5th Annual SIA Youth Summit Recognizes Corporate Contributions to Nonprofits Serving Youth

Denver, CO (January 28, 2014) -- The annual SnowSports Industries America (SIA) tradeshow is an opportunity for snow sports companies selling hard and soft goods to show off their latest gear and procure purchase orders for the next year’s winter season. Over the past five years, it has also become an opportunity for industry leaders to acknowledge the efforts of non-profits and corporations that collaborate to get America’s children off the couch, out of the city and into the outdoors.

Saturday, February 1 at 8:30 a.m. in the Colorado Convention Center Lobby, the 5th Annual Youth Summit will open with remarks from SIA President David Ingemie, and SOS Executive Director Arn Menconi, along with youth participants from SOS Outreach. The Summit will recognize corporations and individuals who have shown extraordinary commitment to nonprofits focused on youth and outdoor recreation.  Both Nicky DeFord of Vail Resorts and Chaos Headwear will be recognized with the Social Impact Award in Youth Development.

In addition to making great hats, Chaos Headwear has been giving consistently to youth nonprofits for over a decade. The company demonstrates extraordinary commitment to outdoor outreach organizations across North America, including SOS Outreach, Outdoor Outreach, Big City Mountaineers, Boys & Girls Club of Denver, SSWSC Steamboat Winter Sports Club, and Vail Veterans., to name a few. The award demonstrates deep appreciation for the Tock family, who own Do-Gree Mills  and the Chaos Brand: at the helm, Richard Tock, President,; David Tock Vice President;  Matthew Tock in marketing and product development; and, Adam Tock in production.

The Youth Summit will also offer a special thank you to Vai Resort’s Nicky DeFord for her substantive support of SOS through Vail Resorts Echo, the company’s corporate stewardship program. Ms. DeFord is responsible for the consistent growth of Vail Resort Inc’s charitable contributions. VR Echo currently contributes $6.5 million in grants annually to more than 220 different charities that serve local populations and protect local landscapes. Highlights of the impact Nicky is creating through the Echo program include: Nearly 16,000 annual hours volunteered by Vail Resorts employees; $500,000 raised each year for healthy forests; and helping 2,500 kids who have never been on a chairlift develop the passion for skiing through SOS Outreach.

Join the 5th Annual Youth Summit on Saturday, February 1st at 8:30 a.m. to hear how the industry is partnering with nonprofits to build the next generation of outdoor and snows sports enthusiasts.

Based in Steamboat Springs, Colo., Chaos Headwear offers a broad range of knitted hats and accessories for a multitude of outdoor activities such as skiing, riding, climbing, mountaineering, training and just looking good. Owned by Do-Gree fashions, a Canadian-owned and operated mill with three generations of experience, Chaos also offers a line of technical extreme weather condition headwear and accessories called Chaos Thermal Regulation or CTR. (www.chaoshats.com).

SOS Outreach is a national youth development 501(C)3 non-profit using year-round, adventure sports to engage at-risk students in long-term mentorship relationships. The SOS curriculum encourages responsibility, self-confidence, service, and leadership skills by instilling five core values: courage, discipline, integrity, wisdom, and compassion. The curriculum encourages students to set and achieve goals while increasing their ability to combat the risk factors they face. Since 1993, SOS Outreach has inspired positive decision making for healthy and successful lives.

By press release