Skip to content

People’s Self-Help Housing Fundraiser Brings Together Over 150 Donors & Sponsors in Support of Resident Programs

People’s Self-Help Housing Fundraiser Brings Together Over 150 Donors & Sponsors in Support of Resident Programs 
Community event highlights the impact of giving back 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Central Coast, CA, May 13, 2025 – People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has tallied the final numbers for their annual fundraiser, the Builder Games, presented by Mechanics Bank, which they hosted at the end of April. Meeting a new record, they brought in over $125,000 net through the support of over 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 an additional $10,000 during the paddle raise was individual donor Marcelle Kardush, matched by another $10,000 thanks to event attendees and a generous 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. The event sees teams sprinting from the start line in a blueprint relay race, followed by a hunt for construction cash amidst giant Jenga puzzles. Once contestants ‘get all their ducks in a row’ it’s then off to the ‘Big Digs’ to secure their subcontractors and find their equipment. The Games culminate in the construction phase, where teams build, augment, and put their finishing touches to eight highly original playhouses for kids.  

All to the backdrop of live music, raffles, silent auctions and a delicious Santa Maria style barbeque, later in the event, emceed by KSBY’s Anchor Richard Gearhart, the unique playhouses were sold off by local auctioneer, Todd Ventura to an excited crowd of invited and ready to bid guests. 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, who make it happen every day.  

To view photos from the Builder Games, visit buildergames.org/gallery. To learn more about People’s Self-Help Housing, visit pshhc.org

About People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH)
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 info@pshhc.org or phone (805) 781-3088.
 
###
 
Media Contact: publicrelations@pshhc.org, (805) 548-2340
 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider, and employer. Esta institución es igual proveedor de oportunidades y empleador. | TDD 711