The Nestucca Valley Athletic Supporters (NVAS) are hosting its first annual Surf and Turf dinner and Silent Auction Saturday, March 31. The event will be held at the Kiwanda Community Center in Pacific City, Ore. and will serve up delicious tri-tip and locally caught Dungeness crab with sides and desserts. The night also features beer, wine, music, as well as the silent auction with all proceeds going toward the NVAS.

NVAS was formed as a 501c3 non-profit in November 2015. But the concept began with former Nestucca Junior Senior High School principal, Randy Wharton and Nestucca Senior High School Athletic Director, John Elder. Wharton and Elder originally came to local resident Kenny Hurliman with their idea for an improved sports facility on the former Beaver Middle School property. However, they decided the unused property near the Nestucca Elementary School would suit their plans better. The group has continued to gain more and more momentum this past year after hosting a variety of fundraising events and accepting donations.

As the son of Principle Broker and Owner Becky Kirkendall, I was fortunate enough to grow up in this great community and graduate from Nestucca High School. Being a part of this community for so long, I am able to greatly appreciate the NVAS for their efforts in making what seemed like a dream, into a realistic possibility. Growing up in the small town atmosphere has so many advantages, such as being a part of a tight knit community that knows and cares about you, which is exactly what the NVAS is. Even though the small town lifestyle holds many benefits, there is also a downside in that kids sometimes do not have a lot of activities to participate in. At small schools, students have the luxury of being able to try out many different sports and extra-curricular activities, which teach life lessons like hard work and being able to work together with all types of people.

The new athletic facility the NVAS is attempting to build will not only give students the option to use it for their various sports, but it will also encourage them and make it much easier to get involved. Since the student benefit of being a part of small school is to be a part of multiple activities such as sports, the students at Nestucca should be able to have the sufficient facilities to take advantage of that benefit, and that is exactly what the NVAS is trying to provide.

The first annual Surf and Turf dinner begins with appetizers at 4 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Tickets are $35 at the door.  Come out and enjoy some tasty food and support the NVAS!