How’s THAT for a title? Let me explain…
As a relatively young charity that’s working hard to get as many kids out on wilderness river trips as we possible can, the two things we long for most are funding and awareness. It seems that we’re constantly brainstorming innovative ways to generate both, while concurrently being bombarded with television, radio, magazine, and other large-scale attempts to bring support and awareness to charities whose names and missions are familiar to most people who don’t live under a rock. While I recognize that the work being done by organizations like the American Red Cross, The Sierra Club, The American Cancer Society, etc. is indescribably valuable and certainly no less important than the programs being offered by GOALS – if I’m being honest, it’s very frustrating to be “the little man.”
You see, it often seems in the charity world that until the masses recognize your name/logo and can recite your mission statement in their sleep, it’s tough to attract the large-scale funding needed to expand program offerings. At the same time, until you expand the number of programs you’re sending out, people aren’t going to recognize your name/logo or or spit out the mission statement. It’s a maddening game of “chicken-or-the-egg”…or at least it was.
Fast-forward to a recent afternoon standing in the checkout line at my local Safeway grocery store. After making my way through the check-out line, I was asked to round up my total purchase price to help fight multiple sclerosis. The shopping trip prior, it might have been breast cancer or homeless pets. Either way, Safeway had gotten me to a) think about the mission of these organizations and b) cough up some change to help them accomplish it. Bingo! This strategy lead me to a moment of epiphany-ish bliss in the grocery store parking lot. GOALS should be making use of the same strategy – but rather than approaching Safeway with such a proposal, we ought to put careful consideration into the business(es) we’d ask to promote our mission to their loyal customers.
Today, I’m incredibly appreciative of the 3 local businesses who are supporting GOALS by asking their customers to add just $1 to their purchase in support of outdoor education. All 3 of the businesses, when approached, needed no time to consider the proposal. They couldn’t wait to do anything in their power to support us, and I hope that you’ll return the favor by doing everything in your power to support these respected local businesses.
Two Brothers Delicatessen is a favorite among both locals and tourists passing through the I-70 corridor on their way to/from the mountains. The knowledgeable, friendly staff makes sure that a quality meal will be placed in your hands in minutes- and once it hits your mouth you’ll already be planning your return visit. The atmosphere is friendly and upbeat, and the consistency and service are unmatched. Stop in to Two Brothers to enjoy a quick meal, or to relax all morning or afternoon while enjoying their free Wi-Fi. Located across from Tommyknockers Brewery in historic downtown Idaho Springs, Colorado.
Golden River Sports is a locally owned fly fishing and kayak retail shop located in historic downtown Golden, since 2004. Their prime location is just minutes away from the Golden’s kayak play park and the “Golden Mile” fishing habitat on Clear Creek. The friendly staff members are all fly fishing experts and kayakers themselves who take pride in sharing the knowledge they’ve gained from experience and helping you with all your equipment needs. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned river enthusiast, Golden River Sports can help prepare you for your adventure whether you are off to some extraordinary destination or headed down the street to play. They live, eat, breathe and play on the rivers- therefore they know the time you spend on the rivers and in the hills of the Rockies is a magical time. They’ll do everything in their power to share the wonders of these places with you through their knowledge and experience. Whether you’re interested in demos, rentals, repairs, upgrades, instruction or guided trips, stop in to Golden River Sports!
Boone Mountain Sports opened in downtown Evergreen, Colorado in 1985, and has been offering their customers the personal knowledge and quality product lines that come only from a lifetime of outdoor mountain pursuits. With a well-rounded merchandise selection that Boone Mountain Sports feels is essential for a well-rounded life in Colorado, Boone shoppers are enticed by items ranging from outdoor products for skiers, runners, and yogis to unique gifts including local music selections, jewelry, and artwork produced by regional artisans. Located in the Elk Meadow Center along Evergreen Parkway.
We can’t express enough gratitude to these businesses – who are themselves, in many ways, viewed as “the little man.” After all, they’re helping this “little man” organization to help little men and women get outdoors and learn something. The next time you find yourself in Golden, Evergreen, or Idaho Springs please stop in and spend a few of your hard-earned dollars on some new river gear, a unique piece of jewelry from a local outdoor-minded artisan, or the best chicken salad wrap you’ve ever experienced. Then add a dollar to your purchase, and know that you’re buying something whose value can’t ever truly be assessed. Not for yourself, but for a kid in a canyon next year.
T
