What started as a summer climbing goal became something much bigger for Valor Elite Training personal trainers Zach Fagerberg and Alan Sharp.
Zach had an idea: climb 15 Colorado summits in three months and invite Valor members to pledge an amount for each summit completed. When Alan heard about the plan, he was ready to join him. They called the challenge Summits for Souls and set a fundraising goal of $11,500 for Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC).
Over seven climbing days, Zach and Alan completed all 15 summits. They covered approximately 75 miles and gained 31,807 vertical feet. At each peak, they raised the Valor flag for a photo, marking another climb completed and another step toward their goal.
Their route took them from Mount Bierstadt and Mount Blue Sky on July 4 to a final climb of Longs Peak on September 12. Along the way, they summited Belford, Oxford, Missouri Mountain, Bross, Lincoln, Cameron, Democrat, Redcloud, Sunshine, Uncompahgre, Grays and Torreys.
Valor members and others in the community followed their progress, made pledges and contributed one-time donations. By the end of the challenge, they had raised $26,875, more than twice their original goal. Zach and Alan presented the check to VOC on September 18.
“Our entire team was cheering them on with every climb, and our members helped carry that momentum through their pledges and donations,” said Tim Anderson, owner of Valor Elite Training. “It was incredibly motivating to be part of, and I’m proud to have both Zach and Alan on our team.”
The funds will support trail restoration projects at Mount Democrat and Mount Sneffels, as well as VOC’s Cairn Program. Through the nine-month program, Front Range high school students take part in trail work, habitat restoration, conservation projects and other hands-on outdoor experiences.
📸 (L to R): Tim Anderson, Kristen Anderson, Andy Stanley (VOC Development Manager), Chris Nesset (VOC Chief Executive Officer), Alan Sharp and Zach Fagerberg
“Zach and Alan took their newfound passion for tackling 14ers and turned it into an inspiring effort to give back,” said VOC CEO Chris Nesset. “The energy, enthusiasm, and commitment they and the entire Valor Elite community have brought to supporting VOC’s mission are truly remarkable.”
Zach and Alan took on every mile and every foot of elevation gain, but they had a community behind them. Thank you to everyone who pledged, donated and cheered them on. Together, you helped care for the Colorado places that give us so much.
Learn more about Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado and its work across the state.