Oregon Food Bank Gala Honors Hunger Heroes & Breaks Fundraising Record

Portland. OR. Oregon Food Bank’s warehouse underwent a glittering transformation for the Oregon Harvest Dinner and by the end of the evening, attendees and sponsors had contributed more than $760,000 to support hunger relief in Oregon and Clark County, Washington. Mary Ellen Hannigan and outgoing Oregon Harvest Dinner event chair Syd Hannigan celebrated the record-breaking success of the gala. 500 guests enjoyed silent and live auctions, blues music by Reggie Houston and a seated dinner at the October 21st benefit.

“Your generosity is making our table longer, and stronger, and more bountiful each and every year,” said Oregon Food Bank CEO Susannah Morgan. “Thank you to each and every one of you for joining us at our table.”

The event was also a time to honor the dedication of volunteers and donors who work tirelessly behind the scenes in an effort to alleviate hunger. Sponsored by Pioneer Waterproofing, four Hunger Hero Awards were presented.

Donor of the Year – Safeway Albertsons: For its long term investment in helping people struggling with hunger through food and fund donations.

Food Donor of the Year – Bob’s Red Mill: For its significant and ongoing donations of healthy food to ensure everyone has access to good nutrition.

Jackie Fearing Volunteer Award – Charlie Valentino: For giving more than 2000 hours of service, being willing to take on any volunteer duty and always doing it with enthusiasm.

Jerry Tippins Advocacy Award – Bethlehem House of Bread: For its collaborative efforts to advocate on behalf of and with families and individuals who are facing hunger.

This video highlights the vital work done in our community to alleviate hunger:

From Oregon Food Bank:

Generous support for Oregon Harvest Dinner was provided by Fred Meyer, Whole Foods, Pioneer Waterproofing, First Tech Federal Credit Union, Hampton Affiliates, Safeway Albertsons, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and Sysco Portland, Inc.

Oregon Food Bank works to eliminate hunger and its root causes… because no one should be hungry. Oregon Food Bank believes that hunger starves the human spirit, communities thrive when people are nourished, and everyone deserves healthy and fresh food. Oregon Food Bank helps feed the human spirit of more than 700,000 people through a food distribution network of four Oregon Food Bank branches and 17 regional food banks serving Oregon and Clark County, Washington. Oregon Food Bank also leads statewide efforts to increase resources for hungry families and to eliminate the root causes of hunger through public policy, local food systems work, nutrition and garden education, health care screening and innovative programming. Find out how to feed the human spirit at oregonfoodbank.org.