When I first started working at Portland Monthly one of my duties was to attend local charity functions and report on how many people showed up, what went on, and how much money was raised. To be sure, the Portland nonprofit community is second to none in its dedication and generosity, but the events themselves tended to be a mixed bag. For every inspiring evening with bountiful auctions, exciting celebrities, dancing, and five-star cuisine, there was a corresponding night spent chained to a folding chair balancing a plate of rubber chicken while trying to distinguish between the monotones of all six guest speakers.

Well, Morrison Child and Family Services, the leading provider of children’s mental health services in Multnomah County, knows how to throw a proper shindig. A fortuitous team-up with Deschutes Brewing resulted in last week’s Deschutes Street Fare (spelled this way in reference to the all the different "fare" available), a street soiree that featured a whole squadron of food carts, a smart selection of bands, and plenty of Deschutes brews—good thing, ’cause the temperature crept into the low 90s and my thirst for hops hit critical mass.

In my opinion the presence of the food cart contingent was a stroke of genius because it gave a lot of Portlanders who weren’t familiar with these charming chuck wagons the chance to peck at some of the tastiest and most intriguing food around. And judging by the crowds around Whiffies Fried Pies and Garden State sandwiches, it was a very successful introduction. Some 1500 folks dropped by to sample the goodies, bob their heads to the likes of Loch Lomond and Sallie Ford, and $5000 was raised for Morrison’s coffers. Take a look at our web-exclusive slideshow for all the highlights.