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The GreatEscape Foundation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                         
About Our Foundation                

"If you don't like the way the world is, you change it. You have an obligation to change it. You just do it one step at a time."  - Marian Wright Edelman

The GreatEscape Foundation was created in 2000 as an IRS-approved tax-exempt 501(c)(3) California-based non-profit organization, designed to promote charitable giving and other noble causes associated with the annual The Global Scavenger Hunt™ events.

Why GreatEscape Foundation?

We believe that the combination of our twin giving strategies—helping to provide elementary school educations to the young and micro-loans to budding entrepreneurs--can, does, and will…help our Foundation's recipients in their own Great Escape from poverty and dependence. It is a simple, proven and effective strategy for development one person and one family at a time.

The Global Scavenger Hunt has a goal of raising $1 million for international causes in association with our annual competition. Our philosophy is that by giving back to our communities, and in our traveler’s case, the global village in which we reside, work and play, is an important aspect of the GreatEscape Adventures Global Good Neighbor Policy.

Trusting strangers in strange lands is our event’s unofficial motto, and helping strangers in strange lands is our Foundation's goal!

The organizers, corporate sponsors, media outlets, travel partners, advisory board, producers, and contestants involved with annual The Global Scavenger Hunt™ travel adventure event, will all be asked to assist us in our fundraising efforts for our noble cause-related goals as best they can. (Please see below.)

We also want our financial supporters to know that we empty our entire reserves from time to time, sometimes within hours and days of some dislocating human events and natural disasters around the world (tsunami, Katrina, earthquakes in Pakistan, floods, earthquakes in Haiti, etc.) and wholly support all the work being done by the many relief organizations--public and private—governments, and NGO's during those tragic natural disasters. BUT, we appeal to you to not lose sight of the harsh reality and fact that people still need our help and the ongoing support of our noble cause’s EVERYDAY of the year. In fact, the reality is that more people die monthly from AIDS in Africa alone, more people die monthly from malaria, and more children die monthly from preventable diseases leading to diarrhea deaths--than died in the wake of the destructive tsunami, floods or earthquakes. Please remember to give year round and not just when the glare of the television cameras brings tragedy into our homes.

Your participation and tax deductibility?

The GreatEscape Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) California-based nonprofit organization designed to promote charitable giving and other noble causes associated with the annual The Global Scavenger Hunt™ events.

The Global Scavenger Hunt annually sets a goal of raising $1 million for international causes in association with our annual competitions. And, therefore, aspects of your costs involved in participating in The Global Scavenger Hunt™ may be tax deductible. (Please consult your tax advisor or accountant for full details about what portion of your fees and other expenses are may be tax-deductible* to the extent allowed by law.)

How will we collectively raise our million-dollar goal?

Teams participating in The Global Scavenger Hunt™ will be asked to (it is wholly optional) attempt to secure a single US dollar in walkathon-like pledges, on a per kilometer traveled basis. (We know this can be a difficult endeavor for some, and we just ask that everyone to do their best!) Therefore: 25 two-person Teams traveling on the annual event's 40,000-kilometer around-the-world route at US$1.00 per kilometer equals US$40,000. raised per Team--and US$1 million raised in total for the GreatEscape Foundation!

We of course will be providing Team members with additional details and empowering tools, along with a GreatEscape Foundation Pledge Sheets as requested. We will also be working hard for you to help rustle up some fun press coverage for each Team in their local areas in which to help you in your noble endeavors.

A free trip?

As an added incentive to help us help others and assist in the GreatEscape Foundation's ongoing fundraising efforts, the GreatEscape2013: The Global Scavenger Hunt™ Team that raises the most funds, over and above each Teams goal of US$40,000--That's would be only US$1.00 per kilometer in pledges!--will automatically be entered into our next scheduled event (TBA) with all their Teams entrance fee waived, win or lose GreatEscape2013!
 
