Tag Archive for: Hike-a-Thon

ALLtech Retains Top Fundraising Spot for Hike-a-Thon 2023!

This year’s Hike-a-Thon was all about breaking records, with a whopping $244,755.78 raised to support trails during the annual fundraiser that ALLtech was proud to sponsor and participate in.

For the third year in a row, the ALLtech team was also proud to be awarded for raising the most money for a company team! ALLtech has been supporting the annual fundraiser for the Washington Trails Association (WTA) since 2019, helping raise more than $20,000 under the leadership of ALLtech Trustee Ken Myer.

“We believe — and the science supports — that getting outdoors in nature is good for the body and the mind,” says Myer, who was recognized earlier this year in WTA Magazine for his advocacy and passion for trails.

In addition to breaking fundraising records in 2023, Hike-a-Thon also celebrated its milestone 20th anniversary during the monthlong event in August. You can read more about this year’s Hike-a-Thon in the WTA post 15,000+ miles and $244,000+ raised: a recap of our biggest Hike-a-Thon yet, which offers the following highlights:

  • Hike-a-Thoners registered: 635
  • Teams registered: 127
  • Miles hiked: 15,596 miles — that’s more miles than Mount Rainier is tall!
  • Elevation gained: 2,590,237 feet
  • Dollars raised for trails: $244,755.78 — a new Hike-a-Thon record!

Why ALLtech Supports Hike-a-Thon and Washington Trails Association

At ALLtech, we believe that connecting with nature is critical to everyone’s mental and physical health, and we know that supporting Washington Trails Association will help ensure there are trails for everyone, forever.

To learn more, please watch our below video: Trails for Everyone, Forever.

Seattle Times Honors 20 Years of Hike-a-Thon (and the ALLtech Team Captain!)

In The Seattle Times article Washington Trails Association kicks off 20th Hike-a-Thon fundraiser, the captain for the ALLtech Benefits Hike-a-Thon team is among five participants recognized for giving back.

Mai Ling Slaughter, who first joined the ALLtech team in 2019 and has been leading it since 2020, shares her favorite hikes as Snoqualmie Tunnel on the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail and Kingfisher Natural Area at Thornton Creek. The article continues:

Born and raised in Washington, Mai Ling Slaughter says she was probably strapped to her dad’s back for her first hike. She has fond childhood memories of hiking in the Sunrise area at Mount Rainier and Flaming Geyser State Park, north of Enumclaw. In 2019, she learned about Hike-a-Thon and joined the cause, sporting her HaT T-shirt through Canada’s Jasper and Banff national parks. She started leading a team with co-workers, and for the past three Hike-a-Thons, her group has raised the most money for a company team. Slaughter found particular comfort in the outdoors during the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Hike-a-Thon gave me an excuse to plan hikes with friends, since being outdoors was one of the only things we could do anyway,” she said. At the time, Slaughter and her friends explored local parks and trails, which “really opened my eyes even more to the beauty that surrounds us throughout Washington.”

To read more about the other participants and about Hike-a-Thon, check out the article Washington Trails Association kicks off 20th Hike-a-Thon fundraiser.

Video: Get Out, Give Back with ALLtech Benefits at Hike-a-Thon

Each year in August, the team at ALLtech Benefits takes some time to get out and enjoy the outdoors, while also giving back to the amazing trail system in Washington state. For the fifth consecutive year, ALLtech is sponsoring and participating in Hike-a-Thon to support the Washington Trails Association (WTA), and we invite you to join our ALLtech fundraising team so together we can help ensure there are trails for everyone, forever.

Hike-a-Thon is a community fundraising event that gives participants the opportunity to hike, share stories of their outdoor adventures, and raise funds that directly support trails in Washington. Not interested in hiking? You can still show your support for trails by joining Hike-a-Thon and helping us spread the word.

Over the years, ALLtech has raised more than $20,000 to support WTA and our state’s trails, and the ALLtech team is the reigning top fundraiser for a company team. Committed to the health and wellness of our members and the greater community, ALLtech Benefits is looking for like-minded folks to join our Hike-a-Thon team, or maybe you want to form your own and challenge us for the title?

It’s easy to register for Hike-a-Thon, and it’s free! When you choose whether to register as an individual or to create or join a team of two to 10 hikers, consider forming a team with your family, friends or colleagues – or you can join or donate to the ALLtech team at give.wta.org/alltech-hikes.

