Portland, OR. What a year! PortlandSocietyPage.com has featured over 500 local nonprofits in 2019. Those admirable organizations have raised millions of dollars for worthy beneficiaries. It’s our privilege to be the top nonprofit news resource for local charities and the supporters who love them! Did you miss any stories? Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter by CLICKING HERE! Have a great idea for 2019? Contact Editor & Publisher Elisa Klein, at [email protected].
So…here’s the list of the top ten most viewed stories (in reverse order to build your suspense) on PortlandSocietyPage.com during 2019.
Portland, OR. 270 guests raised $216,000 to support the PTC of Riverdale Grade School and Riverdale High School at its 007-themed gala. Parents Heather Burton, Niki Seawright, Wendy Domreis, Wendy Tolls & Kristen Best enjoyed the Casino Royale theme. The benefit on February 23rd was held at The Redd on SE Salmon Street. Nearly $70,000 will be passed through directly to the schools to help fund a “Let’s Play” paddle raise initiatives such as playground updates at the Grade School and new activity/athletic van and a Freedom Climber for the gymnasium at the High School. Read More
Portland, OR. More than 500 people attended the annual Oregon Museum of Science and Industry’s (OMSI) Gala to support efforts to spread science education across the Pacific Northwest. Governor Kate Brown, Piper Park, Kathy Rudd and Pat Reser were on hand for the May 4th gala. The benefit, which took place at OMSI, grossed more than $1.5 million through sponsorships, ticket sales and an auction, making it the nonprofit museum’s most successful event to date. This year’s gala, titled ‘Diamond Jubilee,’ commemorated OMSI’s 75th anniversary. Read More.
Portland, OR. Over 600 guests including current parents, alumni, past parents and friends enjoyed a festive evening at Jesuit High School’s 51st Annual Auction: Jazz Night in New Orleans. The Knight Center was transformed into a jazz club with music, Creole cuisine and colorful décor. Auction Chair Katherine Kreutzer, Major Program Director Anne Robinson, JHS President Tom Arndorfer, Auction Co-Chair Mary Murphy celebrated at the festive evening on May 4th. This year’s auction exceeded expectations with over $1,045,000 raised. Read More
Portland, OR. Drawing a record 450 guests, Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare’s 2019 Transformation Gala raised nearly a quarter million dollars in support of the nonprofit’s whole health care and outreach services. Attendance was the highest in the Gala’s three-year history, growing by 100 supporters over last year. Lisa Oyler, Chiki Nussbaumer, Gayathrai Ramprasad, Toc Soneoulay-Gillespie and Tamara Pedrojetti were among the hundreds who enjoyed the night. Read More.
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. Read More.
Portland, OR. DoveLewis has been selected as one of seven 24-hour animal hospitals that will be featured in a live National Geographic TV show called Animal ER Live. The series starts on Saturday, March 30th and will air from 6 to 8 p.m. Show creators promote the program, writing: “Be just a heartbeat away from the action as the team at DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital, the Northwest’s nonprofit 24/7 animal hospital, treats animals in the midst of emergencies on Nat Geo WILD’s new live TV series, Animal ER Live.” Read More.
Portland, OR. Starting on February 7th, more than 100 illuminated installations, artists, performers, interactive activities, and events will brighten the Portland cityscape for the 2019 Portland Winter Light Festival (PDXWLF). This free annual program of the nonprofit Willamette Light Brigade is expanding to its largest footprint yet. Read More.
Portland, OR. Eight hundred guests gathered for the 35th Annual Classic Wines Auction and raised $3 million dollars for five nonprofit partners. This brings the total raised, over 35 years, to nearly $50 million. The benefit was at the Oregon Convention Center on March 2nd. The nonprofit beneficiaries this year were: Metropolitan Family Service, New Avenues for Youth, Friends of the Children – Portland, YWCA Clark County, and Unity Center for Behavioral Health. (Photo credit, John Valls) Read More.
