Oregon Food Bank Warehouse Transformed for Feeding the Human Spirit Harvest Dinner

Oregon Food Bank’s warehouse was transformed for the annual Oregon Harvest Dinner on October 15, 2016.

Portland, OR. Stormy weather didn’t deter people from attending Oregon Harvest Dinner at the Oregon Food Bank’s NE Portland warehouse. A record breaking $670,000 was raised to support hunger relief programs in Oregon and Clark County, Washington. “By coming together we can feed the human spirit and end hunger,” said Susannah Morgan, CEO of Oregon Food Bank. “I was delighted to hear from so many people about their desire to make sure no one is hungry.”

Oregon Food Bank board member Syd Hannigan chaired the October 15th benefit which was emceed by Ken Boddie and Jenny Hansson of KOIN 6. Fred Meyer was presenting sponsor and other major sponsors included Whole Foods, First Tech Federal Credit Union, Hampton Affiliates, Northwest Farm Credit Services, and Safeway Albertsons.

The event also honored the 2016 Hunger Hero Award winners. Sponsored by Mike and Libby Crawford, awards were presented to just a few of the many individuals, business and groups for their commitment to eliminating hunger.

Blues legend Reggie Houston provided entertainment for guests at Oregon Harvest Dinner.

Oregon Food Bank supporters Judy and Brad Johnson attended Oregon Harvest Dinner.

Oregon Food Bank Board Chair Josh Hinerfeld (Interim COO, SeQuential) and board member Kerri Hoyt-Pack (VP, Global Brand, Direct-to-Consumer, Nike).

Libby & Mike Crawford, John Gehrs (Pacific Foods), Susannah Morgan, Peter Stoll, Molly Ott & Isiah Ott (Polehn Farms), Patti Whitney-Wise.

Board member Arnie Gardner (Nike) is retiring from the board and was honored for his 16 years of service to Oregon Food Bank.

The five Hunger Heroes awards given included:

Donor of the Year – Oregon Lawyers Against Hunger (OLAH): For their humble and relentless commitment to raise funds for Oregon Food Bank and support the mission.

Food Donor of the Year – Pacific Foods: For their significant and ongoing donations of healthy food to ensure everyone has access to good nutrition.

Jackie Fearing Volunteer Award – Peter Stoll: For his boundless energy, dedication and compassion in helping others who struggle with hunger.

Leadership Award – Polehn Farms: For taking action to ensure people living in the Columbia Gorge have enough to eat

Jerry Tippens Advocacy Award – Patti Whitney-Wise: For her tenacious efforts to fight the root causes of hunger by promoting food programs and working on policies to provide pathways out of poverty.

Next year’s Oregon Harvest Dinner has been set for October 21, 2017.

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.