New ‘Give for the Gorge’ Program Enables Columbia River Gorge Lovers toSupport Local Nonprofits
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New ‘Give for the Gorge’ Program Enables Columbia River Gorge Lovers to
Support Local Nonprofits
– Proceeds from the point-of-sale program will benefit local organizations focused on the
environment, housing and food security –
Feb. 21, 2024 (HOOD RIVER, Ore.) – The Columbia River Gorge has a new way for visitors, locals
and online customers to give back to the region and its communities. Give for the Gorge is a
new point-of-sale fundraising program that gives people an easy way to make a positive
difference in a place they love.
Customers at participating local businesses can “tip the Gorge” during a transaction by writing
in any donation amount or rounding up to the next dollar. Donations can also be made directly
at GiveForTheGorge.org.
“Give for the Gorge was created to help ensure that the Columbia River Gorge and its
communities are preserved for future generations of visitors and residents,” said founder and
project manager, Sandi Scheinberg. “It will provide a much-needed, ongoing source of funding
to eight incredible Gorge-area nonprofits focused on the three areas of greatest need in the
Gorge: housing, food security and the environment.”
The Columbia River Gorge has evolved into a world-class travel destination, attracting more
than 2.5 million visitors in 2023. As its popularity has grown, so has the need for environmental
stewardship, affordable housing, and social services for the local workforce due to the increased
cost of living.
The eight inaugural Give for the Gorge nonprofit partners are Cascades Carnivore Project,
Columbia Land Trust, Columbia Riverkeeper, Friends of the Columbia Gorge, Gorge Grown Food
Network, Mid-Columbia Community Action Council, The Next Door and Thrive Hood River.
Funds will be distributed equally among the organizations on a quarterly basis and will provide a
reliable source of funding. The nonprofit program is being administered by Friends of the
Columbia Gorge.
“Give for the Gorge is the first local program that gives visitors and locals alike an easy way to
give back to the place they treasure,” said Kevin Gorman, executive director of Friends of the
Columbia Gorge. “Maybe people can’t do trail work themselves, or improve the health of the
Columbia River, or address the high housing costs that result from being a destination
community, but they can support the groups that do.”
Give for the Gorge is launching with a number of Gorge-area businesses partners—everything
from breweries and hotels to gear shops and outfitters. A full list of current participating
businesses is available at GiveForTheGorge.org. Visitors can also look for the Give for the Gorge
logo on business window fronts and at the check-out areas.
“We’re thrilled to be one of the inaugural business partners for Give for the Gorge, and we
highly encourage other local businesses to join us,” said James Pearrow, general manager, Hood
River Hotel. “We know our guests value all the natural beauty, outdoor activities, agritourism
and unique local businesses that the Gorge has to offer, and they appreciate us providing them
with an easy way to give back to this special place.”
Gorge-area businesses that are interested in joining can contact info@giveforthegorge.org for
further information.
Give for the Gorge is modeled on Lake Tahoe, Calif.’s successful $1 for Tahoe program. In 2022,
more than $749 million was raised in the United States by 77 point-of-sale fundraising
campaigns that each raised at least $1 million. These programs have raised more than $6.7
billion over three decades.