Portland, OR. More than 350 supporters joined forces for Portland Opera’s Flora + Fauna Fall. The September 14th benefit, at the Sentinel Hotel featured a performance by Broadway star Sutton Foster. Portland Opera raised over $1 million dollars. Organizers say proceeds from the Flora + Fauna Fall Ball will strengthen Portland Opera’s ability to serve audiences throughout the region, by supporting operational costs as well as special programming and projects. (Photo credit, Garrett Downen) Read More.
Portland, OR. This December will mark the 65th launch of the Christmas Ships Parade season. Parades on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers will last for 15 nights beginning on Thursday, December 5th through Sunday, December 22nd. There are seven nights where the fleet with be combined. Read More.
Well, there you have it, the top 10 Portland Society Page stories of the year. Society Page is a free community platform where you can make a difference. If you enjoy reading our positive news about the great things happening in our area, you can help and here’s how:
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and encourage your friends to do the same. Click here.
Share our good news on your social channels.
Send us your story ideas and submit your events for our calendar.
Purchase an advertisement to reach our thousands of philanthropic readers.
We are excited to continue “Building Your Community” in 2019!
Portland, OR. It has been our biggest year to date at PortlandSocietyPage.com. We have tens of thousands more readers and featured over 500 local nonprofits in our stories during 2018. Those admirable organizations have raised millions of dollars for worthy beneficiaries. It’s our privilege to be the only nonprofit news resource for local charities and the supporters who love them! Did you miss any stories? Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter by CLICKING HERE! Have a great idea for 2019? Contact Editor & Publisher Elisa Klein, at [email protected].
So…here’s the list of the top ten stories (in reverse order to build your suspense) on PortlandSocietyPage.com during 2018.
10. Oregon Symphony 2018 Gala Raises Record $1.15M
Portland, OR. Following a drum roll by the Obo Addy Drummers, Oregon Symphony President Scott Showalter took the stage at the 2018 Oregon Symphony Gala to announce that $1.15M was raised in support of the orchestra. This marks the fourth consecutive year the Symphony has broken its fund raising record, making it one of the highest grossing benefits in the region. Attendees at the April 14th gala cheered loudly as a fireworks display lit up ten large video screens in the Portland Art Museum’s Kridel Ballroom. Chanteuse Storm Large, Oregon Symphony Music Director Carlos Kalmar, Oregon Symphony President Scott Showalter, and songwriter Naomi LaViolette all took time for a photo together. READ MORE
9. Oregon Made Film About Father/Daughter Living in Forest Park Premieres at Sundance
Park City, UT. Leave No Trace premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim. Director Debra Granik adapted the screenplay for the film with her writing partner, Anne Rosellini, from the Peter Rock novel, My Abandonment, which was based onthe true story of a father who lived with his teenage daughter in Forest Park for four years. READ MORE
8. Classic Wines Auction Raises Nearly $3 Million for Five Local Nonprofits
Portland, OR. More than 825 guests gathered on March 3rd at the Oregon Convention Center for the 34th annual Classic Wines Auction, raising nearly $3 million for five local nonprofits. Guests bid on distinctive auction items while enjoying gourmet cuisine presented by top local chefs and, of course, the gala’s signature fine wines. Proceeds support children and families in our community served by the beneficiaries, including: Metropolitan Family Service, YWCA Clark County, Friends of the Children, New Avenues for Youth and Unity Center for Behavioral Health. Classic Wines Auction events have raised more than $43 million since 1982. (Photo credit, John Valls Photography) READ MORE
7. Riverdale Auction Raises $140,000 for Programs Including Technology Upgrades and Emergency Preparedness
Portland, OR. City Lights was the theme for the Riverdale School District Auction at the Leftbank Annex. Benefit Chair, Kristen Best and committee member, Allison Williams, helped coordinated the volunteers, donors, student artists, sponsors, attendees, and entertainersat February 24th event. The auction raised funds for Riverdale PTC programs including $50,000 during a paddle raise for District-wide technology and emergency preparedness/safety initiatives. READ MORE
6. Top Ten Portland Society Page Stories of 2017
Portland, OR. “Classically American” Oregon Symphony’s Gala Raises Over $1 Million was the number one story in 2017. 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 included 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. READ MORE
5. Portland Center Stage 2018-2019 Season Will Include ‘Color Purple’ & Return of Storm Large in ‘Crazy Enough’
Portland, OR. Portland Center Stage at The Armory’s 2018-2019 season will feature 11 productions along with a special 10th anniversary return engagement of Storm Large in Crazy Enough, a show that had its world premiere at The Armory in 2009 and became one of the company’s biggest hits. READ MORE
4. Portland Father of the Year Honors Benefit American Diabetes Association
Portland, OR. The American Diabetes Association and the National Father’s Day Council honored four local dads at the “Father of the Year” awards dinner on June 15th on Center Court at the Moda Center. Similar events are hosted in cities across the country to recognize men who have made family a priority while balancing demanding careers and community involvement. 2016 Portland Father of the Year Honoree’s are: Terry Porter, (Former Portland Trail Blazer, Men’s Basketball Coach, University of Portland) Jay Haladay, (Retired CEO, Viewpoint Construction Software) Randy Miller, (President, Produce Row Property Management Company) and Michael Snaadt, (Owner, Helen Bernhard Bakery). The dinner is also a fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association because supporters are encouraged to make donations in support of the honored fathers. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus) READ MORE.
3. VIPs Flock to Portland International Auto Show Sneak Peek Charity Preview
Portland, OR. Hundreds of nonprofit supporters had the VIP treatment at the Auto Show Sneak Peek Charity Preview on January 24th. Lindsey and Brian Holcomb joined Randi Inukai and her husband, Co-owner of Dick’s Auto Group, Scott Inukai at the gala. Last year, the event raised $610,000 for local nonprofits and organizers say they’re on target to raise even more this year. As the official kickoff of the Portland International Auto Show (PIAS), the Sneak Peek has raised over $3 million for deserving charities at the Oregon Convention Center over the past five years. (The auto show dates for the public are Thurs., Jan. 25th – Sun., Jan. 28th.) This year, the charities which benefited include: Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland;Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; Meals on Wheels People; Victory Academy;the Brian Grant Foundation;The Dougy Center; and Self Enhancement Incorporated. READ MORE
2. Poolside Party Makes a Splash for New Avenues for Youth
Portland, OR. 130 friends and neighbors were mixing and mingling at the Dunthorpe home of Mimi and Doug McCaslin on June 27th, to learn more about the work of New Avenues for Youth. The nonprofit is celebrating its 20th year working toward the prevention and intervention of youth homelessness. Since 1997, its programs and services have impacted more than 20,000 young people as they work to overcome barriers, pursue goals, and realize their potential.
1. Opening Night VIP Party for RH Portland Benefits Doernbecher
Portland, OR. Over 1,000 invited guests converged on the new 46,000 square foot Restoration Hardware (RH) gallery store in the Historic Alphabet District for its gala opening. This new four-story showplace, at 474 NW 23rd, features RH furnishings, artwork, and accessories in a gallery-like setting. The VIP opening was also a benefit for the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation and drew supporters like Judi Inglis, Bella Hunter, RH Chairman & CEO Gary Friedman, Maddie Andrews, and Peter Andrews. READ MORE.
Well, there you have it, the top 10 Portland Society Page stories of the year. Society Page is a free community platform where you can make a difference. If you enjoy reading our positive news about the great things happening in our area, you can help and here’s how:
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and encourage your friends do the same. Click here.
Share our good news on your social channels.
Send us your story ideas and submit your events for our calendar.
Purchase an advertisement to reach our thousands of philanthropic readers.
We are excited to continue “Building Your Community” in 2019!
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.
Well, there you have it, the top 10 Portland Society Page stories of the year. Society Page is a free community platform where you can make a difference. If you enjoy reading our positive news about the great things happening in our area, you can help and here’s how:
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and encourage your friends do the same. Click here.
Share our good news on your social channels.
Send us your story ideas and submit your events for our calendar.
Purchase an advertisement to reach our thousands of philanthropic readers.
We are excited to continue “Building Your Community” in 2018!
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. (Photo credit, Jason DeSomer, Andie Petkus and James Clark)
Oregon Symphony’s Associate Conductor Norman Huynh, in the Park Blocks pavilion with party-goers Holly Smith, Adrienne Adelberg, and Eli Wall.
OSA President Scott Showalter in the Park Blocks pavilion, with Ginette DePreist, wife of the late James DePreist, who was Oregon Symphony Music Director from 1980 –2003
The work of the Oregon Symphony is made possible by committed Board Members, including Robyn Gastineau, John Gastineau, Renée Holzman, Robby Cunningham, James Lynch, OSA President Scott Showalter, Veronica Hinkes, Peggy Harris, Rick Hinkes, Tige Harris, and Walt Weyler.
At the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Mayor Ted Wheeler and symphony President Scott Showalter welcomed thousands of the Symphony’s gala patrons and community partners, who enjoyed a free classical concert led by Music Director Carlos Kalmar and sponsored by Umpqua Bank with additional support from FamilyCare Health and NW Natural. The concert, titled “Classically American,” featured works by Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, Aaron Jay Kernis, George Gershwin, and John Williams.
Gala Honorary Chairperson Mayor Ted Wheeler joined OSA President Scott Showalter on stage prior to the Classically American concert. As they concluded their comments, they took a moment to share their support for the Oregon Ducks, who were in the midst of their Final Four game.
The 2017 Schnitzer Wonder Award, created by Jordan Schnitzer in honor of his parents Harold and Arlene Schnitzer, was awarded to Julane Stites, artistic director of Dance West, whose students also performed during the concert. The award included a $10,000 contribution to Dance West. Stites was the third recipient of the award, following Bonnie Reagan (BRAVO Youth Orchestras) in 2015 and Mia Hall Miller (Pacific Youth Choir) in 2016.
Julane Stites receives Schnitzer Wonder Award. The award recognizes arts leaders for their outstanding contributions towards building community through the next generation of artists.
Guests had a photo-op as they entered the hall for the Gala concert, Classically American. Pink Martini vocalist China Forbes arrived in festive attire with Reed Professor Steven Arkonovich.
Following the concert, Gala guests moved to the Portland Art Museum for cocktails and dinner. Upon entering, they were greeted with life-size floral puppets from Michael Curry Design. Michael Curry is the designer and staging director for Oregon Symphony’s upcoming SoundSights concert Perséphone.
In attendance were Daniel Capuia and Dr. Alisha Moreland Capuia, Co-Founders of the Capuia Foundation, former Portland First Lady Nancy Hales, and Ed Tenny.
One of many highlights of the evening was a performance by Native American drum group the Thunder Lodge Singers.
The reception, concert, and cocktail party were followed by an elegant dinner in the Portland Art Museum’s Kridel Grand Ballroom.
Auctioneer Randy Parnell revved up enthusiasm for spontaneous donations during the Special Appeal paddle raise.
Portland native and Miss America 2002 Katie Harmon described how her high school experience with the Oregon Symphony influenced her to pursue her passion for music.
Celebrating the event that night were Suzanne Nance of All Classical radio, Oregon Symphony Associate Conductor Norman Huynh, Holly Smith, Prue Miller, Harry Miller, Gala Co-Chair Renée Holzman, Scott Showalter, philanthropist Lois Schnitzer, and philanthropist and business leader Jordan Schnitzer.
Scott Showalter takes the stage with the Gala Co-Chairs and special guests to announce the evening’s unprecedented fundraising results. Also on stage (l-r) James Lynch, Renée Holzman, Robby Cunningham, Katie Harmon, Oregon Symphony Music Director Carlos Kalmar.
The 2017 Oregon Symphony Gala Committee was headed by Legacy Chairs Arlene Schnitzer and Howard Hedinger, Honorary Co-Chairs Mayor Ted Wheeler and Jordan Schnitzer, and Gala Co-Chairs Renée and Irwin Holzman and James Lynch and Robby Cunningham.
Commenting on the success of the evening, Symphony President Scott Showalter said, “We are all touched by the immense generosity of our gala patrons and grateful for the support of the countless volunteers who made the event so extraordinary.”
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