senior fellow with the American Leadership Forum.
Harrison, a certified massage therapist and reflexologist, is the owner of PDX Reflexology. A member of the Oregon Reflexology Network, she received her massage training in the United Kingdom and learned Integrated Reflexology through the American Academy of Reflexology. Harrison was a member of the London 2012 Olympic Bid team and currently serves as president of the Chapman Elementary Foundation in Portland, Oregon.
Colver, a native of Denmark, is a retired real estate agent. As a longtime supporter of Emanuel Children’s Hospital, now known as Randall Children’s Hospital, she has previously served on the boards of The Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Emanuel Medical Center Foundation. An avid community volunteer, Colver is active with many children’s organizations, as well as the Scandinavian Heritage Center.
Cleveland is the business manager for independent food broker – Co-Sales Northwest LLC. A graduate of Oregon State University, he currently serves as co-chair for the Karts for Kids program, a cause-related marketing grocery campaign supporting Randall Children’s Hospital.
Randall Children’s Hospital offers the most modern approach to children’s health care — blending the finest in medical services with family-friendly spaces and patient care procedures to reduce stress on patients and their families. With specialists in virtually every field of children’s medicine – heart, cancer, neurology, orthopedics, neonatal and pediatric intensive care, rehabilitation and more – Randall Children’s Hospital is a regional leader in the care of babies, children and teens.
To learn more about supporting any of Legacy Health’s hospitals or programs, call the Legacy Health Office of Philanthropy at 503-415-4700 or visit www.legacyhealth.org/giving.
Portland, OR. Over 100 attendees dressed in roaring 20s-style finery came together to celebrate Oregon Energy Fund’s “Power Gala” at the Treasury Ballroom. The September 22nd benefit raised $60,000 to help provide energy assistance to Oregonians in crisis. Emcee Joe Vithayathil (FOX 12 News) and Auctioneer Misty Marquam (Marquam Auction Agency) both dressed for the speakeasy theme. The night included live music by the Smut City Jelly Roll Society Band, pop-up pubs hosted by Thomas & Sons Distillery and Buoy Beer, a Silent and Live Auctions, a wine wall, and a photo booth hosted by instaPix nw. (Photo credit, Elizabeth Babcock)
Guest speaker Kellie Goodwin (Case Manager) talks about powering lives.
Oregon Energy Fund Executive Director Brian Allbritton with Joe Vithayathil.
From Oregon Energy Fund:
Mission:
Oregon Energy’s Mission is to assist neighbors in financial crisis with their energy bills to support household stability.
Our Story
For many Oregon families, a sudden illness, unexpected expense, or loss of wages can quickly turn into a crisis. And when that storm hits, these families find themselves facing agonizing decisions. Pay the gas bill or buy food? Lights or medicine? Rent or heat? But it doesn’t have to be that way.At the Oregon Energy Fund, we have a vision. A vision that includes neighbors helping neighbors. Together, we can help provide basic needs to families facing hardships – powering our neighbors’ lives when they need us most.The Oregon Energy Fund is a 27-year-old statewide charitable organization providing energy assistance to thousands of Oregonians in times of unexpected crisis. Through the generous contributions of their neighbors, we help struggling Oregonians keep a roof over their heads, food on the table, light to see and heat in the cold. With the power of giving, we can provide the basic needs that allow people to live productive and healthy lives.
Portland, OR. De Paul Treatment Centers welcomed over 350 guests to the 18th Annual Freedom Awards at the Sentinel Hotel on September 28th. The event raised over $220,000 for De Paul Treatment Centers through sponsorships, tickets, and in-room gifts. All proceeds will go toward De Paul’s lifesaving addiction treatment programs for adults and youth, funding the gap between the cost of treatment and what is covered by the Oregon Health Plan.
The luncheon featured remarks from Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meieran and Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum. De Paul Board Chair Harry Wilson De Paul presented Jay Minor with the Samuel C. Wheeler Freedom Award, an honor given to those who help battle the stigma of addiction by being open about their recovery and giving back to the community in meaningful ways.
Jay Minor retired from more than 30 years in the highway construction business in 2007. Jay became involved with De Paul Treatment Centers in 2003 as a volunteer on the Youth Center Capital Campaign Committee. Jay joined the Board of Directors in 2004 and has remained deeply committed ever since, even serving as Chair of the Board for two full terms. Jay now leads the Planning Committee of the Board, which is paving the way for De Paul’s future. Jay’s passion for De Paul Treatment Centers grew out of his own family’s experience with addiction. Jay and his wife Duff found sobriety together over 21 years ago in order to support their teenage son through his own recovery process.
Jay is passionate about youth treatment and is an advocate for integrating high school education into the treatment process. He believes in the continuum of care model and the importance of involving the whole family in the fight against addiction. Jay is not only a great community leader, but also an airplane pilot, an Army veteran, an OSU graduate, a husband, father of four, and grandfather of four.
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum presents Devarshi Bajpai with the Spirit of Recovery Award for Advocacy,
Devarshi Bajpai is the Medicaid and Addictions Services Senior Manager for Multnomah County Mental Health and Addictions Services. Now with over 24 years clean and sober, Devarshi began his career working as an alcohol and drug counselor from 1994 to 2004. Devarshi first worked as a counselor at De Paul Treatment Centers before moving on to other local treatment providers. In 2004, he went to work for the State of Oregon, participating in Governor Kulongoski’s Methamphetamine Task Force and working with the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission to expand drug courts and prisoner reentry programs statewide. He returned to Multnomah County in 2012 where he has focused on developing an accountable recovery-oriented system of care for addiction services.
