Mount Beirstadt is a high mountain summit in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with an elevation of 14,065’, first ascended in 1863 by Albert Bierstadt. I had the honor of hiking this fourteener not only for the breath-taking views, engaging company, and exercise, but to bring light to hunger in Colorado, in an effort to ‘Ascend it to End It.’
Hunger Free Colorado is a non-profit organization that was launched in 2009 to connect families and individuals to food and nutrition resources, so no Coloradan goes hungry. As a member of the board, we are constantly coming up with new and creative ways to raise awareness and funds for the effort. This month, Hunger Free Colorado is hosting its first “Hike for Hunger,” fundraiser in which Coloradans of all ages, abilities, and locations can participate, at no charge.
While registration is free, those who fundraise are eligible to win some cool prizes and help feed the hungry. There are a few ways in which we are encouraging Coloradan’s to get involved in the fight against hunger based on the activity level one is comfortable with.
- Commit to hiking one of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks sometime in July.
- Commit to going on at least five hikes during the month of July.
- Commit to completing 150,000 Steps In the month of July.
- Commit to completing over 31 miles during the month of July.
- Or, Commit to setting your own goal.
For fundraising efforts, you can pledge by mile, by step, by hike, or make a flat donation. Hunger Free also encourages you to take action and organize your own hike!
It has been a rewarding journey serving on this board and being committed to the effort to end hunger through policy change, systems change, social change, and collaboration.
*David Henry, Spenser Villwok, and myself on the slopes of Mt. Beirstadt.
Colorado is beautiful in July, and Hiking for Hunger is a great reason to get out and explore the great outdoors Colorado has to offer.
Register online at hikeforhunger.org