Greetings from DC, and welcome to our “Whitney Classic Ten Year Celebration”. This isn’t the 10th Whitney (it’s actually the 27th!), but it’s the tenth year that Ginger and I have been fortunate enough to be involved with this fantastic event. Over the last eleven years (we missed one in 2006), we’ve had some fantastic experiences, some miserable experiences, and some that fell somewhere in between, but we wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
In honor of our 10th Whitney, we’ve set a very ambitious goal of raising $10,000 for this year’s ride. If you check out the chart on the left, you’ll see that figure is about $2,000 more than we’ve ever risen before. Combine that with the fact that the economy is struggling, and gas is $4.00+/gallon, and you’ll quickly see that reaching this goal is going to take a serious effort. To encourage you to make a substantial donation to this year’s ride, I’ve composed a list of the Top Ten Reasons why you should make a contribution.
This is a crucial time for the program of Summit, with exciting new developments in several areas. First, Summit is rapidly expanding their international courses. This Spring, five courses were conducted in Ecuador, combing high-altitude mountaineering with a variety of short-term humanitarian service projects. These international courses will continue in Ecuador, as well as new courses in Monterrey, Mexico, this Fall and next Spring.
Second, this fall will see the start of a new, semester-long Immersion program for college & university students. This three-month program combines adventure based recreation with practical leadership development and service learning opportunities. It will be based in Bass Lake, but utilize multiple areas, including an extended time in Ecuador.
Team photo; 2007
Based on those reasons, and for many others, we’ve decided to increase the amount of financial support we provide to Summit. In today’s world, we believe that the life-changing education Summit offers, albeit somewhat non-traditional and non-conventional, is needed now more than ever. Would you join us in helping this valuable organization continue to operate?
I’d like to remind you of an amazing fact---for 37 years, Summit has existed solely on course revenue and the donations of private individuals. As a non-profit, non-denominational organization, Summit’s major fund-raising vehicle is the Whitney Classic, (raising $104,192.45 in 2007) and it cannot be successful without your help!
The Whitney Classic is a serious bike ride, stretching 136 miles with a combined elevation gain of 15,200 feet. It starts at Badwater, in Death Valley National Park (at 287’ below sea level, it’s the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere) and finishes at Whitney Portal, the high point on the road that runs to Mt. Whitney (the highest point in the continental U.S.) Temperatures routinely average well over 100 degrees at the start (136° in 2003), compared with sub-freezing temps at the end.
Pre-ride; before the misery starts.
Here is where you come in: would you consider making a generous donation to support the ministry of Summit Adventure? As a general rule, I don’t know many people who can write $10,000 checks, but I know a lot of people who can write checks of $20, or $50, or $100. The collective effort of multiple people is the key to success. The fine print: all donations over $25 are tax deductible, and donations over $100 even get a free t-shirt, some of which may be hand-delivered! As part of this year’s “Celebration Spectacular”, all donations over $100 will also receive free lodging in our Washington, DC house (travel, most of your food and souvenirs are NOT included!) You can send a check into the address below, or you can donate on-line on Summit’s secure server at www.summitadventure.com/donate.htm (just click on the “make a special gift” button, and please include my name on the details page).
Finally, I’m reducing my carbon footprint this year in a number of significant ways (minimizing my use of plastic bags, bike commuting, etc). Sending out as many electronic letters as possible helps, as it reduces paper use, gas for USPS delivery and cuts down on the price of printing and postage. I’ll send paper copies to those who don’t have email access or that I know still like the feel of a piece of paper in their hot little hands.
As always, thanks for your very generous donation. We recognize that there are many different demands upon your finances, and truly appreciate your willingness to support such a worthwhile organization.
Summit Adventure
PO Box 498
Bass Lake, CA 93604
559-642-3899
http://www.summitadventure.com/
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or comments, and as always, we’d love to see you if you come to the Washington, DC area!
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