(Portland, OR, April 15, 2008)— March of Dimes is pleased to announce this year’s honorees for the White Rose Award. Five extraordinary women whose professional and charitable service in Oregon have had a positive and lasting impact on the state’s communities have been selected to receive the award during a luncheon in their honor on May 21, 2008.

The 2008 White Rose Award honorees are:
• Joan Allen, Portland
• Aletha Bonebrake, Baker City
• Diane Heintz, Astoria
• Barbara Leonard, Portland
• Letty Owings, Edmonds, WA

Joan Allen
Joan Allen is Vice President and Co-Owner of Windermere Cronin & Caplan Realty Group, Inc.  As Chairman of the Windermere Foundation she raises funds to support non-profit organizations assisting homeless and low-income children and families. Joan, along with her husband, started the Portland tradition, “Legends of Comedy” in 1999 to benefit homeless youth.  In all, proceeds from the Windermere Foundation and Legends of Comedy have raised more than $1 million for homeless youth and other community organiztions.  Joan is a board member for New Avenues for Youth, a member of City Club and the Portland Business Alliance and mother of eight.  Prior to beginning her career in real estate, Joan taught special education classes.

Aletha Bonebrake
Aletha Bonebrake is the Baker County Library Director and has been heavily involved in the Library Directors Association. Currently a board member of Libraries of Eastern Oregon (LEO), she’s been a key player in developing a LEO-OMSI partnership for science education.  Alethea is a longtime member of American Association of University Women (AAUW), serves on the board of the local Community Concerts Association and is an active member of St. Stephens Episcopal Church. 

Diane Heintz
Diane Heintz is the Executive Director of the Clatsop CASA program. Her professional life includes working for the National Crime Victim Law Institute, YWCA Safe Choice Shelter, United Way, Multnomah County DCHS Early Childhood Programs and Campaign Manager for State Representative Jackie Taylor.  Her rich volunteer history includes Oregon Women’s Political Caucus, Commissioner of Oregon Commission for Women, Clatsop Healthy Families and Precinct Committee Woman.

Barbara Leonard
Barbara Leonard is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Unitus Community Credit Union.  She has served in leadership positions on numerous boards in the community including YMCA of Greater Portland, The Links, United Negro College Fund, Maranatha Church and Oregon Telco Community Credit Union. Barbara’s commitment to community has been awarded by organizations such as the National Organization of Black Elected Legislators and Delta Sigma Theta.

Letty Owings
Letty Owings tirelessly advocated for a treatment center for addicted moms and soon-to-be moms. When the Letty Owings Center opened in May 1989 it was filled within days and over the next several years. The center has grown to be able to serve up to 50 women each year along with their children and has seen the birth of 199 babies born drug free. By June 2007, over 1,000 families have been helped through their addiction. Letty taught at Lakeridge High School for 12 years and served on the Board of the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon for many years.

These exceptional women will be honored by the Greater Oregon Chapter of March of Dimes at the White Rose Luncheon on May 21, 2008.  This salute to Oregon’s women of achievement will be held at the Portland Marriott Downtown, 1401 SW Naito Parkway, at noon.  Individual seats are $75 each and Patron and Benefactor Tables are available. For more information or to make reservations visit www.marchofdimes.com/oregon or call Jill Brown at 503.222.9434 or email jbrown@marchofdimes.com.