Sellwood Community House’s successful ‘History’ fundraiser

For the first time ever, the Sellwood Community House (SCH) held a large-scale fundraiser, called the “History Happy Hour”, Friday night, May 17, in the Dance Pavilion at nonprofit – and itself historic – Oaks Amusement Park.

The need for funds was obvious – the hundreds of thousands of dollars of water damage done to the entire historic building by the large burst water pipe in its attic during January’s major week-long ice and wind storm.

Folks attending the party at The Oaks were greeted with live music from the “Ne Plus Ultra Jass Band” playing, as well as by plentiful hors d’oeuvres and treats, local beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages.

Master of Ceremonies Simon Fulford – recently, President of the SMILE neighborhood association – adroitly kept the evening moving. During the formal program, guests raptly absorbed three, graphically-illustrated historical presentations.

Emily MacKay of Oaks Amusement Park, presented “Where the fun never ends: 120 years of fun at Oaks Park”Eileen Fitzsimons, SMILE History Committee Chair and an historical writer for THE BEE, spoke on was “Reflections on Water” – the importance of our waterwaysMike Houck of the Urban Greenspaces Institute gave a talk, presented with humor, entitled, “Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge: A Brief History”

When the presentations concluded, organizers held a “paddle raise” – an opportunity for those who attended to support the future of Sellwood Community House.

“Overall, the sold-out event was a huge success,” SCH Director of Development and Community Engagement Elizabeth Milner told THE BEE afterwards. “It was a really heartwarming confirmation of how much people in Sellwood-Westmoreland value the importance of community in general – and, the Sellwood Community House in particular.

“The sense of community in the room was palpable, as people celebrated the history of the Sellwood-Westmoreland neighborhood, reconnected with friends and neighbors, and rediscovered all of the things that the Community House has to offer for people of all ages,” rhapsodized Milner. “It was lovely to hear people’s memories of Sellwood Community House, going back decades.

“The generosity of the 300 people in attendance was incredible; the event raised nearly $40,000 during the ‘paddle raise’ alone – a total of about $60,000 for the evening – which will make a huge impact in our ability to rebuild and reopen, for which the staff is incredibly grateful,” Milner said.

The Sellwood Community House, now a nonprofit organization run by the community itself, is leased from PP&R which previously operated it as the Sellwood Community Center. It was originally constructed over a century ago as a YMCA. It’s located at S.E. 15th and Spokane in Sellwood.

Keep in touch with the Sellwood Community House by visiting their website at – http://www.sellwood communityhouse.org