Roy Jay’s Annual Holiday Event Draws Standing Room Only Crowd

Portland, December 6th, 2014. The Spinners, Illusionist Hart Keene from America’s Got Talent, Erik Swartz from Laff Factory in Los Angeles, and The Brown Sisters from Portland packed the Oregon Convention Center Ballroom for community leader Roy Jay’s annual “Spam and Velvetta” Holiday party. Audience members were encouraged to donate to various local charities. Roy Jay’s nonprofit also gave away use of a Toyota for a year, along with other prizes to say “Thank You” for support.

Roy Jay addressed the crowd.

New Portland Police Chief Larry O’Dea and wife Kay were among the 700+ people attending the Roy Jay annual “Spam and Velveeta” holiday event.

New Portland Police Chief Larry O’Dea and wife Kay were among the 750+ people attending the Roy Jay annual “Spam and Velveeta” holiday event.

Retiring Portland Police Chief Michael Reese and his wife enjoyed the event.

CPA Joel Forbess and wife Tracey enjoyed the entire evening.

Marcia and George Hocker bought their tickets months before the event and got some of the best seats in the house. “Portland needs more first class events like this” says George. “Thanks Roy Jay for what you do for our communities”

The Spinners were a big hit with the crowd.

The event also recognized returning veterans and their families. Complimentary seating provided by KBNP Radio, Enterprise Holdings, TradeYa, Inc and Roy Jay Enterprises. Thanks to Roy Jay’s partners and members of the African American Chamber, the event encouraged the audience to donate to local nonprofits such as Lines for Life, M.I.K.E. Program, Highland’s Haven and Project Clean Slate.

Grand prizes this year included a 2014 Toyota Prius, Portland Trailblazer courtside seats, color televisions and much more. The 750+ guests enjoyed a nonstop professionally produced event that has become the “must attend” event of the holiday season. Jay says that his Las Vegas and Portland staffers are already working on a list of potential 2015 performers that are on the short list including Diana Ross, Bette Midler, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Kool and The Gang and The Pointer Sisters.

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.