On Saturday, November 25, 2016, That Bloom gift cards will be featured in a silent auction sponsored by the National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI). Dubbed the Voices for Justice Reception, the event is the organization’s only in-person fundraiser. It highlights the benefits to victims, families, and the community of including victims’ voices in the justice system and celebrates Oregon’s leadership in protecting, enforcing, and advancing victims’ rights. Jennifer Storm – author, survivor, and an award-winning, nationally recognized victim advocate – is this year’s keynote speaker.

All funds raised at the event will be used to support victims. Programs include:

• A national victim intake line that provides legal and social service referrals for victims
• Training and outreach to our legal technical assistance
• Filing amicus briefs establishing legal precedents throughout the country
• Working with victims to provide one-on-one support and counsel

Founded in 200, NCVLI is a Portland-based nonprofit that works to protect, enforce, and advance the rights of people who have been victims of crime. When victims are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect, it increases the likelihood that they’ll make the transition from victims to survivors. NCVLI trains justice system professionals on victim rights, secures free or low cost legal representation for victims, and helps improve public policy across the country.

When the Oregon Military Support Network (OMSN) reached out to Thai Bloom for assistance, we were happy to help. This all-volunteer organization provides vital aid to soldiers returning from combat as they seek to get established and re-engage in community. In essence, OMSN becomes the “home base” to which these dedicated Americans return.

OMSN responds to soldier and veteran needs directly and coordinates efforts among individuals, organizations, and veteran groups that have a passion to help those who have served our country. For example, they have been able to secure food and clothing at a moment’s notice. They have assisted with rent and utility payments. And they’ve provided toys to approximately 30 families annually during the holidays.

OMSN assumes a leadership role in giving a voice to veterans in Oregon. Of prime importance is their work with State legislators to secure funding to fill the void in federal funding to support Oregon’s 300,000+ veterans.

Long term, the organization hopes to build an endowment fund to support its operating budget and secure paid staff to help veterans secure needed resources.

Thai Bloom will be represented in the silent auction at this year’s Autumnfest for Autism fundraiser. Held from 6-10pm on Saturday, October 22, 2106 at the Portland Brewing Company Taproom, the event features live music, a silent auction, a raffle, and a brewery tour. Proceeds benefit A Hope for Autism Foundation.

The Foundation is a non-profit organization providing behavioral therapy and specialized education for children with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders. Treatment and learning opportunities range from intensive outpatient therapy to drop-in after-school support at a learning center. Clients develop personal and social skills so that they can make a positive impact on their community.

A Hope for Autism Foundation offers financial assistance to help families get the medically necessary treatment that their family members deserve.

On Saturday, October 22, 2016, Thai Bloom will join other local businesses in supporting the fourth annual Oregon Gymnastics Academy (OGA) Silent Auction. With aspirations to raise $15,000, OGA’s fundraising team is working hard to support athletes through programs like:

• Community Outreach that provides free after-school, on-site gymnastics classes to at-risk children and youth in Title 1 schools, offering them a positive physical education experience
• Tuition Assistance that aids member families through temporary financial challenges and makes gymnastics classes accessible
• All-Star that serves children with special needs by offering individualized attention, aiding in motor skill development, confidence, coordination, and an overall sense of well-being

OGA’s mission is to promote and motivate character, health, and fitness in the lives of athletes, employees, and community through the sport of gymnastics. Every week, children learn new skills, conquer fears, and develop confidence, athleticism, and determination. The pride shown in their accomplishments motivates OGA to bring gymnastics and all of its benefits to less fortunate families in our community.

For more information, visit www.ogagym.org, or call 503-531-3409. Together, we can build champions one child at a time!

Thai Bloom is a proud sponsor of the Portland/SW Washington Pulmonary Hypertension Support Group’s “Thirsting for a Cure.” Held on September 30, 2016 from 6pm to 10pm at the Castaway in Portland, this event will raise awareness of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) in children and adults.

Willamette and Columbia Valley wines, locally crafted beer, a juice company, and a distillery will offer beverages to delight the taste buds and quench thirst. Guests will also enjoy gourmet hor d’oeuvres and dinner as a part of the event. This special evening will feature a raffle, a vast array of silent auction items in addition to a live auction.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to Adult Research and the Robyn J. Barst Pediatric Research Fund in care of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA). Dr. Barst was a pioneer in the field of pediatric PH and a compassionate caregiver to patients and families. The Robyn J. Barst Pediatric Research Fund was created to honor her legacy and establish mentoring programs for promising pediatric researchers and practitioners.

Pulmonary Hypertension is a very rare, often misdiagnosed disease. The disease results in high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, making it difficult for the blood to flow through the lungs to pick up oxygen. This condition causes potentially life-threatening consequences, such as right heart failure. Those affected by PH feel as though they are suffocating… because they ARE. With early diagnosis, treatment can improve quality of life while (hopefully) extending longevity. At this time, there is no cure short of a lung or heart-lung transplant; however, through research, we hope to find the cure.

This year, about 589,430 US residents are expected to die of cancer – that’s more than 1,600 people a day. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the US, exceeded only by heart disease. Cancer accounts for nearly 1 out of every 4 deaths in the United States.

Cancer costs us billions of dollars. It also costs us the people we love. Reducing barriers to cancer care is critical in the fight to eliminate suffering and death due to cancer. According to Cancer Facts & Figures 2015, “uninsured patients and those from ethnic minorities are substantially more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at a later stage, when treatment can be more extensive, more costly, and less successful.”

With this sobering information in mind, Thai Bloom Restaurant is pleased to lend its support to the 2016 Portland Hope Ball. Sponsored by the Portland chapter of the American Cancer Society, this ninth annual, sold-out event will take place on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at the Hidden Creek Polo Club in beautiful West Linn, Oregon. Funds raised at the event will benefit hospitals and research facilities throughout the greater Portland Metropolitan Area.

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the American Cancer Society has regional and local offices throughout the country that ensure the organization has a presence in every community. Together with its millions of supporters, the American Cancer Society saves lives by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back.