Bike-In Movie Raises over $600

For the 9th year in a row, HI-Portland Hawthorne hosted another successful Bike-In Movie event. Welcoming more than 200 members of the community and guests, this free event invites attendees to bike to the hostel for live music, a barbeque dinner, and bicycle-themed movies.

Kicking off the event was a performance by Greenish Grey, a local band noted for their musical explosion of contemporary folk music. As attendees settled in, they heard from Mia Birk, the former bike program coordinator for the city of Portland and author of Joyride: Pedaling Toward a Healthier Planet, who spoke on her efforts to make Portland even more bike-friendly. For the main feature, a series of films entitled, World Bike Shorts: Video Shorts from Around the World, were screened. Additionally, a raffle raised $660, which was put towards the remaining cost of the hostel’s new bike fix-it station.

“This event is a unique celebration of the wonders of bicycles, and it’s exciting to see it grow in popularity each year,” says Happy Apostal, the Community Liaison at HI-Portland Hawthorne. “I can’t wait to do it again next year!”

Get Away Gala 2 Raises Funds for New Boston Hostel

The second annual Get Away Gala, hosted by the Eastern New England Council, was held on October 23, at The Hampshire House in Boston – best known for its inspiration as the “Cheers” bar – and raised $33,000 to benefit new HI-Boston.  Featuring famed travel publisher Tony Wheeler as the guest speaker, this signature event drew in more than 90 guests and HI Board and staff members.

As the gala’s hallmark, an online auction ran from October 17-30, coupled with a live and silent auction during the event.  Items featured vacation packages, including hostel stays across the country, among other coveted prizes.  More than 250 bids online bid were placed for 32 items, raising $6,257, and an additional $8,194 was raised onsite.  The additional $18,000+ was thanks to sponsors and ticket prices.

“It was a fun and lively evening,” says event organizer Susan Stendhal.  “We’re thrilled with how much money we raised and appreciate everyone’s support.”

Get More Exposure For Hostel Events

There are a lot of exciting events going on in the network; HI-Point Reyes is getting ready to celebrate its 40th anniversary, 14 hostels are participating in Great Hostels Give Back, including the recently added HI-Philadelphia-Chamounix Mansion, and HI-San Diego is gearing up for its 56th Annual Christmas Bicycle Trip. And this only scrapes the surface.

Share what your hostel is up to and read about what other hostels are doing by using www.Acommonroom.org to its fullest. As HI-USA’s official engagement platform, use this stage to promote all the events, educational sessions, and activities that are unique to your hostel. You’ll reach travelers worldwide, while helping highlight our robust and vibrant network.

If it’s your first time to www.Acommonroom.org, just take a minute to create a profile, and then start sharing events, stories, tips, and more with other users. Using the interactive map, you can zero in on others in your city and start conversations with visitors and community members. Take advantage of this engagement platform and begin sharing! If you have any questions shoot us an email at Acommonroom@hiusa.org.