Seattle ICO was honored to be recognized as one of three Awardees of the first annual Kids Outside Alliance awards, shining the spotlight on local nonprofit organizations that connect youth with nature and the outdoors. The other two recipients were Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center and Nature Vision. Out of the 15 finalist organizations, ranging from The Mountaineers to Mountain to Sound Greenway, Seattle ICO was the only all-volunteer run group.

Awards were handed out on May 9 at the Georgetown Brewery, at a fun "Campfire Hoopla" complete with s'mores, crafty camp necklaces, gourmet sausage hotdogs feom Uli's, all manner of wilderness and scout wear and great live music. Rather than handing out prize money, the Kids Outside Alliance seeks to reward participants by shining a spotlinght on our work in the community and assisting with three specific needs. Over the next year, Seattle ICO can expect help with out PR & Marketing efforts, grant writing and raising small donations specifically geared towards replacing our used boots with new ones.

This award is truly something to be proud of! Our etched pine plaque will hang in the gear locker, along with the Sneaky Sasquatch when not in rotation. Big thanks to KOA for hosting this event in collaboration with Sustainable Seattle, all of the supporters who made the evening possible and to our volunteers who make Seattle ICO the great organization it is!

Sincerely,

Kirsten Gardner
Seattle ICO Co-Chair