Hello Friends!
First of all, thank you to everyone who attended and participated in our Camera to Canvas fundraising event a few weeks ago. We raised approximately $60,000 in support of our mission to protect, expand, and enhance the James River Park System. We also helped raise more than $8,000 for local artists who donated part of the sale of their artwork to the auction. This was our first year hosting this event and I believe the results justify another go next year, so standby for more information on that in the Spring.
There are of course other events going on in and around the JRPS that we want to make you aware of. Two of our partner organizations in particular have their signature events coming up in the next few weeks.
First up, on October 21st, the Blue Sky Fund is hosting their Hike for Kids event. At this event, Blue Sky Fund will host hundreds of hikers to celebrate their work. This year, they aim to raise over $100,000 at the event to fund their outdoor education programs. Each year, Blue Sky provides more than 40,000 hours in nature for 2,000 Richmond area youth, many of whom experience the city’s natural spaces for the first time through Blue Sky Fund. Blue Sky Fund is a great partner in introducing these kids to the Park.
Find out more info and register here- https://blueskyfund.org/get-involved/whats-new/2023-hike-for-kids-saturday-october-21st
If you are looking for a more adventurous way to enjoy the Park you can check out King of the James (KOTJ)! This annual adventure triathlon is organized by our friends at the James River Outdoor Council (JROC). This event is tough! Course details for 2023 are not available yet, but in the past it has started with a 5k trail run though Forest Hill Park, then a mountain bike loop through the Buttermilk and Northbank Trails, and finally a kayak or raft run though the rapids of the lower James. It all ends with a big party to celebrate the Park. The event is November 12th.
Sign up to take your shot at becoming King (or Queen) of the James here- https://www.adventuresignup.com/Race/VA/Richmond/TheKingoftheJames2017
We hope you will check out these cool events from our partner organizations! And keep an eye out for more information right here about the 2024 Wood River Run. Last year we raised more than $40,000 for our mission and to send under-served kids to Passages Adventure Camp.
See you in the Park!
-Josh
Cover image by Bill Draper Photography.
Interior Images courtesy Blue Sky Fund.
