Upstage Events, Event Production

01/20/2025

I LOVE MY JOB!!!

UpStage Events just wrapped another amazing tasting, Audio Visions Plus, décor, Thoroughly Modern Productions and run-of-show meeting at the stunning The Riverhouse Convention Center in Bend. I’m beyond thrilled to be producing the St. Charles Gala for the fifth year in a row! What an honor to work with such an incredible organization that’s making a real difference in our community.

This year’s Parisian theme has inspired the most exquisite menu yet—seriously, these offerings are next-level! And the theatrical element? Get ready for a showstopping performance! The Phantom of the Opera brought to life by the talented Thoroughly Modern Productions troupe, will highlight the amazing talent in our local arts community.

All of this is in support of raising crucial funds for a new rehabilitation center. My heart is so full knowing that every detail of this event will contribute to something so impactful. What a privilege to do what I love while supporting such an incredible cause!

01/23/2024

I love my job!!! I'm getting ready to produce my 4th event for St. Charles Foundation, Bend, Oregon. I neglected to share some great photos from last year's event, themed Hats and Horses.

The theme for 2024 is, Puttin on the Ritz, February 3, The Riverhouse Convention Center, Bend, Oregon.
Thanks to returning 2024 vendors, auctioneers, entertainment: Dale Johannes, Audio Visions Plus, Susannah Mars, Summit Express Jazz Band, The Riverhouse Convention Center, Streamline Support Inc., Oregon Spirit Distillers, West Coast Event Productions, Inc., Todd Marston, St. Charles Foundation Saints Gala

I couldn't do it without these wonderful and talented people. Special thanks to all of the St. Charles volunteers and Riverhouse staff.

11/30/2023

Being an event producer has its advantages.

We made our hotel reservations late, for Terry’s business conference at the beautiful Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria hotel.

The hotel had been sold out for weeks, but I was determined to get reservations by calling and going online for 2 solid weeks. By literally wearing the staff out and setting up a meeting with the event/catering team to tour the event accommodations, I finally secured our reservation the day prior to arrival.

Boy was it worth the effort. When Terr and I walked through the lobby we couldn’t keep our mouths closed due to the magnificence of this hotel. When we opened the door to our corner room we were so surprised that it was a huge suite (as big as our condo) with 2 outdoor lounging areas. The view of 2 of 7 pools is spectacular and the grounds are like walking through a storybook.

I highly recommend this hotel. But come sober, cause a glass of wine is $25 and don’t even get me started on the price of spirits.

Nonetheless, it’s a lesson in perseverance and although Terr is attending the conference and meetings, when we’re together, we keep saying to each other, “Look at us!”

02/05/2022

Hello 2022!!!

Hopefully this is my last virtual event, but let's go out with a big BANG!!!

St. Charles Foundation, Bend Oregon will be holding their 2022 Live Streaming event tonight, Saturday, February 5, pre-show begins at 6:00p.m. https://foundation.stcharleshealthcare.org/saints-gala

The 2022 western-themed gala will benefit the St. Charles PEDAL clinic (Programs of Evaluation, Development and Learning). The clinic provides comprehensive evaluations for children and youth with special health care needs and developmental disorders including autism spectrum, Down syndrome, ADHD, feeding issues, epilepsy and cardiac disorders. The only clinic of its kind east of the Cascades, PEDAL serves families from all over Central and Eastern Oregon, helping them navigate diagnosis and treatment for children with complicated medical conditions.

There are some pretty incredible online auction items to bid on, a fabulous raffle with 3 awesome travel options as well as a wine incentive for anyone who bids over $250.

Please take a look at the offerings as well as tune in tonight. Register at: stcharlesgala.org

Thanks, in advance, for supporting the St. Charles PEDAL program.

10/23/2021

So…tonight I’m feelin a little bit vulnerable. I had client take advantage of me, which I haven’t experience ever within the many years I’ve managed my company. It brought up some deep insecurities and it pi**ed me off initially. But in my years of experiencing such amazing friendships in business built on trust and mutually agreed upon goals…I gave them (as my grandma would say) “a what for”. Mean’n…my best Southern A, attitude. I left them believ’n they had won their weak positioning, but left them wonder’n if they made the best choice. I post this photo as it’s probably at the most vulnerable point of my life. My first year at the University of Oregon. It’s a reminder of how strong I wish I would have known I was then…but so proud of how strong I am now. Here’s to all of y’all know’n what ya have at an early age and kickin ass along the way, BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!!!!

