CureSearch for Children's Cancer Ultimate Hike

[writelots]

Sharing information on this interesting fundraising event. I was contacted by Leah Bartlett (leah.bartlett@curesearch.org) who says they are looking for "extremely experienced" hikers to serve as coaches. I think there are a few folks on this site who fit that bill perfectly.

If you love adventure and crave a new challenge, then CureSearch for Children’s Cancer Ultimate Hike is for you! On February 25, 2012 participants will hike 26.8 miles* of the Arizona Trail, in one day, while raising funds for pediatric cancer research.

Let’s say you’ve always wanted to get into hiking. And let’s just say you have always wanted to help, in some way, to cure childhood cancer. Well, lace up those hiking boots and get ready to accomplish both of these goals in a single adventure. The Ultimate Hike is a one-day event in which ordinary folks complete an extraordinary feat on trails around the country.

The Phoenix Ultimate Hike Opportunity will be held on February 25th when determined participants will hike 26.8 mile of the Arizona Trail in an effort to help find a cure for pediatric cancer. Each hiker is required to attend one information session held around Phoenix and a registration donation of $100 will be required. RSVP to join one of the following information sessions to learn the entire scoop on Hike Weekend, Hike Training and Fundraising:

• Tuesday, November 1 at Roadrunner Sports, PHX – 6:30pm
• Wednesday, November 2 at REI, Tempe – 6:30pm
• Thursday, November 3 at Cabela’s, Glendale – 6:30 pm
• Tuesday, November 8 at Roadrunner Sports, Tempe – 6:30 pm
• Wednesday, November 9 at Sports Chalet, Chandler – 6:30pm
• Thursday, November 10 at REI, Paradise Valley -6:30pm
• Saturday, November 12 at Bass Pro Shop – 10:00am

To register for an Ultimate Hike Information Meeting –visit http://www.ultimatehike.org/phoenix

Wondering what’s included in your hiking experience besides all that good exercise and good will? Participants receive hotel accommodations for two nights, transportation to and from the trail on Hike Day, a 12 week specialized training program plus a daily workout calendar and bi-weekly group hikes, support and coaching from experienced Hike Leaders and CureSearch staff, trail support (i.e. hydration, energy bars, first aid and more) at three locations throughout the hike, an Ultimate Hike wicking shirt, a pre-hike pasta party and a post-hike victory breakfast.
Ready? Set! Hike!

To register for an Ultimate Hike Information Meeting – visit http://www.ultimatehike.org/phoenix

About CureSearch for Children’s Cancer
CureSearch for Children’s Cancer funds the lifesaving, collaborative research of the Children’s Oncology Group, the largest children’s cancer research organization in the world. With more than 6,500 physicians, nurses and researchers at more than 210 hospitals in North America and worldwide, this group treats 90 percent of children with cancer in the U.S.

[Jeffshadows]

Sounds cool

[Sredfield]

Dang, it is a very small world sometimes.
I looked around their website, looks like quite an adventure. There are several information sessions around town this month. The sections they are hiking are pretty neat as well, especially the old mining infrastructure. The trail is the route of the flume built to bring water to the Kentucky Camp area-it just contours around the hills with incredible views of Mt Wrightson to the SW, the Whetstone's and Las Cienegas to the east, and Rincons to the north.

[nauticalstar]

I went to one of the meetings tonight, and had to pass. This is what we were told in the meeting. They have 3 stations set up for first aid, and rehydration. You get a T-shirt, bag, and bandana. They supply buses, hotel room for the night, snacks and drinks after the hike, and breakfast the next morning. If you would like to have your signifiant other spend the night in the hotel room with you, than you will have to cover half the cost of the room. They want $100 up front to register you. After that you need to raise $2500. before the hike. They ask for your credit card info so that if you do not meet the $2500. goal they will take the difference out of your account. They also require you to finish the hike by 5pm. If you are not where you should be they drive you the rest of the way in.

I do several charity walks each year, and this just feels a little extreme to me. If you are able to put up $2600. if you can't raise the funds than kudos to you! I just don't have that kind of money to gamble with.

I have to be honest that I felt a little deceived. There is no mention of the $2500 on their site, or on their flyers. I drove across town with my 10 month old disabled son only to be let down. I thought charity events are to raise awareness and funds for families and research, not about leeching money from people who are trying to do a good thing.

I know I'm ranting, but I'm just truly disappointed, and wish I had the facts before I wasted my time there. If you're able to do it, than congrats to you. It's a great thing to give your time ad money to a good cause.

[Sredfield]

I'm sorry you went to all that trouble. I had no idea about the $2500 either.

[oceanwithin]

Thank you nauticalstar for posting that info, I had been wondering what the minimum fund-raising amount would be as well.

[kingsnake]

Better to find out ahead of time, than after the fact. ;)

[writelots]

There's a similar requirement with the Breast Cancer 3-day walk and a couple of other bigger events I've looked at. I don't know if the others charge your cc if you don't reach it, though

I guess it's really designed for folks to go out and get "corporate" sponsors. I know they provide a lot of support in that area - giving you pre-written letters and the like. It's not the fun part of the event, but I suppose it's the real point.