Kahtoola’s Virtual Run Raises $25,000 for the Grand Canyon’s Havasupai Tribe

May 14, 2020

Funds donated directly to the tribe’s COVID-19 relief efforts for essential supplies

Flagstaff, Ariz. (May 14, 2020) – Kahtoola, creator of award-winning MICROspikes® and NANOspikes® footwear traction, is proud to announce the conclusion of its virtual run which raised $25,000 to benefit the Havasupai Tribe’s COVID-19 relief fund. 258 participants from 23 states, along with 624 donors, helped Kahtoola surpass its original fundraising goal of $10,000.

The virtual event concluded on May 10, 2020 and was designed to encourage people to get active during the Coronavirus pandemic while also supporting a great cause. Runners, joggers and walkers completed either a 5k or 8-mile race. Top winners in each category (fastest individual, slowest individual, fastest family, most elevation gain, top fundraiser and best costume) won awards that also support local Flagstaff businesses.

“On behalf of Kahtoola, I’d like to give a sincere thanks to everyone who joined us for our virtual run,” said Danny Giovale, founder of Kahtoola. “We started with an ambitious fundraising goal and for our community of racers to more than double that is mind blowing!”

Located in a remote region at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, the Havasupai Tribe is particularly vulnerable during the Coronavirus pandemic. The tribe’s COVID-19 relief fund was started to ensure that tribal members would be able to secure access to healthcare supplies and essentials while the tribe’s normally busy tourism business is suspended in an effort to prevent COVID-19 from reaching the remote community.

Following Kahtoola’s virtual run, Carletta Tilousi, Havasupai Tribal Council Member, shared a heartfelt statement with participants and donors: “On behalf of the Havasupai tribal community, we are very grateful for all the support we are receiving during this difficult time. We are humbled and thankful for everyone’s support during this pandemic. The Havasupai elders are very thankful for all the help we are receiving through your fundraising efforts. We feel encouraged to keep our community safe from this pandemic. Thank you to everyone for thinking of the Havasupai people. We will continue to pray for all mankind and our Mother Earth to heal and remain safe. To date, we do not have a positive case in Supai Village. We are working hard to protect our families, animals, and all tribal members across the country. The tribe has been utilizing our own resources to order much needed supplies. With your help, we will continue to supply tribal members who may need help and supplies to remain sheltered in our canyon home. Everyone be safe and our prayers are with all of you and your families. We will all get through this together.”

For additional information on the Havasupai Tribe’s COVID-19 relief fund or to make a donation directly, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/havasupai-tribe-covid19-relief-fund.

About Kahtoola:

Since 1999, Kahtoola has been creating reliable gear that makes the outdoors more accessible and rewarding. Kahtoola’s flexible footwear traction systems, including MICROspikes® and NANOspikes® footwear traction, are built to improve safety and performance in wintry locales around the globe. Every product from hiking crampons to running gaiters are thoughtfully designed and vigorously tested at the brand’s Flagstaff, AZ headquarters high on the Colorado Plateau. Owned and operated by founder Danny Giovale, Kahtoola proudly grants 1% of annual sales to fund projects that support indigenous cultures, investing in community improvements, healthcare, education, resources and the environment. For more information, please visit Kahtoola.com.

Photo Caption: Runners Rob Krar and Christina Bauer Participating in Kahtoola’s Virtual Run May 2020 

Media Contact:
Alli Noland
Terra PR
307-733-8777/AlliN@terrapublicrelations.com