Sagebrush

Win Tickets to the Blazers with $10 Donation!

jenny — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 22:56:23 +0000

We have less than two weeks to raise more money for the Sagebrush Match Fund, and we’ve amped into high gear. If you haven’t donated yet, here’s one last reason to give:

If you donate $10 (or more) to the Sagebrush Match Fund by August 30th, you’ll be entered to win 4 tickets to the Portland Trail Blazers.

It’s your last chance to become part of Sagebrush!

Give Just $10 to Raise $2 million

jenny — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 20:53:02 +0000

The glasses are empty, the tables folded, and the dance floor stowed. Sagebrush 2011 thanks Central Oregon for attending the weeklong series of community events to bring recognition and support to 106 area nonprofits.

In addition to the events, Sagebrush challenged local charities to a 6-month long fundraising campaign. Since the campaign kicked off in February, the participating nonprofits have raised more than $520,000! Wow – you deserve applause for all your hard work.

But the work isn’t over yet – we’re still campaigning for donations to the Sagebrush Match Fund. This has been funded through the Sagebrush 2011 events, as well as direct donations. The match fund dollars raised by Sagebrush will then be given back to the participating nonprofits, making donor dollars go further.

“Our goal is to try to engage every Central Oregonian by giving $10 to Sagebrush to help boost the match fund. If every person—man, woman, and child gave just $10, that could potentially mean over $2 million dollars to help sustain our Central Oregon nonprofits”, said Sagebrush Executive Director Aimee Baillargeon. “As many people know, there are a lot of events in Central Oregon. Through Sagebrush, we are challenging the community to change the way it gives and increase collaboration among nonprofits. Sagebrush relieves the burden for many nonprofits to have to roll out events (which are time-consuming and often don’t bring in necessary funds or awareness for organizations) instead, they can use Sagebrush to help them raise money and bring awareness to their cause.”

The match fund allows donors to support multiple essential services in Central Oregon with just one check. While fundraising for participating nonprofits ends August 15th, donations to the Match Fund can be made through August 30th.

Bottom line is that Central Oregon nonprofits need more help than ever and contributing to the Sagebrush Match Fund enables everyone in our community to make 1 big difference! Contribute now, online.

Come to Unleash the Vision to Help Feed Families in Your Community

jenny — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 21:33:08 +0000

Food is more than a substance to quench hunger — it can be bring families together, unite cultures and connect communities. That’s why Feedin’ The People, one of the Sagebrush nonprofit beneficiaries, focuses on holistic meals rather than just providing food.

The mission of Feedin’ The People (FTP) is to feed people caught in dire circumstances. FTP works as an arm to agencies such as Neighbor Impact, Family Access Network, City Care and DHS to identify and provide meals to families in times of need.

“Here in the U.S., most people just guzzle their food like gasoline,” said Steven Farrell, FTP president. “When we sit down and eat with people, it becomes a couple of hours worth of experience. It allows people the time to connect. No cell phones, no TV, no radio, no rushing out the door to hang out with friends. Connectivity — it’s what we are about.”

FTP harvests veggies on an acre of land on the Red Tail Farm property and distributes the fresh produce to families in need, along with recipe cards. One acre can produce a lot of fresh food—so far, FTP has harvested over 40 pounds of sugar peas and they have plenty of more vegetables to harvest soon. FTP also provides meals to families in need over the holidays. Steven puts his 30 years of chef experience into practice making these meals as tasty as they are healthy.

Does the importance of mealtime strike a cord with you, or do you perhaps remember a time in your own life when food was scarce? Then consider supporting FTP at their upcoming fundraiser, Unleash the Vision — this is a fundraiser even your four-legged family members can enjoy!

Banfield Pet Hospital, together with Pet Smart, brings you this FTP fundraiser, Saturday, August 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Riverbend Eyecare Parking Lot, Across from McKay Park.

You’ll be able to enjoy:

Doggie Poker Walk
 Free Giveaways
 Loud Barking Auction
Enter the Dog’s Got Talent doggie show
Free grooming
 Dog Food Buffet
Live Music

Find more info at www.unleashthevision.org. To join the doggie poker walk, sign up at the registration booth at the entrance of the event.

