Two Summits. One Dream.
Thousands of Children.
Anila is climbing Mt. Rainier and Mt. Glacier Peak this summer
— and every step is for a child’s education.
The Climb
There’s something humbling about standing at the base of a mountain. You look up, and the summit feels impossibly far away. You take the first step anyway.
This summer, I’m taking on two of Washington’s most breathtaking and demanding peaks – Mt. Rainier (14,411 ft) and Mt. Glacier Peak (10,541 ft). For me, these two climbs will complete a long-held dream: summiting all five of Washington’s iconic volcanoes. I’ve hiked and climbed challenging mountains across the world, but these two stunning peaks in my own backyard have been waiting for me – and the time is finally now.
But I didn’t want to do it just for me. I wanted every step upward to mean something for someone who needs a leg up.
Why Asha?
I grew up in India. I saw firsthand how transformative education can be – not just for one child, but for entire families and generations. Education is the one thing no one can take away from you. It breaks cycles of poverty. It opens doors that once seemed sealed shut.
Asha – which means “hope” in Hindi – has been doing exactly this since 1991. A fully volunteer-run nonprofit with chapters worldwide, Asha partners with grassroots organizations across India to give underprivileged children access to meaningful education: from urban slums to isolated rural villages, from preschool to professional training.
The work is meaningful, genuine and making solid impact to improve lives. Charity Navigator is a 3rd party that ranks non-profit organizations, and they have given Asha a perfect 100% score for 7 straight years: 4 on 4 on the scales of accountability, transparency, leadership & culture. “Candid” is another 3rd party that is a leading provider of data and insights on the social sector. Candid awards Asha their “Gold” seal of transparency.
Asha by Numbers
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That last point is remarkable. Every single volunteer – across 40+ chapters worldwide – gives their time freely. So when you donate, 100% of your contribution reaches a child.
Curious about the projects your donation will support? Browse ASHA’s active projects →
Every Dollar Moves the Needle
You don’t need to give a lot. You just need to give.
A small donation funds school supplies, supports a teacher, or keeps a child in class for another month. Asha’s projects range from paying for a child’s nutritious mid-day meal to funding vocational training that changes the arc of a family’s future. No amount is too small. Every dollar is put to work.
Whether you give $5 or $500, I will be thinking of you on that summit. Every step I take up those mountains, I’ll know that people like you made it more than just a climb.
My Fundraising Goal
$2,500
Help me turn two mountain summits into a summit of hope.
→ Click here to donate
Please include my name in the Comments: “Team Asha 2026 Anila Anitha”
Share this page with someone who believes, as I do, that education is the most powerful gift we can give a child.
Learn more at seattle.ashanet.org ·Explore funded projects at ashanet.org/projects-list