Amidst a crowd of almost 2,000 friends, supporters, and constituents, Earl Blumenauer celebrated 40 years in elected office last week with a Gala at the Veterans' Memorial Coliseum.
The evening was no ordinary political event, but rather a fast-paced and fun celebration worthy of honoring Earl’s forty years of accomplishments and leadership. Guests enjoyed samples from some of Portland’s finest food carts, entertainment from the local Wanderlust Circus, an introduction by Attorney General-designate Ellen Rosenblum and US Representative Suzanne Bonamici, and a rousing toast by US Representatives Peter DeFazio before Earl took the stage.
Earl seized the moment, detailing his appreciation for all of the hard work many of those in the community have contributed throughout the past forty years, highlighting how we as a city, region, and nation got to where we are at this point, and finally, imploring the audience to build upon those successes.
“You know how to save the world, and if we are successful in advancing our cause, bringing it to scale and enlisting the power in this room and beyond. We can save the world,” Earl exclaimed. “Can we? We have proven that. The issue is will we, and to that, there is only one answer.”
The evening concluded with spectacular performances by Thomas Lauderdale, Pink Martini, and Storm Large, as well as an after party under the stars featuring a 1940’s swing band.