Join the ALLtech Hike-a-Thon Team graphic

ALLtech Invites You to Join Us on the Trails for Hike-a-Thon!

The ALLtech team is gearing up to retain its spot as the top fundraiser for a company team in the annual Hike-a-Thon challenge to support the Washington Trails Association (WTA) this August! Committed to the health and wellness of our members and the greater community, ALLtech Benefits is once again sponsoring the annual fundraiser and participating as a team to help ensure there are trails for everyone, forever.

“We believe — and the science supports — that getting outdoors in nature is good for the body and the mind,” says ALLtech Trustee Ken Myer, who was recognized earlier this year in WTA Magazine for his advocacy and passion for trails. Under Myer’s leadership, ALLtech has raised more than $20,000 to support trails over the years, a number he is eager to watch grow throughout the August challenge.

ALLtech partners Delta Dental of Washington and AP Insurance & Benefit Solutions are not immune to Myer’s infectious support of Hike-a-Thon, with both also sponsoring the fundraiser this year for the third year in a row.

“Once again, AP is making a commitment that supports the well-being of our team and of the community as a whole,” said Keith VanderZanden, Executive Vice President and Practice Leader of AP Insurance & Benefit Solutions, the wholesale benefits division of Newfront.

How You Can Participate in Hike-a-Thon

Join the ALLtech Hike-a-Thon Team graphicHike-a-Thon is a community fundraising event that gives hikers the opportunity to raise funds for Washington Trails Association. Throughout August, Hike-a-Thon participants hike, share stories of their outdoor adventures, and raise funds that directly support trails in Washington.

Registration is free and simple, with plenty of tips available via the Hike-a-Thon Toolkit. You will have the opportunity to choose whether to hike as an individual or to create or join a team of two to 10 hikers. Consider forming a team with your family, friends or colleagues, and of course you’re always welcome to join the ALLtech team!

Why Support Washington Trails Association

The Washington Trails Association is a nonprofit that mobilizes hikers and everyone who loves the outdoors to explore, steward and champion trails and public lands.

Its robust website, wta.org, is the go-to source for Washington state hikers looking for their next adventure. But the wealth of resources expands well beyond recommending your next hike, including Trail Smarts tips for both new and experienced hikers, ways to get involved, and much more.

WTA also is a leader in advocacy to support trails and wildlands, and is responsible for creating the state’s largest volunteer trail maintenance program.

Becoming a member might be the easiest way to support WTA, but joining Hike-a-Thon – the organization’s signature fundraiser – is definitely the most fun way to give back.

Need Hiking Tips?

It’s never too early to start planning your Hike-a-Thon destinations, and we’ve got plenty of resources to get you started! Of course, the best place to turn to is wta.org, where you can use the Hiking Guide to find a hike based on region, length, user ratings and other features, or check out the site’s Trip Reports or recommendations based by season.

Keep an eye on our ALLtech News or Twitter feed for hiking tips and more in the weeks to come. We’ll see you on the trails!

ALLtech Recognized for “Supporting Trails, Investing in Health” by Washington Trails Association

“We believe — and the science supports — that getting outdoors in nature is good for the body and the mind,” says ALLtech Trustee Ken Myer in the latest Washington Trails Association Magazine.

In the article “Supporting Trails, Investing in Health,” the Washington Trails Association (WTA) recognizes Ken for his advocacy and passion for trails, which he shares regularly with ALLtech members through this News page and our monthly ALLhealth e-newsletter.

“We know that folks in the tech industry love the outdoors, and many of them love to get on trails,” he says in the article. “It seems only natural — sorry for the pun — to support them in learning more about the opportunities to experience our fantastic trail system.”

Over the years, Ken has also rallied ALLtech members and staff to hike while supporting trails through the WTA’s annual Hike-a-Thon fundraiser each August, raising more than $20,000 to help people get outside. As the reigning champions of the category “most money raised by a company team,” the ALLtech team continues to prove that supporting trails and investing in health is the backbone of the ALLtech Benefits Trust.

Read more about how Ken and ALLtech support wellness in the community by reading the article, or visit the WTA website to read the entire online edition of the spring WTA Magazine.

ALLtech Hike-a-Thon Team Again Awarded a Top Fundraiser

For the second year in a row, the ALLtech Hike-a-Thon team was awarded for raising the most funds for a company team during the August 2022 Hike-a-Thon to support the Washington Trails Association (WTA).

