Sometimes it feels like springtime in Minnesota is the shortest season. Yet, as we transition from dog sleds to canoes, spring is always an exciting time for VOBS. We are staffing up at Homeplace, bringing the paddles out of storage and gearing up for our best summer yet of resilience-building expeditions.
 
In this issue of The Spark, we hope you enjoy reading the reflections of several adult students on a desert backpacking course in Big Bend, Texas this February. We also introduce you to Jason Birr, a new donor who shares his connection to outdoor experiential education and reasons for wanting to support VOBS. 

With the help of brand new donors like Jason, along with our long-time supporters, we are on course to raise $2.3 million to support scholarships and operations through our 2023 Annual Fund. Thank you for helping ignite the VOBS spark for a growing number of students this season. You are making a positive difference in the lives of many. Thank you! 

WHY OUTWARD BOUND
The Most Extraordinary Week

Outward Bound was a life changing experience for adult students on a recent backpacking course in Big Bend, Texas. Learn why, in the words of one participant, “It was the most extraordinary week of my life.” Discover how VOBS is transforming lives in positive ways and how your donations are making a difference.

CARRY IT FORWARD

GENERATING SPARKS: MEET NEW DONOR JASON BIRR

Outdoor enthusiast Jason Birr has never been on a VOBS course, yet the organization’s mission so perfectly aligns with his personal sense of purpose that he decided to engage as a supporter and become a donor. Read about his motivations for choosing to invest in VOBS and the kinds of sparks he is igniting as a new donor.

YOUR IMPACT

PROGRESS TO GOAL

We have reached $823K of our $2.3M goal in received or committed gifts, and we have a few lakes and portages to go! Our Spring Appeal recently went out, asking our community to help students bloom through contributing to our scholarship fund - donate today so we can provide more financial support to more students this summer! If you are a past donor, consider giving 10 percent more this year to help your contribution go even further. If you are a new donor, consider starting your donor relationship by joining our monthly giving program in the Keel Crew (see below)! With your help - VOBS can do more than it ever thought possible!

Our vision is a more resilient and compassionate world.

Please reach out to our Development Team with any questions:
 Poppy Potter | Director of Development
Emily Hoover | Development Associate
Jack Lee | Executive Director

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!