Easter Seals’ board chairman climbs Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for annual fundraiser

Rick Davidson, international board chairman for Easter Seals, the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs, will make the complex and demanding climb and decent of Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for Climb for Kids, a fundraiser for Easter Seals.

Davidson, and a team of brave climbers, is making the trek up Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and one of the world's seven summits, in honor of the families and veterans served by Easter Seals. One hundred percent of donations made to the "Climb for Kids" go directly to Easter Seals.

"The 'Climb for Kids' speaks volumes about Rick's commitment to our mission at Easter Seals," said Randy Rutta, President and Chief Executive Officer, Easter Seals. "Rick is an inspirational leader and strategic thinker with tremendous business acumen, and to tackle some of the highest free-standing mountains in the world on behalf of the Easer Seals families, that's taking dedication - literally - to a whole new level."

"Easter Seals provides invaluable services for our local communities and this climb is in honor of the tireless dedication and support the organization provides to people living with autism and other disabilities, as well as veterans who need support transitioning back to civilian life, to live, learn, work and play in their communities," said Rick Davidson, who also serves as president and chief executive officer of Century 21 Real Estate LLC.

Donors who give through the Climb for Kids site at the $50 level or higher are eligible to win an autographed soccer jersey from members of the U.S. Women's World Cup Championship team. The "Climb for Kids" promotion will run through August 28. The winner of the jersey will be announced on or around August 31.

"Corporate sponsors and big donors are a driving force in helping Easter Seals accomplish all that it does for people living with disabilities, veterans and their families, and we are grateful to USA Soccer for offering this special jersey to help us raise funds for the 'Climb,'" added Davidson. Century 21 Real Estate LLC is the official real estate company of U.S. Soccer and philanthropic partner of Easter Seals since 1979.

Additional team members for this year's 'Climb' are:

• Scott Becker, CENTURY 21 New Millennium, Alexandria, Virginia
• Greg Harrelson and Brendon Payne of CENTURY 21 The Harrelson Group, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and
• Tina Davidson, Architectural Photographer and Creative Artist (and Rick's wife).