PIE Fest 2026: $69,000 donated to Central Oregon nonprofits by business members
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The business membership program Purpose in Expenses distributed nearly $69,000 to Central Oregon nonprofits during a community celebration on March 13 in Bend. The event, known as PIE Fest 2026, brought together business owners and nonprofit leaders for live check presentations.
The gathering marked the sixth year of the program's partnership model, which connects local businesses with community organizations to turn operating expenses into charitable donations. Through this system, the program has generated more than $250,000 in global donations over the last two years.
Pahlisch Homes provided the largest single contribution of the evening, donating $21,925 to the Bend LaPine Education Foundation CTE Programs. The funds are designated to support career and technical education for students in the local school district.
Subaru of Bend contributed a total of $12,000, which was distributed equally among three organizations. Oregon Adaptive Sports, FAN Prineville and the Bend LaPine Education Foundation CTE Programs each received $4,000 from the dealership.
Beaver Coach Sales presented a check for $10,476 to Oregon FFA. The donation is intended to support the development of agricultural leaders through the state's branch of the National FFA Organization.
The Boys and Girls Club of Bend received $7,000 through the "I Like PIE" community fundraising run, which included contributions from various program members. Additionally, the Tower Theatre Foundation received $5,000 through the PIE direct giving program.
Other local businesses participated in the live check presentations to their designated nonprofit partners. Team Hyundai of Bend presented a check to the Humane Society of Central Oregon, while Sebastian's Seafood provided funding for the High Desert Museum. Happy Danes Auto Repair made two separate contributions to Ronald McDonald House Oregon.
Further donations were presented by Shift Naturals and ThAiPas to the Central Oregon Trail Alliance. Tim Kia of Bend supported the Neighbor Impact Head Start Program, Kirby Nagelhout presented to the Deschutes Children's Foundation, RUMPL donated to Central Oregon Landwatch and Second Wind Sports provided funding for Protect Our Winters. The Latino Community Association received a check from PIE in partnership with BBSI. Family Access Network, also known as FAN, received donations from Ruffwear and Embark.
The invitation-only event featured a curated dinner with home-cooked tapas prepared by PIE co-founder Cristina Morales and Thai cuisine from ThAiPas. Entertainment for the evening included live piano music performed by Paula Dreyer.
