A day at the races benefits St. James and local residents

A recent donation to St. James Family Center (SJFC) made quite a stir at the end of August. Beaverton-based Pacific Office Automation (POA) gave $1000 and eight NASCAR tickets as a contribution to St James' "40 for 40" campaign, which celebrates the 40 years SJFC has been a part of Wahkiakum County's landscape.

The NASCAR tickets may seem a bit random; however, POA has a unique relationship with Portland International Raceway. POA is actually the title sponsor of the annual NASCAR Xfinity Series race held at the track.The event is officially named the "Pacific Office Automation 147," and has been in place since the race's inaugural year in 2022. According to the company, the partnership is a way to engage with the local community and contribute to the growth of the motorsports tradition in the Pacific Northwest. Their donation of race tickets has done just that.

Three names were drawn the last week of August, giving the opportunity for eight individuals to attend the event, featuring various races as well as live music and vendors.

Damon and Shelby Paquette received two tickets thanks to a donation by West Coast Aluminum Outfitters, Puget Island's longtime marine engineering and dock building company. "It was an opportunity we couldn't pass up," said Shelby, "My dad loves NASCAR. Although he needed a wheelchair to be able to attend, the community stepped up. We had wheelchair donations from the Lion's Club and from the Shell service station."

For those wondering about the race's outcome, rookie Connor Zilisch won in overtime. This was his eighth victory, driving the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, after a late-race restart.

The fundraising effort is part of a year long "40 for 40" campaign to raise $40,000 for SJFC and represents a significant opportunity for the non-profit to start important new projects for the building and the families it supports. The community's generosity, as well as the hard work of the volunteers selling the tickets during the Wahkiakum County Fair, enabled SJFC to earn $350 towards their goal, currently totalling just shy of $20,000.

Co-chair of the SJFC Board of Directors Vicki Skeers said, "St. James is the only show in town that provides this level of support to families and kids, including those with special needs. Fundraising like this increases the visibility of the center within the community and gives recognition to their great work."

SJFC appreciates everyone who participated in the raffle, making the day a success for both the winners and the St James families.

If you'd like to contribute or learn more about the campaign, contact St. James Family Center (1134 Columbia St., Cathlamet) or go online at stjamesfamilycenter.org/donate.