FROM PRESS RELEASE

The PROPER organization, known over the past fourteen years for its park festivals including live entertainment, community booths and networking, and free food, held its 2nd annual event at McCoy Park in honor of its Director for the past fourteen years, Pastor Tyrone Sampson.  Pastor Sampson suddenly passed away just weeks before the event and, as a long time fan of sports and children, the McCoy Park event was held in his honor.

With participation and sponsorship from Celebration Tabernacle, B-Town Kids, Bardy Trophy, Child Evangelism Fellowship, Koldkist Beverages, Portland Development Commission, 7-11, Big City Produce and Franz Bakery, the volunteers fed over 700 people, provided informational booths, live art and games for the children.  The stage was filled with the sounds of Tabitha, Blue Reign, and 25th Hour.  Pastor Sampson would have enjoyed the event.

Pastor Sampson passed on July 11, 2009 due to a rare double brainstem stroke and a memorial fund has been set up through Celebration Tabernacle with US Bank to help cover funeral and hospital expenses. To make your donation, please bring your check to Celebration Tabernacle or go to any US Bank. A memorial slideshow of Pastor Sampson can be found on YouTube at Tyrone Sampson Memorial.

It is no overstatement that Pastor Tyrone Sampson impacted every community of people he encountered and helped guide and counsel all those fortunate enough to know him.  He was always willing to talk to a strange face and make you feel like a close friend.  We are grateful for his service as the smooth soulful tenor with E.D. Mondainé & Belief, with successfully organizing community prayer workshops, Fresh Start Restorative Health Services monthly seminars, and the Summer and Holiday PROPER Festivals to name a few.

Pastor Sampson and his unwavering faith, deep insights, loving embraces, endless humor, and of course his smile, are sorely missed.

PROPER’s next festival for this summer is at Kenton Park on August 29, 12-4pm. www.properusa.org  We are looking for companies to donate items or gift certificates; if you know someone, please let us know so we can all work together!

Fresh Start is hosting a free health seminar on Saturday, August 1, 2009, from 10-11AM in the Mahalia Jackson Hall at Celebration Tabernacle. www.freshstarthealth.vpweb.com Subject is: "Your Heart Health" understanding heart disease, diagnosis and prevention.  Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend -- bring a friend!