Whether it be a silent auction at the Portland Art Museum, a Shamrock Run at Waterfront Park or simply a doughnut fundraiser, the number of people and events supporting Doernbecher has increased considerably in the past 21 years.

This year, instead of the usual multicultural theme that Unity Week had primarily focused on in previous years, Renaissance has taken it to an entirely new level, centered around a specific cause of fundraising for Doernbecher.

The week still had the multicultural aspect to it by sharing in the appreciation of cultures from students of every race, but instead of having it during school, it was more of an after school event. For example, SUN put together a festival that honored different countries through dancing and food.

During school, students were unified with the common goal of helping the children primarily of Oregon and southwest Washington through Doernbecher.

“Unity Week is about uniting around Doernbecher,” Renaissance adviser Ty Gonrowski said. “Everyone can value what they have to offer to the community.”

Renaissance members got the chance to listen to several people talk about their experiences with Doernbecher. They were touched by those stories, and so when they began brainstorming ideas for Unity Week, the idea of Doernbecher came up.

Gonrowski aims to give Renaissance members the power to make decisions about how we serve our community through fundraising.

“I’d like the direction of this fundraiser to be up to the kids,” Gonrowski said.

Fundraising for Doernbecher had been the main focus for that week. The goal that Gonrowski and Renaissance members had was exceeded by the end of the assembly that was held for it. Their original goal was $1,000, and by Feb. 22, they had already reached $1,250.06.

“We are considering more fundraisers for the near future,” Renaissance student director Crystal Chau said. “[We] plan to reach our new goal of $2,000.”

The fundraisers that have already occurred have been successful. Just at the assembly itself, Renaissance members raised $332.74 by walking around handing out Dolley heads and wristbands for donations. With the Krispy Kreme doughnut sales, they made $156.69. Other fundraisers they have done include the He-man volleyball game, Mr. Gresham’s charity event, Hershey Kisses booth, and selling Santa hats at the basketball game against Franklin earlier in the year.

From the results of these fundraisers, it is safe to assume that future fundraisers will also have similar, if not better, results.

“This fundraiser will conclude at the end of the year,” Renaissance class member Keely Stevens said. “Next year we plan to kick it off all over again with higher goals we can aim to achieve.”

Dolley heads and wristbands can still be sold and will be for the remainder of the year. It is a goal to extend the Dolley heads to the end of the hallway that they are currently found in, which is right by the cafeteria and vending machines.