The Sweethearts of Portland are a state and federally registered 501-c3 Public Charity, devoted to raising funds for other non-profit groups. Since 1989 we have raised money for Our House of Portland, CAP, New Avenues For Youth, Esther's Pantry, Todd's Corner, The Audrey M Edwards Scholarship Fund, The Pride of the Rose Scholarship Fund, The HIV Day Center, Cascade AIDS Project, The Princess Diana
Fund, The Susan G Koman Foundation, PWA, and Tijuana AIDS Foundation. The Sweethearts of Portland was founded on the spirit of Rose Empress Velvet Monet, who was commonly referred to as the Sweetheart of Portland. In 1989 the Title became official and Velvet and Robert Thomas became the first crowned Mr. Sweetheart of Portland . In 2020 Carlee J Bangles become the first crowned Mx. The titles of Mr., Miss. and Mx Sweetheart of Portland differ from other Portland titles in that the titleholders are determined, not by a talent contest or popular vote, but on who can raise the most money for charity. This is done at the Sweethearts Annual Raffle contest held on or around Valentines Day each year. Candidates sell raffle tickets and raise cash donations for the raffle over the course of three weeks. The Contest culminates at the Annual Mr. And Miss Sweetheart Ball where the winners are crowned. The Duke and Duchess of Hearts title was started in July of 2015 with the crowning of Duke of Hearts 1 - Diamond Starrlite Scities and Duchess of Hearts 1 - Syrin Scities Trimaneit it was and is a chance for the organization to grow and have a little fun doing it. The DuchX of Hearts title was added in 2020 with the crowning of DuchX of Hearts 1- Barb B Valentine. The Duke, Duchess and DuchX titles are won by competing if 4 areas of competition - A 4 min Talent Number, A Creative Fashion Look, A Formal Wear look and Judges Interview.