North Portland Cooperative Thanksgiving Effort to Feed the Community 

PORTLAND, OR (November 5th, 2012) – North Portland community enhancement organization, PROPER, and non-profit soul food cafe, Po’Shines, are teaming up to host a free Thanksgiving Feed on Thursday, November 22nd, from noon to 4pm.  The dinner is open to the greater community and encourages volunteer participation and community contributions.

The event marks the 12th annual Kenton Thanksgiving dinner that PROPER has hosted for the North Portland Community.  Over the years the event has gained continual support from the community, through food donations – with the 2011 dinner serving over 500+ people.  The PROPER organization also puts on an annual community festival.  The festival is comprised of and ultimately organized by local artists, associations, businesses and invested residents.  In all of the community events that they host, PROPER strives to gather maximum community involvement and support.  For instance,  this marks the 4th year that PROPER has chosen Po’Shines Cafe as the partnering organization for the Thanksgiving Feed.

“We jump at opportunities like this,” says Chef James Bradley, “The more we can get people working together, talking together…and even eating together, the stronger we are as a community.  The PROPER Thanksgiving Feed is a great example of how to build community.”

“What we’ve been showing for the last 11 years is that a community Thanksgiving celebration doesn’t have to be sorry,” says PROPER chair Deborah Sampson, “It shows  that community is a beautiful give and receive experience.”

This year, the organizations hope to reach more community members than ever before.  This year will feature a full Thanksgiving dinner with vegan and vegetarian options and live music, including award-winning singer and storyteller Anne-Louise Sterry and Native-American storyteller Linda Meanus.

Donations of goods, as well as monetary donations, are welcome –  please contact Robin at 503.890-5393 – [email protected].  If you wish to volunteer contact Kim at 303-918-3432.  For more information about the event in general, visit properusa.net.