I’m sharing this story through Civic Parent on behalf of a nonprofit I helped get off the ground: Team Wilderness. On October 9th, I’ll be recognized at the Blazing the Trail Gala at The View at Lincoln Park—alongside fellow honorees Emory Edwards and Wendy Paul. It’s a huge honor, but more importantly: being an honoree means showing up and helping Team Wilderness meet its fundraising goals.
My Team Wilderness Story
My journey with Team Wilderness started in 2015, at a Jersey City Board of Education meeting. I walked into Martin Luther King Jr. PS #11 and spotted a group of students holding what looked like flat wicker baskets. I had to ask them what they were holding.
“Snowshoes,” they told me—beaming with pride.
“Snowshoes?” I asked. “In Jersey City?”
They explained they were part of The Wilderness Club at Snyder High School, which took them into hiking trails in New Jersey and New York. Their faculty advisor, Steve Cunningham, had brought them to the BOE meeting to thank the trustees for supporting the program. I watched them speak—poised, confident, civic-minded—and I knew I was watching something powerful and impactful. I knew I wanted to support it in any way I could.
A few months later, Steve and I met again. He wanted to take the program citywide by starting a nonprofit. He needed help building a board, setting up basic financial systems, and fundraising. I said yes on the spot. That idea became Team Wilderness—and I spent the next nine years as a board trustee as Steve cultivated a larger board and built an organization supported with paid staff.
Why It Matters
Team Wilderness takes teens outside—physically and mentally. It teaches confidence, resilience, and connection. It’s not just about hiking. It’s about helping kids feel empowered in their own skin. Its 2024 annual report notes that in a single year, Team Wilderness served over 600 youth, logging 11,200+ hours outdoors, with 95% reporting increased confidence.
Join Us
I rolled off the board last year, but the mission still drives me. If Civic Parent has ever taught or inspired you, this is a way to pay it forward.
Buy a ticket to the Gala – October 9, 6–9PM at The View at Lincoln Park
Donate – One-time or recurring gifts make a difference
Sponsor – Corporate giving is welcomed and impactful
No donation is too small. This is local, community-grown work that only survives with community-grown support.
Thank you for anything you can give.
