The Spark - November 2022

Dear ,

As snow kisses the evergreen branches in the north woods, VOBS looks forward to a new season of challenge and discovery. Whether dog-sledding at Homeplace, backpacking in the rugged desert of Big Bend or team building at Twin Cities Center, VOBS students will be encouraged to achieve, to fail and to uncover powerful lessons for life. Thanks to you, our most generous donors, we are able to offer more wide-ranging opportunities for a more diverse student body than ever before.

In this issue, we feature reflections from donors, alumni and staff who have a lot to say about the impact of VOBS in their lives. One highlight is the story of Chris Coleman, former Mayor of St. Paul and current CEO of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, who reflects on how his father’s graduation gift of an Outward Bound trip changed his life.

As we ourselves reflect on a robust and successful year for VOBS, we marvel at the resiliency of our staff, who have done an outstanding job continuing to deliver top-quality programs. It turns out we are not the only ones taking notice. Read below about VOBS leaders Abby, Jerry and Ted, who won three out of four 2022 Outward Bound National Awards this year. Kudos to them!

At year’s end, we look to our donors for Annual Fund support. As former VOBS Instructors and current donors Megan and Ryan Welty share in an article below, an investment in VOBS is an investment in your future leaders. It’s also an investment in the important equity, inclusion and diversity work that we are advancing at every level of the organization. Thank you for continuing to stay connected and supporting VOBS with a personally meaningful gift this season. We wish you happy and healthy holidays.

Love, Reflection and A Worthy Investment Blog

VOBS holds a special place in Ryan and Megan Welty’s hearts. They met as Instructors at Homeplace, fell in love, got married, and took many lessons of Outward Bound into their work, family life and service to community. “Lots of tools that we used out in the wilderness have carried on in our leadership today,” Megan said. As donors who have recently increased their gift, the couple consider VOBS to be an important investment in future leaders.

Read the full interview with Megan and Ryan.

The Weltys are part of our VOBS Three-Year Giving Circle. Read more about our Giving Circles.