On May 12, 2018, NW Dance Project celebrates its fourteenth season of dance creation, education, and outreach by holding special Golden Gala at their beautiful Creative Center at 211 NE 10th Ave. The exclusive fundraising evening features bubbly at the door, award-winning dancers in a special performance, a silent auction with unique items and packages. Thai Bloom! proudly joins this effort by making a donation at the behest of the NW Dance Project. This organization attracts our attention as our Beaverton location’s floor manager, Nam, is actively involved in the Salsa community in Portland.

About NW Dance Project

Founded in Portland in 2004 and dedicated to the creation of new contemporary dance works as well as making dance accessible to all, NW Dance Project has created and premiered over 250 works in Portland to date — more than any other company in the U.S., and has become internationally-renowned leader in the field of contemporary dance. Dance International Magazine proclaimed we are “changing the way dance is created,” while the Calgary Herald said we have “some of the best dancers you will ever see.” In addition to our award-winning company, we also offer dance training and classes for dancers of all ages and levels, and we have a wonderful youth outreach and arts equity program that provides ongoing arts engagement and participation to community youth-in-need at no cost to participants.

NW Dance Project celebrates, supports, and represents excellence in dance. NW Dance Project is dedicated to creating and performing inspired, original contemporary dance works from the field’s most talented choreographers from around the world and to providing the finest dance training available for all. The organization performs, educates, creates, cultivates, and champions diversity while engaging and deepening public appreciation and support of dance.

Every year, hundreds of regional Business, Union, and Labor Leaders come together to sponsor one of the Northwest’s premier charity events, the B.U.L.L. Session. This two-day fundraiser starts on Monday, September 11, 2017 with a dinner and auction gala at the Oregon Convention Center and ends with a golf tournament on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club. Thai Bloom proudly joins this effort by making a donation at the behest of the Shriners Hospital for Children Portland.

The Shriners Hospital changes lives every day through innovative pediatric specialty care, research, and outstanding medical education. It focuses on a wide range of pediatric orthopedic conditions, from fractures to rare diseases and syndromes. It also provides expert cleft lip and palate care. All services are provided in a family-centered environment, regardless of the families’ ability to pay.

Inpatient and outpatient units are designed to reflect the unique character of the Pacific Northwest and put children and families at ease. Located on the campus of Oregon Health Sciences University, Shriners Portland has close affiliations with world-class doctors and researchers who are committed to advancing orthopedic treatment and cleft lip and palate care for children from all over the world.

Shriners Hospitals for Children Portland has been involved with the B.U.L.L. Session since its inception 26 years ago. All proceeds from this event will be distributed equally amongst six children’s charities throughout Oregon. Charity recipients include: Albertina Kerr Children’s Crisis Psychiatric Care Unit, Gales Creek Camp Foundation, March of Dimes, Shriners Hospital for Children Portland, Swindells Resource Center of Providence Child Center, and Wheel to Walk Foundation.

Have you ever been to a Cornhole Classic? Do you even know what it is?

We’ll have a presence at the 2017 Cornhole Classic on Friday, September 8th. Held at the at the Castaway Portland (1900 NW 18th Ave), it’s the Portland YouthBuilder’s (PYB) annual fundraising event.

Drawing on the popularity of “cornhole,” or beanbag toss games, The Cornhole Classic combines the enthusiasm of a competitive cornhole tournament with elements of a traditional fundraising event (dinner, auction, etc.). The result is a high-energy and fun way to support PYB students and programs.

Founded in 1995, PYB supports young people who are committed to changing their lives to become self-sufficient, contributing members of the workforce and their community. Each year, PYB provides education, vocational training, and leadership development services for over 200 young people between the ages of 17 and 24. Program participants have not completed high school and face significant barriers to success.

PYB students pursue an academically rigorous training program which requires excellent attendance, participation in community service, and a serious investment in their futures. They receive hands-on job training in construction or computer technology.

Technology students refurbish computers, complete CompTIA certifications, and provide introductory technology and web service classes to under-served senior communities throughout the Portland Metro Area.

Construction students earn BOLI certificates for entry into apprenticeships and unions. They gain their full range of construction skills in the classroom and on worksite building single family households for low-income, first-time home buyers in the Portland Metro Area.

When students graduate from PYB, they have their high school diploma, an AmeriCorps community service award, and job skills in the technology or construction field to establish a pathway out of poverty. They are hopeful, brave, and determined individuals. Eighty-five percent of graduates are placed in apprenticeships, jobs, or college after they complete the PYB program.

Thai Bloom is pleased to lend its support to this impressive organization.

On Sunday, December 4th, Friendly House of Portland hosted the “Staver Steam Up,” an annual fundraising and community building event at Staver Locomotives on NW 29th Avenue. This family-friendly event featured model-sized steam engine trains decked out for the holidays, charging down custom-built tracks and over trestles, bridges, and switches. It also featured gift cards from Thai Bloom!

Friendly House is a neighborhood center and social service agency that has served the Greater Portland Metropolitan Area since 1930. Its mission is to create a thriving community by connecting people of all ages and backgrounds through quality educational, recreational, and life-sustaining services.

Friendly House programs are broad-reaching. They help older adults to stay in their own homes, living self-determined lives. They provide young children with wonderful educational opportunities. And they bring neighbors together to create bonds that build healthy communities. Friendly House programs are offered free or on a sliding-fee basis to support participation for all interested members of the community.

Net proceeds from the “Staver Steam Up” event support Friendly House programming.

If you follow our blog, you’ve noticed that community engagement is very important to us. We’re pleased to be able to support so many worthy organizations through our direct participation in events and via gift cards. We’re extending our efforts this week through a special fundraiser at both of our restaurants.

The week before Thanksgiving is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. It’s a time for providing a compassionate response to those who do not have a place to call “home” and may not know when or where they will receive their next meal. Thai Bloom will join this national movement by raising awareness and funds. Between November 12-20, we will donate 50¢ for every order of Pumpkin Curry to one of two exceptional organizations.

Orders placed through the Beaverton restaurant will benefit HomePlate Youth Services. HomePlate is Washington County’s only non-profit provider of drop-in centers and street outreach for young people experiencing homelessness. There are 2,148 homeless students in Washington County school systems. This alarming statistic does not account for youth who didn’t enroll in school, dropped out of school, or graduated. HomePlate supports the positive development of these vulnerable young people through community building, education, access to services and resources, and youth empowerment.

Orders placed through the NW Portand restaurant will benefit The Oregon Food Bank. The Oregon Food Bank Network includes 21 regional food banks and ~970 partner agencies in Oregon and Clark County. This network distributes over 96.2 million pound of food annually to the 1 in 5 Oregon families who require assistance. The network also salvages millions of pounds of food from local grocers before it winds up in landfill.

For those who prefer to enjoy other delicious dishes on our menu, our Servers can add a $1 charitable donation to their orders upon request.

Thank you for supporting us with your continued patronage and enabling us to do such good work in our community.

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!