¿Por Que No? March 30, 2022
What: We are once again teaming up with ¿POR QUÉ NO? to raise money to provide high-quality books for the community! On March 30, PQN will be donating 10% of the day’s proceeds at both their Hawthorne and Mississippi locations to First Book Portland. Remember: Every $3 we raise buys a book!
Where: 3524 N Mississippi Ave (11am-9pm) and 4635 SE Hawthorne Blvd (4-9pm)
When: Wednesday, March 30
Wine-ing For Literacy October 21, 2021
*Bid on auction items by 6:30pm on Thursday, October 21st!*
Please join First Book Portland and Sunday School Wine for our tenth annual Wine-ing for Literacy event — an online auction and guided wine tasting to support literacy!
Register here.
WHEN: Thursday, October 21, 5:30pm – 6:45pm
WHERE: From the comfort of your home (via Zoom) – if you’ve registered, watch your email for the Zoom link on Thursday morning.
SUGGESTED DONATION: $15 (plus 50¢ service fee) per person to attend; your ticket admits you to our online event featuring speakers, and a guided wine tasting from the experts at Sunday School Wine.
AUCTION INFO: The online auction is now open (until Thursday, October 21 at 6:30pm PT). Bid on our 20 awesome prize packages! Please note: You do not need to purchase a ticket or attend the event to participate in the auction.
OPTIONAL FOOD PURCHASE: We are delighted to partner with long-time supporter Rose City Book Pub to offer food selections for purchase. 10% of proceeds from featured menu items will benefit First Book Portland. (Takeout only; option to call ahead to order; items available starting Wednesday, October 20, until supplies last!)
Featured food items:
- A Moveable Feast: Pot roast, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables
- Stone Soup (hearty vegetable soup)
ABOUT THE WINES: The featured wines, which will be presented by our guest sommeliers at Sunday School Wine, are some of SSW’s favorites that best represent Oregon’s dynamic winemaking scene, highlighting small, thoughtfully-minded producers, and wines that are made with heart:
- Red Electric “Interurban” Pinot Noir — spicy, cherry cola, aromatic, Pinot Noir perfection.
- Syncline Gamay — from their estate vineyards in the Columbia Gorge. Mint, bay leaf and tart, fresh pie cherries.
- Upper Five Acacia Sauvignon Blanc — a Sauv Blanc like you aren’t expecting. Stone fruit and almonds. Pair with fancy hard cheeses.
Though the deadline for wine purchases has passed, you can feel free to drink whatever wine you have on hand while learning about Oregon wines!
The last day to register for the event is October 20.
THANK YOU DONORS! Check out our list of auction donors here.
THANK YOU SPONSORS!
Platinum Sponsor: Malcolm’s Grandparents
Gold Sponsor: 
Silver Sponsors: 
First Book at Migration Brewing August 4, 2021
We’re excited to be back at Migration Brewing in 2021! Come by for great beer and excellent company, and best of all, to support children’s literacy.
WHEN: Wednesday, August 4, 5pm – 9pm
WHERE: Migration Brewing, Glisan, 2828 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97232
MORE DETAILS: During the event, 10% of Migration’s proceeds will go to First Book. Chat with First Book members about what we do and . . . get ready for our 50-50 raffle! (You do not need to be present when the winning ticket is called to win.)
¿Por Que No? April 14, 2021
Our tastiest fundraiser returns!
What: A profit-share fundraiser at ¿Por Que No? Taqueria where all you have to do is pick up a meal. Takeout-only at Hawthorne, takeout or patio at Mississippi — see all the details on the restaurant homepage and ordering site.
Where: 3524 N Mississippi Ave (11am-9pm) and 4635 SE Hawthorne Blvd (4-9pm)
When: Wednesday, April 14
Read Across America March 2, 2021
Calling all bookworms! Our first online event of 2021 is a fun-for-all-ages celebration of reading.
Join Team First Book Portland as we listen to our featured guests reading from their favorite books—for kids and grown ups alike.
When: Tuesday, March 2; 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Where: From the comfort of your home (via Zoom)
Suggested Donation: Free!
FEATURED READERS
Ama Darkwa Holmes is a wife, mother, educator, and lifelong learner. She is a first-generation immigrant from Ghana, West Africa and at 6 years old she and her family moved to America to pursue educational opportunities and a better life. She loves writing books with important messages and lessons for children, and she diligently seeks opportunities to serve and inspire children everywhere. Learn more at amadholmes.com
David Becker is Director of Strategic Partnerships of Vooks, a kid-safe, ad-free streaming library of read-aloud animated storybooks. Vooks is trusted by parents, loved by teachers, and enjoyed by millions of children around the world. Learn more at vooks.com
Debby Dodds is the author of Amish Guys Don’t Call, and her work has been published in The Sun, xoJane, Portland Family Magazine, Stumptown Underground, and elsewhere. In Portland, she has performed with the comedy show Spilt Milk and done readings at Off the Page at The Empty Stage, The Other Side, and Grief Rites. Learn more at debbydodds.com
Natalia Ruiz and Alla Arutcheva are authors of Mimi, Shero of Love. They are also founders of Girls Lead Summit (GLS), a peer-to-peer mentorship program for girls 8 to 14 years old. The vision of GLS is to help young women unveil their inner power, lead by example, and in turn help shape a new generation of female leaders.
Sam Smith is a freelance commercial writer and children’s book author. Her first picture book, Cate’s Magic Garden, celebrates the power of positivity. Sam has served on the SCBWI PA WEST Leadership Team, participates in two writing critique groups, and loves writing poetry for people of all ages. She also runs the Lincoln Elementary School annual Read-A-Thon fundraiser. Sam lives with her husband and their two sons in Pittsburgh.
Pferron Doss studies videos on the web, then considers himself a pro, despite crashing his remote control airplane in three minutes and his helicopter that met the same fate. Now he believes he can fly recreational drones. Luckily, this time, he realizes he should stick to storytelling.
Team First Book Portland 