BENEFITING: AMISTAD MISSION
ORGANIZER: AMISTAD MISSION
EVENT DATE: Jul 29, 2010
DEADLINE TO GIVE: Aug 02, 2010
HERE'S THE STORY:

Five years ago, some friends and I started backpacking through the mountains of Colorado each year. We discovered climbing mountains is a powerful metaphor for the way we wanted to live life – taking on challenges and enjoying the view.

This past year we began thinking of making this annual trip more than a metaphor. Was there a way to use this yearly event as a real-world challenge and make a difference in the lives of others?

Here’s what we came up with. We are teaming up with an organization called Amistad Mission, which has served for over 25 years on the front lines of one of the most impoverished places in the world, Bolivia, by providing food, water, and shelter to orphaned and abandoned children.

But they don't stop there. Amistad knows the key to breaking the vicious cycle of poverty is education, and they are committed to not only raising these precious kids in a loving, healthy environment, but also sending them on to University so that they can come back to their communities and generate lasting change.

These young men and women have encountered challenges and trauma that are difficult to imagine — abuse, abandonment and the trauma of life on the streets. Yet they have overcome and are now dedicated to helping give back what has been given to them. They are pursuing degrees in medicine, social work, education, agricultural engineering and community law. To support them, Amistad Mission has established a scholarship program for youth who have proven their commitment to meet the challenging University requirements.

So here's where we come in. We've decided this year we are called to raise enough money to make a real difference. For example, just $2,700 covers all room, board, tuition and book costs to send one of Amistad’s kids to the University in Bolivia. Incredible, but true.

So here's the plan. For four days, the four of us will be hiking 27 miles, climbing thousands of feet in elevation as we cross the Uncompahgre Wilderness of Colorado. For every mile we climb, we're asking for friends to donate a small amount.

My family has committed donating enough to send one of Amistad's kids to University for one year. Will you help us send two? Or three? Just 50¢ per mile = $13.50. A dollar per mile = $27. Every penny will add up and go to Amistad! Just click the DONATE button on this page to make your safe, on-line donation. Thank you!