OARS and the Sacramento LGBT Community Center Launch 2nd Annual Pride Month Event
OARS and the Sacramento LGBT Community Center Invite You to “Take Your Pride Outside” in June.
OARS and the Sacramento LGBT Community Center believe public lands should be safe and inclusive for everyone, which is why they are launching their 2nd Annual Pride Month on the American River this June. Last year, with the help of its guests, OARS was able to raise more than $4,000 for the organization through this month-long initiative.
This year, OARS is again donating $5 per person to the Sacramento LGBT Community Center for everyone who rafts the South Fork of the American River Sunday through Friday for the entire month of June. Additionally, the company will host a Pride Day event on the South Fork of the American River on Friday, June 24th and is extending a 25% discount to the LGBTQ+ community and its allies on any 1/2- or 1-day South Fork of the American River rafting trip.
“There is something so special and even therapeutic about getting outdoors with your favorite people for a day and enjoying the thrill and fun of adventure like a rafting trip together,” said Lanz Nalagan, Annual and Corporate Giving Director, Sacramento LGBT Community Center. “That’s why we’re once again honored to partner with OARS to bring the value of nature to our local LGBTQ+ community.”
“When you Take Your Pride Outside during Pride Month, you’re also supporting future Center projects,” continues Nalagan. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”
The Center’s mission is to create a region where LGBTQ+ people thrive and support the health and wellness of the most marginalized. In addition, it advocates for equality and justice and works to build a culturally rich LGBTQ+ community, end youth homelessness, and provide medical care and employment opportunities to transgender people.
“You save what you love, and you love what you know,” is an expression that George Wendt, the founder of OARS, was especially fond of. He started OARS with the goal of taking people of all walks of life out on rivers, because he knew that the more personal something is to you, the harder you will fight to protect it.
“This is one more way we’re working to expand George’s vision, stay true to our purpose, and become stronger advocates for the LGBTQ+ community along the way,” said Steve Markle, vice president of sales and marketing for OARS. “The only time anybody should feel like an ‘outsider’ is when they are literally outside climbing a mountain, splashing through rapids, or sleeping under the stars. We’re committed to making that our reality—and that starts right here at home.”
OARS continues to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion training for staff, guide school scholarships and more intentional hiring from LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and marginalized communities, donating trips for under-resourced youth, and is working to deepen their commitments across the company, nationally and locally.
About the South Fork of the American River & OARS American River Outpost
OARS American River Outpost, the company’s American River rafting headquarters and campground, is located in Lotus, CA along the South Fork of the American River. A short drive from Sacramento, Lake Tahoe and the Bay Area, the South Fork American River is California’s most popular rafting destination and offers friends and families a fun-filled, first-timer-friendly Class III whitewater adventure all summer long. After a ½-, 1- or 2-day rafting trip, OARS offers one night of free camping at the Outpost, where campers can take advantage of hot showers, restrooms, camp games, and beach access for swimming and relaxing. Options to rent gear, including tents, sleeping bags and pads, or pre-set platform tents are also available, along with free WiFi, a camp store for necessities, and walking proximity to restaurants and entertainment in town.
For more information on Pride Day on the South Fork American River, visit https://www.oars.com/events/pride-day-rafting-on-the-american/.
For more information on the South Fork American River, visit https://www.oars.com/adventures/south-fork-american-river-rafting//
For more information about the Sacramento LGBT Community Center, visit https://saccenter.org/.