County Demcrats to Host Their Annual Fund-Raiser

state Rep. Steve March

The Multnomah County Democratic Party will rock the house with local blues musicians during the House of Blues-Dick Celsi Awards Dinner at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 6, in the Hilton Portland and Executive Towers, 921 S.W. Sixth Ave.

A silent and live auction are planned, as well as political speakers and opportunities to socialize with elected officials plus entertainment by Portland blues musicians.

The Dick Celsi Awards Dinner is an annual event that celebrates the late activist Dick Celsi. It is the largest fund-raiser of the year for the Multnomah County Democrats.

"He got involved in politics as a young guy and was a delegateto national conventions for 20 years ... . Dick was a progressive Democrat who firmly believed in grassroots activism," said Lee Hamilton, a close friend of Dick Celsi and the Celsi Dinner Auction chair.

An award is presented to current local Democratic activists in memory of Dick Celsi. Nominees are chosen based their grassroots activism. This year's nominees are Joyce Freeman and state Rep. Steve March. The winner is announced at the event.

Tickets are $120 and can be purchased online at www.multdems.org/celsi.

Funds raised during the House of Blues-Dick Celsi Awards Dinner will help support the efforts of 600 volunteers and precinct committee people, who pay for mailings, phone banks, voter databases and a Web site. This year's goal is to put a Democratic majority in the OregonHouseof Representatives.

For more information visit www.multdems.org/celsi.