Successful: The Parkrose Educational Foundation Dinner and Auction

Here’s what was happening at an event that was ‘Up, up, and away for education!’ …

At the check-in desk, as this year’s Parkrose Educational Foundation gala fundraiser gets underway is check-in volunteer Eleisa Perry, event guest Kimberly Lewis, and check-in volunteers Maria Taylor and Susan Fox.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Volunteers from the Parkrose Educational Foundation were back in full swing again hosting their annual fundraiser, again held on April 22, in the Portland Airport Sheridan Hotel.

This year, the program had been moved inside the venue, to the west wing, filling up the lobby and ballroom.

Having a good time at the dinner and auction is Parkrose High School Principal Molly Ouche.

“It’s amazing that the Foundation is truly ‘all in’ so much for our students and for our staff,” Parkrose High School Principal Molly Ouche exclaimed. “Being around this really committed group of volunteers who put this on – I’m just excited to be here.”

After guests checked in, they were served hors d’oeuvres while browsing among the many silent auction items up for bid.

And again this year, an elegant plated dinner was served to guests, instead of a buffet.

Taking a brief break for a photo are Auction Committee Chair Kari Gothro and “Chair Emeritus”, and mentor, Londa Sundin.

“Tonight we’re having our 18th Parkrose Educational Foundational Banquet and Auction fundraiser,” incoming Event Chair Kari Gothro assured East Portland News.

“As we have ever since we formed in 1994, the Parkrose Educational Foundation – an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization – continues to raise and distribute funds to augment educational opportunities for students in the Parkrose School District,” said Gothro.

The action is brisk, as guests check their bid sheets, as the Silent Auction progresses.

“Tonight, we’ll be supporting that educational enhancement – providing opportunities and experiences for the students kindergarten through 12th grade by way of a silent auction, a live auction, playing ‘Heads and Tails’, and auctioning a ‘Dessert Dash – lots of fun stuff happening!”

This year’s theme this year is “Up, up, and away for education!” Gothro remarked, “We have a very talented auction committee who came up with the theme.”

With salads already on their tables, guests are seated for supper, the live auction, and the evening’s events.

Auctioneer Ian Lindsay with Ian Lindsay Live warms up by closing the Silent Auction tables.

“We have some excellent auction items to go along with that theme, including hot-air balloon ride and a helicopter ride. We also have a ride in a glider, and some other amazing items to go along with our ‘up in the air’ theme this year,” continued Gothro.

“Our Special Appeal this year is for athletics, specifically baseball and softball; we’re raising funds for turf thing their fields,” she informed.

He’s always happy to be at this dinner and auction, says Parkrose School District Superintendent Michael Lopes Serrao.

“The Foundation has always been the resource that we’ve needed for extracurricular activities and enhancements, in our Parkrose schools,” explained Parkrose School District Superintendent Michael Lopes Serrao. “They give so much to our kids every year; how it makes me feel inside – is just incredible!”

Master of Ceremonies Scott Tom enthusiastically pitches the goodies awaiting guests on the Dessert Dash table – which will go to the highest bidders.

This grand fundraiser was organized and presented by less than a dozen volunteers on the Auction Committee – assisted by an additional twenty volunteers on the evening itself.

After expenses, the volunteers raised about $20,000. And, their “Special Appeal” for putting turf the high school softball and baseball fields raised $12,350 with an additional donation by the Parkrose Educational Foundation to make $20,000 to get the project started.

Here’s to another great evening enjoyed by folks at the annual Parkrose Educational Foundation event.

“The best part was that it was a fun gathering in support of the Parkrose Educational Foundation and it’s goal to enhance the educational experiences of Parkrose students,” commented Event Chair Emeritus Londa Sundin after the event.

Learn more about the Parkrose Educational Foundation by visiting their website: CLICK HERE.

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