David Completes 2019 Trailblaze Challenge

2019 Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge

At 5:30am on September 21, NFE President David Nichols set off on the 2019 Trailblaze Challenge, a nearly 30 mile hike up and across Lookout Mountain as part of an annual fundraier for one of his favorite charities, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of East TN. Covering the course in just over 9 hours, David tackled some 3,500 ft of elevation across much of Lookout Mountain's beautiful network of trails. He was joined throughout the day by sons Buzz and Nick Nichols, who split up the hike with him and had a great time in the woods with their old man. 

When David became involved with his first Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge last year, he made the commitment only three days before the hike and went into it with mixed emotions. 

"As is the case with many things I have done over the years, when one has to put an inordinate amount of effort into something, the reward far outweighs that effort, and last year's experience was no exception."  
 
In a message to friends and family this year, he said "The Trailblaze Challenge is a fund raising event orchestrated by a wonderful organization. The intent is to provide a special wish to a child who has been challenged with some form of critical illness, who otherwise, for various reasons, would not be able to ever see that wish fulfilled. This year, wishes will be granted to 65 children in East Tennessee, which is very exciting. Unfortunately, there are 164 children waiting for their wish to be granted. I am asking you to please consider a donation to this years Challenge, over 80% of which will actually go to granting a wish for a child. My commitment to you is the same as last year-- to take the inspiration of those in my family, and friends that I know, who themselves are facing or have faced their own significant challenges, and use that as my motivation to complete this year's journey for the benefit of these children."

As of today, David is the top fundraiser for the event and is nearing his goal of $5,000 raised.

There is still time to contribute until October 19th. We ask that if you can, please consider a donation to this wonderful organization through the link below. 

Help David Make Some Wishes Come True