Despite not climbing Mt. Everest as part of his Everest 4 Equality drive to raise awareness for marriage equality and LGBT rights, Joe Rudy made a considerable donation to both of his charitable causes: Equality Illinois and the Human Rights Campaign ( HRC ).
Rudy, who will turn 28 on Aug. 13, was planning to climb to the top of Everest earlier this year, via the north ridge route—which is considered one of the most physically and mentally demanding challenges in the world.
Ultimately, he did not attempt the climb due to multiple factors, starting with a horrific tragedy in April, when an avalanche claimed the lives of 16 climbers. All expeditions this season to Mt. Everest have been canceled out of respect for the families of the deceased.
Also, Rudy was short of his $100,000 fundraising goal, of which $30,000 would have supported the climb and the remaining $70,000 given to charity.
Still, Rudy sent $13,000 donation checks to both Equality Illinois and HRC.
"I have had the chance to meet a ton of great, incredible people—and I'm really grateful for that," said Rudy, who is openly gay, partnered, and a Chicago resident. "I received help from people I never would have expected to receive help from, including advice, direction and support, be it emotional or financial.
"I've learned an incredible amount in the process."
The avalanche, on April 18, occurred near Everest Base Camp, killing 16 Nepalese guides. Rudy was to have started his climb in May and the hike up Mt. Everest—the tallest mountain in the world at 29,029 feet above sea level—would have taken about 65 days.
"It's not an easy mountain [to climb] and Mother Nature is clearly in charge," he said. "When that [avalanche] happened, it really smacks you in the face."
Rudy said that, despite falling short of his fundraising goal, he definitely helped with exposure for his charities and their mission, particularly, LGBT rights and equality. Thus, he said, "it definitely was a success."
Rudy said he will continue hiking, but is uncertain of his next adventure. Plus, he's smiling at the thought of relaxing from the intense training needed for such a hike, which can span up to a year. "I'm enjoying not having as much of a physical schedule," he said.
"I don't know if I'm going to give the big one, Everest, a shot ever again. I'm not sure; it's just such a huge commitment in so many ways," he added. "I'm not going to quit climbing; it's just what am I going to set my sights on next [is undetermined]."
