Take a look at this story, and you’ll agree the Parkrose Business Association puts on more than just a simple dinner, to ring in the Holidays …
Parkrose Business Association Treasurer Marsha Lee, and Central Northeast Neighbors Executive Director Alison Stoll, welcome members and guests to the annual gala.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The chilly early winter we’ve been having caused about sixty members and guests of the Parkrose Business Association (PBA) to make a fast trip from the parking lot into the warm Garden Room of the Holiday Inn Airport Hotel and Convention Center on December 9.
The occasion: The PBA’s annual Holiday Banquet and Awards presentation.
Participants peruse the many silent auction offerings – the proceeds of which help fund the Parkrose High School senior scholarships that are provided by the organization’s foundation.
All of the features that make up this PBA gala were ready for guests: A silent auction, a sumptuous gourmet buffet dinner, awards, and more door prize gifts under the Christmas tree than could fit in Santa’s biggest bag.
And, topping the evening was the presentation of the “Artie Johnson Award for Excellence” and the “Karl F. Lind Award for Community Service”.
The evening, in pictures….
Elaine and David Ableidinger of Parkrose Hardware, and Sam Sundeleaf of Sundeleaf Painting, Inc., are seated at a banquet table.
The Parkrose High School Debonaires provide musical entertainment.
Jason Zwick, State Farm Insurance agent, looks like he’s about to enjoy a great meal now – and more, again, later!
Mark W. Eves, Attorney at Law, rings the bell, promising to match all donations made to the Salvation Army.
Parkrose School District Superintendent Dr. Karen Fischer Gray checks to see if she has been outbid in the silent auction – as does Sam Sundeleaf.
Outgoing PBA President Wayne Stoll, of Argay Square, hands the ceremonial gavel to incoming President Judy Kennedy, from Pacific Northwest Federal Credit Union.
President’s Awards
Long time member and supporter Gail Bash, of Lucky Corp., is presented a President’s Award by Wayne Stoll for his continuing support – including keeping the NE Sandy Boulevard medians clean.
Wayne Stoll presents Mary Brown, of Bob Brown Tire Center, an award “For your continuing support and contributions to the Parkrose Business Association, Foundation and Community”.
Spirit of Parkrose Award
Wayne Stoll presents Amelia Salvador, from Trinity Events and Marketing, the 2011 Spirit of Parkrose Award.
PBA President Wayne Stoll remarked that their organization’s Spirit of Parkrose award is seldom presented – in fact, about once every decade.
“Tonight, we’re honoring Amelia Salvador – for scheduling PBA speakers, and working tirelessly for the board, for in the community, and our schools,” proclaimed Stoll. “She does it all; that’s what this award is all about.”
Karl F. Lind Award for Community Service
Wayne Stoll presents the 2011 “Karl F. Lind Award” to Mark Eves, PC, Business and Estate Planning.
The 2011 annual Karl F. Lind Award, Stoll said, honors “intelligence, integrity, initiative. These words describe Mark Eves.”
Stoll added that Eves freely donates his “product” – his professional time – to the organization. “Mark got our bylaws together, and in the process found out that they were in violation of the state laws. Through his efforts, we got the bylaws squared away. This is just one example of how he continues to help the PBA.”
Artie Johnson Award for Excellence
Joe Rossi accepts the 2011 Artie Johnson Award from Alison Stoll.
Alison Stoll, the 2010 recipient of the “Artie Johnson Award for Excellence”, called Joe Rossi to the front of the room.
About him Stoll said, “Joe Rossi is following in his father Also Rossi’s footsteps, giving to the Parkrose community with the generosity a of a philanthropist. We have all benefitted so much from the generosity of Joe, and his personal commitment to the community.
“Joe has tirelessly raised funds needed to design, create, and build – not only the Immigrant Statue, but also landscape the traffic island, and make it a true welcoming point for Parkrose.
“Artie would be proud of Joe, and his love for the Parkrose community; he is an inspiration to us all.”
Karen Taylor, Mary Kay Consultant, shares her door prize – this giant box of candy – with guests at the PBA Holiday event.
Meet with the PBA
This, one of our favorite business groups, gets together once again on Thursday, January 19, at 11:30 a.m.
Come and meet this group of fun, energized businesspeople. This month: “The State of the PBA”, presented by the organization’s new president, Judy Kennedy.
The meeting is at Holiday Inn Airport, 8439 NE Columbia Boulevard (in the hotel building, around the back at the Flirt’s entrance – not the Convention Center next door). The meeting is free, and the buffet lunch costs $17, including dessert and gratuity; reservations are not required. For more information, see their web site: CLICK HERE.
© 2011 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
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