Event benefits Blue Sky Fund’s youth outdoor education programs
Blue Sky Fund (BSF) will host hundreds of hikers on Sat., Oct. 21 for their annual fundraiser – Airington Law Hike for Kids. This year, the Church Hill-based non-profit aims 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.
The event will begin and end at the Virginia War Memorial and lead participants through the scenic James River Park System. Hikers can choose between three lengths: 3, 8, or 14-mile courses. Hiking will begin as early as 9am with staggered start times course-depending.
Participants can register for the event by visiting BlueSkyFund.org/HikeforKids. Registration is $40 for adults, $15 for hikers under 18, and free for those under 4. For those unable to attend in-person, participants can hike any trail of their choosing and join in on the fun remotely.
To celebrate the occasion, free games and live music from The Hot Seats will be hosted at the Virginia War Memorial. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, including a featured beer – the Blue Sky Kölsch from Väsen Brewing Company. Registered hikers will receive a complimentary food and beverage ticket, but all members of the public are welcome to join the post-hike activities at no additional cost to enter.
The Airington Law Hike for Kids is supported by the generous contributions of individual donors and community sponsors including the event’s Trailblazer Title Sponsor, Airington Law, as well as the Department of Wildlife Resources, Markel, Riverside Outfitters, Gil & Horner WMG, Väsen Brewing Company, and Richmond Family Magazine.
“At Blue Sky Fund, we believe that all students in Richmond should have access to nature and know how to engage in outdoor activities,” said Amanda Payne, BSF Executive Director, “but we know not all kids have equitable access to the outdoors. Studies show that time spent in nature supports positive youth development as well as increases students’ motivation to learn and improves their mental health. By joining us on Saturday, October 21st at the Airington Law Hike for Kids, you’ll help raise awareness and resources to change this narrative while enjoying Richmond’s beautiful green spaces together!“
Founded in 2007, Blue Sky Fund has evolved to offer school-based, after-school, weekend, and summer outdoor programming that helps children from under-resourced communities achieve academic success through active outdoor education and develop character and leadership through outdoor experiences to expand horizons, increase confidence, and build collaboration skills.
For more information, contact Diane Brown at diane@blueskyfund.org or 804-410-4265.
