Utilizing the funds received through the Matthew Baxter Memorial Award, as well as my own, I will travel to Ireland to bike pack ~900 miles along the coastal Wild Atlantic Way. This trip will reconnect me with a place that was formative in inspiring my personal spirit of adventure and revitalize a connection to a fundamental part of myself. I will be sharing photos, videos, and thoughts about my journey via my Instagram account @mollyswildatlanticway. Through documentation and sharing of my journey, I hope to inspire and encourage others, but particularly young women, to continue to carry on Matt’s spirit and to choose the path of adventure.

I also would like to support future adventures in a more concrete way - by raising funds for the non-profit GirlVentures. This organization, based in Oakland, works to: ‘inspire girls and gender expansive youth to lead through outdoor adventure, inner discovery, and collective action’. They work with young girls, 11 and older, to build leadership, confidence, and life skills through outdoor expeditions and recreation in Northern California.

All funds raised will be donated directly to GirlVentures. My goal is to raise $6,000 in order to pay forward the generous funds that Matthew A. Baxter Memorial Fund will have provided to me. Thank you in advance for your support and sharing of this fundraiser!