De Paul CEO Maree Wacker Delivering Welcome Remarks
Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meieran delivering the keynote address.
Multnomah County Chair, Deborah Kafoury, visits with supporters.
Lines for Life CEO Dwight Holton presents the special appeal.
Guests show their support for De Paul during the special appeal.
From De Paul Treatment Centers:
De Paul works with individuals, families and communities to create freedom from addiction.
De Paul Treatment Centers provides chemical dependency and co-occurring mental health treatment services to men, women, youth and families. Nearly 40,000 people have been served by the agency since its incorporation as an independent non-profit in 1977.
Portland,OR. Over 350 community leaders came together to support the Portland Opera on September 16th. The Baroque Ball at the Portland Art Museum raised $1 million dollars. Tony and Emmy Award winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth made her Portland concert debut as part of the event. Chenoweth performed musical theatre numbers, jazz tunes and concluded the concert by singing with members of the Tualatin High School choir.
Members of the Baroque Ball Gala Committee: Celeste Rose, Vice President, Community Engagement, Harsch Investment Properties; Gwyneth Gamble Booth, Baroque Ball Co-Chair; Carole E. Morse, Baroque Ball Co-Chair; Sue Dixon, Director of External Affairs for Portland Opera; Kregg Arntson, Member, Portland Opera Board & Executive Director, PGE Foundation Portrait by Gia Goodrich | giagoodrich.com
Portland Opera’s Clare Burovac (Director, Artistic Operations) and Christopher Mattaliano (General Director) Portrait by Gia Goodrich | giagoodrich.com
Curtis T. Thompson, M.D. and Joe Mitchoff; (seated) Alex Chu, Governor Kate Brown, and First Gentleman Dan Little Portrait by Gia Goodrich | giagoodrich.com
Guests enjoyed a lounge curated and furnished by Anthropologie & Co.
BodyVox performs Madonna’s “Vogue”
The Mistress of Ceremonies for the Baroque Ball gala, Poison Waters
General Director Christopher Mattaliano sharing $1M announcement
Governor Kate Brown high-fives an opera supporter
“This was really a celebration of the community, and bringing the art of opera to the city and region that we love,” says Christopher Mattaliano, general director. “We are so inspired by the individuals, businesses, and organizations who elevate Portland Opera by sharing their support and advocacy—and this event set a new standard for our organization.”
Governor Kate Brown and First Gentlemen Dan Little were among the honored guests. Platinum entertainment sponsors included: Joanne M. Lilley; Arlene Schnitzer and Jordan Schnitzer, Directors of The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation; Ellyn Bye and Dream Envision Foundation; and Dorothy Piacentini. Gwyneth Gamble Booth and Carole E. Morse served as co- chairs for the event, joined by committee members Celeste Rose, Kregg Arntson, and Charles Stanton. Gold Level Premiere Corporate Partners included: Artslandia, Broadway Across America, The Standard, and Bill Sweat and Donna Morris, Winderlea Vineyard & Winery.
Mistress of Ceremonies Poison Waters and Auctioneer Ian Lindsay enlivened the festivities throughout the evening and live auction. BodyVox performed a surprise dance piece, in period costume, of Madonna’s “Vogue.” The evening also featured a performance of “Torna a Surriento” by international tenor Ryan MacPherson, accompanied by pianist David Saffert.
Anthropologie & Co. designed an immersive lounge and portrait studio in the Marion L. Miller Gallery, featuring a hand-painted opulent backdrop and furnishings curated by the Portland design team. Award- winning photographer Gia Goodrich of VEV Studios directed and photographed the portrait sittings, creating portraits for each guest.
Due to the smoky conditions from area wildfires, the cocktail reception (originally intended to be held in the Sculpture Garden) was moved indoors to the Fred & Suzanne Field Ballroom. Nonetheless, guests enjoyed performances from the artists of Portland Opera a la Cart, the opera’s mobile music venue, to begin the evening. After the performances, guests moved upstairs to the Kridel Ballroom, for a three- course meal by Artemis Foods, inspired by historical records from the court of King Louis XIV of France. Dinner programming consisted of a golden ticket drawing, live auction, and paddle raise. Wines provided by Winderlea Vineyard and Winery were featured throughout the evening. Chenoweth performed from 9 – 10 PM; followed by the Rococo After Party, hosted by Portland Opera’s Ambassador Board.
A particularly poignant moment of the evening occurred when the announcement was made that, together, the event attendees and supporters had achieved the $1M fundraising mark. “A full standing ovation erupted,” says Kay Abramowitz, board president. “That moment was a testament to our Board of Directors, our amazing supporters, and the great work that this organization produces. We are so proud to be Portland’s Opera – and that moment made it so clear that Portland is also so proud of us.”
From Portland Opera:
Proceeds from the Baroque Ball gala support core Portland Opera programming including arts education, free public performances, main stage opera, and more. Portland Opera exists to inspire, challenge and uplift our audiences by creating productions of high artistic quality that celebrate the beauty and breadth of opera. To learn more about our mission and our work, please visit portlandopera.org.
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