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Press ReleasesSummit7’s Evan Jacobsen Summits Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, and Mt. Elbrus, Russia LAGUNA NIGUEL, California, August 11, 2006 (Business Wire) – Evan Jacobsen, founder of Summit7 Foundation, a California non-profit organization launched on June 2, 2006, has successfully completed his climbs of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (Africa), and Mt. Elbrus, Russia (Europe). With two down and five to go, Evan will climb the tallest peak on each of the world’s seven continents over the next several years. Evan, and his father, Donald Jacobsen, reached Uruhu Peak (19,340 feet), the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, on Saturday, July 8. Evan’s mother, Edie Jacobsen, accompanied them on the climb, and reached Stella Point (18,860 feet), the uppermost rim of the peak’s crater, earlier that same day. “It was great to climb as a family,” said Evan, 15. “We motivate each other when the going gets tough, and we get to celebrate together after we summit. Summitting a mountain like Kilimanjaro is an exciting and humbling experience. I’m glad I shared it with my parents.” Evan took time off between climbs to allow him and his father, who was having respiratory problems, to recover before the Elbrus attempt. During that time, Evan met with Jeremy Cross, Director for Habitat for Humanity International, Tanzania. Evan toured a neighborhood in Arusha that may be a candidate for a Habitat building project, and was able to meet with several families, including the local “mayor” and “governor”. “The children were excited and energetic beyond words. It was overwhelming,” Evan commented. Evan made his first donation to Habitat for Humanity, Tanzania, during his meeting with Mr. Cross. A second check will be sent in the next week representing all donations made during the first two months of Summit7’s efforts. “It’s only the beginning. I want to do so much more,” Evan commented. Acclimating on Kilimanjaro was excellent preparation for Mt. Elbrus, a technically more difficult climb. The pair made their first summit ascent on Sunday, July 24, one day earlier than originally scheduled, due to their recent conditioning on Kilimanjaro. Along with their guide, they managed to reach the saddle of the summit before having to turn back due to harsh weather. The weather broke on Tuesday, July 26, and Evan, his father and their guide were able to summit Mt. Elbrus (18,481 feet) under “glorious” conditions. “We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day,” commented Don Jacobsen. “Evan was strong on both climbs. In fact, he was stronger than I was. His diligence in training both physically and mentally paid off. I’m proud beyond words.” Evan arrived back in the U.S. on Tuesday, August 2. He will begin weight training and attending long snapping camp before starting football practices with his San Clemente High School team in a few weeks. In addition, he’ll begin planning for his next climb, Mt. Kosciuszko, Australia, in December, and, of course, get ready to head back to school later this month to enter his sophomore year. 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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