The Big Adventure

NICKNAME: "Gunga Din"

First and foremost, I have had the privilege to learn more about BBBS's important mission, impact, and contribution to the community through recent dialogue with your dynamic CEO, Marcus Allen, and some of the dedicated board members (a couple of who are also valued clients of my company, Firstrust Bank).  Clearly, BBBS is a worthy charity that deserves the support of socially minded individuals who want to give back.  (I like to think I fall into that category, or at least try to by participating in opportunities such as this charitable expedition.) I have also had the good fortune of having a couple very influential and valuable mentors in my life and know how important that  is to young people in our society today given all the influences they are facing in their lives.

As you can see from my pictures, I love and thrive in the outdoors!  Hiking and mountain climbing has become a more recent pursuit / passion of mine.  Over the past 7 years, I have done some challenging climbs in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and out in Colorado in some pretty tough conditions , but I have always dreamed of doing something more epic, and quite frankly higher, like Mount Kilimanjaro.  So when the opportunity presented itself to participate, I didn't hesitate.  I'm excited to do something more epic with such a dedicated , altruistic team of people.

Lastly, I think the thing that bonds us all , regardless of background, socioeconomic status, beliefs, etc. is the inevitable "human condition," or more simply stated, the struggle to survive , navigate and thrive in our respective life journeys.   For me, the challenge of mountain climbing (and, there are many including preparation, physical exertion, endurance, danger, altitude, etc.) is in many ways a metaphor for the journey of life and the human condition we all struggle at times.  To climb a mountain like Kilimanjaro, you need to be strong in body, mind and spirit, and you need to practice resilience and persevere despite the hardship and struggles encountered along the way.  In the process, you develop meaningful relationships with your climbing partners through shared experiences and teamwork; and the views along the way are pretty awesome as well!

Want to join our Big Adventure? 

There are multiple ways for individuals to support the Big Adventure and Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence: Make a donation. All proceeds raised by the Big Adventure benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence, a donor-supported organization that enriches, encourages, and empowers children to reach their highest potential through safe one-to-one mentoring relationships.

• Online: Donations can be made through this website
• Personal Check: Individuals can donate or by mailing a check to Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence, ATTN: BIG ADVENTURE, 123 South Broad Street, Suite 1050, Philadelphia, PA 19109.
• Donor Advised Fund (DAF): If you would like to support the Big Adventure through your DAF, please make the designation to Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence (EIN 23-1352034) with "The Big Adventure" or "Donation in honor of Mike Dinda" in the memo / designation line.

If you have any questions regarding your donation, please contact Rachele Armstrong at rarmstrong@independencebigs.org   

Become a Mentor - Embark on your own adventure of a lifetime by signing up to become a Big in one of our programs. If you would like to learn more about becoming a mentor, please visit us at www.independencebigs.org/be-a-big/ to take the first steps toward becoming a Big!