UP’s Peace Out Raises More Than $2,000 at Fundraiser

Peace Out teen and adult philanthropists raised more than $2,000 for 13 local charities at the Art of Giving Fundraiser event in February, according to Executive Director Michelle Calkins McLean.

The event, organized by Peace Out students, included an art fair and silent auction at The Weatherly Inn and The Villas in Tacoma.

Peace Out, a University Place-based non-profit organization, is an after school program created to teach youth the importance of civic engagement and social responsibility, according to its website.

Last year, Peace Out students contributed more than 5,025 volunteer hours and raised funding and awareness for 21 local non-profit agencies.

“Our program has become a recognized leader in engaging youth in positive activities,” wrote McLean on the University Place Patch Facebook page. “Earlier this year, one of our youths was named Volunteer of the Year for University Place for the 300 hours he spent in community projects through Peace Out.”

McLean also said the key component of the program, and fundamental value for Peace Out itself, is active inter-generational engagement.

“All program sessions are held at local retirement communities, where residents are encouraged to act as mentors to Peace Out teens, sharing their lifetime of philanthropy and experiences,” she said. “This interaction helps teens understand the lifetime benefits of philanthropy, and gives the seniors an opportunity to share their wisdom and continue to contribute to local issues with the help of their youth partner.”

Peace Out’s headquarter is located at 2811 Bridgeport Way West.

For more information on Peace Out, visit its website here.

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