WESTMINSTER — Mark Zimmer, a 23-year-old from Grand Rapids, Michigan, is currently underway on a lofty and longtime goal, climbing the highest point in each state in the U.S. to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s disease. On Tuesday, October 13, Zimmer will be in South Carolina to climb Sassafras Mountain. Zimmer began his venture, which he calls “Summit Up,” by hiking the highest points in 7 states out west. He will be traveling to the highest points in the southeast during the month of October.

By climbing these 50 summits, a task that less than 200 others have accomplished, Zimmer hopes to raise money for a charity close to his heart and to show that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. When asked why he selected the Alzheimer’s Association to benefit from funds raised, Zimmer replied, “My great-grandmother died from the disease, and my grandfather is in its final stages. I personally know how this terrible disease affects every member of a family going through the long and painful journey that Alzheimer’s takes you.”

Anyone who is interested in climbing alongside Zimmer should arrive at the Sassafras Mountain trailhead at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13.

Zimmer began his Summit Up journey in April of 2009, and he plans to climb an average of one peak per month until he has reached all 50. To date, he has already scaled seven peaks. Sponsorships are available to support Zimmer’s efforts. As Zimmer puts it, “If you are making a donation to help cure Alzheimer’s, all your money still goes towards that. If you are making a donation to get your flag on the peaks, all of the states with the best views still remain. There are still plenty of reasons to join us.”

Up to 50 businesses, organizations, or individuals will be able to have their flag flown on the top of the state high points as they are climbed. These sponsors will receive a photo of their flag atop each summit.

Flags begin at the bargain price of $1,000 for the whole package, with all the money going to the Alzheimer Association. Zimmer notes, “This is a very unique way for companies or individuals to gain recognition as a supporter of a great cause. In return, supporters will have an incredible set of pictures to display.”