Join us on May 14th at 5:30pm for our premier event of the year, ‘We ARE Impact’
Purchase your tickets today!
Let’s find a way.
The last few years have been tough for Portland. As much as we’ve struggled with issues like homelessness, we’ve had to deal with cynical notions that Portland is done. Seems that too many people have been quick to give up on us.
We at Impact NW have been part of this city since 1966. If we’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that Portlanders don’t give up. We find a way.
Amid the negativity and finger pointing, Impact NW is doing something remarkable. We are harnessing all of our capacity to prevent people from losing their housing – with great success. Not only have we served 83% more people since the pandemic (now more than 30,000), we are proud to say that well over 90% of the people we support remain housed. That’s what finding a way looks like.
Here’s what else we know. You don’t give up either. You live here and, like us, you are also finding a way. Let’s team up. Join us for ‘We ARE Impact’ as we raise support to fuel Impact NW’s homelessness prevention efforts. After all, it’s up to us. We live here. We know how to find a way – Together.
We ARE Impact – In Person!
May 14, 2024
5:30 pm-7:30 pm
631 NE Grand Ave.
Portland OR 97232
Download a Sponsorship Packet for sponsorship details.
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Introducing our Emcee:
Gisella Contreras, Impact NW Energy Assistant Specialist
Gisella Contreras has been with Impact NW for seven years – initially as a first point of contact for community members seeking Impact NW’s services, and most recently, over the last three years in the crucial role of Energy Assistance Specialist. Gisella knows first-hand what it means to keep families safe and housed. During many people’s most difficult times, Gisella keeps lights and heat on for families in the community.
On a personal level, Gisella prioritizes mental and physical health. She travels, plays volleyball, tennis, and does fitness every morning. She knows that keeping a smile is tough during hard times, but believes that, with a positive mindset and attitude anything is possible. We can all find a way.
Past Emcee of Impact NW’s Garden Party, we are excited to welcome Gisella and her amazing energy and experience back as the Emcee for We ARE Impact on May 14th, 2024.
Introducing our Guest Speakers:
Frances Sallah, Early Learning Operations Policy Director at United Way
Andy Nelson, Impact NW Executive Director since 2019
Frances Sallah is Early Learning Operations Policy Director at the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette as well as Co-Director of Early Learning Multnomah (ELM). She serves on the Board of Directors at Impact NW and is an expert in social service operations and has a passion for supporting kids and families of color.
Andy Nelson has served as Executive Director since 2019, after rejoining Impact NW in 2016 as Associate Director. It was a homecoming of sorts. Andy served as Development Director of Impact NW from 2000 to 2002. He went on to lead Hands On Greater Portland’s evolution from a start up to the region’s leading volunteer service engine. Andy next led Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest to become Oregon’s Most Admired Nonprofit. Andy is past chair of the Portland Parks Board and vice chair and founder of Partners in Diversity – the people who bring you Say Hey!
Introducing our Live Appeal Lead:
Chad Melvin, Executive Director of Strategy, Kaiser Permanente Northwest
Chad Melvin is honored to serve on the Board of Directors for Impact NW. Through his position as Executive Director of Strategy at Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Chad contributes a diverse array of experience in public health. Chad says, “I am Incredibly proud to serve on this board as Impact NW continues to make a positive and measurable impact on our community!”
What can I expect?
We ARE Impact is our annual event celebrating and recognizing the incredible achievements of Impact NW while we raise awareness and funding for our mission. The event will consist of a happy hour with heavy appetizers and complimentary beer and wine, followed by incredible storytelling from our staff and community. The event will run from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. We invite you to attend and hear how your donations are being put to work.
Where is the event?
AVENUE
631 NE Grand Ave
Portland, OR 97232
Where do I park?
AVENUE is located in Portland’s Lloyd District which includes multiple parking structures and surface lots, street parking, and mass transit options. View and download the Parking and Transportation Options Map.
What is the attire?
The attire is business casual.
What time should I arrive?
Please arrive at 5:30pm for guest registration.
Do I need physical tickets for the event?
No, you do not. Guests will be checked in at registration upon providing their name.
What time is the event program?
The program will begin at 6:15pm and conclude at 7:30pm.
Will there be food and drink?
We will be serving heavy hors d’oeuvres that accommodate many different dietary restrictions. We will also be serving complimentary wine and beer.
Will I have a reserved seat?
Those attending as a guest of a sponsor or table host will be given a table number at registration. Otherwise, there is open seating.
Will the event be accessible?
The AVENUE event space is ADA compliant. If you have any specific accommodation requests, please contact us by emailing lgoodwick@impactnw.org.
When does registration close?
Event registration will close a few days before the event and tickets ($50 per person) will also be available for purchase at the door.
Will the event be live-streamed?
This year’s event will be in-person only.
I am not able to attend. How can I make a donation?
You can make a donation here: https://impactnw.org/how-to-help/donate/
What if I have additional questions?
Contact Lindsey Goodwick, lgoodwick@impactnw.org, 203-994-6108
Thank you to all of those who joined us for last year’s ‘We Are Impact’ and helped to prevent homelessness in our Portland community.
Thank you for joining us for our 2023 annual event to prevent homelessness. Watch a recording of the videocast here.
Watch Rosa’s Story:
Each of the people we partner with has their own unique story to share. This year, we are extremely proud to present “Rosa’s Story” in partnership with Person People. View more Impact Stories here.
