Portland, OR. Oregon Energy Fund (OEF) celebrated its 30th anniversary at its annual Power Gala on October 12th. The event raised more than $70,000, which will be used to support OEF’s mission to help Oregonians in financial crisis pay their energy bills. More than 100 guests attended the Roaring ’20s-themed event, which was held at the Sentinel Hotel and emceed by Joe Vithayathil of KPTV-FOX 12. Pictured above, showing off their 1920’s attire, are guests of Gold Sponsor Portland General Electric.
Beaverton Mayor Denny Doyle, Multnomah County Commissioner Lori Stegmann, and OEF Executive Director Brian Allbritton are all smiles at the cocktail hour.
Volunteers John Wheatfall (PGE) and Arielle Freytag (Miss Oregon 2019) get ready to sell some raffle tickets.
Guests of Gold Sponsor McDowell Rackner Gibson PC enjoy their dinner in the Grand Ballroom
The Smut City Jellyroll Society Band serenades the room.
Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on OEF’s 30-year history and its impact on Oregonians across the state, such as a Marine Corps veteran who needed to keep the heat high in his home due to poor health, but was unable to keep up with the resulting costs. “For the last three decades, our work has been driven by the same core values: compassion, collaboration, and innovation,” said OEF Executive Director Brian Allbritton. “The funds raised tonight will help us provide a critical lifeline to the tens of thousands of Oregonians who sacrifice food or medicine to pay their bills each year. We couldn’t be more grateful to our amazing community of sponsors, donors, and friends.”
Board of Directors Vice President Sarah Simmons addresses the room.
Auctioneer Misty Marquam, back for her fifth gala with OEF.
Paige and Beth Sterrett cinch a winning bid in the live auction.
Charity and Christina Spires (Pacific Power) enjoy dessert at the end of the night.
Attendees included representatives from OEF’s community partners and local utilities, including Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, and NW Natural, and business leaders from Walsh Trucking, R\West, McDowell Rackner Gibson PC, Stoel Rives, and TEC Equipment.
Here’s a video about Oregon Energy Fund:
From Oregon Energy Fund:
Imagine a life without electricity. No A/C to keep you cool in the summer. No heat to warm your family in the winter. No stove, no refrigerator, no lights, no internet. For thousands of Oregon families, this scenario is all too real. A medical emergency or loss of income can quickly snowball into a financial crisis, leaving families with mounting debt and agonizing decisions. Buy food – or pay the electric bill? Give up light or medicine? Rent or heat? We believe no one should face these questions. The Oregon Energy Fund is a 30-year-old nonprofit that provides energy bill assistance to low-income Oregonians in support of household stability. Since 1989, OEF has helped almost 300,000 people pay their bills in times of crisis, ensuring that families in need don’t have to sacrifice food, rent, or medicine to pay for electricity. Through the direct service of energy assistance, we supply a basic need that prevents the triple traumas of illness, homelessness, and hunger, and gives children and adults alike the support they need to lead healthy and productive lives.
