Portland, October 25th, 2013. SOLVE supporters enjoyed an evening of Bluegrass and Blue Jeans at the organization’s 19th annual Citizenship Awards fundraising banquet. The event took place at Pure Space and honored five champions of the Oregon environment. Marty Brantley ( a previous Ton McCall Leadership award recipient), Gerry Frank, and John von Schlegell, this year’s McCall Leadership Award recipient enjoyed the evening. The purpose of the fundraiser, was simple but impactful—to support SOLVE’s mission of bringing Oregonians together to improve the environment.

The Beachside Bucanners were honored for beautifying Oregon’s lovely coastline.

The event décor and theme mimicked the easy-going attitude of SOLVE, after all, “Our organization is about being outdoors and actively caring for the environment” said Emily of the tastefully casual design executed by West Coast Event Productions.

Judi Swift from Fred Meyer and SOLVE’s new ED Maureen Fisher

SOLVE’s Special Events Manager, Emily Sullivan, choose Pure Space for its versatility, size, and ability to compliment the laid back event. “The theme was bluegrass and blue jeans and the message was ‘To be an Oregon hero’.” Explained Emily Sullivan, “Each year, SOLVE honors people who take it upon themselves to improve their communities. Whether it’s by cleaning beaches, pulling ivy or planting trees—they set a standard for the rest of us to follow.” The evening reception started with wine tasting and music by “Jackstraw”. Dinner was catered by the Art of Catering. The program honored very deserving Oregonians. Awards were received by, Steve Miesen, individual award; a teacher, Peter Walczak; community group, Beach Drive Buccaneers; and a business, Fred Meyer for their dedication and involvement with SOLVE to improving the environment. The highlight of the evening occurred when the Tom McCall leadership award was given to John and Fran von Schlegell for their contributions to Oregon and their commitment to the environment. New Season’s gave away 450 jars of jam for a down home gesture of appreciation and support for Oregon’s environment. About: SOLVE is a statewide non-profit organization that has been bringing Oregonians together to protect the environment since 1969. The organization has grown from a small, grassroots group to a national model for volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volunteers across Oregon to clean up beaches and rivers, and restore watersheds. Visit www.solveoregon.org for more information.

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