Join us for a 60s - infused evening of Celebration 

​Portal Inc.'s 60th anniversary celebration will be a glamorous evening inspired by the 1960s, featuring a cocktail party theme reminiscent of Mad Men. The event will reflect on six decades of impact, honoring the organization's rich history of supporting individuals with disabilities while celebrating its future. Guests will enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere, engaging entertainment, and a tribute to the community that has made Portal Inc.'s mission possible. This milestone gala promises to be a memorable occasion, bringing together supporters, volunteers, and the people served by Portal Inc. in celebration of inclusion and progress.

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Tables and individual seating will go on sale mid October

Ozaukee Pavilion
Thursday, March 6, 2025 5 pm - 9 pm

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Why YOUR Sponsorship Matters ...​

Your sponsorship of this milestone event will play a crucial role in continuing the legacy that Portal inc. has built over the last 60 years. By supporting our celebration you are investing in the future of our programs, helping us expand our reach and enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. Your contribution will enable us to provide essential services, foster greater inclusion, and build a stronger, more supportive community.

Why YOUR Gift Basket Matters...

​Your donation of a gift basket for our milestone celebration will make a meaningful impact on Portal Inc. and the individuals we support. By contributing a basket, you are helping to enhance our event and strengthen the programs that have been empowering individuals with disabilities for the past 60 years. Your generosity will allow us to continue fostering inclusion, supporting essential services, and building a more inclusive and compassionate community.

Event sponsors

Raffle basket

From the Beginning - March 10th 1965

Portal Inc., originally founded as Portal Industries in 1965, began in the basement of a church in Knellsville, Wisconsin, with a modest goal: to provide individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities opportunities for employment and personal growth. Established by the Ozaukee County Association for Retarded Citizens, the organization started with just ten participants and one staff member, offering these individuals a chance to work in a sheltered environment.

As demand for rehabilitation services grew, the organization moved to a larger space in Saukville within its first year. This expansion laid the groundwork for the organization’s mission to evolve beyond just employment. By 1974, Portal Inc. relocated its headquarters to Grafton, where it operates today. Over the decades, the name transitioned from "The Portal" to "Portal Programs" and eventually "Portal Inc." to better reflect its expanded scope, which now includes employment training, Adult Day Services, and social recreation programs.
The organization, which once focused on providing basic work opportunities, now promotes employability, community life experiences, and meaningful inclusion. Participants are connected with local businesses, fostering community relationships while helping individuals with disabilities find fulfillment and independence.

Portal Inc. has grown from a small, localized initiative to a cornerstone of Ozaukee County, serving over 250 individuals and continuously adapting its services to meet the needs of its community​  (PORTAL INC)​(Ozaukee Nonprofit Center)​(www.mtchamber.org).
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This evolution from its humble beginnings in Knellsville marks Portal's lasting impact on inclusion and advocacy for people with disabilities in Wisconsin.