(Left to right) Ron Tipton, Tom Kennedy and Leo Walker

During the opening program of the 35th Gathering of the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association (ALDHA), we presented the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) with a check for $11,250. Hooray!

In presenting the check, Leo Walker thanked the 212 long-distance hikers who registered their hikes with HIKE for Mental Health since 2012. “Because of you and the people who donated in honor of your hikes, we are able to present this gift tonight.”

Accepting the check on behalf of the ATC were Information Services Manager Laurie Potteiger and Executive Director Ron Tipton. Ron expressed his gratitude for the support:

ATC is very grateful for the support provided to our organization from Hike for Mental Health. We are committed to actively promoting the extensive physical and mental benefits of hiking the Appalachian Trail, whether it be for an afternoon or the entire 2,189 miles of the world’s most famous long distance hiking trail.

(Left to right) Tom Kennedy, Laurie Potteiger, Ron Tipton, Diana Pease, Donna Keefer, Paul Huffman and Leo Walker

Each year, we disburse 100% of the donations received from our hike programs. 80% goes to mental health research and programs to stamp out the stigma of mental illness. 20% we “give back to the trails” through the nonprofits organizations responsible for maintaining them. To see more about our financial plan and where the money goes, click here.

If you are planning a long distance, or even a short distance hike, and want to learn more about how you could be a part of HIKE for Mental Health, check out this link.