(Please Note: Although our special incentive is at least a US$21,000+. value, this prize has NO cash value, it is NOT transferable, and both Teammates must participate for it to apply. The Team that raises the most funds will also have a special set of Terms & Conditions to sign to claim their free trip prize and participate in the next event.)

We have our own charity we’d like the GreatEscape Foundation to support?

If your charity has international appeal and fits with our well-established and long-term GreatEscape Foundation's twin humanitarian philosophies, we would be happy to consider your cause with an eye towards integrating it into our event’s fundraising efforts. Please contact us at: GEFoundation [at] globalscavengerhunt.com.

Thank you for your support and interest!

*Tax deductibility: U.S. Federal Tax Law provides deductions where "there is no significant element of personal pleasure, recreation, or vacation." You should consult your tax advisor if you have any questions. GreatEscape Foundation ID#95-4831064

How to get involved?

To get involved or make a donation, please contact us at: GreatEscape Foundation or you may send a tax-deductible contribution to GreatEscape Foundation (ID# 954831064) and mail it to:

GreatEscape Foundation
1112 Montana Ave., Ste 384
Santa Monica, CA 90403 - USA
1.310.281.7809
GEFoundation [at] globalscavengerhunt.com

I want to make a contribution now online?
If you have any questions, please contact us at:
GEFoundation [at] globalscavengerhunt.com

Thank You So Much!

Some of Our Foundation's Current and Past Noble Causes

Over the past few years, we at GreatEscape Foundation have been fortunate to begin funding some special long-term development projects. Along with funding scores of micro-loans to budding entrepreneurs stuck in the poverty trap, we are pleased to have fully funded coed elementary schools in Sierra Leone and Sri Lanka through Free The Children, in Pakistan with the Central Asia Institute, and recently opened a medical clinic in Niger at a migratory center for the Tuareg people known as the Center for Nomadic Life at Tamesna, Niger being built by The Nomad Foundation.

In 2010-2011 we funded the building of five coed elementary schools in Ecuador, Sri Lanka, Sierra Leone, India and Kenya, along with a secondary girls school Kenya. We are also funding and building a 2-year school building project in Niger to open in the 2012.

Here is our latest What We Do brochure.

We have grand plans to help the neediest in the world to help themselves through education and micro-loans.

The GreatEscape Foundation is also pleased to have given funds in the past to these worthy causes: Central Asia Institute (CAI), KIVA, Partners in Health (PIH), The Nomad Foundation, Free the Children and checkout this great 60 Minutes piece to see why!), Global Volunteers, American Red Cross, Canadian Red Cross, Conservation International, FINCA International, Habitat for Humanity International, Global Green, The Clinton Foundation, ECPAT-USA, Heifer Project International, the Weingart Center, Planeterra Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes International, Lymphoma Society, World Monuments Fund, International Special Olympics, and the September 11th Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund.
 
During the course of our 2010-2011 travel adventures we made many new friends along the way. We are happy to have also financially, materially, and personally supported the following organizations:
Joining Hands in India
Sunrise Children's Village in Cambodia
Salaam Baalak Trust in India
Light House Orphanage in Cambodia
Hospicio de San Jose in Manila

For those of you that wish to make a direct contribution to a worthy group, we at the GreatEscape Foundation happily urge you to visit Kiva.org, a micro-loan group that will get your funds directly to someone who needs them!
 

 

THANK YOU, thank you, thank you!

