Making a difference one summit at a time
Our Founder and Mission
Founded in 2023, the Onyia Summit Foundation was established to support a different charitable organization each year by raising funds aligned with their unique mission. This effort culminates annually with a hike to the summit of one of Colorado’s iconic 14ers—mountain peaks exceeding 14,000 feet.
The foundation's founder, Emmanuel Onyia, has been traveling to Colorado each fall with family and friends, making it a tradition to conquer one of these challenging peaks together. Inspired to add deeper purpose to these adventures, Emmanuel created the Onyia Summit Foundation to turn their annual climbs into opportunities for meaningful impact.
There is something profoundly rejuvenating about immersing ourselves in nature and witnessing its grandeur firsthand. For our team, these summit hikes are among the most physically and mentally demanding experiences we undertake each year. By partnering with organizations that have powerful and inspiring missions, we infuse our journey with added significance and motivation to reach new heights.
We were incredibly humbled by the outpouring of support we received during our inaugural climb last year and are excited to have you join us on this year’s adventure. Together, we can make a lasting difference while celebrating the beauty and challenge of the great outdoors.
Our Inaugural Hike
For the inaugural year, our foundation surpassed its goal and raised over $1500 to support Jesse Cody and his organization, Hike the Good Hike. (https://www.hikethegoodhike.org/) Having suffered from depression and suicidal ideations himself, Jesse created HTGT with the ongoing mission of “lending a helping hand and improving the lifes of those experiencing mental health challenges: one person, one authentic conversation, and one “hike” at a time.” (HTGT, 2023) Jesse himself was on a yearlong fundraising campaign in 2023 while he hiked the Continental Divide Trail, all while building awareness about mental health and the benefits of spending time in nature.
We connected with Jesse prior during last year’s fundraiser, and upon reaching the summit we shared with him how much we raised for his project. Ironically, that same day he was summiting a neighboring 14er peak as part of his 3,100 mile Continental Divide Hike. It was a moment we’ll never forget!
Our 2024 Summit
This year, The Onyia Summit Foundation has chosen to raise money for Myla’s “Beleaf”, which focuses on providing financial support to families affected by childhood cancer. Myla’s “Beleaf” was established after the passing of Myla. Her parents received physical signs in the form of leaves, which they interpreted as signs of communication from her. A leaf represents hope, renewal, and growth, which is mirrored in their mission.
Visit our Spotfund fundraiser page to learn more about the vision behind Myla’s Beleaf and why we chose to support this beautiful organization for this year’s summit hike!
