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The Cornhole Classic III Benefits Portland YouthBuilders

PYB Advocacy Board members L-R, front row Amanda Miller, Julie Pylypczak, Cassady Kennebeck, Danielle Radcliffe. Back row Licia Sahagun, Bennett Barnwell, Tonia Kovtunovich (staff), Max Hoffman, Abe Kats, Ryan Tenzeldam, Andrew Fadenrecht (not pictured: Walker Cahall)

Portland, September 11, 2015. Over 300 friends and supporters of Portland YouthBuilders came together to celebrate PYB’s 20th Anniversary with our largest fundraiser yet – The Cornhole Classic III. Thanks to the many sponsors and donors in attendance, including presenting sponsor Walsh Construction, The Cornhole Classic raised over $135,000 for PYB students and programs. The PYB Advocacy Board members were out in force including Amanda Miller, Julie Pylypczak, Cassady Kennebeck, Danielle Radcliffe and inthe back row Licia Sahagun, Bennett Barnwell, Tonia Kovtunovich (staff), Max Hoffman, Abe Kats, Ryan Tenzeldam, and Andrew Fadenrech.

PYB donors Ben and Sue Donora peruse the silent auction table before the program begins

PYB supporters respond generously to the paddle raise

The Cornhole Classic tournament finals went well into the night

Castaway Portland proved to be the perfect venue for The Cornhole Classic’s blend of traditional fundraising elements and a large-scale outdoor cornhole (bean bag toss) tournament. Guests enjoyed playing or watching cornhole while enjoying signature cocktails courtesy of Stone Barn Brandyworks, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, and Starvation Alley Farms. Once the program began, auctioneer Misty Marquam and emcee Chantal DeGroat entertained the crowd and led a spirited Golden Ticket raffle, live auction, and paddle raise before crowning the cornhole tournament champions. Guests at The Cornhole Classic generously met the paddle raise challenges offered by Andersen Construction, The Zidell Companies, and Campbell Foundation on behalf of Duncan and Cindy Campbell.

About The Cornhole Classic:

The Cornhole Classic began in 2012 as a fun and irreverent way to bring awareness and support to PYB among young professionals aged 25-40. PYB’s Advocacy Board conceived of and planned the event for its first two years, and was joined by a larger Event Committee to create this year’s Cornhole Classic. www.thecornholeclassic.com

About Portland YouthBuilders:

Portland YouthBuilders provides a life-changing opportunity for youth to move permanently out of poverty. We fill an educational void for 17-24 year olds who have been unable to finish high school and enter a meaningful career path. Our students graduate from PYB with a strong work ethic, a commitment to individual responsibility, long term support, and the skills to become contributing members of the workforce and their community. www.pybpdx.org

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.