Rep. Mat Erpelding Hikes Idaho Centennial Trail for Redside Foundation
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For Immediate Release:
Contact: Brian Chaffin
Executive Director
info@redsidefoundation.org
Rep. Mat Erpelding Hikes Idaho Centennial Trail for Redside Foundation
Boise, Idaho (June 7, 2013) – Idaho State Representative Mat Erpelding seeks to break the speed record for hiking the 900-mile Idaho Centennial Trail this August to raise money and awareness for The Redside Foundation. Erpelding seeks to raise $20,000 for the nonprofit organization that provides vital assistance to Idaho’s outdoor recreation workers.
The Idaho Centennial Trail stretches from Idaho’s northern border with Canada to Nevada in the south. The trail is rugged, entering challenging wilderness areas such as the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Trail elevations range from under 2,000 ft. on the Selway River to over 9,000 ft. in the Sawtooth Mountains.
As a high-altitude climbing guide, Erpelding has four times summited North America’s highest peak, Mt. McKinley (Denali) in Alaska, with clients. He also founded and co-owns Experiential Adventures, LLC, which teaches leadership development, group facilitation, and collaborative-learning techniques. He has worked for schools across the West, including Boise State University, California State Chico, Evergreen State College, and Texas Tech University.
“I believe rural communities benefit socially and economically from the outdoor recreation industry, and that guiding and outfitting are integral to Idaho’s long-term economic well being,” says Erpelding. “Idaho needs to share our hidden gems, such as the Idaho Centennial Trail, to help rural economies. I’m proud to raise money and awareness for the trail, the Redside Foundation and Idaho’s great communities.”
Hiking the Idaho Centennial Trail as a fundraiser provides financial support for Redside’s commitment to guide health, education, and professional development. In its third year, Reside has provided mental health services to guides and has also awarded the Telly Evans Memorial scholarship to an Idaho university student and guide.
Support Mat’s & Redside through a direct donation: http://www.redsidefoundation.org/partners.html.
ABOUT THE REDSIDE FOUNDATION: The Redside Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that celebrates the profession of commercial outdoor guiding in Idaho. The Foundation seeks to serve all of Idaho’s seasonal guides through education, training, and support services including the provision of confidential access to mental and physical healthcare and substance abuse counseling for guides in need. The Redside Foundation is currently a 100% volunteer organization and relies on generous donations to operate and provide services. For more information on the Foundation, please visit www.redsidefoundation.org or contact Brian Chaffin, Executive Director (208.859.3953 – info@redsidefoundation.org)
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