The Outdoor Foundation Thanks Utah for 20 Years of Outdoor Retailer With Parks4Kids Utah Projects

July 19, 2017

Your donation as an outdoor industry professional to any of these projects will help get Utah kids outside on national public lands

BOULDER, Colo. (July 19, 2017) – For the last 20 years, the Salt Lake City, Utah, community has welcomed the outdoor industry as we conduct our business in and around the Outdoor Retailer winter and summer markets.

As a way to continue investing in the state of Utah, public lands and outdoor recreation, Outdoor Foundation and Outdoor Industry Association have invited Utah nonprofits and schools to submit a youth/parks project that is in need of funding to the Utah Parks4Kids initiative. Leveraging crowdfunding technology, this initiative and its online platform are designed to generate support for programs that give young people park experiences—connecting donors with local projects in need of funding.

Currently, there are 11 projects totaling $50,000 being funded through donations from brands and individuals across the outdoor industry. We will actively be fundraising for this effort throughout the summer and during the July 26-29 summer Outdoor Retailer show. You can make a donation during the show in the following ways:

“This Land is our Land” trucker’s hat – Available at the OIA Industry Breakfast and booth, The Conservation Alliance Breakfast and at select booths.

“This Land is our Land” t-shirts – Available at Outsider’s Ball and the OIA Industry Breakfast.

Both items are available for $20 each.

“We hope that the industry will support this exciting program and help inspire current and new generations of outdoor enthusiasts and stewards in the state of Utah,” said Ivan Levin, deputy director of the Outdoor Foundation. “Now, more than ever, continuing to connect young people to the outdoors and public lands is a necessity—to ensure not only a healthy America but also a thriving outdoor industry.”

Utah projects currently being funded include the following:

• Wasatch Front Urban Ranger Program – Empowers urban youth in the Salt Lake City area in their Urban Ranger Program.
• SheJumps Wild Skills Initiative – Teaches young girls the survial and technical skills they need for outdoor adventuring.
• Youth Works in the Parks – Twice annually, this program takes marginalized urban youth from underserved populations in Salt Lake City to a southeast Utah national park for a three-day immersive experience.

The business support of the SLC community was essential to helping Outdoor Retailer grow and thrive while in Utah. Outdor Industry Association and Outdoor Foundation are proud to give back by getting as many Utah kids outside and enjoying our public lands as possible. Individuals or businesses can give directly to any of the Utah projects at any time and at any dollar amount by visiting utah.parks4kids.info. As a thank-you to the state of Utah, the industry will present SLC County Mayor McAdams and SLC Mayor Biskupski a grant that will provide funding to get Utah elementary students outside to experience Utah’s public lands.

The Outdoor Foundation

The charitable arm of Outdoor Industry Association, 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 investment, and participation research, the Foundation works with young leaders and partners to mobilize a major cultural shift that leads all Americans to the great outdoors.

Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. OIA unites and serves over 1200 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org  or call 303.444.3353.

###