Tigard, October 22nd. More than 650 people attended a very successful event inside the headquarters of Medical Teams International. The money raised will be used to deliver medical and dental care, humanitarian aid, and holistic development programs for people suffering in the wake of disaster, conflict, and areas of extreme poverty. Last year alone the nonprofit helped more than 2.1 million people in 72 countries.
Annie and Andy Kubiak
Co-chairs Dana and Scott Cress
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity and compassion of those who attended our auction,” said Bas Vanderzalm, president of Medical Teams International. “With God’s help, we hope to use these funds to touch the lives of thousands of suffering people around the world and here at home.”
Phil Lane, Lexus of Portland President, and Matt Zaffino, KGW Channel 8 Chief Meteorologist, drew the winning raffle ticket. Prize was a 2012 Lexus CT 200 Hybrid.
It was a memorable evening for guests with food, laughter and generous gifts. Matt Zaffino, KGW Channel 8 Chief Meteorologist, served as the Master of Ceremonies. Leticia Frye’s graceful and lively auctioneering presence encouraged giving. Julianne Johnson-Weiss, two-time Grammy nominated artist, sang four moving songs.
Julianne Johnson-Weiss, two-time Grammy nominated artist, wows the audience with her soulful vibe
The 2011 Auction Committee included: Bas Vanderzalm, Lynn Vanderzalm, Mark Dodson, Phil Lane, Scott Cress, Beth Biggs, Dana Cress, Deb Hirsh, Annie Kubiak, Sue Gaden Preece, Julie Sorenson, Kathy Herman; Front Row – Chiqui Flowers, Ruth Ann Dodson, Chris Hardy, Mary Carter, Daphne Cooluris, Priscilla Longfield; Not Pictured – Linda Lane, Mark and Janeen McAninch, Kathy McCoy,Gary and Anne Branden, Sigrid Button, Mike and Chris Cusick, Linda Fitzgerald, Sudee Hering, Ron King, Michael Magaurn, Barbara Spence, Margaret Terrall, Nancy Wilgenbusch.
(Photos by: Mike McConaughey, David Castaneda, and Frank Nichols for Medical Teams International.)
Among the presenting sponsors were: Alaska Airlines, Lexus of Portland, Silicon Forest Electronics and Standard TV & Appliance. Other major sponsors were Magaurn Video Media, Providence Health & Services, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon and Mitchell Wine Group. This year’s auction chairs were Scott and Dana Cress and Phil and Linda Lane. Next year’s auction is set for Oct. 13, 2012.
Formerly Northwest Medical Teams, Medical Teams International was founded in 1979 when Oregon businessman Ron Post was moved to action by a news report detailing the plight of starving refugees on the Thai-Cambodian border. Post organized 27 medical volunteers within two weeks to bring desperately-needed supplies and medical care to the refugees. Since 1979, MTI has sent over 2,240 volunteer teams and shipped more than $1.5 billion in lifesaving medical supplies around the world.
Lynne Duddy and Lawrence Howard Portland Story Theater Board
A select group of steely-nerved fans spent a dark and rainy night listening to spellbinding stories inside the rooms of the 1890 vintage home. This third annual fundraiser for the Portland Story Theatre, was hosted by John Palmer House owners, Maggie Kolkena and Susan Dunn. It featured performances by Lawrence Howard, Penny Walter, Lynne Duddy, and Ryan Wolf Stroud, with special guest Julie Strozyk.
Erin Holt and Travis Widner volunteered
Costumes were encouraged. Only 100 tickets were issued, over two nights, to allow small groups of listeners to rotate through the different rooms of the restored (and reputedly haunted) house until all the stories were heard.
Heidi Dahlin and Borden Beck
Claire Cofsky, Dennis Hopkins, Nicole Petz
Guests moved from cozy room to room to hear from storytellers in an intimate, but chilling, setting
Penny Walter scares guests with a ghostly tale
The John Palmer House is an extravagant example of early Portland architecture and is a venue for unique and intimate fundraisers. Each year Maggie Kolkena and Susan Dunn work with up to twelve local not-for-profit organizations to help them raise funds by hosting their events. http://www.johnpalmerhouse.com/John_Palmer_House/NestShare.html
Portland Story Theater was launched in 2004 to bring the urban community together to hear and tell tales that stimulate the mind and rouse the heart. It is a grass-roots arts organization, building awareness and appreciation for narrative. In late 2009, it became a not-for-profit business.
