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Press ReleasesSummit7 Foundation Launches Global Fundraising Efforts LAGUNA NIGUEL, California, June 5, 2006 (Business Wire) – Summit7, Inc., a newly formed California non-profit organization, has officially launched their worldwide efforts to raise over $1m towards Habitat for Humanity, The Fuller Center for Housing, and other charitable international home building efforts in six countries, including Tanzania, Russia, Nepal, Argentina, Australia, and the U.S. Summit7 was founded by Evan Jacobsen, 15, and his father, Donald Jacobsen, as an extension of their own efforts to climb the tallest peaks on each of the world’s seven continents (aka The Seven Summits) over the next several years. “Memories of my first international climb in the Baksan Valley of Russia haunted me. In the towns nearest Mt. Elbrus, Russia, the poverty was overwhelming – something I had never seen in the O.C. (Orange County, California),” said Evan Jacobsen. “Each time I passed through the villages, all I could think about was how lucky I was to be pursuing my dream, when in parts of Russia, families were struggling to keep a roof over their heads. It bothered me, and I wanted to do something to make a difference.” With that inspiration, Evan convinced his father to help him launch Summit7, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising money for housing worldwide. The Jacobsens then contacted Bethany Fernley, formerly of Habitat for Humanity, one of their benefactors of choice. “Habitat for Humanity has an exceptional reputation around the world, and although more recent, The Fuller Center for Housing was started by the same people who founded Habitat for Humanity. We wanted to partner with benefactors we know will properly distribute and utilize the funds – charities with long reach and superior ethics,” stated Donald Jacobsen. “I am thrilled to be working with Summit7,” said Bethany Fernley, a former director for Habitat for Humanity International. “They have launched a serious foundation based on solid goals and big hearts. Charitable home building projects worldwide will welcome their efforts with open arms.” Summit7 is currently seeking donations, of which 100% will be donated to Habitat for Humanity in conjunction with the first two of their seven scheduled climbs. The Jacobsen team will climb Mt. Kilamanjaro, Tanzania, and Mt. Elbrus, Russia, in July this year. Since there are no charitable international home building projects in Antarctica, the seventh continent on Summit7’s list, Summit7 will raise donations for the International Arctic Research Center to aid in their environmental research efforts. To learn more about Summit7, or to donate, please visit www.summit7.org. Learn more about Habitat for Humanity at www.habitatforhumanity.org. Learn more about The Fuller Center for Housing at www.fullercenter.org. Learn more about the International Arctic Research Center at www.iarc.uaf.edu. About Summit7 Summit7 is a non-profit organization raising funds for housing projects in the countries of Tanzania, Russia, Nepal, Australia, Argentina and the U.S. Summit7’s goal is to raise over $1m in the next several years, in conjunction with their efforts to summit the seven tallest peaks on the world’s seven continents. Summit7 has designated Habitat for Humanity, The Fuller Center for Housing, and other international home building charities as the benefactors for all funds raised through their efforts for the countries noted above. Summit7 has selected the International Arctic Research Center for the study of global environmental issues to receive funds in conjunction with their Antarctica climb. Summit7 was founded by Evan Jacobsen, 15, a freshman at San Clemente High School in Orange County, CA, and his father, Donald Jacobsen, 46, a business owner. Edie Jacobsen, Donald’s wife and Evan’s mother, is also on the board of Summit7. Katherine Hills, owner of a marketing and advertising agency, Rich Galpin, owner of an appraisal company and long-time Boy Scout leader in Orange County, and Bethany Fernley, recent Director, Major Gifts, for Habitat for Humanity International, complete the board of Summit7. Evan’s climbing experience includes Mt. Elbrus, Russia, and Mt. Kosciuszko, Australia, as well as several 10K+ peaks in California and Washington. Evan attended the Alpine Ascents International Mountaineering School in preparation for his climbs, and is a member of the American Alpine Club and the outdoor environmental organization, “Leave No Trace”. Evan has also climbed with Adventure Consultants, headquartered in New Zealand. In addition, Evan is a member of San Clemente High School’s football and wrestling teams. If Evan is successful in his attempts to climb the seven tallest summits on seven continents over the next several years, Evan will become the youngest person in history to achieve this goal. ### MEDIA CONTACT: Katherine Hills or Andrew Patterson
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