In 2010 The North Face (TNF) started a grant program called The Explore Fund. Part of their emphasis is on “Introducing underrepresented communities to outdoor adventures, in potentially new and interesting ways…” Additionally, a goal of the program is to “work with nonprofits that are helping change the narrative of outdoor exploration by teaching independence and self-awareness through outdoor adventures, demonstrating partnership and trust through outdoor activities, and developing outdoor leaders through innovative programing and trips to public lands.” All of this resonates deeply with Sacred Rok’s work. As most of you know we operate solely on funds from grants and donations; the Explore Fund has been instrumental in helping us achieve our mission.

As a recipient of this grant we were invited by TNF to present our story late October at the Craneway Pavillion in Richmond, Ca for a North Face employee event. Our Executive Director - Ron Kauk, our COO -Katie Lambert and one of our Board Members - Steve Shackleton represented us and presented alongside a few other youth serving organizations to a few hundred people on what our mission is, how we accomplish that mission and how the Explore Fund helps us. It was an honor to share our vision and experiences with this group and we really appreciate the questions and interest that was garnered.

Part of our goal is also inspire our peers and community members to engage with the outdoors as well as to think about how to get youth in their respective communities involved with nature. Through events like this one we can not only express our gratitude for the help we get but it also provides us with a unique opportunity to reach a broader community and ignite new ideas.

As always, we appreciated your support and we look forward to a future filled with the nurturing of nature.

Sincerely,

Katie Lambert

Chief Operating Officer & Nutritionist