American Heart Association’s “Heart Ball” Raises Over $800,000 for Cardiovascular Research

American Heart Association’s “Heart Ball” Raises Over $800,000 for Cardiovascular Research

Portland, OR. The Portland community came out in full force to support the American Heart Association’s Heart Ball which raised more than $800,000 for cardiovascular research. The Heart Ball raises funds for research and highlights the work being done locally, which includes ensuring the availability of healthy foods, safe places to get active, and affordable, quality care. Thousands of people die from cardiovascular disease every day, and we know that many of these deaths can be prevented. Funds raised at the Heart Ball support the AHA’s mission of helping people live healthy lives. At the event, Trey and Betsy Maust visited with Dr. Robert Quintos M.D. and his wife Shelby. (Photo credit, Kenton Waltz)

Josh Hoffman and Kerri Pickett-Hoffman and Nima and Nicole Darabi

Some Board Members of the American Heart Association, Oregon & SW Washington Michelle Weisenbach (Board Vice Chair), President, Oregon & SW Washington KeyBank Jamie Holmes, Director of Marketing, Programming and Creative, KPTV Fox 12 Oregon Nancy Moon-Eilers (Board Chair), Group Director Center Store, New Seasons Dick Clark, CEO, The Portland Clinic Nancy Long, Behavioral Coach, Exit to Next, LLC; Educational/Behavioral Consultant, Education Solutions, LLC Dana Bjarnason, PhD, RN, NE-BC (Board Vice President) Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer, OHSU Healthcare; Associate Dean, Clinical Affairs, OHSU School of Nursing Benjamin Prinzing, President, Kadalyst Health Partners

Heart Ball Chair, Edgar Aponte, CEO Rexel United Kingdom

Heart Ball Emcee, Elizabeth Dinh, News Anchor KPTV FOX 12 Oregon

Anthony Mulholland snaps a photo.

Leslie McCall, Executive Director, American Heart Association, Oregon & SW Washington and partner Kartik Nagappa

From American Heart Association:

Thanks to all our 2020 #PDXHeartBall attendees – from our corporate sponsors to our volunteers to our generous donors. We appreciate everyone in our amazing community joining us in the fight against heart disease and stroke.

We’re working to create a world free of heart disease and stroke – a world where everyone can live your healthiest life. We know that true health is influenced by the places you live, learn, play and pray. Our work in Oregon & SW Washington includes working with local industries to improve the health of workers, increasing access to healthy food in our community, teaming up with city and state leaders to promote health policies, and providing our kids with more opportunities to be active in school.

Donate to Support our Mission. Join us to improve the health of Oregon & SW Washington

Wonderball Raises $1.27 Million for Children’s Cancer Association

Wonderball Raises $1.27 Million for Children’s Cancer Association

Portland, OR. The Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) raised $1.27 million at its 19th annual Wonderball gala on September 28th. It was CCA’s biggest event of the year, which helps fuel its mission to prescribe joy to seriously ill children through free innovative programming that leverages music, friendship and nature. Founder Regina Ellis, who is pictured with friends and family, welcomed more than 950 supporters to the Oregon Convention Center for the gala. A Joie de Vivre theme celebrated French culture and the joy of life.

Cedric Berry, Board Member, CCA and Insurance Agent, State Farm; Sarah Berry, Vice President and Director of Business Development, McGee Wealth Management; and Campbell Kidd, Managing Partner, Red Hills Acquisitions, LLC

Kristofor Lofgren, CEO and Founder, Sustainable Restaurant Group

Ron Penner-Ash, Board Member, CCA and Winemaker 

Clare Hamill, Founding Board Chair, CCA and VP, Nike Growth Initiatives and Judi Davis

Scott Burton, Vice Board Chair, CCA and Director of Revenue Management & Portfolio Positioning, Cambia Health Solutions; Allison Clarke, Co-Chair, Ambassador Board, CCA and President, Allison Clarke Consulting; Brian Dickinson, CEO of Asset Protection Partnership; Regina Ellis

Ed Kinateder; Andy Lytle, Board Chair Emeritus, CEO, At the Joy, and Co-Founder Lytle-Barnett; Tara Kinateder, Board Treasurer & Finance Chair, CCA and Executive Vice President, Ferguson Wellman Capital Management

Kevin Dodson, Vice President/CFL, Global Basketball Footwear, Nike; Susan Dodson, Partner, Right On Accounting LLC; Jim Ford, NIKE SuperCore Footwear, DVP; Greg Smith, Category Footwear Leader, Men’s Training Footwear, Nike; Kim Smith; Aaron Cooper, Innovation Expert, Nike, Inc.; Barry Naone, Senior Director Product Creation, Nike Basketball; Julie Moraes; Myron Moraes, Sr. Development and Innovation Director at Nike

Mimes interacting with guests in the hallways before the main event

Erin Tamblyn performing in opening number, “Lady Marmalade.”

