Whale Foundation

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Flagstaff, AZ
Whale Foundation

Serving the Grand Canyon river guiding community since 1996.

Our Mission:
To provide support services that promote, restore, and celebrate the health and well-being of the Grand Canyon river guiding community.

06/12/2026

📸 The annual photo search for our next Whale Foundation Calendar starts now!

📅 Submit your photos by September 1, 2026 and help us continue promoting, restoring, and celebrating the health and well-being of the Grand Canyon river guiding community.

🏜️Whether it’s a breathtaking canyon landscape, life on the river, or a memorable moment with fellow guides, we want to see the Canyon through your lens.

🕵️Selected photos will be featured in The Whale Foundation’s 2027 Calendar, and proceeds from calendar sales directly support our programs and services, including
• behavioral health counseling
• health insurance assistance
• educational scholarships
• financial health resources
• and more!

Link in bio or online whalefoundation.org/events

🙏🏼Thank you to all who have sent photos in over the years! Enjoy these stunning photos from past calendars.
Joe Bennion
Maggie Ryan
Gary Ladd
Alan Gilberg
Jessica Clark
John Dillon
Caitlin Chin
And SOooo many others! 💜

06/06/2026

This year marks 30 years of supporting wellness for Grand Canyon river guides, a legacy built by a deeply committed community. We invite you, especially our new followers who’ve joined from , to watch The Whale Foundation Story to learn about our history. Swipe thru to catch a few snippets of the film - full video is on YouTube 🔗 link in bio and on our website.

At its heart, this story is a reminder that resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship, it’s about asking for help, supporting one another, and continuing forward. It’s a skill we can all cultivate through self awareness, connection, care, and purpose.

As we look ahead, The Whale Foundation remains committed to carrying this work forward - strengthening wellness, deepening connection and supporting guides through an evolving landscape.

Your support makes this work possible and helps us expand access to vital programs for the guiding community.

Thank you to for producing the film, and the heartfelt interviews from founders,guides, and board members.
Bob Grusy
Sarah Hatch
Robby Pitagora
Laura Chamberlain
Paul ‘Zeke’ Lauck
JP Running
Kristy Rees

www.whalefoundation.org

05/31/2026

Summer is in full swing and guides are busy pushing pulling and punching along with a smile on their face! It’s easy to forget to check in with yourself when you’re back to back trips or switching from one place or job to another. Take a moment to breathe, rest, hydrate, and embrace your community. If you need someone to talk to we are here for you! Call our confidential helpline 877-449-4253 to be connected with a counselor in your area. Check our website for details and a list of our partner providers … www.whalefoundation.org/counseling

Enjoy running LAVA with the GTS 2026 crew! It was such a blast with this group of talented guides, speakers, and now friends!
Guides: Robert
Landon

Photos by .girl.outside
Sami Hawkins

05/27/2026

We are thrilled to be watching Kelsey Pfendler - a guide for Hatch River Expeditions, who is rowing across the Pacific Ocean from CA to HI! Follow along at www.yourowkelsey.com to keep up with all the details.

A note from Kelsey:
"This row is more than a physical challenge. I will be rowing to raise awareness and funds for Whale Foundation an organization dedicated to providing health and well-being services to Grand Canyon River guides.

The Whale Foundation has consistently given their support to the river community, and now is a chance to give back to them.

Check out whalefoundation.org to learn more!"
Links to donate are online or through Kelseys website.

The Goal:
To row Solo Unsupported over 2,400 miles from Monterey, California to the Hawaiian island of Oʻahu. Along the way I hope to become the first American woman, youngest woman and fastest woman to do so. The current world record is 86 days, 10 hours and 5 minutes, held by Lia Ditton.

ROW KELSEY ROW 🚣‍♀️🚣‍♀️🚣‍♀️

05/13/2026

💰Only a few days left to apply for the Kenton Grua Memorial Scholarship! Apps are due May 15 - however since it is so close to the weekend, we will allow applications until Sunday, May 17.
🛠️Join the amazing group of guides who are expanding their repertoire of skills and knowledge through educational pursuits to help build a secure and sustainable future.
🙏🏼 We are grateful to these Scholarship winners for sharing their stories. Thank You!

