Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), a renowned supplier of specialty outdoor gear and clothing, has awarded Rocking the Boat, a non-profit boatbuilding and environmental education youth development program, a $10,000 challenge grant to assist in the future growth of the organization, it was announced today.

Executive Director of Rocking the Boat, Adam Green, commented on REI's challenge grant, "REI's generosity is a tremendous opportunity for us on many levels. It will allow us to continue to develop our environmental and boatbuilding education programs, enable us to expand our base of support by going through the challenge process, and serve as a model for other corporations to follow." Although he has until December 31 to fulfill the challenge, Green hopes to have it completed as soon as possible to start putting the money to use.

On Friday, July 22 in Manhattan, Green and the students of Rocking the Boat launched their latest accomplishment, a new 16-foot Melonseed Skiff sailboat, into the Hudson River. Green, who was be filmed during the event for an episode of Queer Eye for The Straight Guy, challenged everyone from community members and leaders to corporate sponsors and others to help raise the additional $10,000 to match for REI's grant.

David Jayo, REI's Corporate Giving Program Manager stated, "REI recognizes that today's youth will be tomorrow's stewards of the environment. REI is committed to providing opportunities for young people to experience the joys of outdoor recreation and learn how to care for open spaces. Rocking the Boat is a great example of what one dedicated individual can do to make a difference."

REI selected Rocking the Boat for this challenge grant based on the outstanding level of commitment Green has shown to giving New York City youth expanded opportunities to explore and learn about their own local environment through outdoor recreation. Taking young people to the banks of the Bronx River, Rocking the Boat introduces a future generation of environmental stewards to many aspects of environmental awareness, including habitat monitoring and restoration projects, in a fun and engaging way. In addition to the challenge grant, REI has also presented Rocking the Boat with an assortment of outdoor gear so that Rocking the Boat will have a "gear bank" for students participating in these programs.

REI is helping build a lasting legacy of trails, rivers, and wildlands for generations to come, supporting programs to help people of all ages and experiences participate. In 2005, REI will give over $2.5 million back to the communities in which they do business through grants and outreach programs.

To contribute to Rocking the Boat, please go to http://www.rockingtheboat.org/ or call (718) 466-5799.

About Rocking the Boat

Rocking the Boat, http://www.rockingtheboat.org/, is a boatbuilding and on- water education program based out of the southwest Bronx, New York City. Through a hands-on alternative approach to education and youth development, Rocking the Boat addresses the need for inner city youth to achieve practical and tangible goals, relevant to both everyday life and future aspirations. This process allows high school students to acquire practical, academic, and social skills.

Rocking the Boat runs programming in both boatbuilding and environmental science, coordinating three after school and summer programs in each discipline annually, working directly with over 150 students, all of whom receive high school credit. During the process of building a traditional wooden boat, Rocking the Boat students create something not only beautiful, but practical in their own lives, bridging urban and natural life within their neighborhoods. This approach is mirrored in the on-water education program through direct focus on Bronx River habitat monitoring and restoration and through maritime skills training. Both programs allow students opportunities to gain a deeper awareness of their own abilities and possibilities in the natural and urban world.

About REI

REI is a national outdoor retail cooperative committed to inspiring, educating and outfitting for a lifetime of outdoor adventure. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI is today the nation's largest consumer co-op with more than 2.5 million active members. REI offers products from all of the top brands including its own line of award-winning gear and apparel. While anyone may join or shop at REI, members pay a one-time $15 fee and receive a share in the company's profits through an annual member refund based on their purchases. REI currently operates stores in 25 states, two online stores -- REI.com and REI-OUTLET.com -- and an adventure travel company, REI Adventures. A portion of REI's profits is set aside each year for support of environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation causes.

SOURCE: Rocking the Boat