Over 30 Teammates Plus Their Families Hiked a 14er to Support Children’s Mental Health
September 4, 2025 – Lakewood, CO — At 4:45am on August 22, Encore Electric teammates met at the base of Mount Bierstadt in support of the Colorado Children’s Hospital Climbing for Kids event. The annual fundraiser supports the Pediatric Mental Health Institute at Children’s Hospital Colorado and their vital mental health initiatives for children in need. During the event, participants take on the iconic 14er in Idaho Springs, which stands at 14,065 feet. This year, the Encore Electric team broke a record with 34 teammates plus their families taking on the challenge.
According to the Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation, “Suicide is a leading cause of death among Colorado youth ages 10-24 years old… Out of the 226,000 kids and teens in Colorado who have diagnosable mental health conditions, only 22% of them will receive professional care.”
Funds raised through the event will go towards raising awareness for children’s mental health, early intervention, on-site therapy, and increase access to medical professionals. The event challenges participants to climb a 14er as a reminder that, while the hike is difficult, children facing mental health struggles are climbing even greater mountains every day.
“Every step up the mountain was a challenge, but knowing I was climbing for kids facing mental health struggles kept me going. The experience reminded me how important it is to come together as a community and support one another through life’s steep climbs,” said Molly Morzel, Encore Electric human resources manager.
“I had such a great time supporting Climbing for Kids. It was an incredible event that brought people together to work as a team and achieve something as memorable as climbing a 14er. The views were amazing, the people were awesome, and the experience was truly worth it. I couldn’t be prouder to support such a great cause and to be part of the Encore team,” said Ryan Krueger, Encore Electric superintendent.
Encore Electric has proudly supported the Climbing for Kids event for five consecutive years, with more teammates joining the effort each year. Living and working in Colorado, Encore Electric is committed to supporting the community – an effort that aligns with the company’s core values: People, Principle, Strength, and Service.
“Climbing for Kids is more than summiting a 14er. It’s about living our Core Values every step of the way. From putting team ahead of self to embracing challenges with integrity, this team showed the strength of our people and our purpose,” said Jessica Linder, assistant project manager. “Raising a record $10,115 for pediatric mental health services at Children’s Hospital Colorado made this climb even more meaningful, and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this team.”
“Creating unforgettable memories while hiking a 14er with the Encore family and my son was truly a special day! The weather was perfect, and the views were stunning as ever. Everyone who joined the journey should be proud of what we accomplished together – supporting Climbing for Kids. It was a cool experience, and I’m grateful for the way everyone supported one another. Feeling blessed to call Encore my work family!” said Danette Juister, project coordinator.
Since its start in 2005, Climbing for Kids has raised more than one million dollars, with more participants joining the cause each year. The growing community of climbers and donors continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children facing mental health challenges.
“I first joined Climbing for Kids back in 2014, shortly after I began dating my wife, who was working as a social worker for the Pediatric Mental Health Institute. That year, the event’s funds helped purchase two iPads for the kids—an accomplishment my wife was incredibly excited about. To see how this climb has grown from those humble beginnings into what it is today is nothing short of humbling. It’s been an incredible journey to witness, and I’m proud to continue supporting such a meaningful cause,” said Charlie Mattie, project manager.
Encore Electric is excited to support Climbing for Kids again in 2026, with a goal of surpassing this year’s record for both team size and funds raised. Thank you to all the teammates who woke up before sunrise and supported Climbing for Kids!
