• To Inspire Perseverance And Encourage Your Potential


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  • Raising awareness and providing opportunity to the minority communities such as the “disabled,” women, and ethnic groups to the outdoors


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  • Raising a million dollars to give a million dollars


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THE MISSION

The Kirstie Ennis Foundation’s mission is to inspire individuals to stubbornly climb the mountain in front of them. We aim to show the world that we control our circumstances, they don’t control us. At The Kirstie Ennis Foundation, we:
– Provide education, opportunity, and healing in the outdoors through our recreational therapy clinics and expeditions
– Introduce new and recycled medical device technology to underserved communities around the world
– Partner with organizations with similar missions of improving the quality of life of individuals through mobility

HELP US CLIMB MOUNTAINS

TESTIMONIALS

The 2021 Women’s Veterans Snowboarding Clinic was the best time of my life! Stepping outside my comfort zone is something I struggle with. So the fact that I conquered that along with meeting new people I can relate to was a double win. Everyone with TKEF is down to earth and they genuinely care; none of it is for show you can just tell how passionate and loving they are. Thank you TKEF for everything!!!!!!!!!! All of y’all rock!!!!!!!!!!!
– Guadlupe

What was so great about this was not being invisible. I’m married to a veteran and he’s gotten so many opportunities for veteran centric trips throughout the years. I’m always glad for him, but it’s still disheartening to not get to participate. It was nice to finally have a seat at the table no questions asked. From gear to clothes to food to lodging, it was all covered and freely given. I didn’t have to prove to anyone that I belonged or was worthy. It was so refreshing to have so many people in my corner and realize that I’m truly not alone.
– Cecilia

It is difficult to put into words how much this clinic meant to me. The ability to take five days from my busy life and go hang out with fellow female vets and not have a care in the world was amazing. I love snowboarding and had gone a couple of times before the clinic, but the gear is expensive, so the sport was out of reach for me. This clinic changed all that. I can now pick up and go boarding any time I want, which is such a dream. Aside from getting out in the snow and having a blast, it was the relationships I made during the clinic that had a lasting impact. I can’t thank Kirstie Ennis, TKEF, all the various sponsors and supporters, and the other females in the clinic enough. I have made forever friendships, have access to a whole new sport, and am boldly pursuing the life I want and deserve. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am so excited to be on this new path and can’t wait to see where it takes me.
– Andi

“We had three days to learn the basics of snowboarding, a sport I had never done before. I have always pushed myself to every challenge put in front of me. Snowboarding was different, it was tough, but all I needed to do was trust. Trust in Kirstie and the team to guide me through that mountain. I remember the lessons, the many falls, haha the tomahawk, but one thing for sure is I always got up. I kept going. Good things happen when you don’t give up. Good things happen when you least expect it. You connect with people for the right reason. Snowboarding has taught me about life so much and it has grown on me, thanks to TKEF. She is an amazing person with such a caring heart.” -Bren Romero, US Army

“I am incredibly lucky to have already met Kirstie…We had dinner a few weeks back and I was so taken aback by her charisma and her ability to make anyone feel right at home. I am so excited to get to know Kirstie better, she seems like a wonderful human. Her story is amazing and she is such an inspiration. Chase your dreams no matter the hand you’re dealt. I’m inspired and blessed.” -Molly Lewis, US Army

“I was offered the amazing opportunity (out of nowhere) to go on a snowboarding trip with 4 other women veterans in Aspen for 5 days. When I was offered this…I was in the middle of a horrible depression. This has given me something to be excited about especially when its been so difficult to be excited about anything. Words cannot express how grateful I am to TKEF! The snowboarding clinic could not have come at a better time. Thank you for selecting and treating me like royalty!! I look forward to many seasons of snowboarding.” -Lea Bond, US Navy

“You have no idea how much you’ve helped me. The clinic was truly something I will never forget. Kirstie has helped me by advising me on what information to bring to my voc rehab interview. I was approved and now I can go back to school for my MSW! What I want to ask more than anything is how can I help and support the foundation? The next clinic I would be willing to volunteer my time and own money to come support the women and to listen to their stories, or if there are ways I can help please let me know!!!” -Amanda Tallman, US Army

Climbing for a Cause Initiative

The Seven Summits Project

May 27-June 18 2020

Denali (20, 310 ft), The Highest Point In North America

TBD December 2020

Mt. Vinson (Antartica) and the South Pole

SUPPORT THE CAUSE

TIMELINE

  • August 2008

     

    Joined Marine Corps; Attached to units HMH 465, HMH 461, and HMH 362 as helicopter door gunner and airframes mechanic

  • January – August 2011

    Deployment to Afghanistan HMH 465/461

     

    January – August 2011

  • January – June 23, 2012

     

    Deployment to Afghanistan HMH 362; combat meritoriously promoted to Sergeant; injured June 23, 2012

  • May 2014

    Medically retired from Marine Corps

     

    May 2014

  • August – November 2015

     

    Walks 1,000 miles throughout England, Scotland, and Wales in honor of 25 Marines who are no longer with us; also to raise awareness for British non-profit, Walking with the Wounded

  • March 2017

    Summits Kilimanjaro (19,341 ft., highest point in Africa) while supporting non-profit, The Waterboys

     

    March 2017

  • July 2017

     

    Summits Carstenzs (16,030 ft., highest point in Oceania) with non-profit The Heroes Project

  • November 2017

    Completes Everest Base Camp trek to collect logistics for summit attempt in 2019

     

    November 2017

  • February 2018

     

    Summits Iliniza Norte (16,818 ft, located in Ecuador), Attempts Cotopaxi (19,347 ft, Ecuador)

  • June 2018

    Attempts Denali (20,310 ft, highest point in North America) in support of non-profit Building Homes for Heroes

     

    June 2018

  • September 2018

     

    Summits Elbrus, 18, 510 ft (located in Russia, highest point in Europe) in support of non-profit GLAM4GOOD

  • February 2019

    Summits Aconcagua, 22,841 ft (the highest point in South America) in support of non-profit MVP

     

    February 2019

  • May 2019

     

    Attempts Mt. Everest; Makes it to the South Summit in support of non-profits Warfighter Made and Center for Disabled Children’s Assistance

  • September 2019

    Summits Cotopaxi, 19,347 ft, in support of non-profit Range of Motion Project

     

    September 2019

ORGANIZATIONS WE SUPPORT

THE STATS

As of 1/1/2020

178

Individuals Supported Through Our Programming

8

Organizations Supported Through Our Grants

$46,698.31

Funding Distributed Through Grants

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