$8,784.30

achieved

$20,000.00

goal

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Why I'm Climbing

This summer, I'm taking on the daunting challenge of a climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa (19K ft) with Team Opportunity. Although I love hiking, this one is not for fun -- it's for my passion for Opportunity International and a group of women I met last year in Malawi, Africa.

I'm hoping that by taking on this 22-week training and 6-day climb, I will help inspire people like you to come alongside me as I raise $20,000 to put 10 women through our life-changing program. Right now they live on less than $.50 a day and struggle to even feed their families. By the end of our program, they are business owners, providers, and proud to send their children to school--which will change their lives forever. 

Extreme poverty is no match for a group of caring, compassionate people. Will you help me reach my goal and change 10 women's lives (and their children's lives!) forever?

The incredible women your donations will support
The incredible women your donations will support

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Alinafe in Malawi - look at that smile!
Alinafe in Malawi - look at that smile!

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Eliza, a participant in the program, in her grocery stand outside her home
Eliza, a participant in the program, in her grocery stand outside her home

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Proud to be on Team Opportunity!
Proud to be on Team Opportunity!

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About Opportunity International

Opportunity International is a global non-profit that has been empowering people to work their way out of poverty for 52 years. Opportunity provides 18.7 million people with innovative financial resources, training, and support to grow their small businesses and send their children to school. Opportunity International released more than $2.6 billion in capital across 30 countries in 2022. We are committed to serving the most vulnerable people, which is why we are helping families in Malawi rise out of extreme poverty. Learn more at opportunity.org. 

My Supporters

  • Andrea Sanchez-Chavez Love the work that you do Laura. Thanks for empowering women and relentlessly work for a better world. Will be cheering for you all the way from Chicago. A day ago
  • Sarah Minton Way to go, LB! Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and passion to a noble cause. We love you! A day ago $51.50
  • Anonymous kick the butt 3 days ago
  • Rachael Koplin You got this, Super Woman!! 4 days ago $10.30
  • Brad Romig Rooting for you! 4 days ago $51.50
  • Carol Pelino Laura, I'm so impressed with your commitment! Godspeed as you continue training and can't wait to see/hear about your climb!! 2 weeks ago $1,030.00
  • Lindsey Strickler On Behalf of Conduit Resources. 2 weeks ago $1,000.00
  • Sally & DJ Allen Last month $1,000.00
  • Tollie Bernard We are so inspired by your work in Africa! I hope it is incredibly successful. March 2024 $515.00
  • Laurie Moore March 2024 $500.00

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My Training

Our first 8 weeks are focused on building up endurance through running, then the next 14 weeks layer in strength and core work, mix in hard runs and long runs, and then combine running with ... you got it ... hiking. Everything is designed to build up our full-body strength and ability to sustain an elevated heart rate, which will put to the absolute test on the mountain.