Portland, October 21st. Tickets sold out for the 30th Anniversary Party of Habitat for Humanity. Organizers say their The Hard Hat & Black Tie dinner and auction surpassed their goals and raised $207,000.
Traci Manning, Becky & Len Magnuson
April & Steve Messinetti, Barbara Woodruff, Kari Easton, Tom Kelly & Tom Koehler
Stephen Levesque, Ryan Deckert & Mark Waller
This year Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East will build 30 homes in partnership with local families—up from 20 from last year. Since being founded in 1981, Habitat for Humanity has helped over 200 hardworking families permanently escape poverty living conditions in Portland and Gresham.
Beverly Batchelder & Don Pearson
Blazer favorite Jerome Kersey addresses the supporters
Hard Hat & Black Tie was the theme for the dinner and auction
Bidders helped Habitat surpass its goals
Megan Nelson & Gary Combs
The Campbell Group was the underwriter for the event and other sponsors included American AgCredit, KPMG and Oregon Forest Industries.
Portland, October 19th. Portland State University raised $465,000 for students, faculty and programs at the twelfth annual Simon Benson Awards; it was a record for the University’s biggest fundraising event of the year. Linda Andrews, daughter of honoree Melvin “Pete” Mark, Jr., Gary Eichman, immediate past president of the PSU Foundation Board and Susie Eichman enjoyed the evening.
Alice Wiewel (center) pictured with Duane and Barbara McDougall at PSU's Simon Benson Awards Dinner
About 1,600 people attended the dinner at the Oregon Convention Center to honor The Furman Family and The Mark Family, two Portland-area families who have given millions to the arts, education and nonprofit organizations over several decades. Dr. Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State, gave the keynote speech.
Caroline Swindells and Lucille McAleese
Wim Wiewel, president of Portland State University, speaks at the Simon Benson Awards Dinner
Deborah and Rick Hawkins and Marilyn and Tom Fink attend PSU's Simon Benson Awards Dinner at the Oregon Convention Center on Oct. 19, 2011. Rick Hawkins and Tom Fink, who is President of the PSU Foundation Board, served as the co-chairs of the event, which raised $465,000 for the Fund for PSU.
“The generosity and leadership of the Furman and Mark families have made them modern-day pioneers in philanthropy,” said PSU President Wim Wiewel. “Their gifts and those of thousands of others create opportunities for students and connect the resources of a great urban university with the needs and challenges of our community.”
The money raised will go to the Fund for PSU, which supports students, faculty and programs campus-wide. Named after one of Oregon’s first philanthropists, the Simon Benson Award was created in 1999 to honor the state’s contemporary pioneers of philanthropy. Recipients are tireless community leaders who give generously of time and resources and whose legacies affect the lives of generations of Oregonians, past, present, and future. Last year, the dinner raised $285,000. (Philanthropic support to PSU rose more than 22 percent to $15.7 million in 2010-11, up from $12.8 million in 2009-10.)
William Furman is the co-founder, president and CEO of The Greenbrier Companies in Lake Oswego, a multifaceted rail and marine barge manufacturing company operating in North America and Europe. His late wife, Joyce, was passionate about social work and served PSU on the School of Social Work Advisory Board. The couple’s major donations at PSU include the newly established Joyce N. Furman Fund in the School of Social Work, which will fund efforts to prevent youth homelessness by improving foster care.
Maddie Andrews and Peter Andrews, grandson of honoree Melvin “Pete” Mark, Jr., broker for Melvin Mark Companies and PSU Foundation board member
Melvin “Pete” Mark is the chairman of the Melvin Mark Companies, a commercial real estate firm founded by his father Mel in 1945. He and his late wife, Mary, have supported a variety of institutions within Portland, particularly the Portland Art Museum. He is a board member of the museum, as was Mary until her passing in 2008. Mark is a former member of PSU’s President’s Advisory Board and the athletics department’s Ultimate Tailgate Auction Committee. Gifts from various members of the Mark family to PSU include support for the College of Urban and Public Affairs, President’s Circle, David Weisenburg Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Veterans, and the Center for Real Estate.
