On September 28th, the African Youth & Community Organization (AYCO) will host the Unleashing Roots fundraising gala in their new Dream Center building at 2110 SE 82nd Avenue. The immigrant and refugee support nonprofit is seeking sponsors for the event and selling individual tickets to people interested in supporting this organization. The Thursday afternoon event begins at 3 p.m. and features Oregon Senator Kayse Jama as the keynote speaker.
AYCO purchased its new building in January 2023. However, the wedge-shaped structure sat mostly vacant since its construction, never finding a primary tenant. Consequentially, it lacks sufficient demising walls and doesn’t meet the organization’s needs. Funds from this gala will support the tenant improvements planned for the space and further the group’s goals of creating a cultural hub in the Montavilla Community. However, the event is more than just a platform to support AYCO’s array of services for immigrant communities across the metro area. The gala is an opportunity to examine the past years of accomplishments and look at the group’s path forward. “Unleashing Roots is an occasion to reflect on our journey and celebrate the remarkable achievements we have made together. We transformed setbacks into stepping stones, turning a long-empty shell of a building into a beacon of hope for our community,” wrote the Executive Director of AYCO Jamal Dar.
Individuals wishing to attend the Unleashing Roots gala can purchase a ticket for $65.00 at https://aycoworld.nationbuilder.com/unleashing_roots, and businesses wanting to provide support can contribute at several levels that offer benefits that can include tickets or whole tables at the event. AYCO also accepts donations year-round at the organization’s website. With a successful fundraising campaign, the building could soon transform into the youth activity center and cultural services hub envisioned for this site.
