Pikes Peak 2010 - it has began!!

Pikes Peak 2010 - it has began!

So yet again we are doing another mountain climb and this times it's PIkes Peak in Colorado. Pikes Peak is the most visited mountain in North America - second in the world to Mt Fuji in Japan. At 14,000+ feet, Pikes Peak is not only challenging but also dangerous.

Twelve climbers (two had to back out at the last minute due to unavoidable circumstances but will be with us in spirit :) ) and Riz Photography have embarked on this trip to conquer the mountain. We start the ascend  in 10 or so hours. The group's goal is to raise awareness of the plight of AIDs orphans in Africa and help raise $1500 so 7 orphans can be educated next year. Thanks to all our gracious donors we have raised approximately $1200 so far. We are hopefully we will reached our goal by the time we return to our homes on Sunday. If you would like to donate go to http://bit.ly/P4PPikes10

As I am writing this, 10 of us are driving to Denver, CO to meet the other 2 climber (hope they are getting some rest because the people in this car aren't - everyone is excited and the music is blasting the sound system). Just to give you a reference point it's 11.53 pm and we are passing mile marker 83 on I-80. We should be in Denver around 8 a.m and at the trailhead in Manitou Spring around 10 a.m. The plan tomorrow, or rather today as it just struck midnight, is to hike 6 miles to Barr campsite where we will have  dinner and rest. Plan to be at Barr camp at around 4 p.m. It should be interesting with no heat, showers, drinking water and a few sleeping outside in lean-to's at the campsite. Hey it part of the fun - and we packed a soccer ball so they will some Messi action at Barr. :)

The timing of this trip has been perfect with the United Nation Millennium Development Goal (MDG)summit taking place this week and global leaders dedicating more funds to fight poverty. We will have a blog post next week outlining how our mission aligns with MDG. We are honored to be with great organizations such as the (red), One, and Gates foundation in the fight of poverty and in particular supporting those who are affect or infected by the AIDs epidemic.

As you might know, Sept 23rd was declared the social good day by (red) and Mashable. We attended a preclimb event organized by One (one.org) to discuss how social media can be used to help promote causes. Great event and thanks to all the supporter and well wishers. To illustrate how we use social media, I am blogging sitting in a car (no i am not driving lol) , using the iPad and the Verizon mifi in the middle of I 80 with corn fields all over.

I better join in the fun with the group. We will blog more tomorrow - hopefully all warm at Barr camp. Stay tune for more from us including pictures - will post pictures of our new Peak 4 Poverty t-shirt~ they are sick!!! :)

Adios amigos.