Outdoor Insider Winter 2015-2016 | Page 16

G.O. Get Outside Podcast With Jeannette Stawski AORE Executive Director Jeannette Stawski talked with G.O. Get Outside about AORE and about her own experience outdoors, from expeditions to open-water swimming. G.O. Get Outside provides videos and radio-interview-style podcasts showcasing active people and their outdoor pursuits. They are dedicated to getting everyone outdoors—“No age limits. No prejudices. No excuses.” Fundraising Success Honors Patsy Kott The AORE community lost a pioneering leader last January. Patsy Kott was an AORE founder and the first director of the Outdoor Adventure Program at Texas A&M University. To honor her and her contributions to the association, and to endow the Patsy Kott Service Award, AORE recently raised $6,500. The initial money for the award was donated by Patsy herself, close to the end of her life. She had no idea that it would be used to create an award in her name. After her passing, Tim Moore approached other longtime members and the Board of Directors about creating the fund. Tim and Jason Kurten encour- 16 aged the board to approve the award, the board approved it in September, and a quick fundraising blitz ensued via email and social media just in time to have the award endowed by the time the inaugural award winner was announced. The Patsy Kott Service Award recognizes long-term professional work or service having a lasting impact on the association and its mission. This award is presented to an AORE member who has demonstrated steadfast, behind-the-scenes service that has made an impact on AORE. A distinguishing characteristic for this award is significant long-term service to support the association. Kott was a major contributor in developing and governing AORE at its inception. Since then, she served the association in many roles: mentor, presenter, conference host, board member, officer, and committee chair. She was an industry leader who left a mark on the profession, and she paved the way for women in the outdoor recreation and education profession. AORE Outdoor Insider | Winter 2015-2016