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!

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}

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/index.html

But first we’d like to thank all the incredible clients who made this past fall fundraising season such a thrilling success! We were honored to work on 25 events, keeping us busy supporting such important organizations: Agri-Business Council of Oregon, Albertina Kerr Centers, Amy Roloff Charity Foundation, Basic Rights Oregon, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, Boys and Girls Aid, Bridge Meadows, Cat Adoption Team, The Circus Project, Columbia Land Trust, DoveLewis, FolkTime, Incight, The International School, Maurice Lucas Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association, National MS Society, Native American Youth Family Center, Oregon Food Bank, Providence Hood River Hospital Foundation, Providence Festival of Trees, Raphael House, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Rose Festival Foundation, and Trauma Intervention Program.

We saw disco dance parties, star-studded red carpets, laugh-inducing photo booths, even an emcee running the room from a Segway transformed into a ship at The Circus Project’s “CircOdyssey.” But most of all we saw generous donors, emotional special appeals, and enthusiastic audiences getting into the spirit of giving, and over the past four months these incredible organizations raised close to $5 million to continue their remarkable work. We couldn’t be happier to be a part of such success!

Here’s to an equally as wonderful 2012!

That’s the case at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon annual Comedy Benefit, and has been every time we have the pleasure of partnering with them over the past five years. As at events in the past, this year’s 14th Annual Comedy Benefit at downtown Bend’s Tower Theater featured two nationally-recognized comedians, Jake Woodmansee and Jason Love, one getting the crowd energized before the live auction and one wrapping up the night.

It’s a great example of what we suggest to our clients: to find an entertaining and engaging theme to weave throughout the event, one that will amp up the crowd and create an exciting bidding environment when it’s time to throw out the first auction package. Indeed, BA360 Auctioneer Randy Wells kept that excitement going as he auctioned off packages like a private poker party, year-long athletic club membership, 20-bottle instant “wine cellar” and fridge, and getaways to Italy, Cabo San Lucas and Bali.

While comedy may not be the right fit for every organization and their audience, but we’ve seen it be quite the success for BBBS. After all, isn’t it the Littles (kids) who are the most natural comedians of all?

In addition to a text-to-donate campaign with proceeds going to renovating the five free-roaming cat colony rooms at the no-kill shelter in Sherwood, guests could text-to-bid on the silent auction items—complete with QR codes that you could quickly snap on your phone—and text-to-buy items at the CAT store (beds, collars, and other goodies for kitties at home).

As if you needed more reason to whip out the smart phone, CAT also announced their new Android app to browse through the adorable, adoptable cats at the shelter. iPhone users will have to stay tuned…

The dinner and auction itself was a blast as well, with a lively heads and tails game before 15 live auction packages flew off the bidding block. Guests loved the getaways to Bali and Italy, of course, but also swarmed over several wine country getaways (one with a hot air balloon ride, another with a winemaking lesson), a package of 12 amazing dates, a home makeover, and everyone’s favorite, the chance to make your cat a star in the 2013 CAT calendar complete with professional portraits for your pretty kitty.

I myself was tempted with that one, since my Pippy (who I adopted from CAT in April 2010) is the cutest cat I know. Just saying!

If you couldn’t make the event, you still have a chance to give to CAT through Willamette Week‘s 2011 Give!Guide, which is out today!

See more photos and the special video from Whisker Wonderland.

Kate Kendall praising the hard work of BRO during dinner at IGNITE.

This year actually involved two events in one at the Museum’s Mark Building, directed by Samantha Swaim—a move that proved quite popular with the over 900 guests. The night began downstairs in the sunken ballroom with dinner by Vibrant Table, a rousing speech by Kate Kendall, the Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and of course, an exciting live auction with packages that got the room buzzing. Think: an evening with Angels in America actor Wade McCollum; a visit to the Robert Reynolds Chefs Studio; getaways to Hawaii, San Francisco, and Italy; and a workout with rugby star Ben Cohen, to name a few.

BA360′s Johnna Wells on fire during the live auction!

They also took the time to pause and watch a new video to focus on a key goal of the night: to raise enough funds to run the Marriage Matters ads on statewide TV for another week. The new video showcased how minds—and hearts—can be changed to support the right to marry for all:

Meanwhile, upstairs in the Kridel Grand Ballroom, the spark for an epic dance party was getting ready to BLOW. UP. Guests stepped into the photo booth to answer the question, “What ignites you?” and then headed into the red-drenched ballroom with an illuminated bar front and center.

Guests answered the question with what matters most to them.

But even as the party heated up, the giving didn’t end, thanks to a new text-to-donate program powered by Qtego Auction. It was incredible to see the fundraising total rise exponentially on the big screens! And even as DJ Dan-o-mite and DJ Lunchlady got people to bust a move, they could still keep giving throughout the night in the spirit of celebration. It’s a promising technology that we’re excited to see in action.

Qtego-powered text-to-give gets started.

All in all, it was an event that tried new things and found that to be a roaring success! Want to see more photos of all the fun? Check out the BRO event’s Facebook page. (Thanks to Amaren Colosi, Jonny Schultz, and Rosemary Ragusa who photographed the event.)

