SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT: Kilimanjaro

Lupe Fiasco shares the dream of SOTSK from the snow-covered peak...

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 20:40:00 -0800

Lupe Fiasco shares the dream of SOTSK from the snow-covered peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro…

THANK YOU Kenna for bringing us all together!

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 20:39:00 -0800

THANK YOU Kenna for bringing us all together!

Watch the SOTSK MTV Documentary!

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 20:38:45 -0800

Watch the SOTSK MTV Documentary!

Read The Outside Magazine article about Summit on the...

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 20:35:00 -0700

Read The Outside Magazine article about Summit on the Summit…

CLIMBER BLOG: Shannon Ethridge I think this project ultimately...

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:00:00 -0700

CLIMBER BLOG: Shannon Ethridge

I think this project ultimately picked me rather than the other way around. I was actually on a trip with Kenna and a group of mutual friends in early 2008 when the words about his vision began to permate into all of our hearts. He wanted to invite his friends to climb Kilimanjaro to raise awareness for clean water. It was a simple notion, yet Kenna knew the effort required action takers and that somewhere in his world of DOers…they existed. As many of my Angeleno friends jumped on board to help him, I naturally feel into the mix.

At about the same time, this Gandhi quote had taken hold of me: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

It had become a catalyst to begin my own search for a way to participate in a larger movement. If I could lead by example, would anyone follow? I had joined forces with my good friend Brooke Fedro to start a partnership that motivated creative, cause-oriented content with an action-oriented vision. Brooke and I knew we could DO something to help make Kenna’s vision a reality, but it was just going to taking some pavement pounding. A little hard work towards something you believe in is good for the soul, and I was ready to feed mine.

What was an issue that I had no sense of quickly became my passion. The stories and statistics surrounding clean water for humanity overwhelmed me. This was a massive problem! Each person I told sensed the enormity. But I knew that even the simplest of actions could make an incredible difference in the lives of others, so I stayed on the long train ride towards Kilimanjaro. When I invested in producing this massive effort, I truly saw it as a simple way that I could help those who needed it or a way to at least inspire others to do the same. If I just started to DO something…everything would fall into place…and that is exactly what happened.

SOTSK was a success because of the collaborations that will exist beyond our footsteps on that mountain, because of the community we formed that will take larger footsteps in creating a movement for clean, safe drinking water.

You don’t have to climb a mountain to change the world, but you could flush your toilet less often or volunteer for an hour and actually change a life.

In the words of Nike…JUST DO IT!

- Shannon Ethridge

THANK YOU Guides, Cooks, Waiters & Porters!

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:34:00 -0700

We were blessed with an incredible support team…

OUR GUIDES

Wilbard Minja
Wilfred Moshi
Onesphory Mtui
Prosper Kamil
Gaudence Chikima
Bernard Shirima
Edward Seth
Simon Zablon
Calvin Assey
William Bwenje
Msafiri Muna
Edward Kitungala
Nestory Kavishe
Charles Kihiyo
Saria Emmanuel
Mnaku Renatus

