SWEATYS GET ACTIVE AND GIVE BACK AWARD NOMINEE
WHO: Kate Dumanian, 20, from California.
WHAT: Kate hiked the Grand Teton in Wyoming in Big City Mountaineers’ Summit For Someone event. She says, “I raised funds and awareness through sending letters to potential donors and postings on social media. I wrote a long fundraising letter explaining Big City Mountaineer’s mission and impact, and why I am passionate about getting youth into the outdoors. I sent this letter to over 50 family members and friends, asking for donations towards my Summit For Someone climb. I was fortunate to have a blog post written about me by Positive Tracks. I included a copy of it in my letter, and shared it on Facebook. She raised $6,450.
WHY HIKING FOR GOOD?: “As a high school freshman, I did a similar adventure, hiking Mt. Shasta, and raising $4000 for the California-based charity “Climbing for Kids.” “It was a life-changing experience,” Kate explains. “These climbs allow you to find your passion, and provide the same opportunity to someone else. It means the world to me to be able to do what I love and help others get that experience.”
THE BEST PART ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE: “The best part of my experience was being reminded of how much more there is to mountaineering than the summit. Unfortunately, snow and ice forced us to turn around before the top of Grand Teton, but I finished the climb feeling joyous. My trip was filled with phenomenal views and incredible, inspiring people from all over the country. It’s a rare thing to become so close with a group of people in just three days. But that’s the magic of the outdoors, and I would never trade it for the summit. People were bummed we didn’t summit, but I was surprised at how positive everyone was.” Dennis, our trip leader, put it well when he told us, “It’s okay to be disappointed, and you have every right to be. But remember – no matter what – that you did a great thing for a great cause, and nothing can take that away!”
TOUGHEST PART WAS: “The toughest part of my experience was embarking on such a big adventure without knowing anyone. I knew everything would be fine once we hit the trail, but I was very nervous when I showed up to Jackson Hole Mountain Guides!”
ONE NUGGET OF ADVICE: “Don’t be afraid to ask people to donate to your fundraiser. Do your research, understand the cause, and be confident in what you are asking for. Some people are going to say yes, and others are going to say no, and that’s okay. What’s important is that you do everything you can to support your cause, even if it makes you nervous.”
MY CHARITY FIRES ME UP BECAUSE: “Big City Mountaineers fires me up because you get to do what YOU love in order to help others do the same. That’s so COOL! I have been fortunate to experience the magic of the outdoors time and time again. Hiking, backpacking, climbing and a wide range of team sports have taught me the importance of teamwork and preparation, confidence and resilience. What I love about BCM is that my experience on Grand Teton was about more than me enjoying the magic, it was about helping others discover it as well.”
HOW DID YOUR POSITIVE TRACKS COORDINATOR HELP YOU: “Anna was fantastic! She sent me BCM gear to give people as a thank you for donating to my climb, and encouraged me throughout my months of fundraising.”
WHY GET SWEATY FOR A CAUSE: I love getting sweaty for a cause because the awareness that my effort benefits both others and myself motivates me to work as hard as I can.
Kate is on the Youth Ambassador Board at Positive Tracks. Read more about Kate’s Sweat For Good Action on our blog here and an update on her hike here.