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40th Anniversary of Special Olympics Oregon Celebrated at the BITE

Throughout the three days visitors explore over a 100 food offerings enjoying everything from smoky ribs, fresh seafood, to juicy burgers.

Portland, August 11th. The Bite of Oregon is a celebration of Oregon, its food, its people and quality of life. With hundreds of restaurant and dozens of breweries and wineries represented, the Special Olympics Oregon benefit attracts food fans by the thousands.

Sizzling seafood paella was a hit.

“The Usual Suspects” entertain the crowd. It’s the band of Police Chief, Mike Reed.

Viewed as a foodie’s dream come true, the Gerry Frank’s Oregon Chef’s table is an opportunity to experience small gourmet bites from some of the top chefs from around the state.

Eddy Gonzales, Chef Shyam Dausoa from Chez Dodo and Sala Kannan were serving Dholl Puri and Portobello Bury – a Mushroom Curry with Lentil Fritters served Chutney & Pickled Vegetables.

Chef Chris Carriker from the Gilt Club served up Grilled Pork Belly Skewer with Kohlrabi Slaw, Fried Peanuts and Cilantro and Lamb Meatballs with Fresh Chickpea Relish, Goat Cheese & Herbs.

Lilie Boni, Henry Car and Elizabeth Kennedy from Brix Tavern served
Smoked Grilled Local Salmon Brochettes with Heirloom Tomatoes & Rocket Pesto.

B. O’Shea, Chef Aaron Gerra, Pamela McConnell, Chef Aaron Guerra CEC, DM – ACF Portland Culinary Team Member with the Oregon Blueberry Commission
served Fresh Oregon Blueberries Foster w/ Hand Dipped Ice Cream, Balsamic Reduction.

Mike Adams from Adam’s Rib Smokehouse tends the BBQ.

At the popular Iron Chef Oregon competitions, presented by NW Natural, talented Oregon Chefs battled it out to see whose cuisine reigned supreme.

Lucy Willis from Lucy’s Tropical Juice sold fruit smoothies.

Volunteers Isabel Klein and PJ Hummelt were two of hundreds who pitched in at the benefit for Oregon Special Olympics.

Oregon Brewers were out in force.

Ice cream served up by volunteers, including members of the National Charity League Genevieve and Mariel Klein, was a hit with the kids.

Soul Vaccination, the popular fund and soul band, performed for music lovers.

About Special Olympics Oregon

Here in Oregon, while Special Olympics Oregon serves more than 10,000 participants throughout the state, nearly 70,000 people with intellectual disabilities could benefit from participating in Special Olympics. Still growing, Special Olympics Oregon is efficiently expanding programs to get closer and closer to serving every individual with intellectual disabilities that qualifies to participate in Special Olympics.

Special Olympics Oregon offers training and competition opportunities in 14 different Olympic-style sports. There are three sports seasons throughout the year, with statewide competitions and training in winter, summer and fall.

The nonprofit is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a bang!

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.