By John Schrag

FOREST GROVE, Oregon (May 8, 2026) – The annual public barbecue hosted by the Rotary Club of Forest Grove is back this month with a new name, online ticket sales and an expanded menu that includes a vegetarian option. 

Now in its 68th year, the community dinner will be held on Friday, May 29, 5-8 p.m., at the University Center at Pacific University’s Forest Grove Campus.

Formerly known as the Steak Feed, the club rebranded the event as “Plates for Passports” this year to better promote the youth exchange program that benefits from all ticket sales. The Rotary Youth Exchange program provides opportunities for an international student to spend in a year at Forest Grove High School and student from the community to study outside the United States.

“Being abroad not only gave me some of my fondest memories but also left me with practical skills, confidence, and a broader outlook that still influence my decisions today,” said Helena Barbour-Weiss, who in 2022 left Forest Grove and headed to Ecuador.

“It takes a lot of learning and growing to study away,” said Barbour-Weiss, who is known to her Forest Grove friends as Blue. “But the skills and experiences I gained in Ecuador continue to open doors for me even now, years later.”

The Rotary Club of Forest Grove has the longest involvement in the Rotary Youth Exchange program of any club in the region. Internationally, the Rotary Youth Exchange program provides exchange opportunities to thousands of youth ages 15-19. Exchanges are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries.

“Being an inbound exchange student has been amazing,” said Lara Bekiroglu, the club’s 2025-26 inbound Rotary Youth Exchange student from Turkey. “My view of America changed a lot. I didn’t think that Americans were such social people.  Everybody, even people I don’t know, have been so friendly. I now have worldwide friends and memories I will never forget.”

Bekiroglu, who is attending Forest Grove High School, assumed she would return to Turkey this summer and continue her studies in Europe. But her time in the United States has her considering applying for college here.

She credits the club for making the cultural transition easier. “It’s like being part of a big family,” she said. “I know that if I need something, I can go to anyone in the club and get help. So, when I see someone outside of Rotary meetings I always go up and give them a big hug.”

Bekiroglu will be one of dozens of volunteers helping out at Plates for Passports.

In addition to barbequed New York steak, this year’s options also include Beyond Meat Burgers, a plant-based gluten-free patty that can be custom-grilled.  Side dishes included baked potato, rolls and salad. Beverage and dessert are also included in the ticket price. To-go meals will be available at no additional charge.

For additional information, visit the Plates for Passports page on the Rotary Club of Forest Grove’s website.

Additionally, the club is looking for its next candidate for a 10-month long-term exchange during the 2027-28 academic year. Candidates should be entering their sophomore year in high school. Short-term exchanges are also available to high school students at any grade level, including incoming ninth graders.

Applications are due by Friday, June 12. For more information and to apply, please visit the Youth Exchange Information Page on the Rotary Club of Forest Grove’s website.

Need Tickets To Plates To Passports?
Tickets to Plates for Passports are $30 each. There are now three ways to purchase them:
• Purchase them online
• Buy them directly from any member of the Rotary Club of Forest Grove
• Get them the night of the event