Anthony Chan dancing in opening number.

Family speaker, Heidi Bruno shares emotional story before live appeal

CCA-served Levi Seed shares an inspiring speech CCA’s impact during his cancer treatment

John Simpson, Board Member, CCA and startup advisor; and his guests

Blisan and Bill Foudy, President, Target Sourcing Service and CCA Board Member

Eric Gill, President/CEO, Gill’s Point S Tire and Auto; Peter Kwong, Board Member, CCA and Audit Shareholder, Director of Assurance & Advisory, Perkins & Co; Brent Bracelin, Managing Director and Senior Research Analyst, Piper Jaffray; Ian Lombard, Scott Lawrence, founder of Breakside Brewery and CCA Board Member

Eileen McNulty, Physician Assistant, NW Dermatology Institute; Carlene Pride-Sarpong, Founder of Pride Group NW and Managing Broker and Development Specialist at Compass; John Powers, Co Ambassador Board Chair, CCA and Director of Sales, Xperience Real Estate, PDX Property Group; Stephen Bowdon, Department of Neurological Surgery, OHSU; Chris Suarez, CEO of PDX Property Group at Keller Williams; Kristi Weidner

Jesuit High School students and Paul Hogan, (4th from left) Board Member, CCA and Principal, Jesuit High School

John Duley, Co-Founder, Dream Again; Genesis Trujilo, Design Project Manager, Portland General Electric; Chase Renton, Owner and Winemaker, L’Angolo Estate; Noelle Harvey; Marcus Harvey, Founder, Portland Gear; Kelsey Fuson, Marketing Manager, BurnCycle; Jessi Duley, Board Member, CCA and Founder, BurnCycle

CCA-served child, Maria, and CCA Chemo Pal Specialist, Amelia, selling raffle tickets in French attire

Mary and Dana Braner, Chair, OHSU Department of Pediatrics

“Because we know that joy is medicine. We are creating a gold standard for delivering joy-based programming that will one day reach every child in the country who’s facing serious illness,” said Regina Ellis, Founder and Chief Joy Officer at CCA. “Together we have fought to deliver joy to the children and their families of this community. And now we have the opportunity to take what we’ve made here and share it with children across the nation.”

Guests enjoyed live gypsy-jazz music courtesy of the Hot Club on Hawthorne, as they explored a curated silent auction room decorated to resemble a French outdoor marketplace.

The French outdoor theme followed throughout the lobby with vintage bicycles, an antique Citroen car, fresh baguettes and lavender, live painting and, of course, mimes. In addition to creating an outdoor French marketplace environment in the lobby and halls, CCA recreated imagery of the Moulin Rouge inside the main ballroom, including a miniature model of the windmill on the main stage.

The main event opened with a rendition of Patty LaBelle’s “Lady Marmalade” sung by Erin Tamblyn and Malia Tippets and augmented with performances by local drag queens: Anthony Chan, Jeremy Sloan, Chadwick Anderson and Erin Shannon. The master of ceremonies for the night, Stacey Murdock, who recently played Gaston in the Portland Opera’s recent production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” carried the program through to the end, where Danielle Barker performed an upbeat cover of “La vie en Rose” to close out the night.

The dinner program featured a record-breaking paddle raise led by auctioneer Kelly Russell of Artisan Auctions. Late-night revelers also enjoyed an after-party with DJ Stray at District East, which carried over the French theme and was hosted by CCA’s young professional board.

Here’s a video about CCA’s programs:

Here’s a link to more information about the Children’s Cancer Association: JoyRx.org/donate.

