Main fundraiser photo

Shave the Viking's Beard, Feed the Carolinas!

Tax deductible
The $10,000 Challenge: Help Us Shave The Real Hiking Viking’s Beard!

Here’s the deal: If we reach $10,000 in donations through this fundraiser, The Real Hiking Viking aka Jabba aka Thomas Gathman, will shave his iconic beard live on "Backpacker Radio" on December 7th at The Skylark Lounge in Denver. This beard has been central to his brand and personality for over 10 years and a symbol of all the hiker boxes he's pillaged.

If we surpass this $10,000 goal, Jabba will say goodbye to his beard and hello to a world of not always having bbq sauce buried deep in a labyrinth on his face.

But wait, there's more!

To help get the donations rolling, our friends at Mountainsmith have generously offered to hook some lucky donors up with their backpacking gear. Everyone who donates a minimum of $50 will be entered into a sweepstakes to win the following prizes, courtesy of Mountainsmith:

  • 12 Zerk 40s
  • One grand prize of 1 Zerk 40, 1 Andesite Trekking Poles, and 1 Zerk Fanny

You will receive one entry for every $50 donated (e.g., a $100 donation earns two entries).

The approximate total retail value of all prizes combined is $3,123.20.

To enter the sweepstakes after making your donation of $50 or more, please send an email to hello @ thetrek [dot] co with the following information:

  • Your full name
  • A screenshot of your donation confirmation
  • The amount donated
  • The date and time of your donation
  • Your preferred contact email for notifications

Once we receive your email, we'll confirm your entry in the sweepstakes.

The beneficiary: Feeding the Carolinas

Feeding the Carolinas is a network of ten Feeding America-affiliated Food Banks dedicated to fighting food insecurity across North and South Carolina. By working with local communities, they focus on providing resources, advocating for the root causes of hunger, and responding in times of crisis.

Following the destruction of Hurricane Helene, families across the region are now facing the daunting task of recovery, including the urgent need for food and water. In the immediate aftermath, Feeding the Carolinas is providing essential supplies like food boxes and water, and as people move back into their homes, they're helping restock their pantries and replace spoiled food from freezers and refrigerators.

Your donation will directly support these efforts, helping bring much-needed relief to families impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Feeding the Carolinas is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. The value of any goods or services received as part of this fundraiser may reduce the tax-deductibility of your donation. Please consult your tax advisor for details regarding your specific tax situation.

Anyone in the US over the age of 18 is eligible to enter and win a randomly assigned prize package. The sweepstakes concludes at 11:59 ET on December 6, 2024.

This fundraiser is organized by The Trek.
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $25
    • 35 mins
  • Jason Freyer
    • $25
    • 2 hrs
  • Anonymous
    • $100
    • 5 hrs
  • Anonymous
    • $50
    • 7 hrs
  • Renee Pitra
    • $100
    • 9 hrs
Donate

Organizer

The Trek
Organizer
Clemmons, NC
Feeding the Carolinas
Beneficiary

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