Hiking with a Backstreet Boy

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: Nov 22, 2002 Source: Evening Magazine Submitted By: Panda Bear By JOAN KINSEY / Evening Magazine What would you do if you were about to spend an entire day with somebody who’s idolized across the country? It was a dream-come-true for a girl from Mukilteo. Eight-year-old Sasha Gonzalez was singing to calm her nerves. She was about to meet the guy of her dreams – a guy who makes girls go crazy across the country. The guy is Kevin Richardson, an idolized member of the Backstreet Boys. Millions of fans love him. But it was Sasha who got to meet him. She could hardly believe it – neither could her friends. The story Sasha had told millions of times goes like this: Last year at a fundraiser for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Kevin Richardson doanted a day hike for a family of four. With a bid of $9,000, Laurie Stewart won the prize and then gave it to her 16-year-old nephew Brady and her niece Sasha. At the base of Mount Rainier, away from the screaming crowds that usually surround the Backstreet Boys, Sasha met her pop idol to go hiking with him for the next three hours. “We're just chatting and having fun, and I hope what they get out of it is to see how much I love being outdoors,” said Kevin. Kevin’s love of nature motivated him to create a foundation called “Just Within Reach” that educates young people about the great outdoors. Another goal of his organization is to find a link between the environment and cancer. That’s why he came to the Northwest to help the Fred Hutchinson Research Center. “I lost my father in '91 to cancer and its close to my heart,” said Kevin. “And so I think we need to explore the causes, the effects of effects of toxins in our environment with the connection of cancer.” But that day, supporting cancer research meant a hike with an adoring fan who is now the envy of girls everywhere. Kevin created a foundation to educates young people about the great outdoors. This year, the “Hutch Holiday Gala” will be held Saturday, December 7, at the Sheraton Hotel. For more information on the auction, check out their Web site. As usual, there will be a silent auction. Items include a GM Hummer, a five-course dinner party to share with friends, valuable art, and all sorts of travel packages, including a trip to China. It all benefits cancer research at the Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Comment on this item. Recent Comments Submitted by: johnansaz http://imrdsoacha.gov.co/silvitra-120mg-qrms Submitted by: johnansaz http://t-links.org/EZjAi12N real sex dating near you! Submitted by: gordon kaCTUV http://www.y7YwKx7Pm6OnyJvolbcwrWdoEnRF29pb.com Submitted by: gordon IvFy6A http://www.y7YwKx7Pm6OnyJvolbcwrWdoEnRF29pb.com Submitted by: matt Co0AW8 http://www.y7YwKx7Pm6OnyJvolbcwrWdoEnRF29pb.com Submitted by: chaba dPi8AP http://www.y7YwKx7Pm6OnyJvolbcwrWdoEnRF29pb.com Submitted by: matt Psurxu http://www.y7YwKx7Pm6OnyJvolbcwrWdoEnRF29pb.com Submitted by: chaba TJeCkP http://www.y7YwKx7Pm6OnyJvolbcwrWdoEnRF29pb.com Submitted by: JimmiXzS qmz55C http://www.FyLitCl7Pf7kjQdDUOLQOuaxTXbj5iNG.com Submitted by: JimmiXzS AgjF9c http://www.FyLitCl7Pf7kjQdDUOLQOuaxTXbj5iNG.com Click here to see more comments. Comment on this item. Next Item: Nick Carter On Going Solo And The Backstreet Boys Prev Item: Carters thrill students at Poinciana