See how the Parkrose Business Association has a merry time, while raising money for charitable causes – told mostly in photos …
Marsha Grabinger with Copy Express and Alison Stoll of Central Northeast Neighbors check in guests at the annual PBA Ball.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In the grand ballroom of the Holiday Inn Airport, the Parkrose Business Association (PBA) held their Holiday banquet and awards ceremony on December 13.
After a brief welcome by PBA President Michael Taylor of Leadership Works, guests greeted one another, and began circulating around the silent auction tables.
Terry Brier of Davey Tree Expert Company and Wendy Briar toast a fun evening with RoseAnn Eves and Mark Eves of Mark W. Eves PC Attorney at Law.
Some call it “networking” – but at PBA functions, the time before the formal program is when folks just say hello to one another.
Returning for the banquet, Tom the Bartender greets his longtime PBA friends.
Amelia Salvador of Trinity Marketing & Multi Media and Joe Rossi of Rossi Farms peruse silent auction bids.
Under the direction of Parkrose High School Vocal Instructor Lesley Bossert “The Debonaires” musically enchant guests at the event.
PBA Vice President Jason Zwick, State Farm Insurance agent, presents one of the dozens of door prizes given away during the evening.
PBA President Michael Taylor welcomes Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish to the annual event.
Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish was introduced by PBA President Michael Taylor. He “raised a glass” to toast Parkrose High students, saying, “I wonder which of those young ladies will become the future ‘Barbara Roberts’ of our state? Will one of these young men become a member of the Portland City Council, or will one of the students take residence in the Governor’s Mansion?”
His second toast was to Venture Portland, and its Executive Director Heather Hoell, who was also in attendance, crediting her advocacy for the increase of the City’s Business Owners Compensation Deduction to $100,000.
“I want to thank the Parkrose Business Association,” Fish continued. “You do a number of things with which we are impressed at City Hall. You help create jobs, strengthen ‘community’, and are great public citizens. I say, raise your glasses to the PBA.”
Guests serve themselves from a three-course buffet …
… and enjoy their meals.
When Mark Eves “rings the bell” for The Salvation Army, he promises to match all contributions – which totaled $1,164.87 for the charity that evening.
2013 Karl F. Lind Award Presentation
Mary Brown of Bob Brown Tires presents to Jason Zwick the 2013 Karl F. Lind Award.
Mary Brown talked about the man behind the organization’s Karl F. Lind Award, saying “he helped get this organization going, and helped bring it up to the level it is today.”
The award is annually presented, Brown continued, “to a member of the Parkrose business Association who has lived or worked in the community, given countless hours of volunteer time, and is known for the highest integrity and honesty – a person who is part of the community personally as well as professionally.
The person who wins this year, you’ll understand how well this fits him. This person has stepped up when we needed help on the Board of Directors. In his personal life and business life has helped the community out, and put on many events – Santa Claus for children, and also blood drives.
“As everyone can tell by now, this year we are honoring our very own Jason Zwick, State Farm Insurance agent.”
Jason Zwick responded, “I will keep this very short. Thank you very much. This is a huge surprise.
“Thank you, everybody, for your support. I truly believe in Parkrose. I think we can only get better from here with the direction of the board is taking, with the directors and the help of Historic Parkrose.”
2013 Artie Johnson Award Presentation
David F. Ashton, publisher of East Portland News, receives the 2013 Artie Johnson Award from Judy Kennedy, from the Pacific Northwest Federal Credit Union. Brent Grabinger photo
Judy Kennedy presents the Artie Johnson award.
“The person chosen to receive the award this year,” began Kennedy, “we all know and love him. He is loyal and generous; you can call this person, and he’s right there to help in whatever we need.
“This person also has been serving in our community – not only for PBA, but also for the Parkrose and outer East Portland area,” Kennedy continued. He gives countless hours of time – and we all love him. He’s answered the call when asked to facilitate political candidate forums, both for the PBA, and around the city.
“Although he has a taxing schedule, he contributes to the PBA monthly by photographing our meetings. David Ashton is not only our photographer, but also our friend.”
Ashton responded, “For once in my life, I’m almost speechless. It is my continuing pleasure to be part of the Parkrose community and the Parkrose Business Association. I’m so happy to be here and thank you very much.”
Karen Taylor, Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, raised $13 for PBA Scholarships by accepting guesses for the number of jellybeans in the jar. Craig Mendenhall correctly guessed 711 jellybeans – and won the jar.
Michael Taylor shows off the new “Shop Parkrose” bags being produced by the PBA as a fundraiser – and to encourage local business patronage.
By the time the evening was over, the silent auction had raised $1,511 and the 50/50 drawing had collected $232 for the Parkrose Business Foundation’s Scholarship program.
Come meet the PBA on January 16
The Parkrose Business Association meets on January 16 at 11:30 a.m.
Come and meet this group of fun, energized businesspeople. Their meeting is at Holiday Inn Airport 8439 NE Columbia Boulevard (in the hotel building, around the back, at what used to be the Flirt’s entrance – not the Convention Center next door).
The meeting is free, and the optional buffet lunch is $17, including dessert and gratuity; reservations are NOT required.
Sam Sundeleaf of Sundeleaf Painting, Inc. and his friend win a valuable bottle of wine, for a very small investment in the PBA Wine Auction.
© 2014 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
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