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Help Me Summit for Someone!

On January 27, 2013, I will embark on a journey that will take me from New York to Tanzania, Africa.  In Tanzania, I will be a member of team that will climb to the Summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,340ft) to raise money for Big City Mountaineers (BCM).

Kilimanjaro, one of "The Seven Summits," is the tallest freestanding mountain on earth.  My expedition to the summit will be the most physically challenging undertaking I have ever faced. The mental and physical preparation for my climb, as well as the journey itself, is just the first part of my commitment to Big City Mountaineers.

Big City Mountaineers (BCM) is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in Denver, CO delivering transformative wilderness mentoring expeditions to under-resourced urban youth to instill critical life skills. Working with community-based partner organizations and adult volunteers who act as mentors, BCM's programs improve integrity, self-esteem, responsibility, decision-making abilities and communication skills. Of the teens served:

• 71% are from single parent or guardian-led households;
• 83% are from families living below the poverty line;
• 80% have parents with no more than a high school education;
• 62% have never traveled beyond their county (that's county, not country) of residence.

In addition to BCM volunteers who donate a week of their lives to improve the future of the young adults served by BCM, the organization relies heavily on the support of Summit for Someone climbers such as myself. Without the commitment of the climbers who sign up for Summit For Someone climbs each year, BCM would cease to exist. 

The second part of my commitment is where I ask for your help. For my climb to "The Roof of Africa," I have committed to raise at least $8,500 and would truly appreciate any donation you feel is appropriate. Though it is unlikely that you or I will ever meet the kids this money will serve, you can be sure your support will help improve the lives of kids who were dealt some very tough cards in life.

To learn more about the Summit for Someone program, feel free to contact me  chericony@gmail.com  or visit www.summitforsomeone.org. To learn more about Big City Mountaineers, visit www.bigcitymountaineers.org.

I thank you in advance for your support.

Dan