On behalf of Central Catholic High School, we thank you for supporting Central Catholic Live, the Thirteenth Annual President's Dinner and Silent Auction.
Hundreds of guests filled the Portland Ballroom at the Oregon Convention Center on Saturday, April 19, 2008 for an evening of fabulous fun, good food, and tremendous entertainment by Central Catholic faculty, students, and alumni.
This year's President's Dinner and Auction raised over $500,000. We thank you again for helping to continue the mission of Central Catholic High School.
Holocaust Speaker Visits Central Catholic
Alter Wiener opened his presentation with the words – “I look and seem normal, but I am not.” He proceeded to share his experiences as young boy in Poland and in the concentration camps of Adolf Hitler’s regime.
At the age of 81, Alter Wiener is one of the very few Holocaust survivors. Mr. Wiener moved to Oregon eight years ago and lives in the Portland area. Over the years he has shared his life story with thousands of people throughout Oregon, and most recently, Central Catholic was privileged to have him as their guest.
Alter Wiener was only fifteen when he was captured by the Nazis, two years after his father and older brother had been taken. He told of the humiliating and inhumane conditions he had to endure for the next three years while he was moved between concentration camps. His story is a testament to the tragedy that took place during WWII. Despite his struggles his overriding message continues to be that prejudice is inhumane and tolerance is imperative.
Mr. Wiener had a great impact on the students and staff at Central Catholic. When asked about Mr. Wiener’s most significant message, student responses were similar.
“His message of being tolerant to all people no matter where they are from. To learn about the Holocaust from a real person rather than a history book made this tragic event more real.” – senior Monica Kendall.
“The importance of tolerance in all forms. It was remarkable that he talked about such a horrific event in his life, yet still has humor. He did not have any anger or prejudice.” – senior, Michaela Gianotti.
“Breaking down the barriers of prejudice.” - junior, Bereka Eichentopf.
“He had no intention for revenge, or to get back at anyone. He was not there to condemn or blame. The purpose of his speech was to tell the truth” – junior, Jeremy Hedlund.
"I really enjoyed that he shared pictures of his childhood and early life.” – senior, Darian Thomas.
Mr. Wiener has stated “I am being told God keeps you alive, because you have a mission to share your life story.” Mr. Wiener not only shares his life story by speaking throughout the country, but has also published an autobiography “From a Name to A Number” which documents his life and childhood and his years spent in a concentration camp.
We thank Mr. Wiener for sharing his story with us.
Locks of Love Donors
The idea to hold our “Locks of Love” project was initiated by senior, Carolyn Reudink. The results of her suggestion and efforts brought in 29 donors, including two parents, one child of a faculty member, one neighbor who read about our event on the school’s reader board, 24 female students, and one male.Thanks to all who helped make this a success. All totalled we collected approximately 232 inches or over 19 feet of usable hair!! Thanks to Magnum Opus Salon for sending four great stylists and Vivian Reudink for helping to make many of the first snips less traumatic!
 
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