25th Anniversary Celebration
It all started 25 years ago . . .
when Dan Forman led his first outdoor program for New Orleans youth in 1997. In a beat-up van, he took them canoeing in Bayou St. John and kept showing up for any child who wanted to spend time on the water. The outdoors had given him his first place where he felt like he belonged, and it changed his life for the better. New Orleans was the second place that felt like home to him, and he planned to pay it forward by positively impacting the lives of its youth.
25 years later his impact is still being felt. His sudden passing in 2012 left an open space that will never be replaced, but his legacy continues to live on. His work has taken many forms from a city program, state program, and now an independent nonprofit, but the line through all of them is a belief that time spent being active outdoors can help local youth be healthier, more confident, and thrive despite their circumstances.
Over 25,000 children and youth have participated in a life-changing LOOP experience thanks to Dan. Over the course of 2022, we will be looking back on the lasting impact he made on New Orleans youth while also be looking forward to ensure the life-changing adventures continue for the next 25!
Here’s how we’re celebrating 25 years of outdoor adventures:
Gathering testimonials and stories about Dan and LOOP through the years to share throughout the year on social media and online.
If you have a good story or want to share how LOOP impacted your life, send an email to loopnola@gmail.com.
Inspire 35 people to become sustaining, monthly donors to make certain New Orleans youth continue to feel the power of the outdoors through LOOP
Raise $15,000 during GiveNOLA Day on Tuesday, May 3 to support one of Dan’s most cherished programs the Outdoor Ambassador Internship program that develops leadership and professional development skills to historically underserved youth through outdoor adventures.
Celebration Event for LOOP alumni and supporters
Date TBD
25th Anniversary T-shirts, hats, and stickers with retro LOOP logos will be available to commemorate this special event.
We hope you’ll celebrate with us in 2022 and are excited for the adventures ahead!
“What an incredible loss. This guy was an awesome person and a giant in his field. He may not be replaceable. I don’t think there’s another person in the country as good at what he did.”
