Q4 2024 Newsletter

Our Mission:

To leverage the experience of outdoor pursuits, wildland exploration, or the development of artistic talent to extend and expand the light and love Nick brought to our world.

Dear Friend of the Nick Would Foundation,

Fall might be slipping away, but our love for Nick’s spirit and legacy is constant and stronger than ever. Please enjoy this quarterly update from the Nick Would Foundation, designed to enrich the lives of others in Nick’s memory. It’s been a super busy year with lots to share, so grab something to sip and read on for the latest and greatest information from the foundation and Nick’s loved ones.

Grant Awards for 2024

It’s give-away time! The 2024 grant cycle continued to foster the foundation’s mission of helping people explore and preserve the outdoors and develop artistic talent, with the following grants bequeathed in Nick’s name totaling $29,000: 

• Yampa Valley Autism Program: $3,000

• Integrated Community’s Newcomer Ski Program: $3,000 

• 5Point Film Festival/Nick Would Contest: $4,000

• Steamboat Springs Free Summer Concert Series: $9,000 

• California’s Windansea Surf Club/Me Water Foundation, teaching youth/those with disabilities how to surf: $2,000 

• Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club: $8,000

The fund plans to donate even more in 2025, enabling countless people to pursue outdoor adventures, expand their artistic talents and preserve the environment, all in honor of Nick. Have an idea for a recipient? Send it in to nickwould11@gmail.com.

Roll-’Em Video Competition Huge Success!

While it might not have been quite on par with the Oscars, the first annual Nick Would Video Competition was a resounding success, giving the judges a run for their money in awarding 3 cash awards to aspiring young outdoor filmmakers. And the envelope, please! The winners are: 

1st Place: Tomas Niedermeyer

2nd Place: Ethan Macfarland

3rd Place: Ethan Maines. 

(View their entries here)

Congratulations to all of our contestants! The winners’ films were shown concurrently with the new MatchStick Productions ski film premiere at the STARS Ranch in Steamboat Springs November 1-2.

First Annual Nick Would Surf Contest at La Jolla Shores Beach (Sept. 7th)

Cowabunga! More than 70 competitors and even more spectators descended upon Kellogg Park on La Jolla Shores Beach in beautiful La Jolla, California, on Saturday, September 7th, for the first annual Nick Would Foundation amateur surf competition. The fun, low-key surf competition was a blast for everyone involved, with tents, surf comp T-shirts, food, libations and more. Judges awarded enthusiasm and overall “steeze” more than anything else, with a variety of age categories for everyone from youngsters on up to legends. Visit www.nickwould.com for full results.

Windansea Memorial Paddle Out (Sept. 8th)

On Sunday, September 8, friends of Nick and the foundation met at Windansea Beach for a paddle-out ceremony at one of Nick’s favorite spots to surf, womp, and watch the sunset. A big shout out to Brooke Buchanan, Natalie Simon, Matt White, JV Vanderbeek and Jack Craig for organizing the events, as well as the Windansea Surf Club for hosting and sponsoring!

Merchandise Madness…. Hats, Shirts, Buffs and More! 

Want to help spread the Nick Would word (and look great doing so)? Hats, shirts, buffs, and more headline the latest and greatest Nick Would merchandise available for sale. Choose from ballcaps, new, hot-off-the-press T-shirts and buffs, and more, all from sustainable lifestyle clothing brand West Lyfe here in Steamboat. Best yet, 40% of proceeds go directly to the Nick Would Foundation. Don’t be left out! Purchase your Nick Would merchandise here or buy at https://www.nickwould.com.

Words from “Rydoh” and his Ride

This summer, Nick’s good friend Rydoh spent 50 days riding his bike 400 miles down California’s Highway 395, camping in the Sierras and climbing massive granite spires along the way, all in honor of Nick. Below is his quick recap:

“I began a fundraiser bike tour from Canada to Mexico, along Highway 1 and 395. Biking over 2,000 miles with a wooden sign spelling ‘ARIDE4NICK,’ my experience was deeply memorable. I learned the importance of friendship, empathy, grief, love and everything between. Raising over $15,000 for the Nick Would Foundation, it filled my heart, leaving me determined to continue for Nick, his family and his legacy. I broke off to climb a 1,000-foot vertical granite spire, nestled in the Sierras called the “Incredible Hulk.” It was all filmed by a dear friend and I hope this future video invokes inspiration and continues highlighting the spirit of Nick Simon and help fund the Nick Would Foundation.”

Sticker Slappin’

This fall, the Keefe and Adams families hiked one of Nick’s favorite trails San Luis Obispo, California. Nick used to run this steep trail shirtless with a giant smile on his face in Montaña de Oro State Park. 

Remember to slap your Nick Would Foundation stickers anywhere you think Nick would want them and upload to the Nick Would Foundation’s Instagram, describing the where and why of your slap. Happy slappin’!

Colorado Gives Day Dec. 10th!

Mark your calendars! Colorado Gives Day is December 10, 2024, and we’d love some of the local nonprofits the Nick Would Foundation supports to be at the top of your list. Last year Coloradans raised over $54.2M for Colorado Gives Day, spreading a wave of generosity across the state. Donate using the payment method that’s easiest for you (i.e., credit card, bank account, PayPal, IRA Charitable Distribution, Donor Advised Funds and more). Bonus: Every donation is boosted by one of the largest Incentive Funds in the country—all nonprofits receive a percentage of the fund equal to the percentage they raise for Colorado Gives Day.

Donate here: https://www.coloradogives.org

Well, that’s a wrap! Thanks for taking the time to read and for your continued and unwavering support of the Nick Would Foundation. We could not “spread the stoke” without your generous support and it means everything to us. We are incredibly grateful and humbled by your big hearts and we wish you a beautiful, safe and joyous holiday season.