OUR COOKS

Michael Tobias Mtuy
John Minja
Pascal Kamil
Felician August

OUR WAITERS

Focus Mtui
David Mtuy
John Otto
Felgisme August

OUR PORTERS

Msafiri Munna
Ndekiryia Lubisio
Lucas Kiango
Joni Saimoni
Abdala Bakari
Nuhu Aihmoni
Christopher Masue
Siriri Emanuel
Zabloni Ramadiani
Radhiri Saidi
Lenard Peter
Zuberi Jhaitari
Peter Janyes
Joseph Lordvick
Emannuel Munud
Deo Myari
Ali Sadati
L. Emanuel
Ramadhani Swalenhe
Eliyasa Hasail
Owari Hasani
Hamisi Shabansi
Hamisi Sharifu
Zhabani Zalimil
Sasimoni Tobias
Michaeli Mtung
Shakayo Slaa
Albarty Muhuo
Polizb Abrahni
Baraka Bless
Nestory Kawishe
Emanuel E Minja
Semu Sangito
Tito Athumani
Lukas Japhet
Farata Gabriel
Julias Mark
Deniel Sarakikya
Abinery Nnko
Mysa Emanuel
Zacharia Kumba
Charles Stuart
Karim Mottamey
Juma Dosa
Ido Harusi
Saluri Omari
Hasan Shekibula
Samuel Amiri
Rajabu Kasim
Kasim Ally
Babuu Yusuph
Mohamed Buny
Miraji Abdalah
Musa Hasan
Jabiri Musa
Ally Saidi
Salehe Zuberi
Josam Abraham
Staley Nguma
Ndewario Jumbe
Laurange Godfry
Nange Kapange
Athuman Seleman
Zigfrid L Assey
Sinyaeli Sfaeli
Miraji Yusmfu
Musa Athuman
Nasibu Hamisi
Nasibu Juma
John Rafael
Farah Idi
Nasiri Omari
Shabiru Abdalah
Saidi Abdalah
Ramadhani Yusufu
Anania Urio
Ruwaichi Anichi
Robert Limo
Prosper Ndesoma
Charles Toma
Steven Uforo
Minja Wilson
Awadi Msafriri
Richard Miso
Windston Mremea
Lawrent Mtuy
Claude Tobias
Armini Teruba
Daniel Frank
Tredo Rama
Richard Lema
Ndetirima Miu
Alfonce Alfayo
Edgar Simon
John Esau
Respic Amosi
Boniface Gaudeno
Valerian Mato
Jacob Olyal
Kilimes Aerkro
Januel Raphael
Jenas K Olmarie
Juma Mohamed
Onesharopt Micheal
Justine Kessy
John Aloke
Thomas Kamil
John Scholion
Mtiu Method
Julias Rama
Amani Maelwo
Andrea Rachema
John Bosco
John Haes
Abala Lysfy
Paul John
Azihari Hadini
Juma Mohamed
Paneil August
Agust Urio
Maziri Hasan
Wilson Husen
Juma Shabali
lisha Elhuruma
Fomeli Lukumai
Onaki Mohamed
Ndekirwa indbise
Jhafail Skeimal
Bakari Addl
Laizer Moiel
Chizme August
Ashaimu Sheshe
Izack Mfui
Enest Mazalia
Jaustin Riklueara
Nelson Ernese
Savia Izake
Deo Meela
Krispin Meela
Peter Minja
Elia Emanuel
Falus Emanuel
August Faustini
Adinal Mhera
Aelis Meela
Jondaj Godsome
Moddy Athrimanl
Prospa Shirima
Addy Hamis
Olta Shiria
Ehari Wazirs
Lucas Victory
Alidy Anaf
Ramabhali Alidy
Mklambajh Leyis
Patrik Pazia
Ernest Mouel
Fredrick moflin
William Morge
Nundin Nkayx
Alfani Mswedyax
Fusufu Ahmed
Nyerne Lokorio
Filbeart Moshii
Richard Mosha
Emanuel Laitolia
Paul Mushin
Nicolaus Laizeri
Eliamani Fanuel
Pourmen Lukuai
Jastine Kessy
Fanuel Itaely
Kilymes Dekiro
Jacobo Osward
Hussein Wilson
Hassani Waziri
Amani Iddi
Azihari Hadini
Hendry Miu
Abdalah Yusph
Richard Lukumay
Gaudence Chikiua
Peter minja
Ktali Sebastitah
Lotta Scbahili
Neson Ernest
Sauia Emanueld
Kealter Aninea
Gerad Limo
Wililum Sabaya
Jafri Ramadhan
Joakim Minja
Raimon Simon
Anselini Fredicrik
Udah Emanuel
Emanuel Seth
Athuman Ramadhan
Bonifcs Maunyi
Mirati Juma
Hassani Omari
Jumma Ramadhan
Saidi Sedikisse
Samuel Rafaeli
Iransis Kiluahli
Alex Kisioki
Pasko Nikodemi
Joahn Ninja
David Mtui
William Laiza
Melita Laiza
Maiko Lembris
Frelimo Makaza
Jackson Melita
Yonathan Shala
Alrayo Alois
Gudlack Amos
Sifuni Wiliam
Tumain Lukumayo
Pascal Peter
Elibarik Jackson
Peter Visent
Aron Jastin
Peter Alois
Adinani Issack
Hamis Hussen
Wilbad Atanas
Nasible Matimbo
Gaston Shaban
Emasio Nanyahn
Joseph Molleri

