Chamber presents Dorymen’s Association $6,707 check for its help with 2025 Dory Days celebration

By TIM HIRSCH

of the Sun

What’s one of the greatest assets of the community? Is it the miles of beach? The postcard view of Cape Kiwanda and Haystack Rock? It’s many valued businesses and residents?

While any of these answers could be deemed correct, there’s yet one more equally right response: its partnerships. And here’s where the spotlight shines brightly on the Pacific City-Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Pacific City Dorymen’s Association. For many years, the two organizations have shared the workload required to make the annual Pacific City Dory Days a resounding success. And the 2025 event was no different. As it had done since the partnership began, the Chamber awarded PCDA its equal share — $6,707 — of the profit from the event at its Awards Banquet held on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at Kiawanda Community Center.

“We don’t always agree on everything, but we get things done that are positive for the community,” said Chamber Board Member Jeremy Strober just prior to the “big check” presentation.

After noting the importance of the partnership, fellow Board Member Jeff Kallevig said that though costs went up and the event had fewer sponsors this year, the Chamber and PCDA were able “to do a really fantastic event” for the benefit of the community and visitors.

“(This) money is going to go right straight back into the community,” said PCDA Co-chair Ray Monroe, noting that includes funds distributed to its scholarship program, the Nestucca Valley Lions Club, and Pacific Coast Bible Church, which provides a meetings space for its semi-annual meetings.

“I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your incredible efforts at the Dory Days Parade this last year,” Monroe said. “Please know that your time and effort did not go unnoticed. You are the heart and soul of what makes events like these so special. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a wonderful group of volunteers who care so deeply about our community. Thanks to your hard work and your dedication, your infectious spirit, the Dory Days Parade was nothing short of spectacular, and it has been for years. You brought joy, laughter, and a whole lot of heart to our beloved tradition, and we couldn’t have done it without you.”

For more information on the work and projects of the Pacific City Dorymen’s Association, visit pcdorymen.com.

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