SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT Brings Together HP, Intel, Procter & Gamble, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Eddie Bauer and Water.org for Mt. Kilimanjaro Expedition to Raise Awareness of Clean Water Crisis

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT, a cross-platform global initiative designed to drive awareness and change to the clean water crisis worldwide, today announced the powerhouse roster of corporate and non-governmental organization (NGO) partners supporting the January 2013 ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro. Founded by Grammy-nominated musician and noted philanthropist Kenna, SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT is a grueling seven-day, fifty-mile climb up Africa's tallest peak that aims to engage and activate a community of clean water supporters.

In a remarkable show of support for global clean water efforts, corporate partners HP, Intel, Procter & Gamble (P&G), KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Eddie Bauer will join together to provide everything from content to travel to technology for the climb.  Water.org, an organization at the forefront of developing and delivering solutions to populations impacted by the water crisis for more than 20 years, will serve as SUMMIT'S primary educational partner. Water.org has served as a subject matter expert to SUMMIT, informing advocacy efforts, and will serve as the primary beneficiary for online giving through the SUMMIT website.  Global studio @radical.media, producer of the MTV documentary that documented the first SUMMIT climb, is producing this year's initiative on behalf of SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT.

The full climbing team, a diverse group of cultural influencers, seasoned mountaineers, educators and clean water advocates, will be announced when the team begins its journey January 2, 2013.

The staggering statistics surrounding the prevalence and impact of water-borne illness and disease created a sense of urgency among major consumer brands and NGOs – a shared commitment and vision that compelled them to lend their support to the initiative. 

Kenna is overwhelmed by the generosity and support the movement has benefited from to date. "My friends are remarkable people to do a crazy thing like climb Kilimanjaro, but they know that it's crazy that there are a billion people who still lack access to safe drinking water," said Kenna. "It's been over 60 years since my father suffered with waterborne disease in my home country of Ethiopia. He survived, but many did not, and many do not today. SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT is bringing this issue to the forefront and broadcasting that message from one of the largest peaks in the world. And with the support of benevolent brands like HP, Intel, P&G, KLM, Eddie Bauer and their employees, as well as the support of our beneficiary Water.org, we have a shot at engaging people in an innovative way and reminding them of the value of one of the world's most precious resources – water."

The initiative's primary goal of raising more awareness around the scarcity of clean water throughout the world to help the more than 780 million people without access to safe drinking water will reinforce the efforts of organizations like Water.org that are on the front lines working to find solutions to the crisis.

"Water.org and SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT share a bold mission: we believe in a just world where everyone can access a safe drink of water and experience the dignity of a toilet.  It's an ambitious goal, but one that is achievable; it will take participation around the world," says Chevenee Reavis, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Water.org. "SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT captures a truly fresh and energizing spirit that will spark new forms of engagement and momentum around this cause. We're thrilled to be part of the movement."

"We're excited to join Kenna once again on this historic endeavor and honored that our brand partners have stepped up to support such a worthwhile cause," said Justin Wilkes, @radical.media's President of Media & Entertainment.  "It's not every day that you get to climb one of the highest mountains in the world, especially to raise awareness for a truly global issue."

SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT will utilize groundbreaking technology and social media during the ascent, with the climbers wirelessly enabled and equipped to share the experience in real time through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.  HP and Intel will serve as the official technology partners for the second time, providing cutting-edge technology crucial to keeping the climbers safe and maximizing the impact of their experience to followers back at home.

"Solving the world's water challenges requires bold action and commitment, which is exactly what this ambitious climb is all about," said Gabi Zedlmayer, Vice President, Sustainability & Social Innovation, HP.  "Our Ultrabooks, tablets and PCs will help the SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT team stay connected with each other, their base camp and their supporters around the world."

"At Intel, we believe that technology can make a difference to create a better, more sustainable world and enrich the lives of its citizens.  We are excited to be participating in SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT to help promote awareness of the global clean water crises," said J. Johan Jervoe, Vice President of the Sales and Marketing Group and Director of Partner Marketing at Intel.  "Intel silicon and technology enable new lighter, thinner, energy efficient devices such as the Intel-inspired Ultrabook as well as Intel powered tablets and convertibles.  These devices provide an optimal blend of performance, security, and mobility for everyday life, but will be ideal for taking up the mountain, documenting the climb and extending this important message."

As part of the initiative, P&G will be sharing its water purification technology – "P&G Purifier of Water."  These tiny packets are used to purify contaminated water anywhere, at any time.  Through not-for-profit distribution in the developing world, P&G and their partners have helped prevent more than 200 million days of illness and saved an estimated 28,000 lives.

"For the past 175 years, P&G has focused on making every day better through life-changing innovation," said Bob McDonald, P&G President, CEO and Chairman of the Board.  "Thousands of people die every day from lack of safe drinking water, which is why we're increasing distribution of our water purification technology to save one life every hour by 2020.  We're honored to again be a part of Summit on the Summit and help raise awareness of this critical issue."

Clean water advocate Dr. Greg Allgood, Director of P&G's Children's Safe Drinking Water Program, will be joining the climb and will host the climbers in rural Tanzania to witness the impact of P&G's water purification technology.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will be the official airline partner, providing transportation for the climbers and crew to and from Kilimanjaro.  KLM is one of the few airlines providing service to Kilimanjaro.

