Jacob Irving is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Oregon State University and continues to exemplify hard work, leadership, and perseverance. A returning Fay Sasser Scholarship recipient, Jacob has balanced a demanding engineering program, campus involvement, and part-time work while staying committed to graduating debt-free.

As a Head Lifeguard and swim instructor at MAC, Jacob leads with professionalism, accountability, and care. He mentors fellow staff members, creates a safe environment for members, and demonstrates the confidence and leadership that define the spirit of this scholarship.

Ayla Martin recently graduated magna cum laude from Portland State University with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Philosophy. This fall, she will begin her Master of Social Work at Columbia University.

Ayla’s academic excellence is matched by her passion for serving others. While balancing full-time studies with her work as a server and hostess at MAC, she launched a sustainable fundraising initiative supporting Brain Injury Connections Northwest, building partnerships with local businesses to expand critical services for individuals living with brain injuries. Her compassion, initiative, and commitment to community embody the legacy of Fay Sasser.

Lyla Perry is a 2026 graduate of Beaverton High School Beaverton High School, Lyla Perry will continue her academic and athletic career at Lane Community College while competing in collegiate soccer and taking classes through the University of Oregon.

An outstanding student-athlete, Lyla earned recognition as the state’s top goalkeeper with All-State and All-Metro honors while serving as captain of her soccer team. At MAC, she works in Child Care, where she has built meaningful relationships with children through patience, empathy, and encouragement. Inspired by these experiences, Lyla plans to become a child therapist, helping young people build emotional resilience and confidence.

Nat Ross graduated from Portland State University in 2026 and will continue their education by pursuing a Master of Urban and Regional Planning.

Throughout college, Nat balanced a rigorous academic schedule with nearly full-time work in MAC’s Aquatics department while dedicating time to community service through organizations such as Blanchet House. Their professional growth has included roles as a lifeguard, swim instructor, aquatics coordinator, and most recently, Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor. By teaching lifesaving CPR and first aid skills, Nat has strengthened their own leadership while empowering others to serve their communities with confidence and care.

Investing in the Future

The Fay Sasser Scholarship recognizes more than academic achievement. It celebrates employees who lead by example, invest in their communities, and demonstrate the values that make the Multnomah Athletic Club such a special place.

Congratulations to Jacob, Ayla, Lyla, and Nat. We are honored to support your educational journeys and look forward to seeing the lasting impact each of you will make.

Filmon Abrham of McDaniel High School exemplifies determination, leadership, and a strong commitment to learning. A dedicated student-athlete, Filmon will attend Portland State University to pursue a degree in Engineering, where he hopes to build on his strengths in mathematics, problem-solving, and systems thinking. As a high school soccer player competing as both a winger and midfielder, he has developed discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. Beyond the classroom and the field, Filmon demonstrates leadership at home by supporting his family and balancing significant responsibilities while remaining focused on his academic and athletic goals.

Patrick Duque, a graduate of Cleveland High School, has distinguished himself through leadership, service, and a deep commitment to helping others. Patrick will attend Western Oregon University to study Nursing, building toward a career centered on care and community impact. As a varsity basketball captain and point guard, he earned recognition as an All-League Honorable Mention and Most Improved Player while developing strong communication and leadership skills. Off the court, Patrick has dedicated himself to service through Key Club, the Red Cross, and AVID, volunteering at community events, tutoring younger students, and supporting blood drives. His participation in a nursing internship further strengthened his passion for healthcare and confirmed his future path.

Anna Lindaman made a lasting impact in the Clackamas High School community through her leadership, perseverance, and passion for education. She will attend Boise State University to study Education, with the goal of becoming a high school English teacher. A standout student-athlete in Cross Country and Track & Field, Anna served as team captain, competed at the state level, and earned recognition for her consistency and leadership. She also contributed to school culture through the National English Honor Society and Student Athletic Leadership Team, helping foster connection and school spirit. Through her work at HomeGoods and Killer Burger, Anna has further developed adaptability, patience, and leadership in fast-paced environments.

We are honored to support Filmon, Patrick, and Anna as they pursue their goals. Their leadership, resilience, and commitment to their communities embody the spirit of the Loprinzi Scholarship, and we look forward to all they will accomplish.

When we faced an unexpected, last-minute venue change, your flexibility, positivity, and willingness to jump in without hesitation made all the difference. You showed up ready to help, solve problems, and ensure every detail came together seamlessly. What could have felt stressful instead felt supported because of this incredible volunteer team.

Your efforts mattered deeply. You helped create an experience where our students felt celebrated, seen, and surrounded by a community that believes in them.

We often talk about the power of showing up for young people. On Wednesday night, you embodied that mission in action!

Thank you for giving your time, energy, flexibility, and heart to make this event such a success. We are deeply grateful to have you as part of the Foundation community.

With sincere appreciation,

Lisa & Marianthe

On its own, it might not seem like much. But together with hundreds, even thousands of others, it becomes something powerful.

