Family Adventure Day: Celebrating 15 Years of All It Takes

A message from our founder:

On Saturday, September 27, I checked off a bucket list moment that had been living in my heart since the very beginning of All It Takes. To celebrate our 15-Year Anniversary, we hosted a Family Adventure Day in the Malibu Mountains—a dream of mine since AIT’s founding back in 2010. For years, I envisioned creating a day where families could step into our work together, experiencing not just connection with the program, but with one another in a deeper, more meaningful way.

When our 10-Year Anniversary came during the pandemic, that vision had to wait. We were navigating challenges like the rest of the world, and the milestone quietly slipped past without the celebration it deserved. That made this year all the more powerful. And let me tell you—it was epic.

Ninety people from Ventura County and far beyond, some traveling over six hours, gathered for a day of play, courage, and growth. As I watched five-year-olds and seventy-five-year-olds alike strap on harnesses, face their fears, and accomplish things they never thought possible, my eyes brimmed with tears.

One moment especially moved me to my core: an on-duty police officer came to help others fulfill their dreams. When another participant reminded him that his dream mattered just as much, the group rallied around him. He chose to trust them. And in return, they delivered his dream back to him. It was humanity in its purest form—strangers showing up for each other.

I also watched a father step back and allow his teenage son to struggle—supported, but not saved. Later, that young man told me, “I was terrified. I feel amazing.” His smile lit up everything around him, radiating accomplishment and pride. At his side, his parents stood with tears in their eyes, overflowing with love and hope. It was everything I’ve always believed Family Adventure Day could be.

None of this magic happens without the people who make All It Takes what it is. Our team—Tanner, Seamus, Rikke, Paige, Matt, Sarah, and our extraordinary facilitators—poured their hearts and endless energy into every single detail. They embody both fun and growth, and I couldn’t be more blessed to walk alongside them.

And of course, the true foundation of AIT is the legacy created with my daughter, Shailene, shaped and grown alongside my son, Tanner, my greatest champion and husband, Dave and supported endlessly by our incredible board, both past and present. Their commitment has made it possible for All It Takes to grow from a vision into a movement of impact—15 years strong, with so much more ahead.

As we prepare to share our annual report soon, which will highlight our reach and the stories behind the numbers, I am reminded again of why this work matters so deeply. At its heart, All It Takes exists to affirm the power of humanity—what happens when we come together with courage, compassion, and love to build community and potential.

In a world facing so many challenges, this work feels more necessary and more sacred than ever. I feel blessed beyond measure to celebrate our 15 years this way, and I can’t wait to see all that lies ahead.

With gratitude,

Lori Woodley-Langendorff

Co-founder & Chief Visionary Officer

All It Takes

Family Adventure Day: Celebrating 15 Years of All It Takes