FEBRUARY 11, 2015
Fundraiser to benefit Grand Canyon trip for blind children
Local climber will lead 5 day hiking and rafting trip
CAREFREE/CAVE CREEK – Local climber and mountaineer, Jessica Zaneis (r), will guide 12 visually impaired students from the Foundation for Blind Children (FBC) on a week long hiking and rafting trip through the Grand Canyon.
The multi-day trek involves a five-day Upper Colorado River rafting trip and a challenging 7.5 mile day hike on Bright Angel Trail.
A resident of Cave Creek, Zaneis first became involved with FBC while volunteering at a blind orphanage in Moshi Tanzania near Mt. Kilimanjaro. She was inspired to share her love of the outdoors, and since 2014 has actively worked with FBC to provide visually impaired students with empowering outdoor exploration opportunities.
“The outdoors has given me a tremendous amount of courage, confidence, and peace. Having the ability to pay it forward, and share it with these special kids is more than I could ever ask for,” said Zaneis.
A silent charity auction to benefit the outdoor excursion will take place at Brix Wines on Saturday, March 7, from 3-6 p.m., 37636 N. Tom Darlington Drive, in Carefree. The silent charity auction will feature gift baskets, sports memorabilia, event tickets, hotel and golf packages, spa treatments, and restaurant certificates. All proceeds will be donated to the FBC.
To participate or donate please contact Jessica Zaneis at 602-570-1213 or email [email protected]. For more information on the Foundation for Blind Children and visually impaired programs visit www.seeitourway.org.
