Hike for Heroes to honor fallen troopers
Seeing a poster for the Cops on Top climb in honor of Trooper Michael Haynes, Lacy Schneider knew she had to do something to allow the public to honor fallen Montana Highway Patrol officers.
“It’s not really realistic for us all to climb the tallest mountains in the world,” she said, “I thought Big Mountain was a good choice.”
And within a few months, the sister-in-law of Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Evan Schneider, who was killed on duty in an August 2008 crash, has been able to make the idea a reality.
The first Hike for Heroes on July 10 at Whitefish Mountain Resort will honor the seven Montana Highway Patrol Officers who have fallen in the line of duty since the Highway Patrol was created in 1935: Robert Steele, James Anderson, Richard Hedstrom, Michael Ren, David Graham, Evan Schneider and Michael Haynes.
The effort also is designed to raise money for the Montana Hope Project, a nonprofit organization devoted to making dreams come true for critically ill children in Montana.
“The Montana Hope Project is put on by the Highway Patrol,” Lacy Schneider said, “so we thought there’s no better cause to give [the proceeds] to. If we can help kids and honor the highway patrolmen at the same time, that’s pretty awesome.”
The Association of Montana Troopers established the Montana Hope Project in 1984. Now, the separate nonprofit organization is funded by tax-deductible charitable contributions, donations, fundraisers and memorial contributions.
Ninety percent of all proceeds raised go directly to Montana children, whose most-requested wish is a trip to Walt Disney World. Other wishes include Hawaii, seeing favorite sports teams or movie stars, and computers.
To date, more than 314 wishes have been granted through the support of contributors and the efforts of an all-volunteer staff of active and retired highway patrolmen and members of the community.
Hike for Heroes participants can elect to hike 3.8 miles up the Danny On Trail or bike 8 miles up the Summit Trail before riding down the mountain on a gondola.
Early registration ends July 1 and ensures a T-shirt. The $25 preregistration fee includes the hike, T-shirt and lunch.
July 10 registration and sign-in will begin at 9 a.m. at the Village near the trailhead and costs $30.
One-way lift tickets for $5 to carry people down from the summit are available at the summit or any on-mountain ticket outlet.
Drinks will be provided and lunch and snacks will be served to participants at the Summit House from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
She said those who don’t want to hike are welcome to take the chairlift up and have lunch with participants.
For more information or to enter, visit the Hike for Heroes website at www.hike-for-heroes.com
For more information on the Montana Hope Project, visit www.montanahope.org
The event is sponsored by Sem’s Carwash, Brass and Bullets, Plum Creek, First Interstate Bank, TeleTech, Gold Rush Clothing and Curves For Women.
Reporter Melissa Weaver may be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at mweaver@dailyinterlake.com.