From The Outdoor Foundation:
W.L. Gore & Associates and the GORE-TEX® brand of products, have come on board as platinum level partners of the Outdoor Foundation’s Outsiders Ball, held at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. The Ball, in its second year, will rally the outdoor industry in support of a single cause: fighting the growing divide between young people and nature to inspire a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts, champions, and customers.
Last year through Outsiders Ball, Gore and the GORE-TEX® brand supported several projects including Friends of Camp Colton, which helps Middle School students in Flagstaff, Ariz. connect with nature through overnight camping experiences. In total, the project engaged 346 youth, with each spending 62 hours outside. They also supported the Chesapeake Wilderness Institute at NorthBay in Md. – a five-day, four-night intensive experience for 6th graders that combined wilderness skills with environmental and character education.
“Working together with Friends of Camp Colton and the Chesapeake Wilderness Institute at North Bay to provide educational experiences for the youth in the Flagstaff community and Cecil County communities is consistent with the core values of our Enterprise,” says Tom Boyle, strategic marketing at Gore.
This year, Outsiders Ball will take place at the Gallivan Center on August 5th, the eve of Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. Building on last year’s success, the event will be a memorable mix of work and play, friends and peers, an auction, local food, libations and live music – all to support more projects like these.
“W.L Gore & Associates and the GORE-TEX® Brand are unsurpassed in their industry leadership – providing extraordinary support for the Foundation and Outsiders Ball, as well as other Outdoor Industry Association initiatives,” said Chris Fanning, executive director of the Outdoor Foundation. “Thanks to this generous support and collaborative partnership, we will connect a new generation of young people with the outdoors – driving participation and business.”
Last summer, industry leaders joined together for the first time one night to support one common cause – inspiring a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts. Hosted by the Outdoor Foundation and Outdoor Industry Association, Outsiders Ball raised nearly $400,000 to support 100 community projects across the country – many recommended by local retailers. Watch this videoto see the impact of some of the 2013 Outsiders Ball sponsored projects and a full project list is also available. For more information or to sponsor the Outsiders Ball, email Chris Fanning at [email protected].
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About the Outdoor Foundation & Outdoor Nation
The charitable arm of Outdoor Industry Association, The Outdoor Foundation is taking the lead nationally to inspire and empower a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts through its signature program Outdoor Nation. Launched in 2010, Outdoor Nation is the only national initiative that is engaging, empowering and investing in next-gen outdoor champions and outdoor projects – ensuring the future of outdoor participation.
About W.L Gore & Associates, Inc.
Gore is a technology-driven company focused on discovery and product innovation. Well known for waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX® fabric, the company’s portfolio includes everything from high-performance fabrics and implantable medical devices to industrial manufacturing components and aerospace electronics. Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Newark, Del., Gore posts annual sales of more than $3.2 billion and employs approximately 10,000 associates with manufacturing facilities in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan and China, and sales offices around the world. Gore is one of a select few companies to appear on all of the U.S. “100 Best Companies to Work For” lists since the rankings debuted in 1984. The company also appears regularly on similar lists around the world. Learn more at gore.com. GORE, GORE-TEX, and designs are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates, ©2014 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., 295 Blue Ball Rd., Elkton, Maryland, 800-431-GORE, gore-tex.com
