Please watch my video for more details and backstory!

Sharing with my middler schoolers about the importance of being of service.

On October 12th, I’ll be tackling one of the most grueling (and breathtaking — quite literally) day hikes in the U.S.: Cactus to Clouds ⛰️. This trail climbs from the desert floor of Palm Springs all the way to the summit of Mount San Jacinto — 20+ miles and nearly 11,000 feet of elevation gain in a single push.

That’s a lot of elevation... and probably an equal number of blisters. But it’s all worth it, because I’m not just doing this hike for the peanut butter & jelly sandwich and dried mango waiting at the top (though, let’s be honest, that’s a solid incentive). I’m hiking to combine my passion for the outdoors with something even more important: giving back to others.

I’m raising money for a cause close to my heart — Safe Place for Youth (SPY) in Venice. SPY provides housing, education, employment, health care, and mentorship to young people experiencing homelessness. They’re on the frontlines of creating stability, opportunity, and hope for youth who need it most.

To kick things off, I’m pledging one penny for every foot of elevation gain — rounding up to 11,000 feet (because I’m also known for losing the trail, and it’s always better to round up). That’s $110 to get us started.

This hike blends two of my favorite things: epic, sweat-inducing mountain trails and giving back to the community. While I may come back with scrapes, weird tan lines, and legs that feel like jello, each mile brings us closer to making a real impact.

So, I humbly ask for your support. Every dollar donated goes directly to Safe Place for Youth.

No mountain is too high, and no donation is too small.

Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart (and the top of the mountain). ⛰️

Dave

A quick note: GoFundMe gives donors the option to leave a tip for the platform, but it’s completely optional — 100% of your donation (minus standard processing fees) goes directly to supporting Safe Place for Youth.

You can also choose to make a one-time donation instead of donating monthly!

Thanks again!