Woofin & Hoofin began when I was invited to a People to People Leadership Conference at Stanford University in the summer of 2007. This unique experience not only introduced me to an incredible group of individuals from over 80 countries, it also put me in contact with a organization called Youth Venture, now called Spark Seed. Youth Venture encourages young people (ages 12-20) to start and lead their own organizations for the betterment of their communities, (www.genv.net/ 2008). This organization held a seminar during the course of the leadership conference. The challenge for participants was to plan out a viable and sustainable community service project. I decided to enter a plan that combined my passion for running with my love for animals, and Youth Venture chose to support Woofin & Hoofin.
In the months that followed, I planned and defined this vision with the help of the most amazing and driven people I know. Conscious Lifestyle also donated a substantial sum of money for this event on pure good faith and has provided numerous resources for the project.
I think the greatest part about Woofin & Hoofin is that though adults contributed to the planning of this event, teenagers took the initiative and designed this plan from just an idea. Virtually every aspect of the project was conceived and carried out by Glenbard West students, and a significant number more have volunteered their time and energy. Woofin & Hoofin shows that teenagers can not only lead a legalized 501(c)(3) non-profit association, we can have a real impact on the community.
-Adin Lykken, President of Woofin & Hoofin
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