‘Taste of Rose City’ continues to support after-school youth activities

In addition to learning more about this annual fundraiser, discover what Portland “East Young Life” continues to do for outer East Portland youth …

At this year’s Taste of Rose City & Auction, Portland East Young Life volunteer Sheri Beckley welcomes guest Angela Borges.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Returning this year to Cedarville Lodge, in the very southeast corner of outer East Portland, on Saturday evening, April 27, was the Taste of Rose City & Auction presented by the nonprofit Portland East Young Life (PEYL) organization.

This gathering is primarily a fundraiser for PEYL, an established, faith-based group of adult volunteers who invest many hours connecting with middle and high school age youth in the David Douglas School District – “showing them that they are loved by God and by adults who believe in them”.

Some of the first-arriving guests look over the many silent auction items on which they may bid.

Guests are served by PEYL youth participants at the buffet line.

Once inside the main hall, attendees paraded from their assigned tables over to the food area, where they were served by PEYL participants a wide variety of items – donated by:

Flying Pie Pizza ~ Carradine Catering ~ Stark Street Pizza
Oregon Beverage Service ~ Reininger Winery
Big Guy Clatskanie ~ Oak Knoll Winery ~ Reser’s Fine Foods

As a “warm up” to their formal program, as guests were finishing their supper, PEYL leaders hosted a “name this tune” contest.

Talking about the success of their programs is PEYL Area Director Julie Reeves.

Then, PEYL Area Director Julie Reeves summarized how their programs had been serving area youth over the past year, and showed a video depicting various activities, and presenting participants’ testimonials.

“We are hoping to expand PEYL to our neighboring schools, as we find personnel and volunteers willing to engage the Parkrose and Centennial school communities,” Reeves announced. “In order to start Young Life at a new school, we wait until there is a group of adults who are ready to ‘own’ that ministry.

“For both Parkrose and Centennial, we are in the stage of spreading the word and praying that God raises up people to ‘own it’, so we can start a ministry that has longevity, because it is community owned,” Reeves explained.

During this “paddle raise”, guests pledge monthly financial support to PEYL programs.

Another dream of the PEYL team is to pursue Young Life One, which establishes ministries for homeless, trafficked, foster care, and incarcerated youth, Reeves revealed.

Regarding the success of their evening’s fundraising, 40 donors stepped up to provide “summer camp money earning opportunities” for students – a way for them to earn their way to PEYL Summer Camp by working alongside leaders during Saturdays during the summer, doing yard work, or any type of manual labor.

What’s for dessert? It’s up to representatives of tables who bid on them go snatch up goodies during the Dessert Dash.

Again this year, Rich Ellerd serves as auctioneer during the “live auction” of golf outings, luxury hotel stays, and winery tours.

“Our corporate sponsors, along with our silent and live auctions, allowed us to raise the most money we’ve ever had at this event,” PEYL Administrative Assistant Kim Satterthwaite told East Portland News afterwards. “With rising costs for camp and operating our programs, we are truly grateful for all of the support!”

This panoramic photo shows many of the participants enjoying this year’s Taste of Rose City & Auction event.

Learn more about Portland East Young Life – what they provide for outer East Portland youth, and your opportunity to support them – by visiting their website: CLICK HERE.

Comments are closed.