Time to Celebrate the Lower Umatilla Basin

As we welcome cooler fall weather and the busy harvest season, it’s a perfect time to celebrate the vibrant community of the Lower Umatilla Basin and the huge impact our region has on Oregon. There are two events this month that we think illustrate the strength of our communities and continuous investment in making them better.

On September 4th, the Boardman Food Pantry Dinner and Auction was an incredible success and raised an amazing $255,000 for the pantry. The pantry is rebuilding its facility after being destroyed in a tragic fire earlier this year along with several nearby homes. The new facility will allow the pantry to continue assisting those in need into the future. Multiple H2OEO members were involved in supporting the event and the fundraising effort.

“The Boardman Food Pantry Dinner and Auction was a resounding success, raising an impressive $255,000, including generous cash donations from the community. Incredible! The food pantry board of directors is deeply grateful for the overwhelming support and kindness shown by all who contributed to this important cause,” said Boardman Food Pantry Chairman Mary Killion. “Every dollar raised will play a crucial role in rebuilding a new facility that will enable the pantry to continue serving those in need, ensuring that this vital service will be available for many years to come. This outpouring of generosity truly reflects the spirit and strength of the Boardman community.”

Another event happening on September 20th in Portland is the Farm to Square event highlighting the bounty of Umatilla County. County Commissioner Dan Dorran and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson are partnering to bridge the rural/urban divide and celebrate Umatilla County in downtown Portland. Bringing farmers from across the state into Portland to make sure people always remember where their food comes from used to be a regular event in Portland, and we think it is a major positive step towards bringing awareness to all of the wonderful work that happens in our region.

According to a City of Portland press release, “This one-day inaugural celebration highlights the incredible agricultural richness of Umatilla County, featuring everything from Hermiston watermelons and Pendleton beef to Madison Farms onions and locally sourced potatoes. Guests will enjoy both samples and farm-fresh produce for purchase, offering a true farm-to-city experience.”

We are lucky to have the leadership of Commissioner Dorran and Mayor Wilson to bring this event back to Oregon.

Both the recent support for the Food Pantry and the Farm to Square event are perfect examples of how our community can come together to share resources.