Dear Friend of The Nick Would Foundation,

Welcome to our second quarter 2026 update. Thank you for being part of a community that continues to spread Nick’s love—through outdoor adventure, wildland exploration and preservation, and creative expression. Read on for the latest news, events, and ways to get involved. And remember… Nick Would.

Nick Would News

It’s Here! The Nick Would Foundation Silent Auction Is Live! 🟢

Our 2026 Nick Would Foundation Silent Auction is live — and we need your help to make this our biggest year yet. The auction runs from May 25 through June 22, so get those bids in soon! Every bid helps The Nick Would Foundation continue its mission.

Don’t find something of interest but want to contribute instead? You can donate to the foundation here.

This auction is more than incredible gear, trips, art, experiences, and one-of-a-kind items — it’s a way to carry forward Nick’s spirit, one of adventure, generosity, creativity, and connection. Packed with amazing items and experiences, it has something for everyone — from a chateau on the French Riviera and a private dinner party at Salt and Lime, to Big Agnes tents, a private guided fly-fishing trip, and so much more. Whether you’re dreaming of a getaway, looking for outdoor gear, hunting for unique gifts, or just wanting to support a great cause, your participation makes a direct impact.

Why Your Bid Matters: 

Funds raised through the auction help support programs and grants that open doors for people to experience:

• Outdoor sports and adventure 

• Wildland exploration and preservation 

• Music, arts, and cultural programs

• Community connection 

Nick believed deeply in “sharing the stoke,” and every contribution helps us continue that legacy.

How You Can Help

• Browse the auction 

• Bid early and often 

• Share the link with friends and family 

• Help spread the word on social media 

• Encourage others to join the fun 

Every bid matters. Every share helps. And every contribution helps keep Nick’s light and legacy alive through experiences that change lives.

Start Bidding Here

Upcoming Events!

Steamboat Free Summer Concert Series Fundraiser Set for June 19

Mark your calendars and RSVP for the weekend of June 19-20! This year’s Steamboat Free Summer Concert Series will once again take place at Howelsen Hill on June 19 at 6 p.m., featuring the band Lettuce as our headliner.

Come by the VIP tent to support the fund, place your final silent auction bids, share stories, remember Nick, and dance the night away. And be on the lookout for super cool new T-shirts with an all-new groovy Nick Would summer concert graphic!

In town for the weekend? Join us at the Simon’s ranch on Saturday, June 20, from 3-8 p.m., for more live music from the Runaway Grooms, food, and celebrating everything Nick brought to our world.

Off the Beaten Path Promotion

Steamboat’s Off the Beaten Path bookstore is hosting a promotion in September, Nick’s birthday month, where all proceeds from a special drink (called the Nick Would!) benefit the Nick Would Foundation. So, stop in, get a Nick Would sip, and support the foundation. And make sure to thank Mike and Danielle Skov for supporting the Nick Would mission!

Keeping Those Wheels Spinning: Marco Furlanis Embarks on Nick Would Ride

The bicycle philanthropy just keeps on giving. This summer, Marco Furlanis will be biking from San Luis Obispo to San Diego in honor of the Nick Would Foundation. His ride follows on the heels (wheels?) of friend Ryan “Rydoh” Doherty, who biked from Canada to Mexico in honor of Nick.

Here is the GoFundMe page for Marco’s ride.

Video Competition Entries Accepted Until October 1st!

In conjunction with the 5 Point Film Festival, the Nick Would Foundation is hosting its 3rd annual video competition, with judges looking for overall "Nicky-ness," storytelling and more. So, roll those cameras and start filming!

Entries (under age 25) are being accepted until Oct. 1, 2026, with winners announced at the end of the year. Send your video entries to nickwould11@gmail.com.

Visit nickwould.com for more information! 

3rd Annual Nick Would Surf Contest Set

Surf’s up! Mark your calendar and RSVP for the 3rd annual Nick Would surf jam on August 29, 2026 on La Jolla Shores Beach in La Jolla, CA, co-sponsored by the Windansea Surf Club. It’s a blast for participants and spectators alike, with judges awarding enthusiasm, fun, and overall “steeze.” Attendees can also enjoy food, libations, raffle prizes, and schwag, including surf comp T-shirts. After the comp, everyone meets for a ragin’ afterparty at Beaumont’s, dancing till the cows come home. (View story of last year’s event on The Inertia here).

Books for Nick!

Order board member Eugene Buchanan’s new book “Yampa Yearnings” (with a dedication to Nick) here! And order “The Pacific Coast Search” by friend Ryan “Rydoh” Doherty here !

Merchandise Madness:

Hats, Shirts, Buffs and More!

Want to help spread the Nick Would word (and look stylie doing so)? Hats, shirts, buffs, hoodies, and more headline our Nick Would merchandise line. Choose from ballcaps, T-shirts, buffs, holiday ornaments, and more—all from sustainable lifestyle clothing brand West Lyfe here in Steamboat. Profits go directly to the Nick Would Foundation. Purchase here.

Our Mission:

To expand access to wildland exploration, outdoor adventure, and cultural development—extending the light and love Nick brought into the world.

Our Goal: To raise over $1M, give away $100K annually, and positively impact at least 10,000 people every year.

We thank you for being a part of this community. Together, we’re keeping Nick’s light alive—through adventure, exploration, creativity, and connection.