"KLM is proud to support SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT and its initiatives to bring global awareness to clean water issues. Although as a corporate policy KLM would not normally sponsor activities like Alpinism, this climb is about endurance and the personal challenge that each climber will face to promote a very important cause. Corporate Social Responsibility is vital to KLM and we work continuously to promote positive change with our environmental, humanitarian and sustainable programs," said Patrick Roux, Senior Vice President, Air France and KLM for the Americas.

Eddie Bauer will serve as the official outfitting partner of SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT.  "Eddie Bauer is proud to support SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT on their expedition to help raise awareness of the global clean water crisis," said Mike Egeck, chief executive officer for Eddie Bauer. "For more than 90 years, Eddie Bauer has inspired and enabled the spirit of adventure and discovery. Through exploration, we gain a deeper appreciation of the natural world and a better understanding of the proper management of these resources."

About SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT
Founded in 2009 by Grammy-nominated musician and philanthropist Kenna, SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT is a transmedia initiative designed to drive awareness and change to the global clean water crisis, while engaging a community through raising awareness, supporting education, inspiring advocacy and activating fundraising.  By taking cultural influencers, educators and high-profile individuals to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Summit is able to support organizations in bringing clean water to the one billion people living without this basic human right. Kenna's first Summit in 2010, which counted actors Jessica Biel, Emile Hirsch, Lupe Fiasco and Isabel Lucas among those who climbed Kilimanjaro, encouraged federal support for water and sanitation programs, which received $300 million from Congress in 2009.  2009 appropriations were at the same level as 2008.

About Water.org
For more than two decades, Water.org has been at the forefront of developing and delivering solutions to the water crisis. Founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, Water.org pioneers innovative, community-driven and market-based solutions to ensure all people have access to safe water and sanitation; giving women hope, children health and communities a future. To date, Water.org has positively transformed the lives of more than 1 million individuals living across communities in Africa, South Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean; ensuring a better life for generations ahead.

About Intel
Intel INTC is a world leader in computing innovation. The company designs and builds the essential technologies that serve as the foundation for the world's computing devices. Additional information about Intel is available at newsroom.intel.com and blogs.intel.com.  

About Procter & Gamble
P&G serves approximately 4.6 billion people around the world with its brands. The Company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®, Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Fairy®, Gain®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Duracell®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, Braun®, Fusion®, Ace®, Febreze®, Ambi Pur®, SK-II®, and Vicks®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 75 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

The P&G Children's Safe Drinking Water Program (CSDW) is a non-profit initiative that has provided more than five billion liters of clean drinking water to people in need since 2004. CSDW has partnered with a diverse network of organizations to help distribute more than half a billion P&G water purification packets in developing countries. To learn more about the P&G CSDW Program, and see how water purification packets work, please visit www.csdw.org.

About KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was founded in 1919, making it the world's oldest airline still operating under its original name. In 2004, Air France and KLM merged to form AIR FRANCE KLM. The merger produced the strongest European airline group based on two powerful brands and hubs – Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle. The group focuses on three core businesses: passenger transport, cargo and aircraft maintenance.  KLM is a member of the global SkyTeam airline alliance, offering customers an extensive worldwide network. The KLM network connects the Netherlands to every important economic region in the world and, as such, serves as a powerful driver for the economy. KLM Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives are available on a dedicated website: klmtakescare.com.  For more information, visit www.klm.us or follow KLM on facebook.com/KLMUSA and Twitter @KLM_US.

About Eddie Bauer
Established in 1920 in Seattle, Eddie Bauer is a specialty retailer that sells sportswear, outerwear, gear and accessories for the active outdoor lifestyle. The Eddie Bauer brand is a nationally recognized brand that stands for high quality, innovation, style and customer service. Eddie Bauer products are available at approximately 400 stores throughout the United States, Canada and Japan, through catalog sales and online at www.eddiebauer.com. Eddie Bauer is proud to be named a J.D. Power 2011 Customer Service Champion and is only one of 40 companies so named in the United States. 

About @radical.media
@radical.media is a global studio that creates some of the world's most innovative content across all forms of media.  The company develops, produces and distributes television, feature films, commercials, music programming, live events, mobile applications, digital content and design.  The company has produced a number of award-winning projects, including the Academy Award® nominated documentary, Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory; the Emmy® winning film Under African Skies: Paul Simon's Graceland Journey; the Academy Award®-winning documentary The Fog of War; the Grammy Award®-winning Concert for George; and the Independent Spirit Award®-winning Metallica: Some Kind of Monster; the pilot episode of the Emmy® and Golden Globe® winning series Mad Men; six seasons of the series Iconoclasts for the Sundance Channel; Oprah's Master Class and Visionaries for OWN; and recently, a series of MTV documentaries on Lady Gaga, Drake, Nicki Minaj and Demi Lovato.  The company has garnered numerous accolades for innovative digital initiatives such as The Johnny Cash Project, Arcade Fire's The Wilderness Downtown, the Sting 25 App and the Gagosian Gallery's iPad App, both recipients of the Cannes Lions.  @radical.media is a FremantleMedia Company. FremantleMedia's global production arm is responsible for many of the world's highest rated prime time television programs and its brand extension arm FremantleMedia Enterprises offers a one-stop-shop for all licensing, distribution and home entertainment globally. www.radicalmedia.com 

SOURCE SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT