Mia Birk, 50, contributes her time, expertise and targeted funding to make the world a better place because, “I am grateful beyond measure for all that I have and all that I am. … Being able to give back fills me with joy.” She doesn’t think of herself as a philanthropist, which for her conjures…
Lauren Goldstein, 43, believes every philanthropist needs their own journey and exploration of meaning. “Mine happened in two phases,” says Lauren. She gained “my own passion toward being Jewish” while in college at Tufts. “Within the first week of school, I met more Jews my age than I’d met in my whole life,” she says….
Elaura Rifkin Gerber, 28, believes everyone can be a philanthropist. “Organizations need both time and money,” says Elaura. “I was taught that even if you don’t have anything to financially contribute, you can always donate your time. In this way, I truly believe that everyone has the ability to become a philanthropist in their own…
PHOTO: Laurie Lebowsky and her husband, Brad, and stepchildren, Justin and Amanda, visited Israel in 2013 with Congregation Shir Tikvah. Laurie Lebowsky is proud to be one of more than 24,000 women running for office in the 2018 elections. In February, she was appointed from a pool of 56 applicants to an open seat…
PHOTO: Monica Brenner looks over the stored supplies that each summer convert a park into an arts camp. Monica Brenner has spent the past 25 years raising money for or leading nonprofits, primarily in the arts. “I love what the arts can do for our city,” says Monica. “I’m drawn to help arts serve…
Beit Am gets grant to make new synagogue solar Beit Am has been awarded a $51,250 grant by Pacific Power to develop solar power for its new building in Corvallis. The Beit Am Mid-Willamette Jewish Community is building a 6,700-square-foot synagogue, located on a 5-acre parcel Beit Am purchased in 2000. Many members have advocated…
Born in a progressive hippie community in Seattle, Lovely Laban loves to share her personal appreciation for natural beauty and help others look and feel their best. “I have always been fascinated with aging and the restoration of our bodies,” says Lovely. “During graduate school, I took a position as a laser nurse and fell…
FOURNIER GROUP CEO + FOUNDER DIRK FOURNIER As a teenager working for his father’s insurance agency, Dirk Fournier dreamed of providing a special agency experience. That’s why he founded Fournier Group, and that’s what inspires the Fournier Group team today. The agency provides risk management solutions to diverse people and businesses. Fournier Group’s goal: keep…
PHOTO: From left, Sophie Joslyn, Rachel Lodgen and Arianna Shapiro enjoy last year’s Israel Block Party at the University of Oregon. This year’s block party will feature Artists 4 Israel. As Israel celebrates its 70th anniversary as a modern state, students on three Oregon campuses will have the chance to get free custom T-shirts…
PHOTO: Michael Allen Harrison Michael Allen Harrison will bring his rare concert grand piano to Congregation Shaarie Torah for two firsts – his first performance at Congregation Shaarie Torah and the Conservative congregation’s first community-wide fundraising event (see below). Portland pianist and composer Michael Allen Harrison is well known for his December concerts at The…
