The new Live Like Sam grant program offers Summit County youth startup money to create new community service projects. Ron Jackenthal, Sam's father, said they have $50,000 earmarked for their new venture.
"We launched it on the first. The application process will go to the end of the month. And it essentially lets local kids between sixth grade and 12th grade in Summit County apply for grants to do service work. So, this is a chance for us to help turn local kids into philanthropists or givers."
Six years ago, U.S. Ski champion Sam Jackenthal passed away from a ski-related injury while training in Australia. He was 16 years old.
"And then we came back to Park City and put our lives back together. And at the same time, what was undeniable, was just how amazing the community just rallied behind our family. Thirteen, fourteen hundred people showed up at a celebration of life, and the last six years has been a ride of people, the current generation and kind of the upcoming generation, just clinging to the concept of what it means to live like Sam."
Jackenthal said there are so many local, non-profit opportunities for applicants to consider. Kids can submit budgets for materials, supplies, or marketing. He and his daughter, Skyler, will help applicants if needed.
"You know everyone loves Nuzzles. I could see a carwash that helped to raise $1,000. Then the proceeds go to Nuzzles. So, maybe they're asking for $150 of buckets and sponges and shammies and soap. I could see doing a project and getting them involved with Mountain Trails Foundation because they're, you know, they're active kids that use our trail system. I could see the People's Health Clinic. I could see projects with the Christian Center. What we are looking for is kids to come up with creative projects on their own that don't directly benefit Live Like Sam but that Live Like Sam gets to modify their DNA to make them always think about others first."
The Give Like Sam Grant will award between $100 and $750 based on project proposals. Grant applications close on November 30 with a plan to announce awards by mid-December. Grant recipients must complete their projects by June 3, 2022, Park City School District's last day.
You can find a link to the Give Like Sam application here.