Ihsante Hanyano
Balcari Alhumanel
Goodlike Munnuo
Davis Supireano
Karinne Musazra
John Mosses
Peter Aloyce
Daniel Mandela
Dems Maleo
Venanco Mirya
Eyuene Axecla
Augst Rodgandi
Facus Peitter
Veclastov Matte
Steven Coleman
Tymain Kmaryok
Thomas Nandadi
Savana Ayaseli
Alex Martin
Ames Yova
Roman Rudovick
John Malci
Joel Modest
William Bwenje
Roginara Mlise
Albeid Munziba
Nolimbe Solongivyo
Idrio Jonadhim
Thomas Palipo
Pter Maslundi
Selemani Pwapwata
Ayse Kaiuninga
Walnkango Mzee
Peter Symon
Elibariki Kefas

THANK YOU Dickie Morris for helping create this blog! While we...

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:00:00 -0700

THANK YOU Dickie Morris for helping create this blog!

While we were climbing up the mountain in Africa, Dickie was across the world in Virginia receiving our texts, tweets, emails and pics…often working through the night due to the time-difference to get the posts up…

"America’s drinking water systems face an annual shortfall of at least $11 billion to replace aging..."

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:33:00 -0700

“America’s drinking water systems face an annual shortfall of at least $11 billion to replace aging facilities that are near the end of their useful lives and to comply with existing and future federal water regulations. This does not account for growth in the demand for drinking water over the next 20 years. Leaking pipes lose an estimated 7 billion gallons of clean drinking water a day.”

- American Society of Civil Engineers

SOTSK PROJECT COORDINATOR BLOG: Danielle Dreis I landed in...

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:31:00 -0700

SOTSK PROJECT COORDINATOR BLOG: Danielle Dreis

I landed in Hollywood after a year of travel to 30+ countries. My dream was to get into feature films, but the universe had other plans for me. When I first met Brooke & Shannon and learned about SOTSK I was alarmed by the water statistics they presented, but at the same time inspired by their dedication towards solving this issue. After learning about SOTSK every other project seemed trivial, I needed to be a part of this climb. For me, my involvement in this project has been the pinnacle of my career…being able to work in the entertainment industry on a project that’s for the greater good has been incredibly fulfilling.

The experience was incredible. I feel so blessed to have been a part of such an amazing event. The SOTSK team is inspirational and I feel very fortunate to know these people. But in the end, what I hope I’ll never forget about SOTSK, is that we can make a difference…every one of us has the ability to positively change the future of people in need. So little can mean so much. Every little bit helps. Awareness is the key to change. Understanding your impact and changing your habits will make a difference.

- Danielle Dreis

THANK YOU First Ascent! We were hammered throughout the climb...

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:57:00 -0700

THANK YOU First Ascent!

We were hammered throughout the climb by rain, sleet & snow but beat back the elements and stayed warm & dry thanks to Eddie Bauer’s First Ascent new line of expedition quality mountaineering apparel and gear. The stuff’s amazing. It’s designed by some of the top climbers in the world, including SOTSK’s Melissa Arnot, and is incredibly comfortable & functional!

We were generously outfitted with baselayers, insulation and outerwear that featured premium European goose down and PrimaLoft. For most of the climb, our BC100s (the bright blue waterproof jackets) were our go-to outer item, made from 2.5 layer WeatherEdge Plus fabric which provided us incredible rain protection and also breathability so we didn’t overheat while trudging up the mountain. For cold nights at camp and the final ascent we wore our big Peak XV Down Jackets.

We all faced challenges while climbing to 19,340 feet. Thankfully our gear wasn’t one of them!

