Portland, March 15, 2014. Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives (PCRI) and Fred Astaire Dance Studio joined forces for the third annual: Dancing with the Stars Portland. Ashley Korslien, a reporter for KGW NewsChannel 8, performed with Fred Astaire Dance Studio’s Uriah Stockdale. The evening started with a graceful foxtrot by Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith and Metro Councilor Sam Chase. It raised over $70,000 for PCRI’s affordable housing and resident services.
Ifanyi Bell, Digital Producer for OPB, and Fred Astaire Dance Studio’s Jessi Aillon (in red) accept the winning trophy from gala volunteer Alex Morris.
The dance competition featured KGW’s Ashley Korslien; benefit auctioneer Kelly Russell; Oregon State Representative Jennifer Williamson; The Black Parent Initiative’s Charles McGee; and the winner of the competition, OPB’s Ifanyi Bell. Each of the competitors was paired with a professional dancer and instructor from Fred Astaire Dance Studio. The couples spent months preparing for the event–judging by the audience’s applause and roars of approval, their preparation was paid off.
Mayor Charlie Hales shows his generosity, raising his bid card during the gala’s special appeal
PCRI Board President Preston Greene welcomed guests to the gala
Metro Councilor Sam Chase and Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith opened the event with a foxtrot
Gala Sponsor Brooks Staffing CEO Sam Brooks (with the gold tie) and EVP Margaret Brooks (to his left) with their guests
PCRI ED Maxine Fitzpatrick (left) with champion dancer Ifanyi Bell and PCRI Executive Assistant Whitney Shaw
Oregon State Representative Jennifer Williamson dances a Viennese Waltz with Fred Astaire Dance Studio’s Alex Aillon
In addition to the funds raised to support PCRI’s housing and services, the Dancing with the Stars gala also helps to raise the profile of PCRI in the community and increase awareness of the important work PCRI accomplishes every day. PCRI gives special thanks to the Orr family for sharing the ways PCRI has helped their family achieve stability and success. Inspired by the Orr’s story, guests at the gala were exceptionally generous, contributing toward PCRI’s goals of increasing family stability and self-sufficiency.
PCRI extends a heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors, participants, guests, supporters and volunteers who help to make the event a remarkable success! For photos and more details, visit www.pcrigala.org.
