Portland's own little orchestra known as Pink Martini concluded a successful first annual FundFest on Friday April 21, 2006 to a sold out crowd at McMenamin's Crystal Ballroom, dedicating the proceeds to four local non-profit organizations. With a style influenced heavily by cabaret, musicals, jazz, and a decidedly Latin sound, the group drew a wide variety of Portland residents eager to indulge their musical palates. Pink Martini did not disappoint as they issued forth soundscapes that quenched the auditory thirst of music lovers from all walks of life.

Not only did the band sound superb and entertain a combined audience of 4,453 music lovers, but they also did their charities justice. The original goal of FundFest was to raise a total of $80,000 to be split equally between the four chosen charities. The end result exceeded their expectations, with net proceeds totalling $84,324, with equal quarters in the amount of $21,081 given to each beneficiary. For further information on the non-profit organizations recognized at this event, please check out their websites.

ALS Association of Oregon & Southwest Washington
www.alsa-or.org
The Oregon and SW Washington Chapter of the ALS Association is dedicated to the care and support of individuals and families living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease), and to promoting research that will lead to effective treatments and a cure for this devastating disease.

Children's Cancer Association
www.childrenscancerassociation.org
Every day at CCA, a child is comforted; possibilities are revealed; music and friendship and laughter are prescribed; and hope is found. Funds given to CCA provide programs such as Music Rx, Pediatric ChemoPal, Dreamcatcher Wish, Kids' Cancer Pages, and an array of educational resources.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Oregon Public Broadcasting
www.opb.org
Through its noncommercial television and radio programming, OPB is truly a voice for the Northwest. OPB ensures a local voice and a connection to the community that responds to the needs of the citizens of our region.