Speaker

Rotarian Ron Herring will share the inspiring story of Project Flourish, a Rotary global grant initiative led by the Lake Oswego Rotary Club in 2022-23. This project supported MAIA, an Indigenous-run high school in Guatemala, by developing a gap year program to prepare graduates for higher education and workplace success. The program has yielded outstanding results, with all 80 participants passing university entrance exams, and many securing scholarships, jobs, or international opportunities. Ron will highlight the program’s impact and future opportunities for Rotary clubs to support this transformative work.

Jim Urquhart from the Donkey Sanctuary of Oregon will present on Caring for Special Needs Donkeys at Oregon Donkey Sanctuary. Since 2006, Jim and his wife Rhonda have transformed their 40-acre farm into a sanctuary for neglected and abused donkeys. They established Oregon Donkey Sanctuary Northwest in 2021, providing lifelong care for special needs donkeys with the help of dedicated volunteers. Each donkey has a unique story and personality, and the sanctuary aims to educate people on proper care and advance the status of donkeys. The ultimate goal is to create an equine therapy program named Pearl's Place, in memory of their beloved matriarch Pearl.

Tiffany Bolstad-Cox, board member of Wilsonville Community Sharing, will provide an overview of this vital organization. Wilsonville Community Sharing supports individuals and families through programs like food assistance, utility help, and housing resources, fostering stability and well-being in the community.

Tommy Reeder and Zach Morse, Parks Lead Maintenance Specialists and Certified Playground Safety Inspectors for the City of Wilsonville, will share insights on Wilsonville's inclusive playgrounds and how Universal Design is shaping accessible spaces for children of all abilities. They will discuss the benefits and challenges of designing inclusive play areas and highlight key locations like Boones Ferry Park, Murase Plaza, and the nature play area at Memorial Park, which feature accessible surfaces, companion swings, and natural play opportunities.

Allison Brinkhost, Love Jonson, and Charlie Collier from PDX Housing Solidarity Project will discuss their work redistributing wealth to address racialized disparities in homeownership. Their presentation will explore Portland’s history of exclusionary housing policies and highlight real stories of how their initiative has helped Black and Indigenous first-time homebuyers. Since 2021, their efforts have leveraged over $1.7 million, supporting 18 homebuyers and gaining recognition from OPB, Trusthout, and The Philadelphia Citizen’s “Ideas We Should Steal” list.

Tess Paterson, Volunteer Coordinator for JoyRx | Children’s Cancer Association, is dedicated to engaging and supporting volunteers as they bring comfort and joy to children facing serious illness. In her presentation, "The Transformative Impact of JoyRx," Tess will highlight JoyRx’s mission, showcase its healing programs, and share an inspiring volunteer story that demonstrates the far-reaching impact of the organization, touching lives beyond the children served.

Bruce Erik Bennett of Aurora Aircraft LLC will explore the Aurora Airport’s rich history, current operations, and future potential. With decades of experience as a pilot and deep family ties to the airport since 1968, Bruce will share unique insights and address common misconceptions, offering a virtual "tour" through photographs and diagrams.

Historian and author Don Bourgeois shares the haunting story of Oregonian Norm Harrison, a World War II veteran who kept his most painful memories locked away for decades. Haunted by a recurring nightmare of an unblinking Army officer, he feared revealing his past would change how his wife, Italia, saw him. Only after her passing did he finally share his story, revealing the deep psychological scars he carried. Originally published in the Portland Tribune, his account is now being considered for a film or limited series.