Board Members
Jeff Richter
Board Member
Jeff "Spike" Richter was one of the original attendees of Laurel's Luau, taking part in burying and cooking the pig for the first annual event. On the second year of the event, he ushered in the idea of a BBQ Tri Tip menu complete with the award-winning San Luis Obispo dry rub seasoning (Roundup).
Jeff took on the duty of Head BBQ Chef which he held for several consecutive years. He proudly cooked in the white Chef's coat that Todd Pike gave to him in order to, "look the "part", of a professional BBQ chef. As a board member of Friends of the Luau, Jeff serves wherever he is needed with a propensity to gravitate towards the grill.
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"Participating in this annual event which lends financial assistance to families dealing with the worst of life's challenges, all the while, honoring the memory and spirit of Laurel Richter will always be one of my biggest privileges in life".
Gary Richter
Board Member
Gary "Rooster" Richter was one of two original creators of the "Laurel's Luau" in 2001. From that idea, Gary's kids and their friends began a foundation named "Laurel's Legacy" in 2015.
When the Legacy became strong in Boise, Gary, his wife Sherry, and the fellas mentioned above began work on the "Friends of the Luau".
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Gary is now proudly on both boards of directors with the bulk of his attention pointed toward the latest endeavor of helping the Bend/Redmond community.
Kent Hicks
Board Member
Kent was born and raised in Ontario, Oregon along with Sam McMillen, Jeff Richter, and Gary Richter.
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After high school, he worked construction for three years before attending college at TVCC in Ontario and Eastern Oregon State College in La Grande.
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Kent spent the rest of his twenties working at the headquarters of a mortgage company in San Diego.
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Kent moved to Bend in 1990. In Bend he has owned and operated a small transportation company. He has operated this private car service, with 4 to 6 employees, since 2008.
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Kent and his dog enjoy outside activities. He and Jag regularly bike and hoof along the less crowded river trails in the Bend area. Kent also pursues other outdoor activities in Eastern Oregon
Sam McMillen
Board Member
Sam is a long time friend of the original Luau that has been held in Boise, Idaho since 2001. He and his wife, Peg, have supported that cause and are now officially involved with the "Friends of the Luau".
Sam's willingness to join the board has bolstered our efforts to positively affect the Bend/Redmond community in regard to helping those facing life threatening illnesses,