Categories: FeaturesNews

SnowCap Celebrates 50 years and Raises Funds For Low-Income Families

SnowCap Assistant Director Kirsten Wageman (L) thanked the auction committee which now runs like a well-oiled machine. Her daughter, Goldie Hohnstein, was one of 53 auction night volunteers who helped make the event a success.

Portland, OR. Oregon’s largest food pantry, SnowCap Community Charities, celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a record-breaking $147,000 dinner auction. SnowCap Assistant Director Kirsten Wageman recruited her daughter, Goldie Hohnstein, to be one of 53 auction night volunteers who helped make the event a success. Funds will be used for food, clothing, utility assistance and other services to low-income families in east Portland, Gresham, Fairview, Troutdale, Parkrose and Wood Village. Last fiscal year, SnowCap distributed over 2.3 million pounds of food, more than any other food pantry in the state. More than 9,000 residents depend on the nonprofit for food or clothing each month. (Photos © Studio Gauthier)

SnowCap board members Judi Allen and Bev Carlson discovered hot deals in the flower garden of prizes donated by Covenant Presbyterian Church.

Representative Carla Piluso, D-Gresham, returned as emcee of SnowCap auction as well as donating a rustic Italian dinner party for ten. Jim Liefeld and Gail Swanson fueled up for serious bidding.

JillMarie Wiles was auctioneer for the 380 guests in attendance at the March 11th auction at the Holiday Inn Portland Airport. Executive Director Judy Alley says SnowCap is a vital resource for many working families in East County. “The funds raised make it possible for us to serve our neighbors. Our clients are mostly the working poor, children, elderly or disabled. Support raised at this event is a sign of how much East Multnomah County cares for this community.” Program coordinators encourage people to help by choosing SnowCap on a Fred Meyer rewards card or when shopping at Smile.Amazon.com.

Jeanne Grant and Susan Sloan share a laugh with SnowCap Executive Director Judy Alley, who will retire this fall after 26 years of service. Snowcap administrative expenses constitute just 6.5% of total expenses.

SnowCap Warehouse Coordinator Jason Ingram is a man on a mission for chocolate in the Dessert Dash.

Some of the local sponsors for the benefit included: Les Schwab Tire Centers, The Boeing Company, Pacific Power, PGE, Parkrose Community United Church of Christ, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Alyson Huntting, Sally Gaudina, broker, RE/MAX Equity Group and Gethsemane Lutheran.

A multigenerational crew of 1,000 volunteers help the nonprofit run smoothly. Here’s a video about volunteering with the program:

From SnowCap:

SnowCap is located behind the Rockwood United Methodist Church at 17805 SE Stark.
To visit the pantry, enter using the west driveway from Stark Street.
To drop off donations, enter from Pine Street.

More info at www.SnowCap.org

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.