Louis Picker

Our Champagne toast honors the OHSU scientist who nabbed $25 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for work on a promising HIV vaccine. Louis, your grant is one of the largest ever for the research hospital. We chilled a magnum to match.

Shane Torres 

One last box from Voodoo Doughnut for this stand-up, splitting for New York City after winning over Bridgetown Comedy Festival crowds and NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Shane, you’ve tasted the sweet nectar of success—but no one will love you like we do. 
(Read our exit interview with Torres.)

Elizabeth Kolbert 

We ordered an all-vegan menu for the New Yorker journalist, who explains the next mass species extinction at the Schnitz this month. Elizabeth, your work is compelling, yet wildly depressing. Can you at least tell us a funny story about melting permafrost?  (Event information)

Paul Gaudio 

Break out a stein for Adidas’s creative director, moving from the German HQ to Portland to help the 3-Stripes regain a US foothold. Paul, after what your people have done with pretzels and Hasselhof, we know German ingenuity will find a way.

Gretchen Jones 

Each guest gets a custom Snuggie designed by Pendleton’s new director of women’s wear. We cheered as you won Project Runway all those years ago, Gretchen, but can you do plaid, plaid, and more plaid? Cuddle up and reveal your vision.