Party with Purpose: Celebrating 10 Years of Trek Relief in Los Angeles
"I've been doing this for 10 years, but on May 16th, I felt something I'd never felt before."
— Candice Young, Founder & Executive Director, Trek Relief
On May 16, 2026, Trek Relief celebrated its 10th anniversary with a Party with Purpose at Art & Space LA in Los Angeles. Over 100 guests — alumni, donors, board members, artists, and community members from all walks of life — came together to reflect on a decade of adventure-driven service and raise funds for the next one.
What started as one trip to Nepal in 2016 has grown into 30 treks across four countries, over $633,000 raised for community programs, and a network of changemakers spanning the globe. The party was a chance to celebrate all of it — and to close out the night with sparklers.
A Night That Reflected What Trek Relief Is Built On
Art & Space LA opened its doors at 5 PM to a room that quickly filled with the energy of ten years of relationships. Trek alumni reconnected across the venue, some meeting in person for the first time after years of sharing the same mission from a distance. Long-time donors met the trip leaders they had helped send into the field. New supporters discovered a community that had been quietly doing this work for a decade.
The dress code was Trekker Chic — a fitting tribute to the spirit of every Trek Relief trip. The evening featured:
- Live DJs and fire performances that set the tone for a night of celebration
- Tacos from Tacos La China to keep everyone fueled
- An open bar, generously sponsored by a cherished community supporter
- A silent auction featuring donated experiences and original artwork from Trek Relief community members
- Raffle prizes and toasts throughout the evening
At 7:30 PM, the room paused for the night's toasts — a moment to honour everyone who has shown up for Trek Relief in every form across ten years: on trips, on the board, behind cameras, and simply by being present.
The Silent Auction: Community Showing Up for Community
The silent auction was one of the highlights of the night, featuring donations from people who genuinely believe in Trek Relief's mission.
Johnny Xavier of the US National Freediving Team donated a private Freediving and Foraging Adventure in Palos Verdes, complete with pro coaching, guided foraging, and underwater photography. Dr. Rob Williams, Trek Relief co-founder and breathwork expert known as The Breath Doctor, offered a one-hour Inspiring Flow Breath Training Consultation.
On the arts side, Gabe Ingman showcased watercolor paintings inspired by the natural world, and Ngoc Ho (@nth.forms) exhibited her beautifully asymmetrical, handmade ceramic pieces. Both artists donated works to the auction — a reminder that creativity and community are never far apart in the Trek Relief world.
$10,000 — With 10 Minutes to Spare
At 10:50 PM, with just ten minutes left in the night, Trek Relief hit its $10,000 fundraising goal.
Sparklers lit up the room.
The goal wasn't just a number. It represents Trek Relief's next chapter — specifically, the training of new Program Directors and Trip Leaders who will carry this model of service-driven travel to communities across the globe. Trek Relief has always run lean, directing 85–88 cents of every dollar directly into programs. Every dollar raised on May 16th will do the same.
The Next Decade Starts Now
If the 10th anniversary party proved one thing, it's that this community shows up — and there's room for more people in it. These Trek Relief 2026 trips are open for registration:
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Restore clean water access for 800+ residents in the remote Arkhangai Valley while exploring the Mongolian steppe on horseback.
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Install solar panels for children's homes in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
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Support deaf education in Kavre, then trek via Kori Danda to reach Kahphuche — the world's lowest glacier lake.
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Build sustainable food systems in the Aysén region of Chilean Patagonia.
Thank You to Everyone Who Made This Night Possible
This celebration wouldn't have been what it was without the incredible generosity of this community.
➡️ Ready to travel with purpose? Learn more and register at trekrelief.org/travel.
