People's Self-Help Housing's (PSHH) Builder Games fundraiser brought in a record net amount of more than $125,000 at its annual fundraiser, presented by Mechanics Bank in April.
Support came from more than 150 community donors and sponsors. Proceeds from the event directly benefit PSHH residents through its programs and services.
Significant gifts from the event include a $10,000 Presenting Sponsorship from Mechanics Bank. Also giving $10,000 during the paddle raise was individual donor Marcelle Kardush, matched by another $10,000 thanks to event attendees and a donation from Mission Bank.
"This has been our most successful Builder Games to date," said Joanna Dominguez, director of Resource Development. "It's incredible to see so many community partners, vendors and donors, especially those new to the organization, drawn out and inspired by this event.
"Each year we make a goal to raise beyond what was made in the previous year, and thanks to this philanthropic community, we are able to make that goal a reality and ultimately enhance our resident programs because of it."
"The Builder Games is a fun, competitive way to represent the process PSHH goes through to bring more affordable housing to Central Coast communities," PSHH said.
The event sees teams sprinting from the start line in a blueprint relay race, followed by a hunt for construction cash amid giant Jenga puzzles. Once contestants get all their ducks in a row, it's off to the Big Digs to secure subcontractors and find equipment.
The games culminate in the construction phase, where teams build, augment, and put finishing touches to eight original playhouses for kids.
The competition plays out to the backdrop of live music, raffles, silent auctions, and a Santa Maria-style barbecue, later in the event, emceed by KSBY's Anchor Richard Gearhart.
The unique playhouses were sold off by local auctioneer Todd Ventura.
Recognizing the challenges in the real world of affordable housing development, Gearhart and Ventura acknowledged the long, expensive, and difficult process and applauded the efforts of the nearly 250 People's Self-Help Housing team members, all experts in their own fields.
To view photos from the Builder Games, visit buildergames.org/gallery. Learn more about People's Self-Help Housing at pshhc.org.
Founded in 1970, PSHH is the longest-serving nonprofit affordable housing organization on the Central Coast. With a mission of building homes and providing services to strengthen communities and change lives, PSHH serves low-income households, including families, seniors, veterans, farmworkers, those living with disabilities and the formerly homeless. It also provides homeownership opportunities through a self-help, "sweat equity" program that has seen over 1,200 homes successfully completed. PSHH has a presence in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Monterey counties, manages over 2,000 rental units, and employs over 200 staff members. PSHH acknowledges the Indigenous Peoples and unceded territories that the organization now occupies, including the YTT Northern Chumash, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash, Barbeño/Ventureño Band of Mission Indians, Cruzeño Chumash, and Salinan elders, current and future generations as the protectors of these lands. To read the full land acknowledgement, visit pshhc.org/IDEA. For more information about the organization, visit pshhc.org, email [email protected] or phone (805) 781-3088.