Portland, October 1st. The “I Have a Dream” Foundation held its Annual Gala at the The Nines Hotel. The nonprofit reports: “By providing long-term relationships with caring adults and creating a “culture of college” from a young age, “I Have a Dream” Oregon has been able to increase graduation rates and work towards breaking the cycle of poverty for Dreamer students.”
Alder Elementary Dreamers Abril Sierra, Giselle Amrosio and Jonathan Guerrero present the platters that Alder Dreamers designed for the Dream Big Live Auction. They are joined on stage by emcee Natali Marmion from KATU.
Class 8 Dreamer, Yeymy Martinez, sharing her story for the special appeal
President and CEO, Mark Langseth, with Alder Elementary Dreamers Abril Sierra, Giselle Amrosio, Jonathan Guerrero, and Greg Chaillé, celebrate the evening during the Dinner Program. The Alder Elementary Dreamers were on-hand to present the platters that they and their classmates designed and created with the help of Polly Spencer.
Program Director, Traci Rossi, and Heidi & Bryan Bell
A raffle, wine wall, and silent auction were followed by a dinner program with live auction, special appeal, speakers and entertainment by Dreamers. The special event raised a total of $235,000.
Alder Elementary Dreamer Abril Sierra presenting one of the live auction Dreamer Platters
The purpose of Dream Big is to raise crucial funds for Dreamer Classes and Dreamer School programs.
Portland, October 20th. Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel took the checkered flag at the Portland Expo Center during the 13th annual evening of pinewood derby car racing. Dozens of local companies joined in the fun by building their miniature cars to compete head-to-head against their rivals.
Ready, Set, Go! For Wishes on Wheels!
The Franz Family Bakery team included: DeeDee Dolp, Lisa Waltos, Johnathan Dolp, Ken Waltos, Jim Kennison, Tommy Morena, Keith Van Emmerick, and Nicki Moreno
Brenda Alexander and Kent Grove, were the Wishes on Wheels co-chairs
George J. Brown, MD, Legacy President and CEO, and his wife, Barbara Young cheered on the racers
Wishes on Wheels was presented by Skanska, the construction and development Corporation. The event drew 380 guests and raised over $100,000 for Randall Children’s Hospital.
Nick Headgy, Justin Cook, and Chris Thorn from Skanska
Fred Meyer was represented on the racetrack
Boy Scout volunteers, Colton Rasanen, Barndon Henegan
Andy Carson from KPTV and Lisa Goren from Legacy served as emcees
The friendly competition benefits Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel
The evening of pinewood derby car races drew hundreds of supporters of Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel.
Portland, October 20th. Celebrated chefs served up global flavors to 200 enthusiastic supporters of the Portland Farmers Market. The group was marking the 20th Anniversary of the local, sustainable city fare at Sharp, the Restaurant at The International Culinary School.
Connie Rawlings Dritsas, Mona Johnson (Market Communications), Darius Hartwell (Board Member), Delilah Hartwell, Trudy Toliver, Executive Director of the Farmers Market, and Traci Manning (Board Member)
Over the last 20 years, the Portland Farmers Market has grown steadily and today manages more than 250 vendors at six sites in Portland’s urban core. Total sales for all vendors reaches nearly $6 million annually, with the majority of that income going directly to vendors and local farmers themselves. The Farmers Market administration is a nonprofit and the Anniversary Party was a fundraiser which made $10,000.
Goat Cheese Canelloni with Chanterelles, Pumpkin & Sage
Entrees at the The International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Portland included things like: Baked Wild Salmon with Mushroom Miso and Steamed Rice
Caril Adamschick, Dave Adamschick, Jo Wollschlaeger, Brian Morisky, Robyn Pryor
Portland Farmers Market has partnered with neighborhood organizations, FoodShare Fund Northeast, and Fresh Exchange to increase access to farmers markets for low income shoppers by matching funds for many recipients.
Portland, October 13th. The 2011 Fall Gala for Bridge Meadows was held the Portland Art Museum. The program supports foster youth, adoptive families and elders in a residential setting. Derenda Schubert, Executive Director of Bridge Meadows gathered with Board Members Kathy Pienovi, Julie Peterson, Jason Haggart and Terri Carbone.
