A pair of security professionals from Axis Communications and Genetec laced up their hiking boots and summited California’s Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States, all in an effort to raise funds and awareness for Mission 500. 

Karl Radke, Midwest Business Area Director at Axis Communications, and Jason Johnston, OKR Practice Lead at Genetec, were supported by their respective companies in their successful attempt to scale the 14,505-foot peak on Wednesday. Radke and Johnston hiked more than 21 miles on a strenuous out-and-back trail that leads past rocky switchbacks, sheer cliffs and flowing waterfalls. 

The hiking partners started their ascent around 1 a.m. PDT to reach the peak later Wednesday morning, and returned to the trailhead late afternoon. 

In support of the climb, Axis and Genetec each donated $2,500 to Mission 500, a nonprofit organization that works closely with the security industry to serve the needs of children and communities in crisis in the United States. 

To learn more about Mission 500 and its charitable efforts, go here.