46 PEAKS CHALLENGE
To Benefit Teens at Risk / Aging Out of Foster Care
THE CAUSE: Each year 20,000+ teenagers in the U.S. age out of the foster care system and are left to fend for themselves even if they’re under-educated and unemployed. The odds are stacked against them in becoming self-sufficient to live on their own, and the alternatives are not good if they can’t. Just imagine turning 18 with little or no family support or financial means to make ends meet. These teens need help from our communities, so we’re looking for people who want to make a difference!
THE SOLUTION: Teens at risk need continued support into their adulthood to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to gain employment, find living accommodations, and attain fulfillment in their life. Non-profit organizations such as Children in Placement help by facilitating life skill mentoring programs, financial literacy education, transition programs, and other support structures to increase their chances of success.
FUNDRAISING EVENT: To simulate the multiple survival challenges (which seem like mountains) these teens will face in their journey ahead, we're introducing the inaugural 46 Peaks Challenge in 2025. It involves hiking a sequence of high peaks in the Adirondack Mountains over 14 days staring June 30th through July 13th. A closing ceremony with food & music will be held at Whiteface Mountain on Saturday 7/12 starting @ 2PM at the Castle Cafe. Participants can choose to hike for just 1 day, all the way up to the full 14 days (222 miles and 70,000+ feet of elevation gain).
DONATIONS from this GoFundMe page go directly to the Children in Placement organization and are tax deductible for the donor. Note that hiker participants are paying their own expenses, and the Barnum Foundation is covering organizing costs, so 100% of donations will benefit the teens in need.
Please contact the event coordinators Joe Vacca and Kaitlin Moore through this site if you’re interested in participating in or volunteering for this inaugural event. Thanks for your consideration and for your support!