Summits for Souls

Summits for Souls is a 2026 fundraising initiative led by Fort Collins-based trainers Zach Fagerberg and Alan Sharp, turning Colorado 14er summits into meaningful impact.

From July through September, the team will pursue up to fifteen 14,000-foot peaks, inviting supporters to pledge donations per summit—transforming each climb into a shared journey of purpose, progress, and contribution.

In partnership with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, 100% of funds raised support:

• Trail restoration on Mount Democrat (Project Dates: August 1–2, 2026)

• Trail restoration on Mount Sneffels (Project Dates: September 19–20, 2026)

• Youth outdoor leadership through the Cairn Program

The fundraising goal is $11,500, distributed evenly:

• $3,500 → Mount Democrat trail project

• $3,500 → Mount Sneffels trail project

• $3,500 → Cairn Program

Pledge Structure:

• Per-summit pledges are accepted through the end of Q2 2026

• One-time donations are accepted through the end of Q3 2026

Once trail funding goals are met, all additional donations will go directly to expanding the Cairn Program, increasing youth access to outdoor education, leadership, and stewardship.

Zach and Alan—both coaches at Valor Elite Training in Fort Collins—will not only summit peaks, but also work onsite during both trail projects, directly contributing to the impact alongside Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado teams.

The fundraiser will conclude with a community event at Valor Elite Training, featuring:

• A recap of the journey (video storytelling)

• A live check presentation to VOC

• A celebration of the collective impact created

At its core, this effort is driven by a simple mission:

To turn a passion for the outdoors into action that protects it—and to help develop the next generation who will carry that responsibility forward.