When I first started working at Portland Monthly one of my duties was to attend local charity functions and report on how many people showed up, what went on, and how much money was raised. To be sure, the Portland nonprofit community is second to none in its dedication and generosity, but the events themselves tended to be a mixed bag. For every inspiring evening with bountiful auctions, exciting celebrities, dancing, and five-star cuisine, there was a corresponding night spent c...