American Heart Association 22nd Annual Ball Raises $802,000

American Heart Association 22nd Annual Ball Raises $802,000

Portland, OR. The American Heart Association celebrated its 22nd annual Heart Ball on February 24th at The Sentinel Hotel in downtown Portland. The event supporting local and regional advocacy, research, education and prevention efforts raised more than $802,000 in the fight against heart disease and stroke. (Photo credit, PortlandEventPhotography.com)

The leadership team for the event included, Dan Holmes, General Manager, Siemens; Nima Darabi, Vice President, Hoffman Construction; Jordan Bader, President, Acme Construction Supply & Chairman, 2018 Heart Ball; Jordan Pape, CEO, The Pape Group; Bart Dickson, President, OEG, Chairman-elect, 2019 Heart Ball; Brant Hunsaker, Vice President, Wells Fargo; and Jade Thelin, Financial Services Professional, New York Life.

The evening was led by 2018 Heart Ball chairman Jordan Bader, President & CEO, Acme Construction with event emcee Nora Hart from FOX 12 Oregon. Kara Markovich, whose daughter Ulla was born with a congenital heart defect, shared her passionate and inspirational story showcasing the impact of funds raised to support families.

Mom Kara Markovich with daughter Ulla and husband Greg.

Next year, the 2019 Heart Ball will be led by chairman Bart Dickson, President, OEG and will be held on February 23, 2019. Details at PDXHeartBall.heart.org or contact [email protected].

From the American Heart Association:

The American Heart Association is working with citizens and leaders, collaborating with neighbors and supporters. We are unraveling complex health issues in our community with a powerful combination of groundbreaking research and community leadership. These critical changes improve Oregon & SW Washington for all – moving us closer to a community, and ultimately, a world free of heart disease and stroke. 


What are we doing to improve Oregon & SW Washington? Click here to find out!

CPR --- When CPR is performed properly and promptly during cardiac arrest, survival rates can double or triple. We work to make this lifesaving training accessible to everyone. Healthy For Good - We are workin to weave healthy living practices and opportunities into our community. We are making it easier to be healthy where we live, work, learn and play. Join us and become Healthy For Good.
Research - Groundbreaking research is vital to improving local patient outcomes. By driving scientific breakthroughs and creating guidelines for care that reflect the latest proven findings we improve the way that local hospitals help prevent, treat and recover from heart disease and stroke. Workplace Wellness - On average, men and women spend more than half of their waking hours at work - which can have a significant impact on our health. That is why we collaborate with local businesses to create a more physically active, health conscious culture in the office.

 

Bank of America Boosts Nonprofit “All Hands Raised” With $200,000 Grant for High School Vocational Training in Construction & Manufacturing

Bank of America Boosts Nonprofit “All Hands Raised” With $200,000 Grant for High School Vocational Training in Construction & Manufacturing

Portland, OR. Bank of America is honoring All Hands Raised as its 2018 Neighborhood Builder winner. The nonprofit is being recognized for its commitment to education, equity and excellence from birth to career, and for their innovative work in mobilizing support to ensure young people in Multnomah County achieve their full potential. With this grant, All Hands Raised will fully launch a “Pathways to Construction & Manufacturing Careers” program in partnership with six area high schools, which collectively serve 12,000 students. The seeds for this work were planted through an initial partnership with two schools: Reynolds and Centennial high schools. After two years of focused effort at those schools, this work resulted in measurable success and enthusiastic support from students, educators and local employers.

Dan Ryan, CEO, All Hands Raised; Roger Hinshaw, Market President in Oregon and Southwest Washington, Bank of America

All Hands Raised Board of Directors with Jessica Hewitt, Vice President of Enterprise Business and Community Engagement; Dan Ryan, CEO, All Hands Raised; Roger Hinshaw, Market President in Oregon and Southwest Washington, Bank of America and Monique Barton, Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, Bank of America.

Through the Neighborhood Builders program, each year the bank provides one Portland-area nonprofit with a unique combination of leadership training, $200,000 in flexible funding, volunteer support, and a network of peer organizations across the country. Last year’s winner was New Avenues for Youth.

“We recognize the critical role that local nonprofits play to build pathways to economic progress in the Portland community. Through Neighborhood Builders, we connect nonprofits like All Hands Raised to the funding and leadership development resources they need to further scale their impact,” said Roger Hinshaw, Bank of America’s Market President in Oregon and Southwest Washington. “All Hands Raised does extraordinary work, so I am very pleased that we’re able to bring forward this support at a particularly strategic time.”

