Key people awarded at PACS banquet

Discover the many ways that Portland Adventist Community Services helps outer East Portland folks …

James Newell checks his bid at the Portland Adventist Community Services Awards Dinner & Auction, held in Parkrose

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

This year, at the Portland Adventist Community Services (PACS) Awards Dinner & Auction, held on October 8, the organization raised funds to support their efforts, and honored two of their own.

Again this year, the dinner was held at the Embassy Suites Airport ballroom, and the silent auction took place in a large, nearby meeting room.

Guests begin finding their seats at the dinner and auction.

The theme of this year’s gala was Showers of Hope, confided PACS Director Paul Cole. “People tell us they come and support us at this event, because they really like what PACS does – our mission, and the services we provide for people that are hurting and in need.”

This annual evening supports areas of service, says PACS Director Paul Cole.

There are three areas of service at PACS, Cole told East Portland News:

Medical Clinic – For years, they’ve been providing medical services, and are currently remodeling a new clinic building where they will also add on-site dental and ophthalmology services.
Thrift Store – Because of donations from community members, those needing good quality, necessities, such as clothing and household goods, find them there at very reasonable prices – a service which also provides PACS with some income.
Food Pantry – PACS continues to operate the largest single-location food pantry in Oregon.

“We pioneered having a shopping-style food pantry, so clients get to shop for food that they will use,” Cole noted. “In addition to traditional groceries, we also stock ethnically-appropriate foods for Asian, Russian, and Hispanic people, so they can choose foods that their family will actually eat – and so they leave with more than groceries: they leave with a sense of respect and dignity.”

With her plaque is 2017 Barbara Nelson Award recipient Dr. Rodica Malos.

Serving the community at the PACS Medical Clinic since 2002, Dr. Rodica Malos was presented with the 2017 Barbara Nelson Award.

“Not only is she a respected medical professional, she is also concerned about the patient’s ‘whole life’ – including their spiritual life,” Cole said. “She’s very tactful, and at the same time, she believes that the Christian life will help people – and she is a woman of prayer who prays for patients, and when she has the opportunity, also prays with them.”

With her 2017 PACS Directors Award is volunteer Joyce Jordan.

A PACS volunteer since 1976, the 2017 Directors Award recipient Joyce Jordan began her service with the organization long before they moved to their present location in the Hazelwood neighborhood.

“In fact she helped with our move to the current location,” remarked Cole. “Through the years, she has worked with every department, except for the clinic. For the last number of years, she has spent her time in the food pantry, and helps as a ‘personal shopper’, as well as serving on our Board.”

Guests settle in for dinner, as the gala continues.

About 380 guests came to the banquet and auction. “This evening, we’re able to introduce our organization to new people, to thank our supporters, to share our successes throughout the year, and to enjoy a fine vegetarian meal together,” Cole said.

He observed that the evening is also important because in brings in a necessary portion of the annual operating budget; Cole later revealed that the dinner and auction had raised a total of $104,877.

You can help
Instead of stuffing good quality, slightly worn, clean clothing and shoes into some green bin along the street, consider bringing them to the PACS thrift store – along with usable household goods. Your donations are tax deductable.

PACS is located at 11020 NE Halsey Street, 97220.

To see other ways you can help, call (503) 252-8500, or see their official website: CLICK HERE.

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