SOTSK SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR BLOG: Azita Ardakani A few months...

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:36:00 -0700

SOTSK SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR BLOG: Azita Ardakani

A few months before SOTSK launched, I was visiting LA and met Kenna through a mutual friend. When the waiter came by, Kenna asked for water — tap water — and said he would reuse his glass…making it clear he places his passion about water into action wherever he goes.

I was working in Social Media at a software company and when I heard about the SOTSK campaign, it was everything my tech and cause-driven heart could ask for. A virtual and real life climb, scaled foot-by-foot, interactive with photos, videos, and updates right from Mt. Kilimanjaro – all in the name of the clean water crisis which kills a child every 15 seconds. I wanted in.

I began volunteering on the project from Vancouver, sending in ideas and strategy. Closer to the full launch, I decided I would regret it if I didn’t get wholly involved, even if it meant quitting my job and going to LA to work on it for a few weeks – I had no idea what I was getting myself into. When I arrived, I was thrown full force into SOTSK. We had Sponsors (HP, Windows, First Ascent, Revo, PUR), beneficiaries (UNHCR, Play Pumps, Water for People), celebrities (Jessica Biel, Lupe Fiasco, Emile Hirsh, Isabel Lucas, Santigold), activists, (Elizabeth Gore, Alexandra Cousteau, Kick Kennedy, Bernise Ang), educators (Dr. Greg Allgood, Simon Isaacs), artists (Jimmy Chin, Michael Muller) and we had the crisis of clean water. Connecting the dots between all of these people and platforms would become my challenge, telling the story and building momentum and awareness for a virtually unknown initiative would become my mission.

Summit on the Summit became the number one cause on Facebook. We hit 12 million impressions on one day with the  “Wave” campaign that had various Twitter celebrity profiles “Go Blue” on their avatars and show their support for us prior to the climb. We built a 50,000 person community cross platform on Facebook & Twitter from nothing and we got our message out there.

I took away many lessons from Summit. First and foremost: this is about what we are made of - over 70% our bodies, to be exact, is made from water’s molecular structure of hydrogen and oxygen. Water is life - it dictates economy, equality & society. This wasn’t just a campaign, this was a wakeup call. If we do not save water at home, send water to those who need it, and keep educating ourselves – we have no one to blame but ourselves.

With the benefits of technology we can now create virtual communities of real people and rally together to make amazing things really happen. I got to be at the forefront of this for SOTSK and the fight is not over. I hope for every web-based initiative to go beyond the splash, the celebrity, and to keep the human reminder of the intrinsic necessity of what motivates causes. In a time where there is a plethora of initiatives to get behind, it is easy to see it as a check box to join a group and call it a day. Ensuring that there is an organic reminder and voice that resonates on an ongoing basis is a social responsibility. I learned that being clear, true and focused to what your ultimate goal is the best marketing strategy out there.

This fight isn’t over. We have a very healthy community of supporters (like you reading this) and we will keep you engaged, involved and a part of our mission to solve the clean water crisis!

- Azita Ardakani

BUY YOUR OWN SOTSK REUSABLE WATER BOTTLETO GIVE CLEAN...

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:48:00 -0700

BUY YOUR OWN SOTSK REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE
TO GIVE CLEAN WATER!

SOTSK made it to the top of Kilimanjaro thanks to our PUR-provided Summit on the Summit Sigg reusable water bottles and now you can purchase your own to support the cause!

For every bottle sold online, PUR will donate $12 to SOTSK, providing 1,200 liters (1 cent = 1 liter) of clean drinking water to people in developing countries.

CLIMBER BLOG: Rachel Morrison Why I joined SOTSK It started with...

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:58:00 -0700

CLIMBER BLOG: Rachel Morrison

Why I joined SOTSK

It started with a text from Justin Wilkes from Radical Media asking me if I liked hiking. Cut to 3 weeks later: climbing up Kilimanjaro. I had absolutely no experience hiking or mountain climbing before this but am always up for an adventure.

