Eugene's Best Community Organization

Jesse Cornett

Down in my second favorite city in Oregon, the Lane County Bus Project (a free standing chapter of the Oregon Bus Project) scooped up the Best of Eugene award for Best Community Organization Friday night. The Eugene Weekly reader’s poll placed the Bus in contention for both Best Place to Volunteer (which they lost to Food for Lane County, another awesome place!) and Best Community Organization. LaneBus Executive Director, Adam Petkun, was also nominated for Best Person Making a Difference along with Congressman DeFazio and Mayor Kitty Piercy.

Dressed in tuxedos and fine evening wear, the 15 person strong Bus delegation took the stage to receive their award from Oregon Superintendent of Public Instruction Susan Castillo and Senator Vicki Walker. Lane Bus Chair James Mattiace took the opportunity to thank the 2000+ members of the Lane Bus, stress the importance of grassroots volunteering, and led the audience of 700 in a big "get on the Bus!" cheer.

The Bus opened its doors in Lane County in 2002 as a Bus station. In 2000, local grassroots fundraising enabled them to open an office and hire two staff. Another grant brought in 3 more staffers for the non-partisan Building Votes wing.

Not coincidentally, the Lane Bus is running a Trick or Vote canvass on Sunday, Oct 29th at 3pm at Cozmic Pizza. Give Adam a call at 541-344-9999 email him at [email protected] to sign up or get more involved with the Best Community Organization in Eugene.

By Jesse Cornett Oct. 22, 2006