Fundraiser also celebrates 110th anniversary of Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians invites troops, former Girl Scouts, family members, supporters, and friends to get outside and hike during the second annual “Reach for the Peaks” fundraiser. The hiking event from March 5-13 coincides with National Girl Scout Week and the 110th anniversary of the founding of Girl Scouts.
All registration fees support Girl Scout programs and further the organization’s mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
Registration is open at girscoutshike.org. Whether in the mountains or just around the neighborhood, participants are encouraged to hike 3.12 miles, in recognition of the organization’s March 12, 1912, founding date, or any distance of their choice.
“Whether hiking with a Girl Scout troop in the Great Smoky Mountains or in the backyard with your family, ‘Reach for the Peaks’ is a terrific opportunity to get the community involved in supporting the development of young girls,” said Lynne Fugate, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians (GSCSA). “This event brings Girl Scouts, family members and the public together to celebrate our organization, cheer each other on and raise much-needed funds. We can’t wait to see everyone hiking in March!”
In addition to signing up for the hike, participants can join the Girl Scouts on March 12 for a meet-and-greet luncheon and speaking engagement with special guest Jennifer Pharr Davis, the 2022 honorary Reach for the Peaks hiker. Pharr Davis is an internationally recognized adventurer, long-distance hiker, speaker, author, and entrepreneur. Additionally, one lucky Girl Scout troop registered for the hike will be picked randomly to hike with Pharr Davis at Ijams Nature Center earlier that morning.
Tickets for the meet-and-greet lunch are $150 and include lunch at the Knoxville Museum of Art, a seat at the speaking engagement, a signed copy of Pharr Davis’ book, Called Again: A Story of Love and Triumph, “Reach for the Peaks” knapsack and registration at the Independent Hiker level. Speaking engagement-only tickets are $75 and include the book, knapsack, and Independent Hiker level registration.
“Reach for the Peaks” registration is $35 for the public and $10 for Girl Scout members and includes a special patch and knapsack for all participants. Supporters also can register to be a “Ghost Hiker” with a $20 donation to GSCSA without participating in the hike. All funds raised from Ghost Hiker registrations will be used to scholarship a Girl Scout to attend Pharr Davis’ speaking engagement.
Participants can connect with other hikers by using the hashtag #ReachforthePeaks on social media. For more information, visit girlscoutshike.org.
