The 20th Annual Yoshida’s Sand in the City Raises $120,000 for Kids

Portland, July 17th, 2015. Twelve corporate teams competed in the sand sculpture competition and Team Nike/Camp Rosenbaum came out on top with its “Active Kids, Active Minds” creation. Judges liked the detail and the height of the sand sculpture. Volunteers who build sculptures at Sand in the City say, “Since sand is monochromatic using texture is key. Light and shadow is all that you get to work with so you need to make the most of it.”

2nd Place went to Ultimate Ears. Builders use things like forks, brushes, spray-bottles and basic tools can create quick effective textures.

2nd Place went to team Logitech/Ultimate Ears. Builders use things like forks, brushes, spray-bottles and other basic tools can create quick effective textures.

The annual event is a fundraiser that benefits children's charities in the community. The event is 100% volunteer-run allowing 100% of the profits to go directly to the charities. Team donations, sponsorships, and gate proceeds combine to raise about $120,000 each year for the children's charities.

The annual event in Pioneer Courthouse Square is a fundraiser benefiting children’s local charities. Team donations, sponsorships, and gate proceeds combine to raise about $120,000 each year for kids.

This year, the Sand in the City board designated four charities who will receive funds: Community Transition School, Communities for Safe Kids, Open Meadow School and White Shield Center. The total number of children who have benefitted from funds from this event to date is over one million children.

Yoshida’s Sand in the City began in 1996 with 13 corporate teams working together to raise money in support of The Kids on the Block Awareness Program, a non-profit children’s program using puppets to help educate children to be more accepting of others with disabilities and differences.

From the beginning Junki Yoshida and Yoshida Group have been the presenting sponsor of the event. Yoshida was interviewed by several local television stations.

SRG Partnership, Inc. attributed their 3rd place finish to great teamwork between employees and helpers from both KPFF Civil Engineering and PLACE Studio.

Here’s a look at the finished product.

Congratulations were given to the Portland Fire Bureau and\Coffman on its Rookie team win.

Each year, corporate teams are matched with the design expertise of local architectural firms. Each team receives training and support as they prepare for the July sand castle competition. Hoffman Construction Company has participated as a major sponsor from the beginning, coordinating the arrival and removal of more than 150 tons of sand. Compaction is the ‘glue’ that makes the magic possible. Sculpting tools – Many kitchen, masonry and garden tools will work for this. Volunteers use spoons, spatulas, melon ballers, pallet knives, clay loops, you name it. Some sculptors shun tools altogether preferring to use only their hands.

The event runs through Sunday, with a suggested entry donation of $4 per person/$10 for family.

Here’s more information about the participants and the recipients of the donations:

Community Transitional School

Dedicated to the educational needs of children whose families are homeless or in transition.

Learn more about Community Transition School

Communities for Safe Kids

An innovative, educational program that draws from the latest research on violence prevention to leverage the power of individuals, families and communities to value and advance the well-being and safety of children.

Learn more about Communities for Safe Kids

Open Meadow School

Open Meadow’s mission is to develop connection, capability, and confidence in disconnected youth through relationship-based, quality learning experiences that result in academic, personal, and community success.

Learn more about Open Meadow School

White Shield Center

Empowering adolescent girls to lead healthy and productive lives within their families and communities.

Learn more about the White Shield Center

	Alpha Broadcasting Click the following link to read full 2015 team bio.
	Portland Fire & Rescue / Coffman Excavation Click the following link to read full 2015 team bio.
	Hanna Andersson Click the following link to read full 2015 team bio.
	Hoffman Construction Click the following link to read full 2015 team bio.
	KOIN 6 / Media General Click the following link to read full 2015 team bio.
	Kuni BMW Click the following link to read full 2015 team bio.
	Kuni Lexus of Portland Click the following link to read full 2015 team bio.
	Logitech / Ultimate Ears Click the following link to read full 2015 team bio.
	NIKE Click the following link to read full 2015 team bio.
	OMSI / Vernier Software Click the following link to read full 2015 team bio.
	SRG / KPFF / PLACE Click the following link to read full 2015 team bio.
	Turner Construction / Ankrom Moisan Click the following link to read full 2015 team bio.
	Yoshida Click the following link to read full 2015 team bio.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.