FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Steve Cook
Phone 248-763-9126
Fax 248-644-8678
Steve Cook of Milford Will Attempt Summit in Nepal to Raise Funds for Make-A-Wish Michigan
Milford, Mich. (March 10, 2015) – In a fundraising effort for Make-A-Wish Michigan, Steve Cook of Milford will be attempting to summit Ama Dablam in Nepal in October 2015. Cook’s goal is to raise a minimum of $22,500 for Make-A-Wish Michigan. At an elevation of 22,349 feet, that equals about $1 for every foot he climbs.
Cook has been climbing for several years and sees this trip to Nepal as an opportunity to help raise awareness for Make-A-Wish and to bring a higher purpose to his climbing. His wife, Robin, has had a relationship with Make-A-Wish Michigan for more than 10 years, so climbing for wish kids seems obvious. “I just felt that if I was going to make a climb like this, then I wanted to do it for a greater purpose”, explains Cook.
Karen Davis, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Michigan said, “It is exciting to share in Steve’s journey as he pursues a personal dream with his upcoming climb. His preparation and determination are inspiring, yet even more so is his generous spirit in helping make wishes come true through his adventure. Make-A-Wish Michigan is so appreciative of all his efforts and fundraising to make a positive difference in Michigan wish children’s lives”.
Cook’s love for climbing began in 2009 when he ascended Mt. Rainier in Washington. He had long been an avid hiker and decided to take it to the next level. Cook has always enjoyed pushing himself to his limits, both physically and in his career. He has been a Golf Course Superintendent since 1986. Cook is originally from Taylor Ridge, Ill., and a Horticulture graduate from the University of Illinois, and his career has taken him across the globe. He has worked at Medinah Country Club near Chicago, at Golf de Joyenval outside of Paris, and at the Wakonda Club in Des Moines, Iowa.
He is well respected in his field and has spent the last 17 years as Golf Course Superintendent at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. Oakland Hills is a top-100 course that has been the site of many of golf’s major competitions, including the 2004 Ryder Cup and will host the 2016 U.S. Amateur Championship. Cook says support at work and around the community is part of what has kept him motivated during his training. “Friends, family, the entire golf community and Oakland Hills members have been some of my biggest supporters, both rallying behind my climb as well as donating funds to the cause. And of course, being a wish granter is pretty motivating in itself!”
Cook’s training is serious and consists of strength, conditioning and endurance workouts, often at Kensington Metropark in Oakland County. He also recently made a trip to Colorado in order to train at elevation. Come October, he plans to be in the best shape of his life. “It’s going to be a tough and rewarding feat, and I know my mountain doesn’t compare to the mountain these kids are climbing every day.” For more information on Steve’s Wish Climb or to donate, please visit www.steveswishclimb.blogspot.com.
About Make-A-Wish Michigan
Make-A-Wish Michigan began in 1984, and their first wish was granted to 11-year-old Joshua from Tecumseh, who wished to visit Walt Disney World® Resort. Fifteen special children in Michigan realized wishes could come true in that first year the chapter was founded. Since then, Make-A-Wish Michigan has granted more than 8,000 wishes to Michigan kids. A Michigan child between the ages of two and a half and 18 who has been diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition and has not received a wish from another wish-granting organization is eligible for a wish. More than 80 percent of each dollar spent directly benefits the wish-granting program, and all funds donated to Make-A-Wish Michigan stay in Michigan to grant the wishes of children in our community. For more information, please visit www.michigan.wish.org.
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