Oh, what a night!

Our annual celebration and fundraiser, Summits & Horizons, is in the books, and we are still coasting on the energy of this event!

More than 250 guests turned out to Memorial Hall to hear an inspiring program opened by Councilmember Meeka Owens and Mayor Aftab Pureval. Our supporters also heard highlights of Adventure Crew’s 2023-24 program year (our biggest yet!) and the inspiring, heart-warming, often hilarious reflections of three of our young adventurers: 2024 Aiken graduate Darly Valeriano, Clark Montessori 11th grader Madz Gerker and Zoo Academy senior DeMarko Calhoun. 

A special guest from Full Circle Expeditions, Tenzing Gyalzen Sherpa, joined keynote speaker Philip Henderson at the opening of his talk to share his experiences as a former Mount Everest guide. A newcomer to the U.S. and a professional electrician, Tenzing shared his experiences growing up near Everest’s base camp; helping climbers reach their goal of summiting the world’s highest peak; and, a professional summit of his own, leading the National Geographic team that installed the highest weather station on Earth at 28,904 ft in 2022.

Philip Henderson, executive director of Full Circle Expeditions, then took the mic and immediately captivated the audience with his beautiful storytelling, weaving in personal history of finding his life’s passion as an expedition leader, outdoor educator and unrelenting champion of equity for Black and Brown people, especially youth, in these spaces. It was thrilling to soak in his recounting of summiting Denali and Kilimanjaro three times and Everest twice, the last time in 2022 as leader of the first all-Black expedition to summit. We look forward to this ongoing partnership with Full Circle Expeditions for mentorship of our teens and our program staff, and we have exciting future plans for a mountain expedition of our own. 

Steiner Auctions led a quick and energetic “Paddling Through the Pathways” paddle raise, inspiring donations to support some of our most beloved adventures: The kayak and canoe adventures throughout all four of the Crew Pathways programs. There is still time for you to contribute! Donations for Summits & Horizons are open through October 15, giving folks who couldn’t be with us the opportunity to help us fuel our 2024-25 programs for more than 900 young people, entirely free.

The evening concluded with our two award winners. Our Vanguard award went to long-time volunteer and supporter Israel Bonnell for his years of selfless service to the organization. The new Thru-Hiker award went to board member and former treasurer Mark Wherry for being in it for the long haul with Adventure Crew, leaving the organization immeasurably stronger thanks to his long service as board treasurer, and being a steady program volunteer and donor, among countless other contributions. 

What a night, indeed! Stay tuned for an update in mid-October with the final tally of funds raised at Summits & Horizons 2024! 

Many thanks to Speaker Sponsor Duke Energy; Outdoor Equity Sponsor James Crosset; Summit Sponsors Mark & Michelle Wherry, Brewster Rhoads and Ann Lugbill, the Cincinnati Zoo, and Erin Harper with Comey & Shepherd/Ann Lafferty with Community First Mortgage; and Wayfinder Sponsors Roads Rivers and Trails, the North Country Trail Association, and Jean Sepate & Peter Djuric for making this event possible.