Union Gospel Mission to hold spring fundraising banquet

Portland, OR- Union Gospel Mission plans to hold a spring fundraising banquet on April 3, 2004 at the Oregon Convention Center. The event will raise funds for Union Gospel Mission's new LifeChange Center, a new building that will be erected at the corner of Northwest Third Avenue and Burnside. The new building will enable Union Gospel Mission to double the number of people served in the LifeChange addiction recovery community, and will allow Union Gospel Mission to expand it's services for the homeless and needy. The new building represents the largest expansion in the Mission's 77-year history in Portland.

KPDQ radio talk show host Georgene Rice will serve as Master of Ceremonies and will also be singing at the banquet. Renowned harpist Maureen Love will also be providing musical entertainment. The featured speaker will be LifeChange graduate, Otis Best. He will share how LifeChange helped him turn his life around, from one of homelessness and addiction into a happy and productive life.

Seats are still available to attend the banquet. There is no admission price, but guests are asked to make a donation to support Union Gospel Mission. Those interested in attending the event may contact Jerry Michaels at 503-274-4483. The banquet takes place Saturday, April 3, 2004 at the Oregon Convention Center- doors open at 5:45 p.m., and the program begins at 6:15 p.m.

About Union Gospel Mission: Union Gospel Mission has been "feeding the hungry and restoring the addict" since 1927. Union Gospel Mission provides meals for the homeless and needy and operates LifeChange, a long-term addiction recovery community. In LifeChange, residents live and work at Union Gospel Mission for two to four years and learn to overcome addiction and build new lives. For more information about Union Gospel Mission and LifeChange contact 503-274-4483, or visit online at www.ugmportland.org.