I’ve been shooting for 8 years…everything from narrative to documentaries. For me it’s always about the story and I’m always most drawn to things that have a message and make you care and feel.

As if the climb itself wasn’t tough enough, we had the extra job of getting ahead of the cast in order to film them, and at other times retrace our steps in order to cover them from behind. And the weather was miserable. I felt like the mountain existed by Murphy’s Law. If I took clothing off, it got cold and rained. If I put extra gear on, the sun came out and I overheated.

This was definitely a once in a lifetime experience with an amazing group of people. I feel absolutely honored to have played some small part in Kenna’s vision - and hope more than anything that the film can help raise awareness, money, and support for a phenomenal cause.

I shot on a combo of the Sony EX3 and the Canon Mark II 5D with a 28mm lens which was kind of liberating because I haven’t shot with a prime lens in years. The Mark II was amazing in low light. We were trying to keep it lightweight and low profile so I didn’t bring my handheld rig, matte box or follow focus. But as a result, there was no good way to compensate in bright sun so I wound up shooting it at a faster shutter speed than I would’ve liked. But at night and in the pouring rain and snow it was unbeatable.

- Rachel Morrison

"A faucet dripping just once per second will waste as much as 2,700 gallons of water per year."

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:38:00 -0800

“A faucet dripping just once per second will waste as much as 2,700 gallons of water per year.”

- American Society of Civil Engineers

2009 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure

CLIMBER BLOG: Eddie O’Connor My thanks to all. Kenna is like my...

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:01:00 -0800

CLIMBER BLOG: Eddie O’Connor

My thanks to all. Kenna is like my oldest best friend. A person you can trust. A person who talks his friends into uncomfortable hikes. And you leave better off. And stronger. It was a very hard climb. We had fun. We got to know our porters well. The best thing I saw was the French film team [Eric Guichard, Ivan Maucuit & Antoine Sruys] load up all their climbing gear in packs after the climb and give it to their porters. So generous. They did not hesitate. That’s the spirit. I left without my shoes.

My love and thanks to you all.

- Eddie O’Connor (Sound Recordist)

I’ve got to say that it was one of the most challenging...

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:45:00 -0800

I’ve got to say that it was one of the most challenging and rewarding things I’ve ever done…not climbing Kilimanjaro, but organizing and running THIS Kilimanjaro climb!

- Thomas Holden, lead guide from Thomson Safaris

CLIMBER BLOG: Artur Dzieweczynski Why I joined SOTSK For me...

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:09:33 -0800

CLIMBER BLOG: Artur Dzieweczynski

Why I joined SOTSK

For me SOTSK was a job. The best job and the worst…by that I mean the hardest. We dealt with extreme altitude, cold, wet, long hours, and not enough sleep. It was nothing like I expected. But it was also the greatest adventure in my life. I’m proud and grateful to have played a small part in such a great project.

When I got back to sea level, I promised myself not to climb mountains anymore. But after I slept, rested and the skin on my nose healed, I’m ready for the next one!

Thank You Radical, Justin, Mike, Ray, Nicole & Jonna for this chance. Thank You to the crew, all the climbers, guides and porters for sharing this experience with me. After those days on the mountain, I appreciate my life and what I have even more than before.

- Artur Dzieweczynski

Kick Kennedy featured on LoHud.com

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:47:00 -0800

Kick Kennedy featured on LoHud.com

CLIMBER BLOG: Bill Winters Why I joined SOTSK I got involved as...

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:40:00 -0800

CLIMBER BLOG: Bill Winters

Why I joined SOTSK

I got involved as a DP for SOTSK through my friend Justin Wilkes who was one of the executive producers of the MTV documentary for @radical.media. Justin and I went to film school together and he knew that I am a lover of the outdoors as well as an avid mountain biker and cinematographer. This project is very unique because it combines all of my passions. I expected it to be difficult from both a physical and technical standpoint, but I never expected to learn just how dire the clean water situation is in Africa. I always knew the water situation in Africa was problematic, but actually going to villages where women have to walk 6 hours a day to get to a water source was absolutely shocking. Here in America we take it for granted that we have clean water endlessly flowing from our sinks and showers. It was an eye opening experience that I want to share with people back home through cinematography. The more people that are aware of this problem, the better chance we have of solving it.

