DePreist Award for Excellence

The DePreist Award for Excellence was established in 2000 to honor the contributions of the late Oregon Symphony Maestro James “Jimmy” DePreist and his wife Ginette to the Portland community. “The DePreists remind us of the importance of service to others as well as the value of the arts in our community,” said Kay Toran, President/CEO of Volunteers of America Oregon.

The DePreist Award for Excellence Gala, now in its 20th year, includes hundreds of business, community, and philanthropic leaders as guests. This year, rather than have our usual awards presentation gala at the Portland Art Museum, we will use the Kridel Ballroom Stage to host an hour-long Benefit Variety Show, featuring some of our favorite local artists, as well as live performances by Pink Martini. The show will be aired live on KGW and streamed online simultaneously. Join us for this one-of-a-kind event!

The net proceeds of the event further VOA Oregon’s mission “to change lives by promoting self-determination, building strong communities, and standing for social justice.”