09/24/2021

Hello Friends of UpStage Events,

I love to connect people with some great offerings, so take a peek at this one...
The book authoring group I'm involved in, Unleash Your Instant Book Challenge with Christine Gail, has just offered a FREE summit for improving communication skills. The summit includes videos that you can save and watch at your leisure, so it's an easy fit into your schedule. I'm joining it, and if you you would like to as well, click on the following link:

A FREE Virtual Summit that gives you the Tools you need to Become a Master Communicator! Monday, September 27th through Friday, October 1st. Register today!

09/09/2021

It feels so good to be producing an event again. I’m at Baysinger Partners, setting up for their Open House, 25th Anniversary and Retirement party. It’s been such a pleasure working with this amazing group of people.

I can’t produce an event on my own, so I humbly thank:

Tight Tacos and Churros Locos for catering this event.

Interstate Special Events for their rental assistance.

Alluvial Beverage Company, LLC, for the amazing wine selection.

Dan Schauffler Trio for the incredible live music.

Service support by Levy Baltazar and Noah Kamen.

Event referral by Cindy Thompson Event Productions.

Let the rumpus party begin!!!

More photos later🎉🎈

01/22/2021

I've just put my name in to volunteer to assist with the COVID vaccine processing at the Oregon Convention Center. Recruiting is in the early stages and is managed through, Integrated Healthcare Staffing. Although they need volunteers for crowd management; they desperately need Medical Assistants and LPN's. Some of these positions are "PAID" at an hourly rate.

As a volunteer (or paid position) you will also receive the COVID vaccine potentially earlier than your indicated timeline.

If you're interested; call the number below and use my name "Della Shanley" as a referral.

(REMEMBER: Use my name as a referral)
Stephanie Devall
Phone: (503) 972-0490 ext #322
Text: (503) 468-7286
[email protected]
www.integratedhealthcarestaffing.com

We're all in this together, so let's help in ways that we can.

01/04/2021

Several years ago; I sent out a petition to many of you asking for your support in preserving The Historical Cedar School, Owned and operated by Colleen Cahill Studios. Colleen has worked tirelessly for over 15 years to help protect this historic building, her photography business, event venue and the Airbnb. I am happy to announce that Colleen won a zone change in October moving it from exclusive farm use (EFU) to rural residential (RR) in Multnomah County. Colleen would like to thank all of you who have helped to support this effort. Your support helped to make this possible.

Please take a moment to read the following news story and also take a look at The Historic Cedar School website to see what you all helped to accomplish. It's not just a monument, it houses an incredible photography studio, event venue and also an Airbnb. BONUS: It's small enough to meet the recent COVID guidelines.

NEWS STORY:
Colleen Cahill may deserve her own monument because of her determined process to preserve the historic Cedar School.

The 1927 brick school at 2326 SE Troutdale Road, won a zone change Oct. 1, 2020, moving it from exclusive farm use (EFU) to rural residential (RR) in Multnomah County. It could be the first step in a long process to see the school as a protected historic site under the Historic Preservation code. And in the process the building gained new friends from the Oregon brick layers union who will use the building as part of their internship The Historic Cedar School Receives Zone Change program, restoring the horribly deteriorated brickwork.

“This is a huge win and one of many steps toward protecting this historic building. I once again would like to acknowledge what an important role that you (my neighbors) all have played in helping to make this happen. I feel so blessed that I live in such a kind and caring community. Thank you so much for your support,” Cahill wrote after the zone change was approved.

Cahill, a photographer, bought the property in 1999, set out to get the school named an historic site, but that was not in the books. While it would likely be protected if it was in the city of Troutdale, it is just outside Troutdale city limits in Multnomah County jurisdiction. Regardless, the historic Cedar School played a role in education in the wider community and its students and families were closely associated with Troutdale. During classroom crowding after World War II, overflow classes from Troutdale went to Cedar School.

https://www.facebook.com/thehistoriccedarschoolevents/photos/

The Cedar School Est'd 1857
Wedding + Event Venue inspired by the Gateway to the Gorge, and historic town of Troutdale Oregon

12/09/2020

FUNDING FOR EVENT INDUSTRY!!!! RESPOND IMMEDIATELY.

Hello Oregon Hospitality Industry Member,

The recent announcement by Governor Brown to make available $55 million in CARES Act funding for the hospitality industry and others dramatically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic is welcome news. Although not enough to fully diminish the devastating impact of the economic losses, the relief is welcome.

The money is being distributed to counties with a base amount of $500,000 and an additional amount based on population. Each county will be responsible for determining the eligibility criteria and application process for distributing those funds.

Due to the high demand for this funding, some counties have already closed their applications, so act fast. Contact your county directly for more information and be sure to carefully review the eligibility criteria.

Below is a list of counties and their websites with funding information posted as of 12/8/20. This information was provided by the Oregon Brewer's Guild and Business Oregon. If your county's website is not listed, they may not have posted any information. Some counties are awaiting Commission meetings to determine how they will roll out the funding.

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