“This $200,000 investment will strengthen our ability to create opportunities among our youth for long-term employment in living-wage careers, which is good for our kids and for our local economy,” said Dan Ryan, CEO of All Hands Raised. “We’re pleased that Bank of America is so invested in helping close the gap between high schools, training programs and industry — all while increasing options for students beyond just traditional four-year colleges, the military or low-paying service jobs.”

Ryan cited the more than 30,000 construction and manufacturing jobs that will be added in the Portland region over the next 10 years, combined with unprecedented levels of retirements. Yet the pathways to those careers are largely broken, incomplete or absent — and local career-technical education programs have not recovered from past cuts, nor fully aligned with the current needs of local industries.

“Building effective teams on-site in local high school communities that bring together students, parents, teachers, local employers and career training programs all around common goals, measures and improvement strategies is powerful,” says Ryan. “In sum, this well-timed investment by Bank of America will allow our local partnership to develop a stronger awareness among educators of the living-wage job opportunities in our community, and will truly be a game-changer for our local high school students and their families,” Ryan noted.

Monique Barton, senior vice president of corporate social responsibility at Bank of America, added: “Over the many years that we’ve partnered with All Hands Raised, we’ve seen first-hand how impactful their work is,” said Barton. “We’re excited to be directing this six-figure support to ensure more young people have access to well-paying and fulfilling careers. That’s a very worthy cause that has the potential to make a real difference in helping local youth achieve long-term professional stability in industries that are growing.”

Here’s a video about the program:

# # #

About Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders Program:

Since its inception in 2004, Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders program has helped nonprofits create greater impact in their communities and better prepare for the future by providing the tools and resources they need to develop stronger strategic plans, chart a succession strategy, navigate through tough economic times, and enhance their funding opportunities. Since the program’s beginning 14 years ago, Bank of America has invested more than $220 million in nearly 1,000 nonprofits and 2,000 leaders across 45 U.S. communities, including Portland — and the program has been recognized as the nation’s largest philanthropic investment in nonprofit leadership development. Neighborhood Builders is a demonstration of the bank’s work to address issues fundamental to economic mobility in order to build thriving communities and illustrates how strong cross-sector partnerships and local community leaders can play a meaningful role in positioning communities for success. Learn more at www.bankofamerica.com/about and connect with us on Twitter at @BofA_News.

About All Hands Raised:

All Hands Raised (AHR) is an independent community-impact organization that mobilizes support to ensure every child in Multnomah County achieves their full potential. As the backbone organization for the All Hands Raised Partnership, AHR delivers direct support that empowers educational outcomes for the more than 220,000 children, youth and young adults living in Multnomah County, from birth to career. With an acute focus on racial educational equity, we bring together partners throughout the community to improve the following focus areas: Racial Educational Equity, Kindergarten Transition, K-12 Attendance, Ninth Grade Transition, Post-Secondary Access & Completion and Pathways to Construction & Manufacturing Careers. This work is focused on getting youth to and through graduation with the ultimate goal of being connected to a career and on the path to a successful life. Learn more at www.allhandsraised.org and connect with us on Twitter @AllHandsRaised.

Children’s Cancer Association’s Annual Wonderball Raises $1.4 Million

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.

Singer-songwriter, Kyle Craft, sings Bob Dylan’s The Times They Are A-Changin’ and is joined onstage by CCA-served kids and teens.

Regina Ellis, CCA Founder & Chief Joy Officer, stops to thank raffle ticket sellers, Moxie and Aven.

Albert Menashe, CCA Board Member, Attorney & Shareholder at Gevurtz Menashe; Julie Menashe; Grant Feltz, Wieden+Kennedy; John Christianson, Estate Planning Attorney at Gevurtz Menashe

Andrea Corradini, CCA Board Member, Senior Director, Women’s NSW Footwear at Nike; Regina Ellis, CCA Founder & Chief Joy Officer

Party guests included Sandy Bodecker, VP Special Projects, Nike Inc.; Tanya Cerda; Cholee Thompson, Ryan Artists; David Brown, longtime CCA Chemo Pal; and their friends.

Andy Lytle, CCA Board Chair, Division VP – Western US at Jackson Family Wines; Jim Haven, Creative Director; Jessi Duley, CCA Board Member, Founder & Instructor at Burn Cycle; Mary Lytle

Keynote speakers, Andy and Ruth Soria Zuniga, share their family’s story with Wonderball guests.

