The Commons on Champa Denver, CO

God & the Great Outdoors

Thursday, Jul. 26 6:30 p.m.

$20

USD/Ticket

Coloradans cheered when Denver was awarded the annual Outdoor Retailers Expo–a multi-year deal promising to bring millions of dollars to the local economy, one indicator of the impact outdoor recreation has on the state. Outdoor recreation generates $28 billion dollars in consumer spending annually and creates 229,000 jobs, making it a powerful driver of the state’s economy. But its influence doesn’t stop there–almost ¾ of Colorado’s residents participate in outdoor recreation every year, crowding the aisles at REI and trails to the top of their favorite peaks.

Outdoor recreation is close to the hearts of many Coloradoans, but how does it shape our souls? How do Christians in outdoor retailing integrate their faith and work in a pluralistic industry?

Join Denver Institute for Faith & Work for an evening exploring the social, economic, and spiritual impact of outdoor retailing and recreation. Discover the importance of play, learn how outdoor adventure shapes our souls, and hear how successful entrepreneurs bring faith to their work.

Sabrina Little

National Champion Trail Runner

Sabrina is USA Track & Field's 100 Mile Trail Run National Champion (2016, 2017) and also holds the American Record in the 24-Hour Run (152.03 miles), the 2nd fastest 200K in American history (19:30), and the 4th fastest 100-mile trail in American history (14:55). She lives and trains in Waco, Texas, where she is a Philosophy PhD student at Baylor University. Sabrina and her husband David also coach middle school and high school cross country teams.  

Greg McEvilly

Kammok

Greg is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, visionary and outdoorsman, and the driving force behind Kammok, an industry-leading hammock camping manufacturer. His passion for the outdoors and love for people has driven him to create a brand that encourages community and inspires outdoor enthusiasts to engage in the adventure of changing lives. Since inception, Kammok has become a vehicle for sustainable giving and broad social impact. Every purchase fuels our mission to Give Adventure™, increasing outdoor access, education, and leadership development opportunities for others. Kammok is a member of 1% For The Planet and a Certified B Corp business.

Jeff Wiguna

Kuju Coffee

Jeff lives by Kuju’s motto that “quality is never instant.” As founders of the original Pocket PourOver® coffee, Jeff and his brother Justin bring the same determination that earned them the rank of Eagle Scouts to building a business that has a positive impact on communities and the environment. Available at REI, Bass Pro Shops, Sportsman’s Warehouse, and High Country Outfitters, Kuju is the #1 brand in the premium, one-cup, portable drip coffee market. In addition to leading Kuju, Jeff co-founded the Outdoor Diversity Coalition and is a steering committee member for 1% for the Planet.

Chelsea Van Essen

Therapist / Social Worker

Chelsea is a licensed social worker and therapist committed to creating safe spaces for people to experience healing, freedom, and hope. She works with clients who have experienced trauma, sexual abuse, spiritual abuse, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, suicidality, self-harm, and loss. Chelsea specializes in creating wilderness experiences that encourage healing and is passionate about helping trafficking victims begin their journey to recovery in the outdoors. Outside magazine featured Chelsea's work with trauma survivors in a recent feature: "The Adventure Therapy Cure for Survivors"

Gary Aronhalt

A Million Stories

As founder of A Million Stories, a relational consulting firm, Gary is passionate about helping people and teams thrive using simple, easy-to-grasp relational tools. His expertise comes from years working in the technology, nonprofit, church, retail, and service sectors. Through it all, two passions have remained - helping people improve their professional and personal relationships and pushing his physical limits in the great outdoors. As a proud finisher of both the Leadville 100 and the Run Rabbit Run 100 Miler, Gary understands first-hand how outdoor recreation builds the soul.

Nathan Hoag

Sacred Grace Englewood

Nathan has called Colorado home for most of his life and values the outdoors as he climbs, skis, and mountain bikes whenever time allows. Nathan is a graduate of Denver Seminary and ordained in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Nathan has worked part-time for Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey since 2013.  He was on staff at Cherry Hills Community Church from 2011 - 2015 and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Denver Rescue Mission. Nathan and his wife Julie are foster, biological, and adoptive parents. They believe in making a deep and lasting impact in their neighborhood and seeing lives change at the ground level. Nathan is a big fan of the craft-everything movement in Denver and cares way too much about how his coffee is roasted.

Matt Thomas

Expedition Backcountry Adventures

Matt leads Expedition Backcountry Adventures, an outfitter specializing in wilderness adventure, retreats, and outdoor education. He’s passionate about creating space in wild places for people to learn from where they have been, wrestle with where they are, and dream about who they will become. In addition to leading the Expedition team, he provides leadership coaching many of outdoor retailing’s top businesses and members of the Outdoor Industry Association.

Ticket

General Admission

Join us for an evening of rich conversation. Light appetizers will be served before the event.
50% off for Outdoor Retailer
Expo Attendees! Email hello@denverinstitute.org
for discount code

Thursday July 26 6:30-8:45 p.m.

$20.00 USD/Ticket

Purchase
Thank you to our generous sponsors!