CADA expands Summit for Danny Community Hike
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse has created a new format for its annual Summit for Danny Community Hike.
This year’s event is running up until October 31st at Elings Park.
In response to the challenges of COVID-19, CADA’s local climb is shifting from a one-day event to three full weeks of local hiking to provide the community with expanded opportunities to join the popular fundraiser.
“We’ve been enjoying it so much getting out into the beautiful Elings Park and checking out all of the scenery,” Daniel Bryant Youth & Family Center director Michelle Kerwood said. “We just want to support the wonderful work that CADA does.”
Participants will select from one of two marked trails and can complete the hike anytime within the three-week window.
Prizes will be awarded in several categories, including "Best Hiker Spirit," "Best Canine Companion," "Hiker Furthest from Santa Barbara," and many more.
Hiking enthusiasts outside of Santa Barbara are highly encouraged to join the CADA family and participate in this year’s Community Climb.
“People don’t think that we have some of the same types of problems with kids for drugs and alcohol,” one hiker John Herzog said. “In many cases, it’s worse in Santa Barbara County than it is in many other counties nationwide.”
Throughout this time of uncertainly, many teens are struggling with isolation, school challenges and parents who have lost jobs.
CADA counselors are working around the clock to stay connected with teen clients and their family members, helping them with their growth in sobriety through this difficult time.
“As I’m hiking and my colleagues are hiking, we’re thinking about them,” Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce Dudley said. “We’re appreciating they’re struggle and we’re supporting them.”
The Summit for Danny is spearheaded by local business leader Bob Bryant and his wife Patty.
Bob, who lost his son Danny to substance abuse in 1995, was determined to turn his tragedy into hope for others.
He teamed up with CADA to establish the Daniel Bryant Youth & Family Center, which opened in 2001 and has provided over 7,000 teens and their family members with treatment for mental health and early substance abuse issues.
“Our Santa Barbara community is so incredibly generous,” Bob Bryant concluded. “We have had probably the most successful year ever financially while raising over $150,000.”
Funds raised from the annual Community Hike ensure treatment for every local teen who needs it.
To sign up for this year’s climb, click here.
