Versailles, IN—Youth to Yellowstone of Ripley County, Inc. has announced it has recently received its 501 (c) (3) nonprofit status according to Bill Riley, board president of the nonprofit organization. “We’re very excited about this step. The organization is now more sustainable,” he noted.
The organization started over 10 years ago by Jim Waldo of Versailles and Russell Wilson of Westport. They shared the dream of taking local young people, who may never otherwise have that special experience, to explore and learn about Yellowstone National Park and other western treasures. Initially the group was a combination of Ripley and Decatur county students and volunteers, but recently separated into two entities.
Students and volunteers spend 12 days together, traveling to and from the west, and camping in Yellowstone for eight days during the summer. The Ripley and Decatur Counties travel each year with different students for three consecutive trips. Some of the volunteers spend most of their summer in Yellowstone working with the students. “The students’ trips are entirely covered financially, through donations, fundraisers, and grants.” Riley noted, “That is why we are excited about our new 501 (c)(3) status. It will open more doors to us for raising funds.” Costs for the trip include renting passenger and cargo vans for the drive out, hotel rooms, campsites, food, snacks, souvenirs (each student receives a Yellowstone sweatshirt and t-shirts), cots, sleeping bags, and any other essentials the students might need – like hiking boots.
Those interested in getting involved can call Jim Waldo at 937-239-3937, Bill Riley at 812-621-1965, or email the organization at Y2Y@YouthToYellowstone.ORG .
Donations for the Youth to Yellowstone of Ripley County trips can be made securely online at www.YouthToYellowstone.org or by sending a check to Youth to Yellowstone of Ripley County, P.O. Box 42, Milan, Indiana 47031. Riley added, “Members of the board are also available to present Youth to Yellowstone of Ripley County to organizations throughout the county.”
