At the Sault Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Annual Board Meeting and Luncheon held Thursday at Kewadin Casino and Resort, Executive Director Linda Hoath presented a $5,000 check to O.U.T. House Consortium.
Outdoor Use of Trails House Consortium (O.U.T. House Consortium) is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization that was created in 2018 to develop, maintain and promote non-motorized recreational trails in Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding areas.
Several of the O.U.T. House Consortium board members accepted the check at the end of the luncheon.
Ken Hopper is the Board Director and is thankful for the contribution to their cause.
He and his wife, Wilda, own Bird's Eye Outfitters.
"When we do things, we do things with intention and purpose for the community. This is where we live. This is our home. We want to make it a better place and improve the quality of life here," he explained.
But the O.U.T. House Consortium is not just focusing on within the Sault Ste. Marie city limits.
"What we want to do is not only connect the community with non-motorized trails but also connect surrounding communities. We want to provide opportunities and events for locals but also to draw in people from outside the area," he continued.
Wilda came to Sault Ste. Marie from Ft. Myers, Florida.
"Obviously, for 365 days a year, you can do stuff outside in Florida. Here, you can do the same. You just have to change your clothes every once in a while. It's learning how to outfit yourself," she chuckled.
They both emphasized that with all the trails and waterways, there is so much potential to promote the area even more.
In addition to the check presentation, featured speakers included Dave Serino from Two Six Digital and Nick and Andy Behling from MI Playground.
