dris Ahmed Awarded Valedictorian with the Help of the Outdoors Gramic

Idris Ahmed Awarded Valedictorian with the Help of the Outdoors
Gramicci Sponsors‘Outdoor Outreach’ to help at-risk youth

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., May 2, 2011 – Outdoor Outreach (O.O.) is proud to announce the Outdoor Outreach Leadership Program has successfully assisted Idris Ahmed reaching his goals as Valedictorian from Crawford High School, California. Gramicci, a long time supporter of the Outdoor Outreach, salutes O.O. and congratulates Idris for this extraordinary achievement.

Outdoor Outreach is a San Diego based 501(c)3 that empowers at-risk and underprivileged youth to make positive, lasting changes in their lives through comprehensive outdoor education and programs.

For 5 years, Gramicci has donated a percentage of sales from its popular artist designed organic graphic tee shirt collection, a corner stone line for the Gramicci brand. This Organic Graphic Tee is artistically and uniquely designed by acclaimed artist: William Cathcart- famous NYC artist and lead Designer at Edun and Calvin Klein. This organic custom line is both comfortable, great fitting and goes to a good cause. Gramicci recently launched their new innovative Natural Performance Technology â„¢ (NPT) collection of tees. Idris Ahmed and other special youth of Outdoor Outreach will be wearing this remarkable all natural performance fabric in their outdoor adventures. www.gramicci.com/shop/start-somewhere

We are thrilled to announce that Idris Ahmed, O.O. Leadership Program participant and president of the Crawford High School Adventure Club, was named Valedictorian for Crawford’s 2011 graduating class. Idris has also received early acceptance to Vanderbilt University, one of the many prestigious colleges to which he applied (Stanford has also recently accepted Idris). Idris joined the Crawford Adventure Club his freshman year and began his leadership training in 2010. He has now completed training on three sports and is working as a part-time field instructor through an internship with Outdoor Outreach.

“Idris has worked so hard to balance his academics with the technical training and now part time position at O.O.,” said Gavin Daly, Adventure Club and Leadership Program Manager. “He has been determined to maintain a very high GPA, and I am happy to see that all his hard work has paid off in the form of Valedictorian Honors at his school. His maturity and superb time management skills will be huge assets as he transitions into college next fall. Congratulations Idris!”

“The life changing impact that O.O. founder Chris Rutgers has had on less fortunate children is remarkable and a true testament to what car, perseverance, and commitment can deliver. We feel privileged to be doing what we can for Outdoor Outreach. We also know that Idris’ hard work and dedication will pay off for him for his entire life. As a graduation gift Gramicci will be outfitting Idris for the duration of his college adventure, because he has more than earned it. Congratulations Idris!!” President of Gramicci, Marty Weening.

Outdoor Outreach is a highly structured, motivating and supportive organization. The activities that are taught in the outdoors directly translate to measurable success; Outdoor Outreach evaluates the impact of its programs using surveys, interviews, and third party data. They measure positive attitude changes, positive behavioral changes and larger systemic changes such as improved academic achievement, high school graduation, and college attendance. In 2010, our Adventure Club program participants reported that:

· 100% graduated from high schools where graduation rates typically range between 45% and 65%, with 88% attending college or technical school.
· 97% increased their participation in positive activities.
· 96% increased their environmental stewardship.
· 89% showed improved interpersonal relationships.
· 84% increased their ability to work with others.
· 82% increased their ability to set and achieve goals.
· 91% of Adventure Club and Partner Program participants reported an increased awareness of opportunities as a result of our programs.
· 91% of participants in our Partner Program reported that the trips increased their self-confidence.

“What sets Outdoor Outreach a part from so many outreach programs is the participants are touched several times through its programs, they stay with them until they have the tools to live fulfilled lives. They are providing long term hope where there is little or none. They are saving lives,” says Weening, President of Gramicci.

Gramicci is honored to sponsor Outdoor Outreach athletes Ryan Hudson and Jesse Delgado and now Indris Ahmed, young people who embody what it means to overcome considerable odds.

About Gramicci
Gramicci, the ‘soul brand’ of the outdoor industry is known in the climbing community as the originator of the iconic G-climbing pant and short 29 years ago. Fast forward to 2010 and Gramicci is again an originator, introducing NPT- Natural Performance Technologyä an all organic or recycled, sustainably produced, performance apparel that has that renowned Gramicci perfectly imperfect signature look and appeal. Fiercely committed to doing less harm to the environment, now over 55% of the Gramicci product offering is made of all organic or blends of organic and recycled materials. For more information, visit: www.gramicci.com.
Media Contacts: Outdoor trade and consumer media—Beth Cochran, What’s Up PR (406) 579-7909, cochran@whatsuppr.com



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