Renkenberger Award Recipients
John and Sondra Dutra of the Columbia Gorge MG Club based in Portland, Oregon were presented a Renkenberger Spirit Award at the club’s annual Christmas Party on December 14. The Dutras perfectly embody the qualities meant to be recognized by the award as they are devoted club members who are consistent leaders in the club.
John has served as President and Vice-President of the club numerous times over many years, and naturally this has meant that he has also held the board officer position of Past President several times.
For many years John also served as a representative of the Columbia Gorge MG Club on the executive committee of the Portland All British Field Meet, which is the largest multi-day meeting of British cars anywhere in the Americas.
Both John and Sondra are reliable volunteers to lead club activities, serve in board and other positions, and host social events. These popular events have included opening their home each year to the club to host the annual Member Appreciation Picnic, an event that typically attracts over 50 members. Additionally, Sondra hosts an annual Ladies Tea Party in traditional British style by serving tea, finger sandwiches, and sweet biscuits and scones in proper English “high tea” style.
During the recent GT-49 event hosted by the Columbia Gorge MG Club in Welches, Oregon, Sondra and John planned, coordinated and hosted the “hospitality suite” each day of the event, setting a high standard in offering an attractive and high-quality venue for that important social aspect of the GT. It was truly a highlight of GT-49.
Presenting the award at the Christmas Party, Club President Reid Trummel stated, “John and Sondra have long set a high standard of both leadership and friendship that make a club strong and attractive, and that enhances MG ownership for all members.”
As a couple, John and Sondra have been NAMGAR members since 2006. They presently own a 1959 1500 Coupe, a 1960 1600 Roadster, and a 1959 Magnette Varitone, plus various other British cars. John is also the club chapter contact representative to NAMGAR.
The Dutras have long been an integral part of the success of the active Columbia Gorge MG Club and fully deserve the prestigious recognition of the Renkenberger Spirit Award.
