55 outdoor industry brands and 850 individuals exceeded the Outdoor Foundation’s fundraising goals – ensuring ongoing support for community projects and campus activation.
Washington DC -(AmmoLand.com)- The Outdoor Foundation, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and growing future generations of outdoor leaders, is pleased to announce more than $265,000 was raised and 1,000 products were donated – valued at $25,000 – at the 2015 Outsiders Ball.
This extraordinary support will give much needed gear and funding to non-profit projects and college campuses, connecting more than 25,000 young people to the outdoors. Nearly 850 industry individuals participated in the evening – taking part in things like the Slack line Challenge, a 3-D chalk art experience and many other interactive experiences.
Delicious food and drinks were served and a great band played throughout the evening.
“We truly mixed party and purpose with over 55 brands and 850 individuals who brought great energy to the event while supporting the important work of helping young people get outside,” said Chris Fanning executive director of the Outdoor Foundation. “We especially want to thank our generous sponsors and those who donated and purchased silent auction items. And to every person who pedaled for a cause…you helped make the event extraordinary!”
Hosted by the Outdoor Foundation, the Ball is the outdoor industry’s flagship fundraiser to combat the inactivity crisis prevalent among youth and young adults in America. The statistics are staggering. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average young person today spends eight hours in front of a screen and only eight minutes outside and active. The Outsiders Ball takes place each summer on ‘Night 0’ during Outdoor Retailer’s Summer Market. See photos of the 2015 Outsiders Ball.
Sponsors of the 2015 event include: Platinum: Levi’s, Backpacker, GORE-TEX, KEEN, Outdoor Industry Association, Outdoor Retailer, Periscope, prAna, REI, SNEWS, SportsOneSouce, SSI Data, The Conservation Fund, The North Face, Thule, Vasque, W.L. Gore and Associates, Wolverine Worldwide Gold: Cat, Chaco, GSI Outdoors, Merrell, Saucony, Timberland, Wolverine Silver: R.W. Baird, JanSport, LifeStraw, Marmot, Mountain Khakis, Smartwool, Vibram Bronze: Burton, Celestron, Lewis N. Clark, O.A.R.S, River Sports Outfitters, The NPD Group, Trout Unlimited, BIC Sport, Burley Project, Exxel Outdoors, Farm to Feet, GCI Outdoor Project Sponsors: CGPR, Denise Lee Yohn, Master Sportsman, Meridian Line, Mercury CSC, Morgan Maassen, New Normal Consulting, Salazon Chocolate, Salomon, Sterling Ropes, True North Communications, Ultimate Direction, Western River Expeditions, Western Spirit Cycling Adventures, Wigwam, Max Frost Art and X20 Watersports.
About The Outdoor Foundation
Founded in 2000, the Outdoor Foundation is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and growing future generations of outdoor leaders and enthusiasts. Through youth engagement, community grant-making, and groundbreaking research, the Foundation works with young leaders and partners to mobilize a major cultural shift that leads all Americans to the great outdoors. In just five years, the Foundation has invested $4 million into 785 not-for-profit and college programs that have connected 200,000 young people to the outdoors. Importantly, 90¢ of every dollar goes directly into this critical work.
Visit us at outdoorfoundation.org and outdoornation.org for more information.