About the Nonprofit
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Our mission is to raise money to donate to charitable causes inline with my brother Jim's values and beliefs and the kind of person he was.
Our focus and goal for the funds raised is for two causes.
First is a Patagonia Works supported organization called Camping to Connect. Camping to connect seeks to connect inner city young men with nature. Research has proven that regular and consistent exposure to nature is integral in the healthy mental, physical, and emotional development of Children. However, urban youths generally lack the easy access to nature and wild spaces and Camping to Connect aims to break that barrier and foster an appreciate for the great outdoors.
Second is a Scholarship for our two local High Schools. Two graduating seniors who have experienced the loss of a parent / guardian or sibling or are dealing with grief and loss in a manner they’ve had to overcome will be awarded a scholarship. This scholarship is not dependent on grades, intended college major or area of study and there will be no essay or application required. The students who are awarded this scholarship will be chosen by a guidance counselor or faculty member who is aware of the student’s struggles. We know no amount of money can take away the pain these students feel, but we know that grief can be lonely, and with this small gesture, we want these students to know they are not alone, and their grief is seen.
Jim was a very big camper. He found peace and solace away from his hectic life in New Yor City Real Estate. It gave him an escape and way to disconnect from work and every day demands. That is why we chose Camping to Connect as the organization we choose to support.
Additionally, Jim passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack. With no previous heart conditions and in good health and physical condition, it was quite a shock to everyone. Despite the sudden occurrence of this tragedy, Jim had always prepared for the worst and wanted to make sure his family was taken care of, if something like this should ever happen. He never wanted their lives to be thrown further into upheaval if they found themselves already dealing with such a tremendous loss. A lot of people do not have that support or person planning for them. That is why we wanted to start the scholarships. We wanted to be that support for some students, like Jim supported everyone else.
We hope that this small organization can continue to contribute in a big way to those in need.
