DUNE 7 BLOG

Friday, July 28, 2006

Peak Challenge for Charity

Every year I donate well over a hundred autographed hardcover books to various charity auctions or libraries. I recently sent several original props from the CHILDREN OF DUNE miniseries, which will be offered during the charity auction at the upcoming DragonCon in Atlanta. (www.dragoncon.org)

One charity event is particularly close to my heart because it lets me climb Colorado’s spectacular mountains while raising money for a worthy cause. “Peak Challenge 2006” is a fund raiser for the Emily Griffith Center, a refuge ranch for abused kids, a peaceful place where they can go to recover, with counseling, horse-whisperer stuff, and outdoor activities. More info at http://www.peakchallenge.org/ or http://www.emilygriffith.com/gcc/events.php. In the past years, I have personally raised thousands of dollars. In 2000 I climbed Culebra Peak (14,051 ft); in 2001 I climbed Windom Peak (14,082); in 2003, Mount Sneffels (14,181), and 2004 Mount Lindsey (14,042).

This year, I will tackle Wetterhorn Peak (14,015), a Class 3 summit in the spectacular San Juan mountains. A few days ago I did a practice climb of the adjacent mountain, the Matterhorn (13,650), and previously I climbed the difficult Paiute Peak (13,081) just to get in shape.

While I’m going hand-over-hand at fourteen thousand feet, I challenge DUNE fans to support me in this effort for a good cause. With the “Tip Jar” below, it’s possible for you to donate directly just by writing “Peak Challenge” in the notation line. Even international DUNE fans can contribute via PayPal. Or, if you prefer, send a check to “Peak Challenge 2006” c/o AnderZone, PO Box 767, Monument CO 80132.

Since the dunenovels.com website gets 1.7 million hits per month, I have every reason to believe that this will be my best year ever. If you have enjoyed these blogs, if you have enjoyed DUNE — whether our new novels or Frank Herbert’s originals — please consider making a donation. Thanks!

-- KJA