About:
Outdoor Outreach empowers at-risk and underprivileged youth to make positive, lasting changes in their lives through comprehensive outdoor programming. Outdoor Outreach programs support underserved youth in San Diego County who are at risk for school dropout, substance abuse, violence and unintended pregnancy. They are the only agency in San Diego and one of just a few in the country that utilizes outdoor physical experiences to provide youth with the support, relationships, resources and opportunities they need to become successful adults. Since its founding in 2001, Outdoor Outreach has taken more than 3,500 youth on over 1,000 outings, including rock climbing, snowboarding, surfing, snorkeling, mountain biking and backpacking. In 2008, we expect to serve 750 youth through 250 outings.

Check out some of their programs or their website for more information.

Outdoor Outreach and ZOIC:
Every year in the spring, we host a ZOIC and Outdoor Outreach trail ride in San Diego. It's a great way to get everyone together, raffle off some prizes, and ride some trails! On Saturday, June 6th, 2009 we joined forces with the San Diego Mountain Bike Association, REI, and SD Country in celebrating National Trails Day. We held a sponsored raffle which raised over $1200 for Outdoor Outreach. Thanks to our generous sponsors, Bike Magazine, Bob Trailers, Carve, Clif Bar, Dakine, Electra, Giro, Gregory Mountain Products, Nat Nast, Niterider and ZOIC.

Quotes from the ride:
“By having ZOIC put their energy and resources into this event, it allows Outdoor Outreach a venue to create local community awareness for the youth we serve as well as an opportunity to raise donations. All donations will allow us to grow capacity throughout our organization and help us continue to transform the lives of at-risk youth through comprehensive outdoor programming," said Chris Rutgers, executive director of Outdoor Outreach.

“This ride is a great opportunity to get the kids from Outdoor Outreach on the trail and riding with passionate mountain bikers. The kids were amazing, they were naturals on the bikes; hopefully some of them will gravitate to the sport and enjoy what mountain biking and getting outdoors offer beyond this event,” said Eric Swenson, President of ZOIC Clothing.

"To all of those that came out and supported ZOIC and Outdoor Outreach, thank you! We raised more than $1200 from our raffle which could not have taken place without the help of our following sponsors: Bike Magazine, BOB Trailers, Carve, Clif Bar, Dakine, Electra Bicycles, GIRO, Gregory Mountain Products, Niterider, and your title sponsor ZOIC Clothing!" -Ashley Bridges, Brand Specialist, ZOIC

Check out the event pictures below.