• It’s a kid stepping onto the field for the first time, finally able to play a sport with their friends.
• It’s a student becoming the first in their family to go to college and knowing someone believed in them along the way.
• It’s a person living with a disability joining a team not on the sidelines, but fully in the game.
• It’s a parent watching their child find confidence, connection, and friendship.
• It’s a neighborhood nonprofit opening its doors all summer long, offering a safe, joyful place for kids to grow and belong.

Small gifts, given together, create access, belonging and opportunity. They show every young person and family we serve that a community stands behind them.

So no, $25 doesn’t change the world on its own.

But together, it changes everything.

This is what collective impact looks like.

A $25 annual donation, on your June 25^th statement, helps fund scholarships and community grants. This support opens doors to education and provides kids with access to athletics, mentorship, and life skills—especially in underrepresented communities.

You’ll receive a gift acknowledgment for this tax-deductible donation in mid-September. To opt in or out of the annual gift, contact the Accounting Office. To make a monthly or donor-advised fund gift, visit MultnomahAthleticFoundation.com.

Thank you for being part of this impact. If you’d like to get more involved or share ideas, we’d love to hear from you. For questions about the Annual Fund Drive, contact Executive Director Lisa Bendt.

—Jenny Todenhagen and Ryan Harvey, Board Co-Chairs

The MAC Scholar Athlete Program accelerates the success of promising students by providing access to a community that enhances athletic performance, educational opportunities, and social connections.

In partnership with Utah State University and Louisiana Tech University, nearly 4,000 youth ages 10–17 were surveyed about their experiences with organized sports—whether they currently play, used to play, or have never participated.

The headline finding is both simple and powerful: kids play sports because it’s fun and because they want to be with their friends. These motivations stand in sharp contrast to a youth sports culture that often emphasizes competition, specialization, and the pursuit of college scholarships.

The study also sheds light on why some young people step away from sports—or never start at all—highlighting barriers and pressures that can diminish what should be a positive, inclusive experience.

The takeaway is clear: if we want more kids to play and stay in sports, we need to design systems that reflect what they actually value. Fun. Friendship. Belonging.

It’s a timely reminder that the future of youth sports should be built with young people, not just for them.

Read the report and all 15 key findings here – https://projectplay.org/news/aspen-institute-national-survey-of-youth-and-sports-15-key-findings

Doors will open at 4.45 PM. The celebration will begin at 5 PM with socializing, networking, fun, games. The recognition program will begin at 5:45 PM. Following the program the food and fun will continue until 7:30 PM!

Event details:

• The event is bein held the the AVENUE Portland, 631 NE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97232
• Registration details can be found on Eventbrite
• In addition to the recognition of remarkable student athletes, the night features a buffet dinner, caricature artists, and lots of opportunities to celebrate in style!
• Come dressed in your favorite outfit that makes you feel confident and you. Cool sneakers encouraged! We want to see your creativity — whether that’s a fresh pair of kicks, a bold t-shirt, a sharp jacket, or your go-to outfit for a big day. No need to buy anything new — just show up ready to celebrate your achievements!
• Parking is available on the street, small lots and the Metro lot across the street. See the parking and transportations options here

If you have any questions about this event, please contact the Foundation via our Contact Us form.

Bring your coworkers, friends, or family, put on your work gloves, and help us show some love for Portland. Together, we can make a positive difference for our community and the environment. See you there!

Schedule:
11:30 a.m.
Meet at MAC Turnaround for T-Shirts and Cleanup Supplies

11:45 a.m.
Walk to Providence Park 

12:00 PM
Clean-up begins at Providence Park

1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
After Party at Midtown Beer Garden

Please visit We Believe In Portland for more information and to register. Register as a WBIP Team Participant and select the Multnomah Athletic Club team option.

Thank you again for the generous support. Tax acknowledgements will be sent next week.  We are deeply grateful for your partnership, and for the continued commitment from MAC, as we work to level the playing field for underserved youth in both athletics and education.

Still want to make a donation – you can do that HERE

Again thank you to our amazing 2026 Sponsors!

March 17 at Noon  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983996727620?aff=oddtdtcreator

April 21 at 6.30 PM https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983996972352?aff=oddtdtcreator

May 13 at 9 AM Contact us if interested via email or contact us form

We will talk a bit about our scope, funding, and criteria and then we want to hear about your community work and funding needs. This time is intended to give past grantees, current grant partners, grant seekers or any other interested in our work the opportunity to join and meet with our Executive Director and a board member or committee member. We have limited staff and still want everyone to have access to a personal conversation about grant funding before our June 1st grant cycle deadline. Attending is not required to submit an application. Come ask questions with no agendas and nothing formal.

Online applications open on March 1st and close on June 1^st:  https://www.multnomahathleticfoundation.com/grants/grant-details/

To learn more about out grant program, visit our grant page.