Filled with gratitude and still smiling!
September 7th was the perfect bluebird day in Colorado. Over 200 people gathered at historic Chautauqua Park in Boulder for What’s Your Everest 2024, presented by FNBO.
After coffee and bagels at the picnic shelter, we assembled in the Chautauqua Auditorium where No Barriers Co-Founder, Erik 
Weihenmayer, talked about his experience as the first blind person to summit Everest and his commitment to living and helping others live a No Barriers life.
Erik was joined by Stephanie Boehm, No Barriers Caregiver Program participant, and Codi and Jen Mendenhall, 2023 What’s Your Everest participants. Together, they shared inspiring stories of overcoming challenges and their aspirations to live no barriers lives.
Participants headed outside, where “rope teams” (groups of 8-10 people each) joined forces, working together to support one another as they made their way up and back down the Enchanted Mesa Trail. Teams stopped at stations along the hike to learn more about No Barriers Life Elements and embrace 
challenge opportunities, including coming up with a group mantra, hiking with a blindfold, and taking time for silent reflection.
After the hike, we regrouped on the Chautauqua Lawn and enjoyed lunch, learning more about No Barriers Community Partners, and participating in a dance routine and drumming circle.
In addition to being a very fun day, program participants helped raise over $40,000 for No Barriers programming. THANK YOU!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who joined us this year. Thank you for bringing your whole selves and co-creating an impactful day of community, connection, collaboration, laughter and fun.
Thank you to our generous sponsors – FNBO (presenting sponsor), Winnebago Foundation, and Trane Technologies – who made the event possible.
Huge thanks to Chautauqua Park and City of Boulder Open Space for hosting and to our equipment partners – GRIT, Action Trackchair, and NSCD, our Community Parters – NSCD, Unite2Fight Paralysis, ARO Fort Collins, our activity partners – Spoke N Motion Dance & RhythmetriX, and the incredible food and beverage suppliers – Eldorado Spring Waterr, Ozo Coffee Company, Moe’s Bagels, Great Harvest Bread Company, Alpine Modern Cafe, Illegal Pete’s and Quinn’s Snacks.
Last, but certainly not least, we are very grateful for the dedicated group of 27 volunteers who got up very early on a Saturday morning and jumped in to help make the event a wonderful success.
We are already looking forward to next year!
Always remember … What’s within you is stronger than what’s in your way! Keep climbing and don’t forget your rope team! 🧡⛰️
View What’s Your Everest 2024 Impact Report:
Click here to view a fun Instagram reel of the day’s activities.
Photo credits: Theo Fowler, Ryan Yoe
Video credit: Keerigan Heg
Be sure to visit No Barriers on Facebook and Instagram for more.
