Raise Your Pen
A Benefit for Write Around Portland — Celebrating our 25th anniversary!
Saturday, October 12
5:30 PM General Admission | 5:00 PM Inkwell Early Entry
Oregon Contemporary (8371 N. Interstate Ave.)
Who’s up for a cosmic celebration? Join a galaxy of donors, volunteers, and writers as we toast to 25 years of respect, writing, and community! Raise Your Pen is our annual community gathering that features poetry readings, inspiring speakers, literary games, and a silent auction. Join us!
Schedule
5:30 PM Reception
Heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer, games, and silent auction. Inkwell members may arrive at 5 pm for first dibs!
6:30 PM Program
Poetry readings, speakers, and entertainment
7:45 PM Post-Show Party
Dessert, music, and prize pick-up
Limited Seats Available!
Your ticket purchase includes delicious bites, beer and wine, and a community of readers and writers who like to party! All proceeds benefit Write Around Portland’s important programs.
Single Ticket: $60
Table of 8: $450
We deeply apologize for scheduling this event so soon after Yom Kippur and we understand if the holiday prevents you from attending. We tried to avoid this date but it was the only one available for our venue.
Your Host for the evening
Armin Tolentino is thrilled to be hosting again Raise Your Pen this year! He serves as poet laureate for Clark County, WA and is the author of the poetry collection We Meant to Bring It Home Alive (Alternating Current Press 2019). Armin earned an MFA at Rutgers University in Newark, NJ and works for Multnomah County managing education and anti-poverty initiatives. He is a Write Around Portland facilitator, phenomenal clapper, a passable ukulele player, and a bumbling, but enthusiastic, fisherman. More info at www.armintolentino.com.
Guest Stars in Attendance
We can’t wait to celebrate with former leaders of Write Around Portland as we reflect on 25 years of writing!
Liz Eslinger
Former Executive Director
Robyn Steely
Former Executive Director
Ben Moorad
Co-Founder
Psst! Inkwell Members Get First Dibs!
With the purchase of a ticket, Inkwell members gain EARLY ACCESS to the event, including first dibs on auction items and expedited registration!
Not an Inkwell member? Begin your monthly gift here, then come back and buy your ticket.
Want to Donate an Auction Item?
Attire
Come as you are! We’re casual and easygoing at Write Around Portland, so we want you to be comfy.
Parking/Transit
We’re hosting the party at Oregon Contemporary in the Kenton neighborhood of North Portland. The venue is located within steps of the Kenton/N Denver Ave MAX station on the Yellow line.
Free street parking is available and you may use the Wells Fargo parking lot for free as well.
Accessibility
The venue is fully ADA accessible and has gender-neutral bathrooms.
Have other accessibility needs? Let us know by Friday, October 4!
I’m an Introvert…Help!
Please know that many of our staff, volunteers, and board members identify as introverts as well! We still want you to come and we think you’ll have a good time.
We promise to include lots of activities and engaging entertainment to minimize stressful small talk.
If you want to help but can’t attend, consider making a donation to support our vital work.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Lyceum Agency
Wine Sponsors
Print Sponsor
Venue Sponsor
Interested in Sponsorship?
Raise Your Pen is also Supported by Donations From
Want to Donate an Auction Item?
Get your ticket today!
Your ticket purchase includes delicious bites, beer and wine, and a community of readers and writers who like to party! All proceeds benefit Write Around Portland’s important programs.
Single Ticket: $60
Table of 8: $450