On September 28th, the African Youth & Community Organization (AYCO) hosted the Unleashing Roots fundraising gala inside their new Dream Center building at 2110 SE 82nd Avenue. Supporters of the immigrant and refugee services nonprofit joined elected officials in celebrating the organization’s accomplishments while raising money to build a brighter future. Guests were treated to Mediterranean food, mocktails, and speaker presentations during the three-hour event.

Highlighted speakers included Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, Washington County Commissioner Nafisa Fai, and several AYCO program beneficiaries. Jamal Dar, the founder and Executive Director of the organization, made an impassioned speech covering the 15-year journey that brought them to a permanent home on SE 82nd Avenue in Montavilla. All conversations at the event focused on finding funds to fill the unfinished building with rooms and resources for the youth-oriented programs.

Towards the end of the evening, Dar presented top supporters with the 360 Roots Award. Representatives from CareOregon, Meyer Memorial Trust, and M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust joined Dar onstage to accept their awards and speak about why they support AYCO. Other winners not at the event were thanked for their contributions to securing the group’s success. Although this annual gala has concluded, the fundraising drive continues online at the AYCO website as they build the resources to finish their Dream Center building. Donations also support the expanded programming envisioned for the future as their physical space becomes more defined.