Oregon Restaurant Association’s One Big Night a Sizzling Success

On Tuesday, March 18, the Oregon Restaurant Association held its signature One Big Night auction event at the Portland Art Museum. A record number of guests attended the event, making it the largest One Big Night to date.

“This event, unlike others, attracts some of the biggest names in the industry,” said Bill Perry, ORA’s vice president of government affairs. “This is our single biggest fundraiser, which has helped us achieve being one of the largest business PACs in the state. One Big Night is a high-energy, fun event that encourages our members to become more politically active.”

Upon entering the Fields Sunken Ballroom, guests enjoyed premium beer, wine, cocktails and entertainment by harpist Leigh Brown while perusing over 100 items during the silent auction. After two hours of competitive bidding, guests moved upstairs to the Kridel Grand Ballroom where they were treated to a three-course meal provided by Vibrant Table Catering and the intricate musical arrangements of guitarist Andrew Guzie. Closing the evening was an exhilarating live auction featuring various exotic getaway packages, sports memorabilia and more. A helmet signed by recently retired football player Brett Favre drew
over $5,500 for ORPAC.

“It was wonderful to see so many people gathered to support the restaurant industry,” said Joe Benetti, ORA board chair. “I feel the event was a huge success, one enjoyed by all.”

New this year was the One Big Night Online Auction, which proved to be a wild success. Bidding began two weeks in advance of the live event and featured select items ranging from golf packages to gift certificates to popular local restaurants. Guests were able to access the online auction at the event for the length of the silent auction. In all, over $160,000 was raised to help support members of the hospitality industry through ORA’s political efforts.

“Overall, One Big Night exceeded our expectations,” said Steve McCoid, president and CEO of ORA. “We reached record numbers of both attendees and donations raised, proving that our members are some of the most dedicated in the industry.”

ORA would like to thank its presenting sponsor, SYSCO Portland and other industry sponsors and guests who helped make the event possible. Through the generosity shown at One Big Night and throughout the year, ORA is able to protect the interests of the hospitality industry by supporting and helping to elect pro-business legislators.

Presenting Sponsor

Thanks to our 2008 Sponsors!

	Silver Sponsor
	Silver Sponsor
	Silver Sponsor
	Oral Auction Sponsor
	Spirits Sponsor
	Beer Sponsor
	Entertainment Sponsor
	Auctioneer Sponsor
Wine for the evening is generously provided by Willamette Valley Vineyards