“We are so proud of the ALLtech team for showing such strong support for the Washington Trails Association,” said ALLtech Hike-a-Thon team member Ken Myer, who is also the trustee of ALLtech Benefits. “Hike-a-Thon is always such a fun event and the work of the WTA aligns so closely with our mission. Our trail system is a treasure and getting out in nature is so good for our health.”

The coveted prize ALLtech team members are gearing up for is an invitation to join WTA Interim CEO Jaime Loucky on a hand-picked hike and learn insider information on WTA’s work for the next year. Read more about the prizes that were awarded to both individual participants and teams.

The ALLtech team was one of 70 registered for this year’s 19th annual Hike-a-Thon, the second-largest ever. Click the above image or check out the corresponding WTA blog for a recap of winners and other notable numbers, including:

  • Hike-a-Thoners registered: 521
  • Miles hiked: 13,640 miles
  • Elevation gained: 2,347,847 feet
  • Dollars raised for trails: $212,113

Why ALLtech Supports Hike-a-Thon and Washington Trails Association

At ALLtech, we believe that connecting with nature is critical to everyone’s mental and physical health, and we know that supporting Washington Trails Association will help ensure there are trails for everyone, forever.

In addition to participating as a team, ALLtech also was a sponsor of the 2022 Hike-a-Thon, along with partners Delta Dental of Washington and Advanced Professionals Insurance & Benefit Solutions. To learn more, please watch our below video: Trails for Everyone, Forever.

Mount Shuksan

Close Out Hike-a-Thon 2022 with Stunning Views from Lake Ann

As the final weekend of Hike-a-Thon kicks off, ALLtech would like to give an early thank you to its amazing team and many donors who are all working together to help ensure there are trails for everyone, forever.

Since 2019, ALLtech has been participating in the annual Hike-a-Thon fundraiser each August to support the Washington Trails Association and its belief that connecting with nature is critical to everyone’s mental and physical health.

Join the ALLtech Hike-a-Thon Team graphicTogether with GeekWire — the exclusive partner for ALLtech’s unique employee benefits program — we are again hitting the trails all month long as the ALLtech team.

Among some of our more beloved hikes is the above video recommendation from ALLtech Trustee Ken Myer to head to Lake Ann in the North Cascades.

“You’ll get an absolutely stunning view of Mount Shuksan,” Ken says about the 8.2-mile hike, which he also explains starts with a downgrade and ends with an upgrade.

For more specific directions and other tips, check out the Lake Ann hiking guide from the Washington Trails Association, where you can also view recent trip reports and more information to prepare for your hike.

Join or Donate to the ALLtech Hike-a-Thon Team

Even though Hike-a-Thon officially ends on August 31, you can join or donate anytime until then, and you have until September 7 to complete your mileage log. For more information or to register, visit the Hike-a-Thon website and check out their resources including the Hike-a-Thon Toolkit and FAQ.

More importantly, if you’re looking for a team to join or to donate to, please consider the ALLtech team!

Thank you for your support and we hope to see you on the trails!

Looking for Majestic Views on Your Next Hike? Head to Lake Ingalls

Whether you’re participating in Hike-a-Thon to support Washington Trails Association or are just looking for a beautiful escape to the mountains, consider the above video recommendation from ALLtech Trustee Ken Myer.

“If COVID has taught us anything, it’s that we really do cherish the time we spend out on the trails and in nature,” he says. “It’s good for the heart – physically – and good for the soul.”

Ken, who is a proud member of the ALLtech Hike-a-Thon team, recommends Lake Ingalls in the Teanaway, a 9-mile hike described beautifully by Washington Trails Association (WTA): “The lake is a spectacular sky-blue and surrounded by rocks that fall in giant slabs into the water’s sandy floor. Ingalls Peaks reach high above the lake on the one side, while Mount Stuart stands majestically to its northeast. There are few places as lovely as this.”

Join or Donate to the ALLtech Hike-a-Thon Team

Join the ALLtech Hike-a-Thon Team graphicAt ALLtech, we believe that connecting with nature is critical to everyone’s mental and physical health, and we know that supporting Washington Trails Association will help ensure there are trails for everyone, forever. We hope you’ll consider joining the challenge or just be inspired to enjoy the amazing trail system that spans throughout the Pacific Northwest.

