Man climbing incline every day to fundraise for autism school
MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – A Manitou Incline regular has decided to turn his passion into philanthropy by using his climbs to raise money for the Kishami Academy Autism School.
We first introduced you to Gary Martinez last year, when he shoveled every step of the Manitou Incline after a snowstorm.
Last week, Martinez started his commitment to climb the steps every day for 365 days straight, no matter the conditions. He said he hopes people and local businesses will follow his journey and choose to sponsor his cause to help the Kishami Academy.
"I couldn't think of a better community that I would rather belong to, so I just love everyone here, and everyone just inspires each other on this trail," Martinez said.
Martinez's daughter was diagnosed with autism, and he's friends with one of the teachers at Kishami.
"Being an autism parent myself, it just means a lot that there's an autism school in Colorado Springs and that they can learn at their own pace," Martinez said.
On Monday, Martinez took our Bradley Davis up with him during Good Morning Colorado. After leaving Davis in the dust, he returned to the steps to hike them again. He plans to do the incline 5 times, up and down, Monday morning.
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