The first-ever Trails Gala to benefit Chippewa Valley outdoor orgs was held Saturday, Nov. 11, from 5-9pm at The Pablo Center’s Jamf Theatre. A first-of-its-kind event in the Valley, the Trails Gala was a collaborative effort by nine local outdoors and youth organizations – CORBA, the Eau Claire Ski Striders, Pinehurst Park, Friends of Hickory Ridge, Eau Claire Youth Cycling, Bike Chippewa Valley, Chippewa Valley Nordic, and the 906 Adventure Team – with 100% of the evening’s proceeds split among them.

The Trails Gala brought together and celebrated our area’s beautiful outdoors and recreation scene – from folks who enjoy skiing and snowboarding to biking and hiking, to snowshoeing and trail running, and more – and was co-presented by Volume One and Compass Bike Lab.

The event featured a woods-inspired cocktail party with food, drinks, and music; presentations by area leaders and the keynote delivered by Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation Director Mary Monroe Brown; live and silent auctions; and more. The inaugural event raised more than $90,000.