For more information or to register for Hike-a-Thon, visit the Hike-a-Thon website and check out their resources including the Hike-a-Thon Toolkit and FAQ.

More importantly, if you’re looking for a team to join or to donate to, please consider the ALLtech team!

Thank you for your support and we hope to see you on the trails!

Lake 22

Head to Lake 22 for the Start of Hike-a-Thon

Today launches the start of the Hike-a-Thon fundraiser to support the Washington Trails Association, and ALLtech is encouraging you to get involved or just get moving with the above hike recommendation for Lake 22 from ALLtech Trustee Ken Myers.

Join the ALLtech Hike-a-Thon Team graphic“Lake 22 is one of my favorite hikes,” Ken says of the 5.4-mile trail that features old-growth forests despite being easily accessed in the North Cascades. You can learn more about the hike as you get to know the resources available through the Washington Trails Association, whose Hiking Guide includes descriptions of trails and user Trip Reports, including for Lake 22.

In addition to helping Washington state hikers looking for their next adventure, you can turn to the wta.org site for Trail Smarts tips for both new and experienced hikers, ways to get involved, and much more. Washington Trails Association also is a leader in advocacy to support trails and wildlands, and is responsible for creating the state’s largest volunteer trail maintenance program.

Becoming a member might be the easiest way to support Washington Trails Association, but joining Hike-a-Thon – the organization’s signature fundraiser – is definitely the most fun way to give back.

Which is why ALLtech is joining the fun for the fourth consecutive year, both as the ALLtech team and as a sponsor.

Connecting with nature is critical to everyone’s mental and physical health, and the ALLtech team believes that supporting Washington Trails Association through Hike-a-Thon will help ensure there are trails for everyone, forever.

We hope you’ll consider joining us for the challenge if you haven’t already. It’s easy to register with plenty of resources including the Hike-a-Thon Toolkit and FAQ. And we’d gladly take you on the ALLtech team!

Keep an eye on the ALLtech Twitter feed for hiking tips and more in the weeks to come. We’ll see you on the trails!

Join the ALLtech Hike-a-Thon Team to Help Support Trails for Everyone, Forever

ALLtech is once again taking its commitment to health and wellness to the trails by sponsoring the Hike-a-Thon fundraiser to support the Washington Trails Association. To make an even bigger impact, we are also inviting you to join our ALLtech fundraising team so together we can support the trails we love while hiking throughout August.

Connecting with nature is critical to everyone’s mental and physical health, and the ALLtech team and its partners – including fellow sponsors Delta Dental of Washington and Advanced Professionals Insurance & Benefit Solutions – believe that supporting Washington Trails Association through Hike-a-Thon will help ensure there are trails for everyone, forever.

How You Can Participate in Hike-a-Thon

Join the ALLtech Hike-a-Thon Team graphicHike-a-Thon is a community fundraising event that gives hikers the opportunity to raise funds for Washington Trails Association. Throughout August, Hike-a-Thon participants hike, share stories of their outdoor adventures, and raise funds that directly support trails in Washington.

Registration is free and simple, with plenty of tips available via the Hike-a-Thon Toolkit. You will have the opportunity to choose whether to hike as an individual or to create or join a team of two to 10 hikers. Consider forming a team with your family, friends or colleagues, and of course you’re always welcome to join the ALLtech team!

Why Support Washington Trails Association

The Washington Trails Association is a nonprofit that mobilizes hikers and everyone who loves the outdoors to explore, steward and champion trails and public lands.

Its robust website, wta.org, is the go-to source for Washington state hikers looking for their next adventure. But the wealth of resources expands well beyond recommending your next hike, including Trail Smarts tips for both new and experienced hikers, ways to get involved, and much more.

Washington Trails Association also is a leader in advocacy to support trails and wildlands, and is responsible for creating the state’s largest volunteer trail maintenance program.

Becoming a member might be the easiest way to support Washington Trails Association, but joining Hike-a-Thon – the organization’s signature fundraiser – is definitely the most fun way to give back.

Need Hiking Tips?

It’s never too early to start planning your Hike-a-Thon destinations, and we’ve got plenty of resources to get you started! Of course, the best place to turn to is the Washington Trails Association’s website, wta.org. Use the Hiking Guide to find a hike based on region, length, user ratings and other features, or check out the site’s Trip Reports or recommendations based by season.

Keep an eye on our ALLtech News or Twitter feed for hiking tips and more in the weeks to come. We’ll see you on the trails!