In September 2024, twelve passionate adventurers embarked on an unforgettable four-day trek through Yosemite National Park in the USA, raising an incredible $34,530 USD ( $51,256.50 AUD) in support of Church World Service (CWS).
Yosemite, located east of San Francisco near the California border, is a landscape of awe-inspiring beauty. On this adventure, the team hiked through granite peaks, cascading waterfalls, and ancient sequoias, spending their nights camping under bright sparkling stars.
The funds raised from Hike for Hope Yosemite will directly support CWS’s efforts in bringing hope to communities in need across the globe. Today, more than 100 million people around the world are displaced, many fleeing with little more than the clothes on their backs. Entire communities live in poverty, struggling to find enough food. CWS is on a mission to change this reality by implementing just and sustainable solutions to hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster.
The Hike For Hope challenge was an experience that combined adventure with impact, leaving the participants with memories of the stunning natural world, the lives they helped transform, and new life-long friendships.
Thinking about taking the leap into adventure fundraising with your organisation? Here’s what you can expect to achieve from a partnership with Inspired Adventures.
Yosemite USA 2024
12 participants
$34,530 USD ($51,256 AUD)
Avg raised per person $4,271
Strategic Activity
Objectives
The 2024 Hike for Hope in Yosemite marked a significant milestone for CWS, as it hosted its inaugural trek, offering supporters a unique and meaningful way to connect with the organisation's mission while raising crucial funds. This first trek highlighted the strong engagement and dedication within the CWS community, laying a solid foundation for future events.
Team Engagement
One of the most rewarding aspects of the 2024 Hike for Hope was the strong sense of community that emerged from the trek. The event brought together 12 participants who, despite starting as strangers, left as lifelong friends. This bond extended far beyond the hike, fostering a deep connection to CWS’s mission and nurturing a dedicated group of supporters who indicated their intent to continue supporting CWS after the adventure concluded.
Recruitment
The Expressions of Interest (EOI) strategy was instrumental in attracting a diverse range of participants, including both internal stakeholders and members of the CWS community. The Inspired Adventures team developed a tailored EOI form for CWS, which was then shared with their broader supporter network. Supporters were given the opportunity to decide certain aspects of the Yosemite trek such as how many days, camping vs lodging etc. This was also a great way to gauge general interest. This recruitment approach will continue to play a key role in shaping future adventures for CWS.
Awareness and Advocacy
The Hike for Hope drove awareness and positive engagement around the important work of CWS while raising crucial funds. By offering a unique, mission-driven challenge CWS attracted new supporters whilst strengthening bonds with existing supporters. Combining adventure, community, and advocacy, this event positions CWS to deepen its reach and amplify its mission in the years to come.
A snippet of the team’s fundraising
Beth and Bob
Introducing Beth and Bob, a couple in their 60’s from Pennsylvania who have volunteered with CWS for the past 18 years. Ahead of the Yosemite Hike for Hope they raised over $5,000 USD for CWS, their favourite nonprofit organisation.
As part of their fundraising efforts, Beth and Bob got creative and hosted a fundraising party with new and old friends. They decorated different parts of their house with themes of Yosemite, transforming their front porch into the “outer watering hole” and their dining room into “Yosemite falls”.. Party attendees could learn about CWS and the Hike for Hope, play “pin the flag on the map”, buy a raffle ticket to win prizes relating to hiking and camping guess the number of gummy bears in a glass jar, and much more! We love when fundraisers use their creativity to raise funds and spread awareness. Congratulations to Beth and Bob on your inspiring fundraising efforts!
CROP Hunger Walks
In the lead-up to their big adventure, several members of the Hike for Hope team took part in CWS and CROP Hunger Walks as part of their training and fundraising. These community-based walking events, held in cities and towns across the U.S., are designed to support the mission of CWS and spread awareness.
By walking together, the team not only trained for their upcoming journey but also rallied their communities to support this vital cause, helping to transform lives around the world.
For Keith and Diane Wassum, this year marked their 27th CROP Hunger Walk—a milestone in their longstanding commitment to the cause. They raised an impressive $6,528 USD for CWS.
A note from Holly (Business Innovation Manager), the Inspired Adventures Team Leader
"I was lucky enough to attend the 2024 Hike for Hope, sharing this journey with individuals I had only known online. The instant chemistry within the group affirmed what we always say at Inspired Adventures—that like minded individuals join these treks—and seeing it firsthand was incredibly heartwarming. Every participant had a deep connection with CWS and a genuine desire to learn more. Watching people grow closer to nature, to CWS’s mission, and to one another was just beautiful. The combination of good people, a good cause, and trekking through one of the most stunning national parks in the US created an experience beyond comparison. While the team raised significant funds, they left richer in friendships and knowledge. After working alongside a charity for months, sometimes even years, seeing it all come together on a trek like this is so fulfilling. The foundation we’ve built on this first Hike for Hope gives me great optimism for the years ahead with CWS. Definitely a few happy tears shed, such an unforgettable experience." - Holly
What the team loved
What were the highlights of your Inspired Adventure?
David C (participant) - The setting was spectacular. The people on the adventure meshed well, and the guides were top-notch.
Jim B (participant) - The splendor and beauty of Yosemite and the collection of amazing people on the trip.
Bob S (participant) - Really, everything! The Inspired Adventures people were great, and the guides from Wildland Trekking were truly wonderful. The camp was nice, and the hikes were beautiful and challenging.
More Information
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