SHANGRI-LA-LA: The most surprising thing about the 10th Annual Our House Dinner and Benefit Auction, "Shangri-La: An Asian Celebration," wasn't that it was the organization's largest dinner ever, or that it transformed the Portland Art Museum in a plush dining hall in Tokyo, or that everyone seemed to be wearing red.

The most surprising thing I noticed at the fundraiser in support of housing and care for those who live with HIV/AIDS is that people were actually spending money...lots and lots of money.

"I really believe people are starting to loosen up again," said one patron in regards to the high bids on both the silent and live auction items. And, it was true, people did seem to be loosening up. In fact, for me, it reminded me of the heady days of the early 90's when I used to cover the social beat for a local newspaper and this town threw big benefits every day of the week. Perhaps the biggest factor in the success of this weekend's Our House benefit was it's co-chairs: Marcus Lintner and his partner, Gary Maffei (who is also on Our House's board of directors).

Just like in the good old days, the always gracious Maffei and Lintner (pictured above) were able to gather together the patrons that once attended nearly every social soiree—but are rarely seen out and about anymore—with the new kids who are starting to make a difference for the causes that are near and dear to Portlanders hearts. It was a great to see these two crowds finally mix.

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