April 19, 2023

Renowned Portland Educational Non-Profit Brings Back Night of Fundraising in Pivotal Time for Students

After three-year hiatus, event highlights include student stories and a lively game of team trivia

PORTLAND, Ore. – Open School, an innovative education program serving youth who have been underserved and underestimated, has announced the date and programming for the non-profit’s most crucial fundraising evening. The event, dubbed “Change The Game 2023,” will be held on May 3, 2023. All proceeds generated will directly benefit the more than 500 high school students across the Portland metro area with an alternative school in the Rockwood community of East Multnomah County (Open School East) and a robust equity-centered mentorship program (Step Up) that works within three Portland public high schools. 

For over 50 years, the organization has provided educational programs focusing on academics, equity, and advocacy for Portland-area students at the highest risk for disconnection from school.

The annual fundraising event has been on pause since 2019 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.  

“Our students consistently face complex socio-economic systems that impact their ability to show up and stay in school,” stated Kimberlee Pierce Sheng, Executive Director of Open School. “Historic marginalization, coupled with three years of unprecedented challenges, have disproportionately impacted our kids and created hurdles for their academic, economic, and physical and emotional wellbeing.” 

Open School incurred new expenses and fiscal strains with the COVID-19 Pandemic. First, covering the cost of technology tools and internet access at students’ homes that needed to be equipped for distance learning. More recently, with the return to in-person classes, the non-profit needed to add classroom staff to support social-emotional learning for students experiencing new symptoms of trauma due to the pandemic’s impact.  

“This event could not have come at a better time for our students and staff,” added Sheng. “Nonprofits like ours rely on annual in-person fundraisers to connect with the community and illustrate the direct impact of donations on our students.” 

Event Details For Change The Game 2023:  

• Wednesday, May 3, 2023, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
• The Loft at 8th Avenue, 2010 Southeast 8th Avenue, Portland, OR
• A night of community-driven connection, including:
  • Storytelling from students and community members
  • Live auction and raffle
  • Dinner and drinks
  • Lively team trivia competition

All community members are welcome to attend and engage in Change The Game 2023 fundraiser. Investing in Open School’s students impacts the entire region and beyond. Tickets start at $150 and can be purchased using this link. 

Multiple levels of corporate sponsorships are also available. 

About Open School:

Open School is a community-based non-profit founded in 1971. It is one of Portland’s oldest alternative school programs. Open School East is accredited by Cognia and registered with the Oregon Department of Education as a private school. The organization’s mission is to serve students who have been underserved and underestimated while leading an educational community based on advocacy, equity, and academics. The programs support students on their journey to break limiting beliefs, navigate systemic oppression, and build their life goals. Read more about Open School here: openschoolnw.org

Internal Contact for Sponsorships & Group Tickets:

Megan Lewis 

Director of Development

503-488-5187

megan.lewis@openschoolnw.org

Media Contact: 

Andy Lucich

Communications Consultant  

602-502-1397

comms@openschoolnw.org