That’s the question that Basic Rights Oregon has been asking leading up to their annual celebration this weekend: IGNITE! A Party for LGBT Equality in Oregon. We’re so honored to be a part of this event and can’t wait to see what a rousing success it will be.

via IGNITE event site

If you’re not yet familiar with Basic Rights Oregon, the organization has worked for the past 15 years to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. They have grown from a passionate grassroots movement to an even more passionate statewide nonprofit, with more than 10,000 active contributors and 5,000 volunteers. At the same time, the conversation surrounding gay marriage has risen from a whisper to a headline-making news around the country. The message has become loud and clear: marriage, a symbol of love and the foundation of family, is a right that every person should have.

via LoveCommitmentMarriage.org

With the hope of putting a measure on the 2012 ballot to overturn the state constitutional amendment that defined marriage as being only between one man and one woman, Basic Rights Oregon launched their Love. Commitment. Marriage campaign to support “the freedom to marry for Oregon.” Perhaps you’ve seen the TV spots featuring couples talking about what marriage means to them—that marriage matters.

These ads have been running in heavy rotation for two weeks, but research shows an additional third week would have the most impact to gain the vote for marriage equality. Friday night’s fundraising efforts will be focused on this goal, helping this powerful message reach more and more people throughout the state. Even if you won’t be at the sold out donor dinner and auction, you can still contribute to the cause online.

And of course, everyone is invited to join the party later that evening. IGNITE is about celebrating the hard work to grant equality to all Oregonians—we’ll toast to that! Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, live music by Laura Gibson, and dancing to DJ Danomite and DJ Lunchlady—and pssst, a few surprises—in the Portland Art Museum’s Kridel Grand Ballroom. Tickets are $75 and still available online until Thursday. Join us as we party for equality!

The BA360 team certainly has a soft spot for our sweet animal companions (Johnna has her pup Oliver; Keely is mom to Belle the pug; and my aforementioned cat is named Pippy), and it means a lot to support the incredible work that Dove Lewis does to keep pets happy and healthy and honor the unique bond with their human pals.

At their largest annual event, animal lovers will enjoy an entire evening devoted to their furry best friends. Guests are even encouraged to use their pets as inspiration for their attire—perhaps a cat collar becomes a bracelet, or a dogs multi-colored coat guides the color of an entire ensemble—to “celebrate the love of your Wet Nose!”

In true Dove Lewis fashion, they’ve managed to blend the inevitable cuteness of animals with an elegant celebration at The Governor Hotel that will be the talk of the town. Tickets are still available by calling Candice Coleman at 503-535-3384 ($125 for General Admission, $175 for VIP).

Photos from last year’s Wet Nose Soiree by Erik Schultz (via Dove Lewis)

The party will begin at 6:00pm with a lively cocktail reception and extensive silent auction, including a golden ticket raffle and a “Super” silent auction with truly standout items. Of course, our own Johnna Wells will be there to lead an incredible live auction, including some must-bid packages like Blazers and Mariners tickets; a private concert; getaways to the Cannon Beach, France, and even an African Safari; and the opportunity to star with your own favorite wet nose on Dove Lewis billboards and bench ads. We think that’s pretty priceless!

BA360′s Lead Fundraising Auctioneer Johnna Wells in action at last year’s Wet Nose Soiree!

The night also features the DoveAwards, which honor the achievements of animal supporters throughout our community. It always proves to be a moving event full of laughs and a few happy tears—and will certainly have you eager to get home and hug your own furry love. Find out all the event details here. Hope to see you there!

On Friday, September 23, Ronald McDonald House Charities chose to “Paint the Town Red” at this year’s annual Hearts and Hands auction and event! In perfected fashion, outgoing Events Manager Kate Bowman carried this theme throughout, creating the ultimate guest experience!

From the Save The Date cards that were sent out to longtime RMHC supporters, to the hand-selected Silent Auction and Live Auction packages, this year’s event was top notch through and through!

Save The Date - Ronald McDonald House Charities

Hollywood screenwriter and Board of Trustees member, Mike Rich (well known for sensational movies such as Finding Forrester, The Rookie, and most recently, Secretariat) and fellow long time RMHC supporter and Board of Trustees member Jim Boyer were inducted into the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington Hall of Fame for their exceptional and heartfelt long-term support. That recognition for support continued on as Mike Stevens and Pacific Northwest Baking Company along with Karen and Ken Wright of Ken Wright Cellars were presented with the 2011 Partners of Distinction award.

With the creative and skilled assistance of Magaurn Video Media, both guests and honorees were presented with a compelling first hand look at those being recognized for their commitment to Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Thereafter, with a lightening round auction, backed by a Special Appeal with a Moment of Giving to showcase collective support for Ronald McDonald House Charities, we were able to surpass last years fundraising totals by $30,000!

On Saturday, September 24th, we had the good fortune of partnering with longtime client — the Raphael House of Portland for another fantastic year! A multi-faceted domestic violence agency dedicated to ending intimate partner violence for good, Raphael House of Portland held their annual Founder’s Dinner at the University Club in downtown Portland.

Hosted by longtime Raphael House supporter, and KGW News Channel 8 at Sunrise’s Brenda Braxton (who has graciously served as the evening’s host for 13 years), the event was an intimate gathering by invitation only to champion the work of the Raphael House of Portland, which has been providing a foundation of hope for a life free from family violence for more than 30 years.

Johnna Wells and Brenda Braxton at the Raphael House of Portland Founder's Dinner (Photo by Brenda Braxton)

With close to 130 guests in attendance, a brief Live Auction featuring five captivating packages, and a remarkably generous $50,000 matching challenge from the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, the first reports estimated that we were able to raise over $240,000 in support of the Raphael House of Portland and in an effort to eliminate the causes of family and intimate partner violence.

An inspiring showcase of support for Raphael House of Portland (Photo by Brenda Braxton)

In total, over the course of one weekend, over $500,000 was raised in support of two remarkably deserving organizations!