Over 350 supporters of the Estuary Partnership dined, bid on art and generously raised their paddles at our 13th Annual Dinner and Art Gala on November 3rd at the Portland Art Museum. Senator Jeff Merkley and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici honored us by welcoming guests and addressing the importance of the Columbia River and the Estuary Partnership to the vitality of our region. Joan Dukes, former State Senator and member of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, and Louise Solliday, recently retired Director of State Lands and formerly with Governors Kitzhaber and Kulongski’s teams, were named 2012 Stewards of the Year for their longstanding support and dedication to the lower Columbia. Local artists from Hood River to Astoria donated art and the live auction packages featured lower Columbia places and activities. The highlight of the evening was a performance by the Prune Hill Elementary students. Twenty-three members of the choir lead by choir director, Lisa Adams, performed songs that Prune Hill students have written based on lessons provided by the Estuary Partnership educators. Award winning musician John Farrell worked with students to write, record and perform songs about osprey and the food web. All funds raised go towards supporting the Education and Volunteer programs of the Estuary Partnership.
Click here to see Gala Photos.