Cory O’Brien Memorial Fund dinner planned

In a change of venue from years past, the Cory O’Brien Memorial Fund dinner and auction will be from 5 p.m. until close on Sept. 20 at Pogacha Restaurant in Issaquah.

“We’re hoping to have a good turnout,” said Sally O’Brien, Cory’s mother. “It’s a good event for the community. It’s almost like an annual gathering of friends.”

Community members are invited to attend the event to support the scholarship fund by attending the dinner, participating in the two silent auctions or purchasing raffle tickets for a $1,000 Costco gift card.

Cory O’Brien’s family started the fund in 2004, shortly after the 20-year-old WSU junior died of complications associated with viral pneumonia. Cory’s death came just 13 days after he contracted the illness, and his brother, Justin, had the idea to start a scholarship fund in his memory. Each year, a high school senior is selected to receive an $8,000 scholarship to be used over four years.

“It’s not based on academics. It’s based more on how they live their life — are they living their life to the fullest? Are they giving back to the community?” Sally O’Brien said. “We’re just looking for really good kids that might not otherwise get scholarships and might need some help — kids that will perpetuate that idea in their own lives, in place of what Cory would have done.”

Among other things, this year’s auction prizes will include a trip to the Sheraton Kauai, weeklong stays in condos in Mexico and Spain, restaurant gift certificates, wine and other gifts.

Pogacha is donating 20 percent of all food and drink for the evening, and a live band will perform. The event’s two silent auctions will close at 7 and 8 p.m.

To make a reservation, call Pogacha at 392-5550 or send an e-mail to coryobrienfund@verizon.net. The event will be at the Issaquah location, 120 N.W. Gilman Blvd.

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