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Culture & Leadership

The 2024 Sam Aden Kindness Fund Impact Report

Sam Aden standing in front of a mural of angel wings

Carrying Sam’s Light Forward

Sam found the good—the light—in everyone. His kindness, generosity and humor filled our world. One of his greatest joys was offering unexpected gifts to others—whether it was picking trash up off the ski slopes on his way down the mountain, tipping the 7-Eleven cashier or giving his own meal to someone in need, he embodied compassion.

Though he left this earth on May 4, 2023, his legacy lives on through the Sam Aden Kindness Fund, housed under The Get Grounded Foundation. In 2024, we took meaningful steps to spread kindness and support youth mental health.

The 1st Annual Sam’s Day of Stoke

On Jan. 19, 2024, we gathered for the Inaugural Sam’s Day of Stoke—a powder-filled, joy-filled Friday in Sam’s honor. Sam loved to ski and later found a passion for snowboarding. The mountain was his happy place, and his philosophy was simple: When you fall, you pick yourself back up. More than just a ski day, Sam’s Day of Stoke is a mental health day—a chance to pause, find joy and reconnect. Thanks to this incredible community, we raised $10,000 to support impactful grants and fund Mountain in My Mind 3, a powerful ski and snowboard film directed and produced by John Padilla. This documentary, inspired by the loss of his 15-year-old brother to suicide, raises awareness about mental health in the ski industry and highlights the outdoors as a tool for well-being.

Participants at Sam's Day of Stoke 2024 at Arapahoe Basin

The 2nd Annual Random Acts of Samness: Spreading Kindness, One Gift at a Time

On Dec. 1, 2024, Sam’s family launched the second annual Random Acts of Samness Day. They sent over 100 friends and family members across the country (and beyond!) with $100 each and a simple request: spread kindness in Sam’s honor.

From Austin to Philadelphia, London to Los Angeles, we witnessed incredible stories of generosity unfold:

  • A longtime flea market cook in Kansas City, recovering from surgery, received an unexpected gift of kindness.
  • A woman in Oklahoma City used her $100 to uplift a friend who tirelessly spreads joy despite facing many hardships.
  • A young girl in Dallas, inspired by Sam’s story, created care kits for those experiencing homelessness and shared the message of kindness with her school and youth group.
  • In Colorado, children used their funds to buy and wrap holiday gifts for kids in foster care.

These acts of kindness rippled across communities, proving that even small gestures can create a profound impact. Sam’s kindness lives on, through the hearts and hands of those who loved him.

Investing in Youth Mental Health

In addition to spreading kindness through individual acts, on Dec. 1, 2024, The Sam Aden Kindness Fund granted $35,000 to 13 organizations working to support youth mental health. We are honored to support the following organizations in their critical efforts:

2024 Grant Recipients

  • City Year Denver – Supporting the Youth Mental Health Corps and their commitment to providing mental health resources in Denver Public Schools.
  • Colorado Dream Foundation – Seed funding for an innovative expansion to meet the growing demand for youth mental health services, including a new downtown Denver location and a pilot program for early intervention and group therapy.
  • Denver City Lax – Funding mental health support within the Building Healthy Student Athletesprogram.
  • Envision: You & Mental Health Colorado – Supporting the Behavioral Health Provider Training Program to increase mental health access for LGBTQ+ youth.
  • Havern School – Providing crisis intervention and therapy resources for students in the new Havern Autism Program (HAP) program.
  • Judi’s House – Supporting Judi’s Rainbow, a social-emotional learning curriculum for children as young as three who are navigating grief and loss.
  • MetroWest Housing Solutions – Contributing to the Holiday Giving Tree program, helping provide gifts for children in low-income families.
  • Project PAVE – Funding the Youth Community Educators Program, with a focus on mental health education.
  • Rachel’s Challenge – Supporting youth mental health and bullying prevention programs for middle schools.
  • Rise Against Suicide – Providing free mental health treatment for at-risk youth in Boulder County.
  • Touch A Life Foundation (Ghana) – Empowering young leaders through the Agents of Change program, bringing vital mental health resources to underserved communities.
  • Youth on Record – Supporting their Podcast and Media Arts Department to amplify youth voices.
  • Youth Seen – Supporting QTBIPoC Youth Drop-In Spaces, creating safe, affirming environments for LGBTQ+ youth.

Together, We Create Change

Thanks to our incredible donors, partners and supporters, we continue to spread kindness and make a real difference in youth mental health. Sam’s light shines through each act of kindness, each grant awarded and each life touched.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. Please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or text “START” to 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

Thank you for being part of this journey. We are grateful for your support and your commitment to kindness in Sam’s memory.

With gratitude,
The Sam Aden Kindness Fund Team