Would you like to become involved in FTP projects? They need volunteers for the upcoming harvest, so contact Steven at feedinthepeople@yahoo.com if you’re interested in getting involved.

Thank You Sagebrush Volunteers!

jenny — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:36:11 +0000

What event has the best, hardest working volunteers ever? Sagebrush!

Volunteer Coordinator Jen Orlando sent out this thank you to all our volunteers:

The phenomenal success of Sagebrush is but a reflection of the ever-increasing dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteers. I would like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you. I am grateful for the energy, selflessness and hard work you bring to Sagebrush! Your contribution made this event the best so far, and I cannot thank you enough for that! I appreciate your time and constant commitment to our Central Oregon Non-Profits! Every volunteer hour plays an essential role in their success. We could not have done Sagebrush without you! Thank you.

Would you like to volunteer at Sagebrush next year? Just email your mailing address and phone number to Jen at JOrlando@deschutesbrewery.com.

Wells Fargo Makes Significant Donation to Sagebrush

jenny — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:44:32 +0000

Sagebrush would like to thank Wells Fargo Bank for their amazing donation of $11,200 to Sagebrush. Their donation is great appreciated. Wells Fargo has been supporting Sagebrush since the mid 90s, giving over a quarter million to the event and the nonprofits it benefits since then. Mike McEntee, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for Wells Fargo, is excited about the new Sagebrush fundraising model, because it allows the bank to support so many nonprofit organizations at the same time.

“Wells Fargo is proud to support Sagebrush, which is working to strengthen our communities. We share our success within Central Oregon by giving back to nonprofits that address vital community needs and issues. It’s about thoughtful investing of our resources where our team members and customers live and work. It is an integral part of our vision and values.”

Wells Fargo’s community outreach goes beyond Sagebrush. In 2010, the bank donated $2.1 million to Oregon schools and nonprofits. In addition to these funds, the Wells Fargo Bank volunteer program, “2010 Summer of 25,000 Hours” resulted in 2,433 employees giving 77,367 volunteer hours to 579 nonprofits. That adds up to a great big impact in our communities!

Assistance League of Bend Holds Dinner

jenny — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 20:39:46 +0000

Ever wonder what the Assistance League of Bend is all about? Well – it’s right in the name – assistance! That’s right, this group was founded 22 years ago in Bend by an all-volunteer group of dedicated women with a passion for supporting the local community in a direct, meaningful way. Quite basically, this group leverages its resources to improve the quality of life for all adults and children in Bend.

Their programs attack the root causes of poverty in our area. For example, the group’s Operation School Bell ® program teams up with the Bend/La Pine Schools and the Family Access Network (FAN) to provide children with clothing, backpacks, school supplies, hygiene kits and more. Other programs for children include These Kids are Cookin ‘ , which provide the basics of cooking and sound nutrition and the Be There Be Square program which provides incentives to improve school attendance.

The group has been peripherally involved in Sagebrush over the last few years, and used funds raised to provide school clothing for kids in need. They are looking forward to increasing their role this year as a participating non-profit that will be able to take advantage of the Sagebrush Match Fund opportunity!

Make sure to check out the Assistance League’s “Dinner at Baltazar’s” on Saturday July 30th from 4:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person, and include dinner, one drink and a $25 donation to Sagebrush for the Assistance League. Any money raised at this event will be percentage matched by the Sagebrush Match Fund, so it is a great way to get out for a nice dinner, while supporting the great work this group does in our community.