🔗in bio
Www.WhaleFoundation.org/scholarship

05/08/2026

📣There is one more week to apply for the Kenton Grua Memorial Scholarship! Application period closes May 15. ❗️Link in bio or go to whalefoundation.org for all the details!

😊We are so proud to present Sarah’s - Scholarship Story #5 -
“I am honored to receive the Kenton Grua Memorial Scholarship. This support is helping me continue my graduate research on bat ecology in Grand Canyon National Park, where I strive to blend science with stewardship and share knowledge that strengthens conservation of the Colorado River and its surrounding ecosystems. Kenton’s legacy of curiosity, innovation, and teaching deeply resonates with me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to carry that spirit forward in my own work.”
Sarah Ciarrachi - Guide and Student

04/30/2026

🌞It’s Sun Shirt time! Thanks to OU guide Paul D for sporting his favorite new Whale Foundation shirt during the GTS trip! These cotton/poly hoody’s are nice and lightweight with long sleeves and drawstrings at the hood. We especially love the Zoroaster Pink color - also available in Blue Corn Navy.

Thanks to Summer Dos for the artwork (front and back) which is from the NRS Ninja Pro PFD collaboration, helping to celebrate our 30th anniversary this year!

Support Whale Foundation by repping our gear! Check our website for the goodies at www.whalefoundation.org/shop

🔗 in bio

* Paul Dohm and Nancy Brian (GTS speaker) laying down the facts as we float along the beautiful Colorado River…

04/28/2026

📚Scholarship Story Series 4
“Being part of the Grand Canyon river community has shaped who I am - instilling resilience, connection, and purpose. I’m incredibly thankful to belong to a community that not only inspires but uplifts its members. With your support, I’m one step closer to achieving my dream of owning my own business, and I carry your encouragement with me every step of the way.”

“I am deeply grateful to be a recipient of the Kenton Grua Memorial Scholarship. This generous support helped me finance my 1200-hour Master Aesthetician program over the last year.” Nichole Henderson KGMS 2025 recipient

The application period is open a few more weeks!
Closes MAY 15,2026

Apply at www.whalefoundation.org/scholarship

04/22/2026

🌎 Happy Earth Day!

We are so honored to support the amazing Grand Canyon - Colorado River guides who are stewards for one of the most beautiful places on earth!

With all the challenges the Colorado River has currently, it can weigh heavily on our hearts, minds, and souls. What does the future look like? There are so many questions and concerns that may have you feeling uneasy. Talking about it is most important so you can be confident and comfortable for yourself and in conversations with your passengers.

Call our helpline to chat it out with one of our licensed mental health counselors.
Dial 877-449-4253 and our Case Managers will match you with a counselor. All participants receive 10 sessions per year, paid for by Whale Foundation.

Let us help you feel comfortable and confident so you can in turn support the Grand Canyon / Colorado River EVERYDAY and on Earth Day.

Learn more at www.whalefoundation.org/counseling

XO
Whale Foundation

📸 Sarah Morton - GTS 2026 River Trip

04/15/2026

GTS 2026 upper half was AMAZING! There are still a few days left on the trip, and the crew has been learning and experiencing alllll things Grand Canyon, Colorado River, rafting, safety, cooking, setting camp, filtering water, and making and friends for life!
I am honored to participate for The Whale Foundation along with the amazing speakers and educators: Larry Stevens, Joel Barnes, Nancy Brian, Mervin Yoyetewa, Sonwai Wakayuta, Kathryn Cooney, and Paul Dohm. We had a great first half trip learning, laughing, singing, hiking, and rowing! I can’t wait to hear how the second half went with the additional guides and speakers Jack Schmidt and Sterling Selana. What an amazing wealth of knowledge the guides are taking in this year. (and every year!)

Thanks to

And all the outfitters for sending your amazing guides along to learn and roll into the summer season absolutely 💯 fired up about being a river guide on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon!

Enjoy the photos! More to come once everyone gets off the river.
📸 Sarah Morton

Address

P. O. Box 855
Flagstaff, AZ
86002

Website

https://www.whalefoundation.org/mission, https://www.whalefoundation.org/our-programs, https://www.whalefoundation.org/e

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