Chris Funk, CCA Board Member and multi-instrumentalist with The Decemberists, starts the show with a guitar solo guests call, thrilling.

Party guests included Clare Hamill, CCA Founding Board Chair, Vice President, Nike Growth Initiatives at Nike; Heidi O’Neill, President, Direct to Consumer, Nike Inc.; Patrick O’Neill; Marcus Harvey, Owner, Portland Gear; Sarah Marshall, MyMusicRx ATX Champion; and their friends.

Paul Gulick, CCA Board Chair Emeritus, 2008-10, and his table guests

Lead Sponsor PDX Property Group filled the table with guests that included John Powers, CCA Ambassador Board Co-Chair, Broker of PDX Property Group at Keller Williams Realty and Chris Suarez, Principal Broker, CEO of PDX Property Group of Keller Williams.

Presenting Sponsor, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield’s table, which included Scott Burton, Director, Revenue Management & Portfolio Positioning, Cambia Solutions; Angela Dowling, President, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, and Chief Sales Officer; and their guests.

Jeff Nyburg, Regional Director at Carter’s | OshKosh B’gosh; CS Sheffield, CCA Ambassador Board Co-Chair, Senior Therapeutic Specialty Consultant, Pfizer Oncology; Jennifer Nyburg; Angela Sheffield.

CCA staff members welcome guests at registration amid tapestries and Wonderball branded prayer flags.

Macie House, CCA Board Member, Managing Director, Baird, Regina Ellis, CCA Founder & Chief Joy Officer; Suzann Baricevic Murphy, CCA Board Member, Owner/President at (W)here Inc.

Steve Blake, CCA Board Member and former NBA Player; Regina Ellis, CCA Founder & Chief Joy Officer; Kristen Blake, Health & Wellness Coach

Serene Perkins,(center) CCA Board Member, Director of Surgical and Clinical Research, Legacy Research Institute Legacy Health, Regina Ellis, CCA Founder & Chief Joy Officer

Served by CCA as a teen and now a pre-med student at PSU, Sarah Florig shared her emotional story with Wonderball guests.

Guests enjoyed silent and live auctions, a seated dinner, inspiring family speakers and live, Woodstock era music throughout the night. Portland jam band frontman Lewi Longmire’s LT Red and the Hazy Visions kicked off the live performances, which included a rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s “Star-Spangled Banner” performed by Chris Funk of The Decemberists. Other performers included Brandon Nicolai and New York-based cabaret singer Amber Martin.

Décor included Indian tapestries, marigold garlands, and buttons and prayer flags with the reimagined protest slogan “Cancer is not Healthy for Children and Other Living Things”. A Moroccan menu and Summer of Love themed drinks were served to complete the aesthetic. Late night revelers also enjoyed an after-party with DJ Anjali at Spirit of 77.

A record-breaking paddle raise was led by auctioneer Kelly Russell of Artisan Auctions following Regina Ellis’ keynote speech and PSU pre-med student, Sarah Florig’s, inspiring story. CCA-served family, Ruth and Andy Soria Zuniga, also shared the many ways CCA has supported their family during their 2-year-old daughter’s treatment.

“At CCA, we are JOY seekers. For the last 22 years, we have asked ourselves repeatedly: what can JOY do?” said Regina Ellis, Founder and Chief Joy Officer of Children’s Cancer Association in her address. “We are the only organization working to position JOY as best practice in pediatric hospitals across the nation by delivering innovative programs that transform a moment with music, friendship and nature. Because of the generosity in this room, last year we served 31 percent more children and teens, how, when and where they preferred, and delivered over 92,000 service interactions across the United States.”

This event was made possible by the presenting sponsor, Regence BlueCross Blue Shield of Oregon. Additional sponsors included PDX Property Group and Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel.

About Children’s Cancer Association (CCA)

The Children’s Cancer Association knows that for seriously ill children and their families every moment is precious. That’s why our programs leverage music, friendship, play, and resources to create transformative moments of joy for 20,000 children, teens, and their family members each year. We believe kids deserve long, wonderful lives. Or at the very least, short wonderful lives. Unlike many organizations dedicated to the worthy goal of someday finding a cure for cancer, CCA is all about creating joy today. See our programs in action at JoyRx.org.