The Great Wide Open is a project located in the Roanoke Valley that is seeking funding to create innovative experiences that are physically, mentally, and spiritually stimulating. Our focus is outdoor sports that make strength a permanent and functional way of life. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiking, trail running, climbing, and yoga. Our intentions are derived from nature’s ability to expose the human disposition to healing, grace, and revitalization.
We are Lacey Leonard and Andrew Franklin. After hiking the Appalachian Trail, We had to find ways of staying fit physically and finding peace with ourselves and others as we re-entered society. We began running, climbing, and practicing meditation with our community and found that it not only helped us maintain our fitness level but also made us feel creatively energized.
As artists, we are constantly trying to find ways of seeing and doing things a little differently. This is our approach with The Great Wide Open.
With the funding from this campaign, we will be able to create entirely new ways of experiencing the outdoors, our community, and overall well-being.
Our goal is to make these practices accessible in our geographical location and have the online presence to reach a wider community.
What We Need & What You Get
The Great Wide Open needs 35,000 dollars for one year of operating costs, a unique gear inventory, and specialty certifications to insure the safety of our participants and viewers.
- We will offer weekly training, monthly adventures, and customized outdoor event planning (plan the perfect proposal!!)
- If we are unable to reach our goal, the funding will go to obtaining our certifications so that we can still offer our perspective to individuals online and within our community.
The Impact
Your contribution will pave the way for experimental recreation.One of our bigger goals is to offer recreational therapy to individuals with disabilities.
- Combining music and meditation with activities that challenge our bodies can create a space where teamwork and self- actualization can thrive.
- The Great Wide Open can exist in other geographical areas as well as have a strong online presence
Risks & Challenges
The Great Wide Open faces the challenge of becoming too specific.
- We are young and open-minded. We welcome challenges and we aren't afraid of sticking with something. We've got 2,189.1 miles behind us to prove it.
- We plan to take input from our online viewers and community participants about the content and types of activities that we provide while remaining true to the nature of our project.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you're unable to contribute to our project, but you like our idea, please spread the word!
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram!
Check out the website HERE
If in doubt, Use the Indiegogo share tools!