Attend the fourth annual Live Like Sam celebration event, September 9

Sam Memorial Jump Flying-Aces Photo: Courtesy of Live Like Sam

PARK CITY, Utah — The fourth annual Live Like Sam Annual Celebration Event takes place on September 9 at Utah Olympic Park, 6 pm-11 pm. The evening is dedicated to supporting youth well-being programs and honoring the memory of Sam Jackenthal’s zest for life and unwavering kindness. Enjoy delectable food, crafted drinks, Flying Ace All-star performance, live and silent auctions, live music, and dancing. Get your tickets now; the event will sell out.

The Live Like Sam Foundation is Summit and Wasatch Counties’ premier youth well-being and prevention non-profit. The foundation will deliver programming for over 3000 local youth grades K through 12 in 2023 and is determined to cultivate self-awareness, resilience, leadership, compassion, and happiness among our young generation while fostering their commitment to serve others and to live like Sam did.

Sam Jackenthal, the inspiration behind the foundation, was no ordinary teen. As an incredible human and athlete, he won the men’s under-18 overall US National Freestyle Championship, showcasing his incredible talent at 15 years old. Tragically, a head injury sustained while attempting a familiar trick at an offseason training camp in Australia cut short his life three weeks later in 2015.

“Sam was known for his optimism, positivity, kindness, and empathy,” said Ron Jackenthal, Sam’s father and co-founder of The Live Like Sam Foundation. “He literally lived every day like it was his last; he was a role model and an example for all people of all ages. Many say that Sam lived more in his short 16 years than most people will live in their lifetime.”

This fundraising event aids the Live Like Sam Foundation in funding its multiple programs to empower adolescents, build their character, and promote community engagement. These programs for young Parkites are; THRIVE for students in grades 6-12, Life Skills & Character Development serves grades K-12. Community Programs and speaker events are designed for all ages.

“I wanted to take the tenets of living like Sam and solve a problem in our community that could make a difference,” Ron added. “Doing the work with other families is when I realized that we needed to find tools and resources to create kids with a healthy sense of self. Utah as a state ranks last in mental health. There is a lack of programming for youth well-being and prevention to be able to handle life as it comes at them.”

The Live Like Sam Foundation, founded by Ron and his daughter Skylar in 2020, continues to carry on Sam’s legacy, creating engaging opportunities for character growth and well-being among the young people of Park City. Get involved with Live Like Sam by attending the annual Celebration fundraiser event or by visiting Live Like Sam to learn more or volunteer. If you would like to donate, please visit https://livelikesam.org/donate/