Why I Give...

A SANCTUARY FOR DISCOVERING OUR SOULS

“I strongly believe that our wilderness is a sanctuary for discovering our souls,” says John D. Mead, President of outdoor retailing chain Adventure 16, “and of course, it’s a home to living things that have a right to make a way in the world, just as we do.” As the inaugural Full Sponsor of the Anza-Borrego Institute, A 16 is committed to desert conservation and education.

John has been coming to Anza-Borrego for more than fifteen years. His first backpack was to upper Coyote Canyon and “wasn’t such smooth-sailing. As a neophyte desert camper, I had it in my head that desert weather was always one mode – calm and dry – so I didn’t bother to stake out our tent. Much to my surprise a wind gust picked it up and rough-sailed it across our campsite. Between that and having a cholla jump up and bite me on the knee, this presumed seasoned outdoorsman was humbled.”

And then… “Once I saw the desert up close and personal, I began to appreciate its exceptional beauty. With every trip I was more amazed by the diversity of its geography and its rich history.”

John firmly believes in the importance of business involvement in the not-for-profit sector. “At A16 having a heightened appreciation for wilderness is something that’s woven into the fabric of our 45-year old culture. We do what we can on the financial front, but I’ve always believed the best and most powerful thing we can do as a company that sells outdoor equipment is promote the responsible use of our wild areas. Once people of all ages have a wilderness experience and learn to appreciate all it has to offer, they can – and do – have a profound affect on its preservation.”

John believes John Muir said it best. “In God’s wilderness lies the hope of the world – great fresh, unlighted, unredeemed wilderness. The galling harness of civilization drops off and the wounds heal ere we are aware.”

We at ABFI thank John – and A-16’s employees and customers!