Denise Prothe, Laura Freer, Leah King, Karen Lazzeroni, and Liz Thoenes
Ron Cain and Howard Hedinger
Cocktail hour
Regence was the Platinum Sponsor for the dinner and auction.
At the event, a photo of the home for foster familes was displayed
Bridge Meadow is a planned neighborhood Located in the Portsmouth neighborhood which supports foster families. It’s near parks, transportation and schools. The residential community has homes, apartments for elders, an intergenerational center, gardens and a play area. Residents were also on hand to enjoy the gala.
Residents Steven Huff, Stephney Huff, Shirley Gulliksen, Jackie and Renee Moseley (Program Director)
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The Silent Auction Raised money for the program
Bridge Meadows, formerly known as Portland Hope Meadows, has the mission of developing and sustaining intergenerational neighborhoods for adoptive families of foster children that promote permanency, community and caring relationships, while offering safety and meaningful purpose in the daily lives of older adults.
Portland, September 20th. Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon held a festive Premiere of the documentary, Miss Representation. The fundraiser was held at the Bagdad Theater on SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Jill Abere of Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, and sponsor of the event, with her guests.
According to Girls Inc., the documentary, Miss Representation tackles issues relevant to girls: “The media is educating yet another generation that a woman’s primary value lies in her youth, beauty and sexuality—and not in her capacity as a leader, making it difficult for women to obtain leadership positions and for girls to reach their full potential.”
Board Member Christine Uri (center) with Women for Girls Member Julie Jarvis (left) and Pat Burke (right).
Girls Inc. guest with Board Member Dana Sullivan (right) with her guest Karen Wisz of POW Fest.
Miss Representation, is an award winning documentary which asks: “What can we do?”
Girls Inc. of Northwest Oregon works to inspire girls, ages 8-18, to be strong, smart, and bold. Its gender-specific programs and research-based curricula, “Provide girls with the confidence and self-esteem to access a bright and economically-independent future. Available throughout the Portland-metro area, Girls Inc. programs help girls form a healthy peer network, achieve academically, and begin preparing for their future through girls’ group meetings, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and enrichment activities.”
Girls Inc. of NW Oregon set a goal to raise $15,000 to implement 9 sessions of Girls Inc. Media Literacy with girls in the Portland community.
Portland, September 24th. The Portland Opera’s 47th season started on a high note with a star-studded first: the concert was simulcast live on a 20 x 40 foot screen hung on the Keller Auditorium. Outside, merrymakers celebrated free world-class entertainment under the stars. (Photo credit, Portland Opera/Cory Weaver)
Ira Keller Fountain glowing as opera music flows
Nicholas Nelson, Caitlin Mathes, Roger Honeywell, Maria Kanyova, George Manahan (Conductor), Andre Chiang, Lindsay Ohse, and Brendan Tuohy with the Portland Opera Orchestra and Chorus
Inside, Portland Opera fans reveled in the classical favorites. “We’re pulling out all the stops for an evening of unabashed Opera celebration,” said Portland Opera General Director Christopher Mattaliano. The evening featured a mix of favorite opera arias, duets, choruses and orchestral pieces. All proceeds from the benefit concert were earmarked for the Portland Opera’s education programs which, Christopher Mattaliano explains, “are among the best in the nation and a great source of pride for us and our community.”
Portland Mayor, Sam Adams and Portland Opera General Director, Christopher Mattaliano.
The Portland Opera Orchestra and Chorus
Portland Opera's Big Night
Now that the Portland Opera is off to a running start, musicians are looking forward to a season featuring a wide variety of composers. The beloved organization promises to provide exciting entertainment for all musical tastes.
Scheduled performances include:
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
November 4, 6m, 10, 12, 2011
MADAME BUTTERFLY
Giacomo Puccini
February 3, 5m, 9, 11, 2012
Portland Opera Production
GALILEO GALILEI
Philip Glass
March 30, April 1m, 3, 5, 7, 2012
Newmark Theatre All-new Production
West Coast and Portland Opera Premiere
CANDIDE
Leonard Bernstein
May 1 1, 13m, 17, 1 9, 2012
The Portland Opera website is: www.portlandopera.org
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