Team and fans come together to celebrate at Stand Together Awards Banquet

The Portland Timbers wrapped up their season Sunday evening at the Nines Hotel at their 2nd annual Stand Together Awards Banquet. 

Surrounded by over 500 fans, sponsors and friends, the Timbers also showed their support for the Timbers community platform,Stand Together.

“The banquet is the biggest fundraiser we do each year for Stand Together. The money we raise directly benefits our programs and partnerships,” said Timbers director of community outreach, Christa Thoeresz. “It's a unique opportunity to build awareness and raise money for Stand Together.”

Attendees participated in silent and live auctions, bidding on Timbers memorabilia and other packages, such as watching a 2013 match from owner Merritt Paulson’s suite and a pair of season tickets. 

During the silent auction, fans got the opportunity to take pictures with the Cascadia Cup brought by Scott Swearingen, board president of the Timbers Army's 107 Independent Supporters Trust.

“We're here to present the [Supporters'] Player of the Year Award, and it just so happens that we won the Cascadia Cup as well," he said. "The Cascadia Cup is a fan cup and it's something that lives with supporters. It's something that belongs to fans and should be interacted with, especially at an event like this.”

Timbers COO Mike Golub expressed his appreciation to the fans and players that made 2012 a successful season for Stand Together.

“Tonight punctuates the season. It's been up and down, but only up for the community,” said Golub. “We're one of the most connected and philanthropic organizations in sports to our community, and it's thanks to the players we're here to celebrate, so tonight is a celebration of all good things in connection with them and Stand Together.”

Timbers defender David Horstwon the award for Community Player of the Year at the end of the night for his work this season.

“This means a lot to me personally. This award goes beyond the field,” said Horst. “I've been given an extraordinary opportunity to do things for people in the community and this team's given me the chance to do those things, and I can't thank them enough for that. To be able to give back, it's very fulfilling, and hopefully I can do more next year.” 

The Stand Together Awards Banquet raised over $40,000 that will directly benefit programs in the community during the 2013 season.