Do it for me, do it for the kids!

2020 has been a tough year for everyone. As I sit here in my house where the smoke is at “hazardous” levels outside, National Parks and Forests are closed and the Coronavirus is still raging in the US - we could all use a bit more resilience. Instead of feeling self-pity and down in the dumps I’m going to focus my energy on building resilience by doing things to reduce my own stress, while at the same time raising money for Outward Bound California Students who don't have access to outdoor spaces and face challenges in their lives every day, not just during this crappy time we’re having.

This fundraiser is to raise scholarship dollars for the local San Francisco youth who live near this new ropes course we just finished building. With your support, all funds that I raise will support Ropes Course programs and attendance for students in OBCA’s partner schools. OBCA's new ropes challenge course, built in partnership with San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, is in McLaren Park, located in one of the most under-resourced neighborhoods in San Francisco. It will provide outdoor youth leadership training to students right in their backyards.

OBCA is working to break down barriers and increase access, particularly for students from under-resourced communities and those disproportionately affected by systemic racism, school closures, and lack of access to safe outdoor spaces. Your donation will support students attending the ropes course which is free of charge for almost all attending students, and help OBCA double the number of students they serve in California!

For my own personal challenge event, I am planning to do something for myself to reduce stress each day. Exercise, do something creative, practice mindfulness or gratitude. Plans, weather conditions and access to lands change every day, but this will keep me on track to do SOMETHING for myself each day to build my own physical and mental resilience. I’ll post updates on social media and send a summary email at the end. Maybe this will inspire you to build resilience too!

Any amount you can donate will help young people from economically vulnerable communities to get outside, challenge themselves, and discover that there is more in them than they realize. Even in this virtual space, we can be #ResilientTogether. What will YOU rally for?

Sincerely, Jess

Outward Bound California's FEIN is 26-4206241. Upon donating, you will be emailed a donation receipt for your record. To learn more, go to OBCA.org