Recording artist/philanthropist Kenna and a team of celebs made their way to the top of Africa's largest free standing mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro, this week, as a part of the "Summit on the Summit" climb to raise awareness for the global clean water crisis.
He was joined by the likes of rapper Lupe Fiasco, actor Emile Hirsch, actress Jessica Biel, singer Santigold, Elizabeth Gore, Alexandra Cousteau, Bernise Ang, Kick Kennedy, Simon Isaacs, Michael Muller, Jimmy Chin, Melissa Arnot and Dr. Greg Allgood.
In an unprecedented movement, millions of people joined the climbers for the week long trek on SummitOnTheSummit.com, where they were also able to be a part of the world's first virtual mountain climb and literally follow their favorite climbers to the top.
"Even with as many grandiose illusions that I have had, this has gone beyond my wildest dreams and expectations," Kenna reflected. "The influencers, educators, staff, crew, and publicists have literally braved this on behalf of the world and in a personally meaningful way on behalf of my father."
Fellow climbers Lupe Fiasco and Emile Hirsch shared their thoughts after summiting. Hirsch said, "The last 48 hours have been the most intense and physically grueling experience of my life, miraculously we all made it to the top together. To have such a complete success for such a worthwhile cause -- the global clean water crisis -- more than reaching the summit is what is really satisfying."
Lupe added, "The thrill of conquering your fears especially in such a physically and mentally taxing environment can't really be done justice in words."
After six intense days of hiking and climbing, the group set out for their final trek at 1:30 a.m. local time, and after nearly seven hours reached the Uhuru peak, which generally has only a 75% success rate. Each participant battled a plethora of physical and natural elements over the past week to make the ascent. Between coping with weather -- ranging from rain, hail, snow and the effects of altitude, including headaches, dizziness and fatigue among other ailments -- all made the over 50 mile journey that much more arduous. Immediately after summiting, the group descended for an additional six plus hours of hiking to 12,000 feet, where they will make their final night of camp.
Summit On The Summit: Kilimanjaro was a call to action to raise awareness of the global clean water crisis and funds to benefit The Children's Safe Drinking Water Program, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and Water For People's Playpump Technology. The expedition and the dramatic final ascent were also recorded for a special documentary that is set to air on MTV on March 14th at 9pm/8pm CST.
For Kenna, the vision behind the summit stems from his drive to create a greater good for our youth and has personal meaning as his father was deeply affected by water-borne illness as a child in Ethiopia and his uncle had passed away from a related illness' as well.
During their journey, the climbers have been blogging and discussing the issue of water alongside educators who are leaders at the forefront of global issues As a team they have been learning of solutions to the problem, discussing how to improve social awareness and embracing the idea that they are now an example for influencing ways to take action and giving back to those with little or nothing.
"I also can't be more thankful for all the people that followed us, donated and have fought the global clean water crisis with us," said Kenna.
Supporters followed the action and were able to interact with the climbers through the Summit's official website, which has been updated daily with photos, videos and information about the climb and the cause.
It also received support from HP, the official technology partner; P?R Water Filtration, who provided water filtration solutions; Windows 7, as the official Expedition Software; First Ascent by Eddie Bauer, who outfitted the entire climb; and REVO, the official eyewear.
All funds raised by SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT: Kilimanjaro will be managed and distributed through the United Nations Foundation, the project's charitable advisors.
|