National Philanthropy Day keynote speaker, Jim Ostdick, is set to share his journey of walking across America with an audience of approximately 300 San Benito County residents.
Earlier this year Ostdick, a retired San Benito High School teacher and San Juan Bautista resident, aimed to raise awareness and pledges in an effort to connect San Benito County residents with national trails.
With a lifelong passion for biking, hiking, and walking scenic trails, Ostdick, at the age of 64, set out to walk coast to coast. His passion for a healthy community through the preservation and enhancement of parks, and recreational programs in San Benito County, served as inspiration to travel from community to community across America.
In a sit-down with the Community Foundation for San Benito County after his travels, Ostdick shared, “Trails, parks, and recreational programs are a treasure in many communities; my goal is to raise awareness and funds for new hiking, biking, and walking trails across San Benito County.”
On the night of Tuesday, Nov. 15, Ostdick will share his travels of exploring urban areas, desert heat, snowy terrain, vast wilderness, and much more. Most importantly, Ostdick will share accounts of the generous, kind, and compassionate people that he encountered and who helped him to continue on his purpose of walking 4,000 miles.
If you would like to learn more, or pledge your support of Ostdick’s amazing accomplishment, visit: REACH San Benito Foundation.