Venue selection is a critically important part of your fundraising event planning! If you are new to this blog, be sure to check out our List of Portland Venues, which is constantly being updated and added to as so many fantastic new venues continue to pop up around town!

Just this last weekend, American Cancer Society held their Hope Ball in a new space to Portland – Castaway, which was beautifully done.  So, we have made sure to add the venue to the Venue Tour Section on our blog!

If you own or manage a space that you do not see listed here, please contact us with details!

Filed under: BA360: Venue Tour by Keely Edmonson
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It’s one thing to throw a really great party. It’s another thing to throw a great party that in all actuality is an unbelievably fantastic fundraising auction and event! And Our House of Portland has the latter perfected in every way!

The 2012 Our House auction and event was an epic celebration on every level! Co-Chairs Gary Nelson and Minh Tran, crafted a clever way to get guests into the groove of giving with this year’s theme – The Age of Aquarius! Though an event theme is only a small fraction on the color wheel of auction and event planning, Our House of Portland is truly gifted when it comes to capturing the essence of that which inspires their supporters, and utilizing that essence as inspiration to create annual events that resonate into both their donor base and throughout the Portland community!

A vital part of the Portland community since 1988, Our House has been providing a continuum of compassionate care and vital resources to people with advanced HIV/AIDS who are having difficulty managing independent living. By respecting the dignity, spirit, worth, needs and rights of everyone they touch, they have been inspiring people with HIV/AIDS to live well – celebrating life and letting the sunshine in for nearly 25 years.

And this year’s annual auction and event, The Age of Aquarius was a celebration of life and living well in its fullest form! With over 450 guests, supporters turned out in droves, ready to strut their stuff and raise their paddles high to pay tribute to the work of this treasured organization.

Our House supporter Judge Kemp, and auctioneer Johnna Wells getting into the groove of giving!

Though a theme is not in any way shape or form a solo conduit for success when it comes to fundraising (an entire year of strategic development and planning on behalf of the Our House staff, c0-chairs, board of directors, committee, and Benefit Auctions 360 was thoughtfully executed in an effort to achieve such sensational results), it can certainly put the FUN back into fundraising. And when guests are having  fun, it’s more likely that they will not only champion your celebration throughout the entire evening, but it’s also more likely that they will be moved and motivated to give financially as well!  And such was certainly the case at this year’s auction and event for Our House. Raising close to $400,000, this lively auction and event secured record breaking support from steadfast donors whose support let the sunshine in on the work of Our House, and celebrated the lives of those that they touch!

Filed under: BA360: Auction Recap, BA360: Auction Tips, BA360: Client Profile by Johnna Wells
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Every spring, the Portland fundraising auction season kicks off with Schoolhouse Supplies annual Celebrity Spelling Bee!

This year’s 12th Annual OnPoint Community Credit Union’s Celebrity Spelling Bee was wildly successful! The competition was stiff as local celebrities such as KGW News Channel 8′s own Reggie Aqui, Portland Trail Blazer, Nolan Smith, and Dave Dahl of Dave’s Killer Bread, to name just a few, spelled support for Schoolhouse Supplies in an attempt to win the coveted title Celebrity Spelling Champion!

Celebrity Contestant, Pat Janowski {Photo Credit, Joni Shimabukuro}

Donors and community supporters turned out in droves to cheer on the contestants, and showcase support for Schoolhouse Supplies – an award-winning nonprofit that supports public education in Portland by giving students and teachers free classroom supplies. As Oregon’s only volunteer-run free store for teachers, their shelves are stocked with supplies generously donated by the community, providing teachers with the classroom supplies needed to encourage the learning process for all students.

We at Benefit Auctions 360 have had the distinct pleasure of partnering with Schoolhouse Supplies for the last seven years, championing their work, and sending a message to our area youth, that we believe in the potential of every child! That we believe that every child deserves to have the tools they need to succeed!

Johnna Wells of Benefit Auctions 360, alongside Schoolhouse Supplies Mascot, Pencil Pete!

Partnered with a Special Appeal, and our savvy celebrity spellers, our community of donors and supporters helped us to raise over $200,000 for Schoolhouse Supplies!

As the evening came to a close, Live Wire! Radio’s own, Pat Janowski became a two time champion, taking home the coveted title - 2012 Celebrity Spelling Champion!  What a night! Our sincere thanks to our community of steadfast supporters for supporting our area schools and supporting the work of Schoolhouse Supplies!

2012 Celebrity Spelling Champion, Pat Janowski {Photo Credit, Joni Shimabukuro}

Filed under: BA360: Auction Recap, BA360: Client Profile by Johnna Wells
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