The Founders
Jason Richardson
Nashville, TN |
Justin Williamson
Cincinnati, OH |
The Mission:
Create, organize, and execute safe, fun, community supported events that raise awareness for and benefit the hosting park.
Our Story:
Our passion for nature and the outdoors was instilled in both of us at a young age from our parents. We were taken to parks often because they were fun, free, and open to all! It's where we as children learned to play baseball, how to fly a kite, and where we climbed our first tree. As we got older, our respect and admiration for parks grew. We also became a little wiser which allowed us to reflect on our past and realize the importance of parks. We all have our own solutions that would make the world better and well...this is ours.
When we were both younger we loved working for a successful outdoor adventures company. We learned a lot over the years, now we are using that experience and creating events that directly benefit Parks.
We are very excited that Support-A-Park will be raising awareness for parks and the need for Friends Groups. In addition we will be giving parks much needed resources that will lead to the benefit of not just our parks but their surrounding communities. Our love and passion for our parks is what inspires us to give as much as we receive as this is keeping in spirit with what nature provides for all of us.
The Problem:
All parks benefit from various forms of alternative funding (gifts, donations, charitable contributions, etc.). Under the current setting, a large number of parks around the nation are unable to save and grow these funds for future, meaningful projects that would not only benefit the parks but their surrounding communities. These funds can and have been diverted from parks that do not have the protection of a non profit, or "Friends" group. This problem leaves many parks unable to save, and in some cases use these precious funds. This practice will ultimately lead to shortfalls in the parks' financial operations, improvements, educational programs, and facilities.
Meanwhile there are many profitable events being held by private businesses in our parks. In some cases $200 and a minimal percentage of the profits is their total contribution to the park. Many of these businesses donate or give a relatively small portion of "proceeds" to various charities, and at the same time take advantage of our parks for private gains. A single event with one thousand participants can bring in tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. Imagine if our parks were truly able to share the profits.
Our Solution:
Support-A-Parks' goal is to create Events at Parks for Parks that raise awareness for and benefit the hosting park.
By splitting event proceeds with the hosting park directly, or their Friends Group, we are able to keep the money local thus benefiting the surrounding communities for years to come.
So Please...Help... Support-A-Park!
So you may be wondering, what is a "Friends Group"?
"Friends Groups are generally defined as nonprofit, 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations established primarily to support a specific park area or a group of parks. While these groups vary in size, structure, and priorities, they all operate in partnership with parks under a formal written agreement. Friends Groups benefit parks in various ways, such as conducting fundraising efforts, providing volunteer services, assisting with resource management and preservation, and publicizing important issues." http://www.nps.gov/partnerships/friends_groups_doc.htm
"Friends Groups" are located all over the US, however many parks are in need of their own. We believe these groups are vital to protecting our beautiful parks for Future Generations! We hope our efforts will raise awareness for all Parks and the benefit of having Friends.