Unions for Kids got an early start on its 10th annual fundraiser for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital with a performance Dec. 13 by Norman Sylvester and his band at the Original Roadhouse Grill in Gresham. Sylvester, a member of Musicians Local 99, played pro bono and the restaurant donated 20 percent of the night’s proceeds to the cause.
“When Norman found out that our group was all volunteer to benefit the kids at Doernbecher, he wouldn’t accept payment,” said Lee Duncan, a member of IBEW Local 48 and president of the non-profit Unions for Kids.
The fundraiser itself is a motorcycle poker run and motorcycle raffle. Last year’s event raised $50,000. Since its inception, Unions for Kids has contributed $271,000 to Doernbecher.
This year’s poker run is scheduled for June 9 at IBEW Local 48’s hall in Northeast Portland. Tickets are now on sale for a chance to win a “Big Blue” 2012 Heritage Softail Classic Harley-Davidson. In celebration of the 10th anniversary, the bike will be autographed by Willie G. Davidson, the grandson of Harley-Davidson co-founder William A. Davidson. Tickets are $10 each, with only 5,000 sold. Tickets currently are available at IBEW and United Workers Federal Credit Union, 9955 SE Washington St., Portland; Teamsters Council #37 Federal Credit Union, 1020 NE 2nd Ave., Suite 160, Portland, and IBEW Local 48, 15937 Northeast Airport Way, Portland.
