Portland YouthBuilders Raises $120,000 With Big Search Party

Portland, OR. Portland YouthBuilders (PYB) hosted its second virtual scavenger called the ‘Big Search Party.’ It was a three-day fundraising campaign, and a virtual scavenger hunt to raise funds to support its mission and goals as an organization. About 100 supporters joined in the fun of the virtual scavenger hunt, which was completed through the Goosechase scavenger hunt app. Teams remained safe and socially distanced as they competed for points and bragging rights. Missions included a photo or video displays of talent, creativity, and tenacity, documenting challenges as varied as dressing up a fire hydrant, camouflaging themselves against any background, and recreating a photo booth, virtually.

Supporters surpassed a $100,000 fundraising goal, raising more than $120,000. These funds will go toward enacting the mission of the nonprofit, which provides support for low-income youth including education, vocational training, and leadership development.

Participants gave the activity great reviews saying, “It’s been awesome and helped us get out of the house with two little ones” and “This is a truly enjoyable way to give back to an amazing organization!”

The virtual campaign and scavenger hunt took place over three days – September 16th, 17th and 18th – and was presented by O’Neill Walsh Community Builders. It included video testimonials.

Current PYB technology student Ronderrick told his story about the support he has received at PYV and about how he’s on track to graduate high school despite many tremendous challenges he’s faced.

From PYB:

We enroll young people aged 17-26, though the great majority of our students are in their teens. Nearly 60% of our students are people of color, with our BIPOC community comprised of Latinx, African American, Native American, and Asian/Pacific Islander students. On average, approximately 70% identify as male and 30% as female, with a small percentage who identify as non-binary.

Nearly all of our students come to us with histories of significant trauma, including poverty, dropping out of school, homelessness, substance abuse, violence in the home, involvement with the justice system, and more. Some of our students have learning disabilities, have been in foster care, or are custodial parents.

Additionally, all of our students are deeply motivated to make a positive change in their lives. Once they take the bold and brave step to join our program, our students are notorious for doing all they can to make it work.