At Bank of the Pacific, community support isn’t a platitude, it’s a way of doing business. When you deposit your money in an account, they leverage those funds to create a lasting impact in their communities. But there’s more than just dollars invested. The dedicated team of bankers put in the hours to bring community dreams to life.
They believe in projects that aren’t just helpful for a day but make a lasting difference for years to come. That commitment is easy to see in organizations like Friends of the Children in Portland, which dedicates more than 12 years to changing a child’s life. As Jon Little, SVP and Commercial Banking Team Lead, puts it: “At Bank of the Pacific, we’re not just a bank — we’re part of the community. And when we invest in organizations like Friends of the Children, we’re investing in a better future.”
And he should know. Little is the Board Chair of the Ambassador Board for Friends of the Children. This unique position, along with Bank of the Pacific’s dedication to the community, allows Jon to discuss his work with Friends of the Children with his clients. His connections help create fundraising opportunities for the organization and the youth mentorship programs it supports.
Friends of the Children the Long-Term Mentorship Program
Friends of the Children is a nonprofit mentorship program that goes far beyond a few visits a month. It pays professional mentors a living wage to spend consistent time with children from kindergarten through high school graduation.
“This isn’t just a few hangouts a year. These mentors are there every week, every year, for over a decade. It’s that kind of consistency that changes lives,” says Little. The program focuses on at-risk youth, aiming to break generational cycles of poverty and empower those facing the greatest obstacles.
Founded over 30 years ago, the local program today has many mentors who were in the program as kids. The program’s reach now extends far beyond Portland with over 30 chapters across the nation. And the impact is palpable. Kids in the program do more than just avoid early parenthood or the juvenile system, 83% graduate high school, and 92% pursue post-secondary education, the military or career opportunity employment. They leave the program going places.
The Little Impact: From Volunteering to Leading
While today Little serves as the chair on the Ambassador Board, he didn’t come to the position at Friends of the Children from previous board experience. His passion for helping others started early, mentoring his five younger siblings. He volunteered for many causes over the years before deciding in 2020 to take the next step.
At the time, the Ambassador Board had more than 20 members rallying together to host events and fundraisers. “I’ve always done the one-off volunteer events, but I wanted to step up. This was my way of giving more time to something meaningful,” Little says.
Then the pandemic hit. The board was forced into virtual meetings and gatherings and the number of active members dropped significantly. By 2023, only a handful remained. When the previous chair stepped down, Little was asked to lead. In just one year, he helped grow the board from five to 13 members. Donations and engagement followed.
Friends of Children Bowl-A-Thon: It’s More than a Game, It’s a Community Movement
Friends of the Children Portland hosts a Bowl-a-Thon each year, and it’s one of their most meaningful events. Families, mentors, youth, and donors gather for a day of bowling, prizes, food, and fun. It’s an accessible and inviting way to introduce the community to the work they’re doing.
“Bowling brings people together,” shares Little. “It’s inclusive, fun, and it creates a space to talk about serious things in a joyful setting.” Held at SuperPlay in Beaverton, the event is a hit with families. Unlimited arcade cards ensure an afternoon of fun while funds are raised for program.
For those who want to dive deeper into the mission, Friends of the Children also hosts a formal gala in May, with more than 500 attendees and over $2 million raised in a single night. Events like this help build awareness of the barriers facing youth and the solutions that work.
Get Involved with Friends of Children
There are many ways to get involved. From one-time donations to volunteer events or attending a gala, the nonprofit welcomes new ideas and new faces. Friends of the Children has partnered with local restaurants like Killer Burger and Kachka, and the Alloro Vineyard for fundraiser events and is always looking for new, creative ways to connect.
“Whether you have money, time, or a network, you can help. Every piece counts,” says Little.
To learn more, visit Friends of the Children Portland website and explore opportunities to support their mission. For those interested in business partnerships or sponsorships, Bank of the Pacific community support continues to be a driving force behind local change.
Learn more about Bank of the Pacific, visit the Bank of the Pacific website.
Sponsored
