I grew up in the Portland area, but it wasn’t until I moved back after college that I started making connections with such amazing people. There’s a feeling in Portland of idealism and of wanting to improve the world around us, but I am especially finding that to be true now that I get a little more involved with the local community.

I had the opportunity about a month ago to attend the Council for Responsible Sport’s first Green Tie event, which was a silent auction and fundraiser for their programs. The organization works to “green” sporting events like marathons and triathlons and they offer a certification program for events.

The Green Tie event was held at the Keen Headquarters in the Pearl District, which was such a cool space to get to hang out in. Eric went with me as my date and I couldn’t resist posting a picture of him (below right). I love it when he wears a tie.

These ladies, Marissa McGilliard (left) and Kirstin Gunderson (right) run ReSport, and they do a great job. It was so fun working with both of them throughout their event, which they clearly worked hard on.

Vegan cupcakes = crazy delicious

The evening’s speaker was Darcy Winslow, who runs Designs for a Sustainable World in Portland. She shared photos, video and her thoughts from a recent expedition to Antarctica. Her experience was stunning and has spurred her on to finding new and inventive ways to save the planet and its natural habitats.

This last photo is of my friend Jenna Forstrom (right) — Jenna also works for Designs for a Sustainable World and she is currently in a contest to be a blogger on an Antarctica trip. It means a lot to her, and I think she would be a stellar pick (just read her blog entry – it made me laugh out loud). If you have a minute today, go here to vote for Jenna so we can all follow her on her Antarctica expedition!