Your invitation to this summer's Outsiders Ball

The second annual Outsiders Ball is set to kick off Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2014.

The nonprofit event headed up by the Outdoor Foundation and co-sponsored by our parent company Active Interest Media, among others, raises money, and generates ideas on how the industry can come together to spur more youth to get outdoors.

Today, we give space here for Outdoor Foundation Executive Director Chris Fanning and AIM Senior Vice President of Content and Product Development Jon Dorn to tell readers why they should join the cause and attend the “party with a purpose,” Aug. 5 in Salt Lake City.

Dear SNEWS Reader,

Last summer at Outdoor Retailer, industry leaders like you joined together for the first time on one night to support one common cause — inspiring a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts. Hosted by the Outdoor Foundation and co-sponsored by Active Interest Media, Outsiders Ball raised nearly $400,000 to expand the Outdoor Nation initiative and support 100 community projects across the country — many recommended by local outdoor retailers. Check out this video that shows some of the on-the-ground work and impact from that event. A full project list is also available.

Also, check out Backpacker’s Facebook page. For 100 days, we’re highlighting an Outsiders Ball project a day. The project that gets the most votes will be given an additional $1,000 to go toward their on-the-ground work.

While the inaugural year was a great success, we must keep up the momentum if we’re going to address one of the most critical issues facing our industry — the growing divide between young people and the outdoors.

This summer, the Outdoor Foundation is once again taking over the Gallivan Center on Tuesday Aug. 5, the eve of Outdoor Retailer. The evening will be a memorable mix of work and play, friends and peers, an auction and live music. Tasty local bites, libations and music will set the tone.

We invite you to be part of Outsiders Ball 2014. Sponsorship opportunities are available at all levels, or simply purchase your tickets and invite friends, colleagues and key accounts to join in the fun.

The charitable arm of the Outdoor Industry Association, the Foundation is dedicated to inspiring and empowering a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts. To date the Foundation’s signature program, Outdoor Nation, has hosted 30 youth leadership summits, supported more than 25 college outdoor programs and funded over 250 youth-led projects — connecting 25,000 youth to the outdoors.

If you have questions about the work of the Foundation or would like to sponsor the Outsiders Ball, email Chris at cfanning@outdoorfoundation.org.

Thanks so much!

–Jon Dorn and Chris Fanning