Team Uhuru starts their climb!

Here is a blurb from Steph W, from yesterday when they started their climb up Kilimanjaro:

"The day is here, as are we, at the foot Kilimanjaro, bursting with anticipation and delighting over our recent stay at Mbahe farm. Everyone is feeling well, although Brad and Russ are beginning to plan the memorial service for their lost luggage.  Zach has already saved the day numerous times, rescuing Steph's jacket and iPhone from the Amsterdam airport, providing Russ and Brad with base layers, and saving Heather from a poisonous Iizard in her sleeping quarters. The story continues..."

Keep posted for more updates!

2012 Chandler Mountain Challenge

I want to express my sincere appreciation for all the funds raised to help children affected and/or infected by AIDS in Africa through the 2012 Chandler Mountain Challenge.  We are so grateful to every single climber who climbed to raise funds for these kids.  Also, we’d like to thank Horsepens 40, the Howard Schutlz Family, Ascension Climbing and the Robertson Family and all the members of SRCFC for their commitment to the event, as well as for making the day special.

Thanks to everyone’s generosity, AFCA will provide:

1.       260 bunnies

2.       300 chicks

3.       100 packets of seeds

4.       200 HIV testing kits

5.       20 water filters for clinics

Without counting the water filters, 650 children will be affected by the generosity all all involved in the Challenge.  The bunnies, chicks and seeds will help children become self-reliant, as they receive training on how to grow their flocks, how to budget, how to care for animals, etc.  The seeds are for their gardens – between the seeds and the manure from their animals, the gardens grow nicely and the children end up with better meals.  The water filters will be placed in 16 small clinics in rural Congo, with an additional four being used at Tandala Hospital.  These will decrease the number of water-borne pathogens locals drink, thereby reducing the number of children and adults visiting the clinics for these illnesses.

We love what was accomplished and look forward to next year’s Challenge!

Charlotte, Here we Come

I am so excited about the events in Charlotte this November! Planning is already underway for "Eat to Live!" (Saturday, November 6th) which invites the public out to sample food from Charlotte's best restaurants - some of which are event getting on board with the African theme and putting their spin on African dishes. The best African dish will be awarded the "Eat to Live Award" (for bragging rights, and a little PR). The event will also include an African drumming circle (thanks to One Neighborhood - http://www.one-neighborhood.org) raffles and an auction of some fine merchandise. It's going to be such a fun night of raising awareness and funding for AFCA. I can't wait to see what else will be in store as we continue the planning of Eat to live!

We're also working with Inner Peaks Climbing Center (http://www.innerpeaks.com)for an evening of climbing, competitions, prizes and hopefully a special guest or two. This event will take place on Saturday, November 7th. What a cool group of people at Inner Peaks, they are as excited about it as we are! Last year, the Charlotte team did such an amazing job with Inner Peaks, we decided to make it an official event!

We'll be keeping you posted on this and other events. If you're in the Charlotte area, we hope to see you on the 6th or 7th of November. If not, go ahead and register for an event that you can participate in wherever you are!

www.climbupsokidscangrowup.com

See you at the top.
CUSKCGU

Climb Up the 50 Dates

The dates have been set for Climb Up The 50! What is Climb up the 50? Hikers and climbers from each of the 50 states will climb to their highest peak to show that we are united in fighting AIDS. These individuals and teams will also raise funds for the AFCA by having friends, family and co-workers sponsor them and their climb. All proceeds will go to American Foundation for Children with AIDS and help children in Africa who are suffering from this deadly disease by providing them with medication, food and supplies that they desperately need.

This year, the climb is from May 23-31. Memorial day finds itself within that time frame and we hope that the holiday will be to our advantage in acquiring participants.

If you would like to sign up for Climb Up the 50 and represent your state, please visit www.climbupsokidscangrowup.com and fill out the application. If you have questions, please contact Kendra at 717-798-8335.