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“...it's flawless... our best adventure ever--and we have had a few! We want to do the whole thing next year."
- April C., Pensacola, FL (2010 & 2011)

"It is the Amazing Race for real travelers."
– Randy H., Newport Beach, CA (2004)

"Delicious..."
- Scott S., San Francisco, CA (2004)

"extraordinary...think the Amazing Race, but without cameras, staged stunts or prize money...unforgetable" - from Have Mother, Will Travel book, 2012

"I couldn't get The Global Scavenger Hunt out of my veins last year. I had to go again!" - Barbara S., Providence, RI (2009 & 2010)

 

 

 

 

 

"Three weeks of learning to be a better person and to be able to leave behind a slightly better world."
- Christine L., BARBADOS (2009 & 2010 & 2013)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

"We are so happy we did this memorable adventure...Amazing Race without being eliminated and less silly too!"
- Bev & Buz N., Phoenix, AZ (2009 & Century Club members)  

 

 

 

 

"An adventure like no other; it changes your view of the world and captures your heart."
- Zoe L., Houston, TX (2008-2013)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The first time was amazing and just plain overwhelming. The second time I did it was just as amazing and it overwhelmed me all over again. I may be a Global Scavenger Hunt junkie!"
- Vicki S., Dallas, TX (2004 & 2005)

" Makes you feel alive in the world…it was exciting, exhausting, crazy, beautiful, illuminating ...every emotion, experience, issue crammed into three weeks, four continents, thirteen countries...it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I'd do it again in a minute."
- Claire F., Palm Beach, FL (2008)

“One of those seminal moments in my life. Not only fantastic, but after completing the event I gained a stronger desire to make a difference in the world."
- Trevor G., Seattle, WA (2005 & 2009)

“A wonderful itinerary. It's like Christmas every day and looking forward to opening another present each day and not knowing what it will be…each location unwrapped a new surprise." 
- Steve H., Los Angeles, CA (2008 & 2009)

“The Global Scavenger Hunt was the most amazing adventure of my life…a perfect 10! This trip is kick ass!" - Andy M., Dallas, TX (2008 & 2009)

"…the Chalmers' are  travel evangelists in the true sense of the word." 
- Wendy H., Austin, TX (2013)

“The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure.” - Joseph Campbell (1904-1987)

“It is like Survivor, The Amazing Race, and the Eco-Challenge all rolled into one except with MUCH more cultural interaction…the creative brain power, communication skills, and strategic planning required far outweigh all those other competitions." - Marvin S., Alberta, CANADA (2002)

 

"...a once in a lifetime trip that (I) would heartily recommend!"
- Steven B., Competitours CEO (2004)

 

"Fun, fun, fun…it tests one's ability to interact with indigenous people and societies everywhere. I would recommend this to real travelers who seek a real adventure."  - Andrea B., New York, NY (2008)

“The Blind Date with the World aspect a wonderful experience…think about it, you go on a trip around the world BUT you don't know where you are going? It was truly exhilarating."  - Victoria R., Bellingham, WA (2002) 

"I feel like a thrillioniare!"
- John T., Manhattan Beach, CA (2012)

"Wow. Twenty three days of WOW!"
- James D., Toronto, CANADA (2011)

"An experience that places you outside your box…not for the faint of heart."
- David A., Houston, TX (2011 & 2012)

"It challenges you to open your mind and heart. IT WAS LIFE CHANGING!"
- Natasha N., Houston, TX (2011 & 2012)

"The mystery of not knowing where you're going and the joy if finding destinations that weren't on your radar screen gets in your blood. Yes, we're addicts..." – Kit & Joanne, Vancouver Island, CANADA (2008, 2010 & 2012)

 "This is the most interesting, challenging and just plain fun trip on the planet!"
- Andy V., Bonn, GERMANY (2008)

 

"This was the best three weeks of my entire life." – Angel Q., Culver City, CA (2012)

"I am a jaded old traveler, but I got to visit six new countries; and revisited old one's like I could not have imagined."- Brent W., Wyoming, USA (2012 & Century Club member)

 

"Thank  you for showing me the real world..." – Emily B., Pensacola, FL (2011 & 2012)

 

"The event is all about authentic experiences, feeling challenged and actively participating...that's all!" - William D. Chalmers (Event Director aka The Ringmaster)

"...I think I found myself saying 'another perfect day in paradise' a dozen times over that last few weeks!" - Katrina A., Sydney, AUSTRALIA (2012)