A message from the team leader, Ryan Maybee:
In January of 2008, I will be leading a team of climbers from Kansas City to climb one of the tallest peaks in the world. Dewayne Bridges, Dana Davenport, Ken Downing, Chuck Mackey and myself will be heading to Argentina to climb Mt. Aconcagua to benefit the HALO Foundation.
At 22,800 ft. elevation, Mt. Aconcagua is the tallest peak in the Andes, the tallest peak in the Southern and Western Hemispheres, and one of the tallest mountains in the world. The expedition itself will take a minimum of 17 days, depending on the weather. A climb like this takes months of physical and mental preparation, in addition to the fundraising for HALO. We will experience several different climate zones, and we’ll be completely exposed to the elements. The expedition will begin just outside of Mendoza, Argentina, in the foothill of the Andes. From there we will pass through tropical rainforest zones on our way to the first camp. After that, the climb will only get tougher, as we eventually enter arctic regions spanning over 20,000 feet high and with temperatures diving to below zero.
Every one of us has prior experience with high-altitude mountaineering. I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa in July of 2005, also for charity. The journey of raising funds and meeting the people whose lives were improved through what we were doing was even more powerful and moving than the climb itself. It was truly a life changing experience. Our goal for this climb, as a team, is $80,000. We would not be able to make any of this a reality without the generosity of everyone involved. In January, we will show our dedication to HALO by setting out on a dangerous expedition to summit one of the tallest mountains in the world.
Right now, you can show your dedication by donating to this noble cause and changing the life of a child. We appreciate your support.
Team HALO's previous fundraising event:
In order to raise funds for HALO, the climbers are actively pursuing fundraising activities that also are raising awareness about HALO in the community. JP Wine Bar (Ryan is the proud owner!) hosted a benefit concert played by the Barclay Martin Ensemble in March, and is very excited and presented the Greater Kansas City Bartending Competition on August 12 at the Uptown Theatre. Read more about the bartending competition here.
