Summit For Hope 2026
Event | June 2026
Moshi - Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
The first Global Partners in Hope Summit for Hope climb of Kilimanjaro serves as a powerful challenge in the fight to save lives in West Africa. The climb represents the determination and effort needed to bring hope and health to forgotten communities.
A group of 10 hikers will be taking on the challenge of the Lemosho route of Kilimanjaro, with a distance of 70km (43 miles) for the duration of 7 days.
Team members are working together to raise $500k to spread the work of GPiH to Benin where rural villages face extreme challenges due to their remote location, lack of infrastructure, and absence of healthcare services.
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Lack of Clean Water: Villagers rely on contaminated ponds and shallow streams for drinking, cooking, and washing, leading to deadly waterborne diseases. Women and children walk miles daily to collect water, limiting their opportunities for education and economic advancement.
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Healthcare Challenges: There are no nearby health centers, forcing residents to travel miles on foot or by unreliable transportation to receive care. Pregnant women face extreme risks during childbirth, and common illnesses go untreated, often with fatal consequences.
GPiH’s Solution
By funding a solar-powered health center and clean water wells, we can address two primary causes of preventable deaths in these communities:
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Clean Water: A village water well will provide safe drinking water, reducing disease and saving lives.
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Healthcare Access: A health center will bring maternal care, vaccinations, and treatment for common illnesses directly to those in need.
Support a Climber
The climbers taking on Kilimanjaro are not just embarking on a personal challenge—they are carrying the mission of GPiH on their backs. Their journey represents the uphill battle faced by millions in West Africa every day. By supporting their climb, you are directly contributing to lifesaving healthcare and clean water projects in Benin.
Aaron Goldsmith
GPiH Board Member
In 2017, Aaron Goldsmith traveled to Mali, where he visited underserved villages and witnessed the devastating health crisis claiming lives daily. Amid the hardship, he also saw the incredible impact of Global Partners in Hope, providing critical medical care and clean water to those in need. In 2023, he returned to West Africa, this time visiting Togo and Benin, only to find the same urgent health challenges persisting. Driven by what he has seen, he is committed to working with Global Partners in Hope to expand their proven model and help save the lives of some of the world’s most underserved and marginalized communities.
Mindy Ruffalo
Managing Partner, Twisted Oak Capital
Mindy Ruffalo came to know Global Partners in Hope after meeting its founder, Ian Vickers, when learning they both shared a deep compassion for women and children lacking adequate healthcare in impoverished conditions. Eventually, Mindy joined the GPiH Board of Directors, lending her background experience in international business and non-profit organizations. After seeing how sustainable and impactful GPiH has been in Mali and Togo, the hike up Kilimanjaro to open a new healthcare center in Benin was an easy “yes” for her. She looks forward to taking each step of that hike, possible with your support.
Eric and Luke Frohardt
Eric, Consultant and Public Speaker
Luke, a sophomore at Ole Miss
Eric Frohardt is a former Navy SEAL combat veteran. Today, Eric is a consultant, public speaker, and board member of GPiH. Since leaving the military, he’s found that the most rewarding adventures are the ones that are shared with family and friends AND support amazing causes like GPiH.
Luke Frohardt is a sophomore at Ole Miss, studying business and finance. This climb represents not just a physical test, but an opportunity to support a cause they both believe in deeply.
Barry Ruffalo
Founder, Twisted Oak Capital
Barry’s journey and commitment with 28 years in the corporate world and travels across all seven continents, Barry has gained a deep understanding of global challenges. He founded Twisted Oak Capital, a family office that invests in sustainable industrial platforms, aligning closely with Global Partners in Hope’s mission.
Barry and his wife, Mindy, enjoy outdoor adventures with their family. Moved by the hardships he’s witnessed, Barry supports Global Partners in Hope through Mindy and personally contributes by participating in initiatives like the Kilimanjaro climb.
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Will Ruffalo
Co-Founder/Managing Partner, Land Bridge Partners
Will, the founder of Land Bridge Partners, has a passion for travel and agricultural development. After spending two years in Uganda and Tanzania, he fell in love with the region, often exploring both city life and the countryside. Inspired by countless views of Kilimanjaro during his drives to the farm, climbing the iconic peak remains a personal goal. Now, Will is excited to partner with Global Partners in the Hope to give back to a continent that shaped his perspective and enriched his journey.
Ashley Goldsmith
COO, Aurora Health Partners
With 25 years of experience in the operational side of healthcare, Ashley Goldsmith finds that GPiH aligns with the deeper purpose behind her work. The impact GPiH has on patients and families is truly inspiring, and she feels honored to play even a small role in making a meaningful difference. An avid hiker and backpacker for the past 20 years, she has climbed nine 14ers and explored trails across the U.S. and abroad. Climbing Kilimanjaro has long been on her bucket list, and the opportunity to do so alongside an incredible group representing an outstanding charitable organization is a true privilege.