Local celeb to host non-profit housing business event May 7

Julia Anderson, Business Editor of The Columbian, will emcee Affordable Community Environment's (ACE) "Raise Your Hat to Housing" construction trade show and auction. The event will be in The Columbian Building Pavilion across the street from Esther Short Park in Downtown Vancouver.

“We’re creating our own economic stimulus…Clark County style,” said ACE Executive Director Leah Greenwood. With TEAM Construction LLC as the Lead Stimulus Sponsor, the construction-themed event promises to be a lively evening with auction items donated by community members, development firms and sponsors.

The event will include unique one-of-a-kind auction items like a personally guided tour of Officers Row by Mayor Pro-Tem Pat Jollota, a flight over Mt. St. Helens and Clark County, and a dinner for six people prepared by former State Representative Val Ogden.

Additional sponsors include Carleton Hart Architecture, Umpqua Bank, The Building Industry Association of Clark County, Max E. Hunt CPA, Columbian Resource Company and a range of trade show table sponsors. The Clark County Skills Center Restaurant Management/Culinary Program is catering the event as part of the few off-site community service opportunities for students they choose each year.

The second annual after work event will feature displays and information from local building firms as well as silent and live auction items. Beverages and “construction food” will help get the party off to a successful start.

The event will help ACE in its work building housing throughout Clark County. ACE has two new housing projects in the Fruit Valley Neighborhood and Washougal focused on providing safe, beautiful and green affordable housing for families, seniors and residents with special needs.

“ACE’s projects are about more than just providing affordable housing,” said Greenwood. “With $15 million of investment planned in construction over the next year, ACE is also about helping create jobs by employing local contractors and residents in its work.”

Anderson will host the festivities from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Call 360-597-0088 for more information. You can purchase tickets on-line at www.acecommunities.org or in person at 204 E. 16th Street in Vancouver.

ACE is a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was formed in 1998 to provide rental housing in Clark County for low-income families, as well as residents with special needs.