Prometheus Real Estate Group's POrCH Challenge Raises $69K for People With Disabilities

SAN MATEO, Calif., July 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- This summer, all 80 Prometheus Real Estate Group communities, 650 Prometheans, and 15+ vendor partners lent a helping hand in a huge effort called the "2013 POrCH Challenge."  The goal was to help enrich the lives of people with disabilities through the power of sports.  The campaign supported five different charities, including: Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program, Oregon Adaptive Sports, United States Adaptive Recreation Center, Outdoors for All Foundation, and Disabled Sports USA Far West.  100% of the money raised went towards the purchase of adaptive sports equipment and in one example fund an entire "fleet" of canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, life jackets and specialized adaptive equipment for Disabled Sports USA Far West. Program Director Haakon Lang-Ree said: "The support we received from Prometheus and their vendors was unprecedented for us. As a small non-profit, we can only purchase a few thousand dollars' worth of sports equipment each year. We have long planned to offer a comprehensive flat-water paddling program in the North Lake Tahoe region for people with disabilities and their families."

Generating awareness in all five of their regions was a large part of their cause.  The monetary goal was to raise an ambitious $5,000 per region, for a total of $25,000. Simultaneously, Prometheus challenged its vendors to help raise an additional $25,000 for people with disabilities. The giving nature of the organization, coupled with the competitive spirit of the teams meant the $50,000 would be a challenge for each region, but not completely impossible.  Over a five week period of time, Prometheus employees used their creativity to host Bingo nights, carwashes, happy hours, and even a "Polar Plunge" into Lake Washington to raise funds. In addition to these events, vendors had the opportunity to contribute and join in on the fun.  $15,000 donor representative Steve Woods from American Technologies, Inc. felt his experience was "inspirational" and went on to say: "Their (Prometheus') commitment and passion reaches every level of their organization and various communities. Our recent involvement with Prometheus and Disabled Sports USA Far West allowed us to see up close and personal what a difference a company can make."

The 2013 POrCH Challenge was part of Prometheus Real Estate Group's 4 year old volunteer program, which encourages their employees to volunteer in the community for causes and organizations they feel passionate about.  Recently Prometheus extended "POrCH" to over 37,500 tenants (known as Neighbors) with one goal in mind: to build a deeper sense of community and fulfill POrCH and Prometheus' goal to make a difference in the world.  At the end of the five week campaign that crowned at Prometheus' "Masters" Leadership Conference, it was announced that $69,000 was raised for people with disabilities.

About Prometheus Real Estate Group

Since its inception in 1965, Prometheus Real Estate Group is the largest private owner of multi-family properties in the San Francisco Bay Area, with over 18,000 units throughout the Western United States. Their platform includes acquisitions, development, renovation and property management and their philosophy is centered on making the apartment experience more fun and interesting while providing a true sense of home. Most recent recognition includes:

• 2013 Volunteermatch "Champions of the Year"
• 2012 MHN Best Property Management Company of the Year
• 2011 NAHB Best Property Management Company of the Year
• 2010 MHN Best Property Management Company of the Year

SOURCE Prometheus Real Estate Group, Inc.