Dana Carvey Helps Raise $535,000 for Portland’s Homeless Youth

featured legendary comedian, Dana Carvey, and

Portland, October 7th, 2015. The 14th Annual Steve Allen Comedy Show starring Dana Carvey drew nearly 600 guests to the Portland Art Museum. This year’s event raised more than $535,000 for the New Avenues’ program which serves youth at risk of, or currently experiencing, homelessness. The show was sold out which was great news for the local nonprofit.

New Avenues has uplifting programs to keep youth on track moving toward a bright future.

“We are thrilled that New Avenues has continued to put on the comedy event that we founded and even honored Brian’s dad by naming it after him,” said Joan Allen, co-owner of Windermere Stellar and co-chair of the Windermere Foundation. “New Avenues has done a masterful job of keeping our original focus of an evening filled with laughter and joy to raise money to help youth who do not have the resources or the path to a safe, self-sufficient life.”

This New Avenues video explores the need for the program:

The show provides critical support as New Avenues continues to expand its comprehensive services to help youth overcome barriers and realize their potential, including the recent launch of Unity House, Oregon’s first housing program for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness.

“We’re grateful for Windermere Stellar’s longstanding dedication to our mission and our youth,” says Sean Suib, Executive Director of New Avenues for Youth. “Thanks to the generous support of our Comedy guests, New Avenues will continue to have a deeper impact in preventing youth homelessness and invest in innovative solutions to create better outcomes for youth.”

About New Avenues for Youth

Since 1997, New Avenues for Youth has offered programs and services that empower homeless youth to exit street life. Our values shape how we address the complex issue of youth homelessness and the solutions we offer. New Avenues believes that every young person should have food, shelter, and access to education and job training. We believe we must go beyond meeting basic needs and offer programs that heal young lives and foster growth and independence.
Our mission is to work in partnership with our community to prevent youth homelessness and provide homeless and at-risk young people the resources and skills needed to lead healthy, productive lives.
New Avenues for Youth takes a complete approach to addressing youth homelessness and its root causes, delivering support and resources that enable foster, at-risk, and homeless youth aged 14-24 to overcome their difficulties.

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.