- Bill Winters

Bill’s local papers — LoHud.com & The Harrison Report — wrote articles about him as well.

CLIMBER BLOG: Kent Harvey, Dave Ruddick & Thomas...

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:19:00 -0800

CLIMBER BLOG: Kent Harvey, Dave Ruddick & Thomas Grimshaw

Why we joined SOTSK

While waiting in the airport lounge before flying out of Tanzania after the climb, the VRA film crew reflected on the trip…

Kent Harvey (DP): We were hired to do the daily dispatches—a 3 ½-4 minute video diary each day. We’d get direction from Brooke & Shannon for the theme of the day then would start after everyone, catch up, shoot then get ahead and try to stay in front from there and let them come to us. We’d grab Alexandra Cousteau, Elizabeth Gore or Jess because they seemed like good subjects on a given day. Then we’d make it up as we go. We shot on a Sony EX3 HD Cam and tried to stay nondescript since there were so many of us out there filming. Had to deliver the footage by 4-5pm each day then have the final piece edited and ready to send off by 8-9pm. What was challenging was producing on the fly. As the day unfolded, the story presented itself.

Dave Ruddick (Sound Recordist): It was like doing a minidocumentary every day.

Thomas Grimshaw (Editor): But it was really unknown for the day what we’d capture.

Kent: We shot a branded campaign for First Ascent back in March 2009. Someone on the SOTSK team saw the daily dispatches from Everest and wanted to know how we did it. I was living in LA at the time, doing some feature work. Eddie Bauer handed it to me in July and I realized the size of it. I called my EP Joe Raymey at VRA. He talked with Shannon on spec. We really didn’t think it would come together. Just seemed like an unrealistic prospect to do a mobile production in the same number of days as the actual expedition would take. I told Shannon she had to double the length of the trip to get the produced videos she wanted and she said they couldn’t due to everyone’s schedules and the budget constraints. I’m blown away that it worked out. Thomas Grimshaw was the MVP with what he pulled off editing every day. I learned a lot talking to everyone…especially Gore, Cousteau & Allgood who made me more aware of the global water crisis. But for Dave & I, the actual climbing was old hat. When people were freaking out about the night before, we were fine.

Dave: My first call was in July but it wasn’t confirmed that I was coming until 2 weeks before the trip. I’ve worked with Kent for 20 years. We worked on a series for National Geographic, an IMAX project, worked on Everest, and climbing shows in Peru, Bolivia and Alaska. This was the first expedition I’ve ever been on where everyone got to the top. I can’t even get a group of school kids to walk around the block, someone inevitably cramps up and drops out. The SOTSK crew had an amazing amount of determination to get to the top. I used to teach for Outward Bound, started river guiding when I was 19…and the idea of 45 people getting to the top—I never would’ve imagined. It was such a nice group of people. Normally there’s a leader, a comedian, followers, and one or two difficult people in every group. But this was an amazing group of individuals who formed a very cohesive team that supported each other with a common goal of getting every person to the top.

Thomas: In June/July we had just finished Everest-

Kent: He swore after Everest he would never do another mountain trip again.

Thomas: It was a slippery slope. I couldn’t originally come because of my honeymoon. I did Everest with Kent and our producer here, Cherie Silvera. That was seven weeks at base camp and traveling, was gone for 10 weeks. I was asked to go on that because in 2007, Mike Peters, the lead singer of The Alarm rallied a bunch of musicians, cancer survivors and mountaineers as part of the Love Hope Strength Foundation to do the highest concert on land. I got the call saying they were going to do a gig on Everest at 18,500 feet and would I come edit.

WATCH THEIR DAILY DISPATCHES:

Day 1 of the Climb
Day 2 of the Climb
Day 3 of the Climb
Day 4 of the Climb
Day 5 of the Climb
Final Destination
Climbers Discuss Completion