Tuesday, December 2nd is Giving Tuesday– known as a Global Generosity Movement to unleash the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world on December 3, 2019 and every day. It was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past seven years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
When you are outside you feel the simple joy of being in nature. This is our common thread stitching us together as a community committed to the outdoors. Your appreciation for the value of our mission- to promote outdoor recreation and bring people together to enjoy, preserve and improve the places where we play – is our collective reward.
In October, we hosted our inaugural Great Outdoors Awards as an opportunity for us to celebrate those who strive to increase participation in the outdoors. As a reflection of our shared mission, our award winners work to get people outdoors in their own special way.
There was a consistent theme shared collectively by staff and board members presenting awards and the recipients acceptance speeches. Together, we are committed to the cause of supporting the outdoor recreation industry by highlighting the value of nature for our physical and mental health, encouraging public participation, supporting recreation businesses, and ensuring public access to our parks, water and open spaces.
In this past transitional year, we are proud of the accomplishments our grassroots organization has achieved facing monumental changes. Our Board of Directors has provided professional direction to help guide us on a path to sustainable success with the support of an active community. We were excited to hire two new staff members and interns; evolve our event portfolio; launch our Parkscriptions campaign; create a new statewide business alliance; and install a commemorative park bench.
We have proudly published our 2019 Annual Report for your perusal of our achievements.
The symbiotic relationship of our diverse offerings is solidifying as we move into 2020.
We are expanding our Parkscriptions Public Health campaign; supporting the growth of the outdoor recreation economy through the Washington Outdoor Business Alliance; and increasing access to, and environmental stewardship for, an evolving Whatcom Water Trail along our marine shorelines and extending our scope of work in Fairhaven Park.
Together, we can achieve future milestones. This work requires your help.
Yes, we are asking for your help to enable us to achieve the bold goals that we have for the coming year.
Your contribution will allow us to tighten the thread throughout our community.
Sincerely,
p.s.- Please also consider becoming a monthly donor.
We have some fun incentives to encourage you- see Monthly Donor Incentives.

Todd Elsworth is one of the many “Mossy-haired lunatics roaming the dripping peninsulas”, described in “I’m Here for the Weather” by Tom Robbins. As executive director, he works to fulfill our mission to teach the health benefits of nature, promote outdoor recreation, and steward the places where we play.
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