The Outdoor Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring and growing future generations of outdoor leaders, announced the 2015 Outsiders Ball raised more than $265,000 and donated 1,000 products – valued at $25,000. This support will give much needed gear and funding to nonprofit projects and college campuses, connecting more than 25,000 young people to the outdoors.

Nearly 850 industry individuals participated in the evening, taking part in activities like the Slack line Challenge, 3-D chalk art experience and many other interactive experiences. Food and drinks were served and a band played throughout the evening.

Sponsors of the 2015 event include:

  • Platinum: Levi's, Backpacker, Gore-Tex, Keen,  Outdoor Industry Association, Outdoor Retailer, Periscope, Prana, REI, Snews, SportsOneSouce, SSI Data, The Conservation Fund, The North Face, Thule, Vasque, W.L. Gore and Associates and Wolverine Worldwide.
  • Gold: Cat, Chaco, GSI Outdoors, Merrell,  Saucony, Timberland, Wolverine Silver: R.W. Baird, JanSport, LifeStraw, Marmot, Mountain Khakis, Smartwool and Vibram.
  • Bronze: Burton, Celestron, Lewis N. Clark, O.A.R.S, River Sports Outfitters, The NPD Group, Trout Unlimited, BIC Sport, Burley Project, Exxel Outdoors, Farm to Feet and GCI Outdoor.
  • Project Sponsors: CGPR, Denise Lee Yohn, Master Sportsman, Meridian Line, Mercury CSC,  Morgan Maassen, New Normal Consulting, Salazon Chocolate, Salomon, Sterling Ropes, True North Communications, Ultimate Direction, Western River Expeditions, Western Spirit Cycling Adventures, Wigwam, Max Frost Art and X20 Watersports.

“We truly mixed party and purpose with over 55 brands and 850 individuals who brought great energy to the event, while supporting the important work of helping young people get outside,” said Chris Fanning executive director, Outdoor Foundation. “We especially want to thank our generous sponsors and those who donated and purchased silent auction items. And to every person who pedaled for a cause…you helped make the event extraordinary!”

Hosted by the Outdoor Foundation, the Ball is the outdoor industry’s flagship fundraiser to combat the inactivity crisis prevalent among youth and young adults in America. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average young person today spends eight hours in front of a screen and only eight minutes outside and active. The Outsiders Ball takes place each summer on ‘Night 0’ during Outdoor Retailer’s Summer Market.  

Through youth engagement, community grant-making and groundbreaking research, the Outdoor Foundation works with young leaders and partners to mobilize a major cultural shift that leads all Americans to the great outdoors. In just five years, the Foundation has invested $4 million into 785 not-for-profit and college programs that have connected 200,000 young people to the outdoors.