Gay Pride 2008

Portland’s Gay Pride was a huge hit over the June 14^th – June 15^th weekend, with record droves attending the waterside festivities and giving of their time, resources, and creativity. Costumes ruled the proverbial roost: shipwrecked pirates walked alongside killer clowns; fairy godmothers strutted next to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence; there may have even been a space alien or two! Folks of all shapes, sizes, genders, sexualities, and planets of origin donated to charitable causes, rocked out to live music, shopped for Pride bumper stickers and necklaces, and sampled Elephant Ears, Pad Thai, and Fry Bricks – giant mounds of greasy French fry goodness.

Our House’s booth had many visitors, and wonderful staff, volunteers, and clients manning it. Pride participants stopped by and chatted with us about Our House’s services, anything from its 24-hour nursing care, to one-on-one volunteer opportunities, to our 1988 origins. Our residents made doggie “Barkee Biscuits” and handmade cards, which were sold on the grounds; we also held a raffle for an ornate birdhouse that one resident decorated with his unique blend of artsy décor, love, and commitment. Men and women, boys and girls, even the occasional talking Snow Leopard stopped by to learn about our annual auction and our dinner series, Dinner at My House for Our House, where Portlanders host galas in their homes and/or places of business, with 100% of the proceeds going to support Our House and its sister facilities: Swan House, Esther’s Pantry, Tod’s Corner, and the Neighborhood Housing & Care Program (NHCP).

The Pride Parade, as usual, was a mishmash of young and old, parents and children, families, friends, and single folks. Traditionally held on Father’s Day, Our House “troops” gathered in the downtown North Park blocks. Residents, staff, and volunteers carried batons, flags, signs, and plenty of good cheer as we marched and drove through the streets, making our way to the waterfront. Even some family dogs wore rainbow-colored collars – or banners in their mouths! Sam Adams, Portland’s newly elected gay mayor, rode atop the float in front of the Our House group, and he paved the way as onlookers waved and applauded Our House and our mission – “inspiring people with HIV/AIDS to live well”.

Thank you to all our diverse Pride participants – whether you are gay or an ally, whether you joined us for the first time or the 10^th. We appreciate you being a part of the Our House family – one made up of folks from any and all walks of life.

Volunteer Appreciation 2008

The month of April brings flowers, showers, but most importantly for us the annual appreciation gala honoring our amazing volunteers. This year’s theme was a Hawaiian luau, complete with authentic dancers and music, special food from the islands (yes, even Spam made it onto the menu!), and decorations that were amusing in their tackiness. Our conference room was transformed into a palm tree and bamboo scenario, complete with tiki bar and gods; festive tropical shirts came out of the closet along with a few grass skirts and sun hats, of course. Have you ever heard of an inflatable limbo bar? Well, now you have. (Give a call and we’ll let you borrow it!)

Volunteers give their time and energy week after week, month after month, and some go well beyond the required one year commitment. This year we honored three volunteers who reached a full decade of service to Our House: Patti Yeager, Karla Mae Keefe, and Nancy Milner. One of our volunteers, Jessica Lankford, remains committed after a solid 15 years of dedication. They are so much more than members of the volunteer team. They are, quite simply, family.

From this sense of family has grown a large sustained community, incorporating over 150 volunteers. Combined with residents, staff, donors and countless others who contribute in so many ways, Our House continues to be an organization that is truly blessed.