Street Fare Chefs Revealed!

jenny — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:24:49 +0000

We’ve blogged about which bands will take the stage at the inaugural Sagebrush Street Fare – Midnight Hour, Eric Tollefson and Archelogy – but we haven’t yet revealed which amazing local chefs will be creating mini culinary masterpieces and pairing them with Deschutes beer. Hope you’ll be joining us Wednesday, July 13th to sample food from:

Matt Neltner of Deschutes Brewery
Brad Wood of 10 Below
Cliff Eslinger of 900 Wall
Ramsey Hamdan of Joolz
Steve Helt of Zydeco
Marcos Rodriguez of Hola
Jeff Hunt of Spork
Justin Cook of Kanpai/Bokken
Lilian Chu and Joe Kim of 5 Fusion

Want a hint at what they’ll be cooking? Here’s one pairing that will be available at the street fare:

Northern Thai Sausage & Grilled sweetcorn with cotija, citrus butter, chili mayo, green onions and cilantro, paired with Deschutes Saison.

You’ll have to come to the Street Fare to try this and other delectable pairings. The Street Fare will be held Wednesday, July 13th on Oregon Street between Bond and Wall, Downtown Bend, 6 – 10 p.m. $10 gets you in the door and your first pairing, after that, each pairing is $5. Proceeds go to the Sagebrush Match Fund.

Early Bird Registration Extended through Tomorrow!

jenny — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 20:48:37 +0000

*** BREAKING NEWS***

If you haven’t signed up for the Sagebrush Community Challenge/Scramble yet – do it NOW! The early bird entry fee of $15 has been extended through tomorrow, July 8! This is half off the regular registration fee of $30 per person, so it is another great reason to register for this fun “Amazing Race meets Fear Factor” challenge. Bring your friends! Bring your family! It’s fun for everyone.

While the course and checkpoints are top secret until race day, we’ll give you a little preview: “roll in the mud AND then roll in flower petals” is one of the check point directives. Doesn’t sound like your cup of tea? Well there are 50 more checkpoints to choose from – all with fun and wacky challenges that will keep you laughing. One or more is sure to be right up your alley – or that of your team mates. Join us and help raise money for the Sagebrush Match Fund – benefitting nonprofits from all over Central Oregon.

WHEN: July 9, 10 a.m.
WHERE: Downtown Bend on Franklin and Wall
REGISTER: $15 through tomorrow!

Eric Tollefson and Archeology at Sagebrush Street Fare

jenny — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 21:53:40 +0000

Eric Tollefson Band

We already revealed that Midnight Hour will be headlining the Sagebrush Street Fare, making this a musical event you won’t want to miss. While you nosh on delicious food from local Bend restaurants paired with Deschutes beer, you’ll also hear the Eric Tollefson Band and Archeology.

Eric Tollefson’s smooth, confident vocals remind me of Jason Mraz, but he plays modern, energetic acoustic blues.

The tunes from the Portland band Archeology seem inspired by Oregon’s gorgeous, desolate countryside and make you want to ride into the sunset. Their croons feel like Grizzly Bear with a strong does of western style.

So come on down to the Sagebrush Street Fare, Wednesday, July 13th, from 6 to 10 p.m. The Street Fare will be held on Oregon Street in Downtown Bend between Bond and Wall, and entrance is $10 (that gets you the first food plate and beer pairing).

Don’t forget – funds raised by this event go into the Sagebrush Match Fund. So bring your friends down and enjoy a summer evening enjoying great music, food and beer. Can summer get better than that?

Archeology

Children Changing the Future

jenny — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 21:42:35 +0000

Charity Night at 10 Barrel Brewing

You might have seen members of the Boys & Girls Club of Central Oregon collecting spare change for Sagebrush at a recent local event—they’re the children carrying piggy banks and asking you politely for your pennies with their big doe eyes and charming smiles. Coin purses simply burst open before them.

It’s all part of their Change the Future campaign.

At the Brett Dennen concert, part of the Clear Summer Night Concert series, the BGCCO collected $600 in donations. They were also at 10 Barrel Brewing Charity Night.

Part of their message is to come to the Sagebrush Community Challenge/Scramble – a linchpin to the Sagebrush Match Fund.

Kids—keep up the good work, and nonprofits, feel free to email photos from your own fundraising events to jenny@campbellconsulting.com – we’ll get those posted to Facebook and the blog.

Fundraising at Brett Dennen Concert