‘Night at the Museum’ Gala a successful fundraiser for Parkrose Educational Foundation

INCLUDES 9 FUN PHOTOS | Here’s an organization that continues to organize events that put “fun” into fundraising, in support of Parkrose area educational programs …

Checking in guests to the ‘Night at the Museum’ Gala are Parkrose Educational Foundation volunteers Eleisa Perry, Natasha Roney, and Leslie Martinez.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Guests were smiling with anticipation as they made their way into the Portland Airport Sheraton ballroom on Saturday evening, April 26, for the Parkrose Educational Foundation (PEF) annual dinner and auction.

This year, the gala’s theme was “A Night at the Museum”, presenting an evening of “highbrow excitement” with both a silent and a live auction, art-museum-themed decorations, and a plated supper.

The foyer of this Portland Airport Sheraton hotel ballroom vibrates with excitement as guests try to outbid one another in the Silent Auction.

Here, on stage, are members of the organizing committee: PEF Board Chair Londa Sundin, Auction Administrator Vern Sundin, PEF Board Member Auction Committee Kevin Pappin, Auction Chairperson Kari Gothro, volunteer Monet Hampson, and Auction Committee members Chris Sellon, Kris Brown, Colleen Grant.

“This is our 20th year for the dinner and auction fundraiser that supports our independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization. It’s how we raise funds for scholarships and programs that enhance Parkrose students’ educational experiences,” returning auction chairperson Kari Gothro told East Portland News.

“Our ‘Special Appeal’ this year is to support the middle school and high school Art Departments,” Gothro informed.

Guests keep a close eye on bid sheets during the Silent Auction.

Here are “Heads or Tails” game bead sellers – Marci Young and Megan Lintner.

The hotel’s catering staff circulated, serving hors d’oeuvres and wine in the ballroom’s lobby for guests who browsed and bid on about 120 items in the Silent Auction. Two volunteers were selling strings of beads that would be used later in the evening for a game of “Heads or Tails”.

“We also have 14 fabulous ‘live auction’ packages on which folks can bid,” promised Gothro.

In the ballroom, guest are seated for dinner.

As the Silent Auction closed, guests moved into ballroom where salads had been already set in place.

“We have a fantastic group of eight volunteers who started planning this back in September – and they’ve been meeting monthly,” said Gothro. “And, in addition to our core group of Auction Committee volunteers, we also are so thankful to have twenty volunteers who help us here tonight!”

Enjoying the evening is Parkrose School District Superintendent Michael Lopes Serrao.

Again this year, Parkrose School District Superintendent Michael Lopes Serrao was pleased to be there. “What’s an incredible experience it is to watch the weeks of preparation, because everything used at this event is staged at the District Office, giving us a behind-the-scenes view of how these volunteers put this all together,” he commended.

“Certainly, our district is so fortunate to have the additional financial resources that this fundraiser provides for our kids,” Lopes Serrao added.

Finalists in the “Heads or Tails” game play the final rounds up by the stage.

Between dinner courses, Auctioneer Andrew Dickson began the game of “Heads or Tails” – a staple game at this annual event. Betting a string of beads, participants place their hands either on their heads, or their “tails”, as the auctioneer flips a coin.

Winners continue to the next round, until there is a winner who takes home half the “pot” of money.

Auctioneer Andrew Dickson conducts the Live Auction.

With supper served, and before the live auction – guests participated in another annual, and very tasty, ritual – the “Dessert Dash” game.

Congratulations to the Parkrose Education Foundation volunteers and guests who made this evening a success! Lean more about the PEF at their official website: CLICK HERE.

On our Front Page: Adding his face to this classic, “Self Portrait by Vincent Van Gogh”, it’s PEF Board Member Jack Lundberg.

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