Dr. Jean M. Fruh, Executive Director of The Outside Foundation, spoke to the club about The Outside Foundation's initiatives. A non-profit organization established in 2014 with a mission to get kids outside, and protect and preserve our local environment. The guiding values and principles of The Outside Foundation are consistent with those of its founding company, Outside Hilton Head: to provide outdoor experiences that will have a positive impact on people by creating awareness, expanding knowledge, and developing a responsible understanding of nature and the environment.
The Outside Foundation has several projects and initiatives:
Kids in Kayaks – Kids in Kayaks has a simple goal: to get every middle school child in Beaufort County out kayaking. These programs are run several times a year and offer, in addition to kayaking, hands-on learning about the local culture and eco-system. The Outside Foundation provides scholarships for students unable to afford the program, made possible through donations.
Waterway Clean Up – Through grant funds from Beaufort County Public Works, The Outside Foundation organizes several water way clean-ups throughout Beaufort County each year. Volunteers scour for trash and debris along banks and between grasses. 97 percent of trash collected in prior clean-ups has been recycled. Get involved in their next clean up!
Recycling – Through grass-roots advocacy and administration, The Outside Foundation has promoted recycling on Hilton Head and in Beaufort County. These efforts extend to shoe drives, kayak recycling and waste reduction initiatives.
