NEWPORT BEACH, CA (January 29, 2004)

Attorney, Daniel Nassie (center) is flanked by twin sons Justin (Left) and Jordon who will join their father on April 10, 2004 to climb Mt. Everest to raise funds for HomeAid Orange County and Second Harvest Food Bank. The "Climb-a-Thon" will earn money by obtaining pledges and sponsors. Kick-off for Everest 2004 is being held at the Irvine Sports Club on February 18 at 5:30 P.M. To RSVP, call (949) 553-9510. Space is limited. Those interested in contributing or joining the climb may contact (949) 752-5370 or visit www.mteverest2004.com.

"I came up with the idea of 'Climbing the Mountain of Hunger and Homelessness' campaign as a way to set an example for my twin sons, so that they could learn the importance of giving back, explained Nassie. "I couldn't think of a better way than to spend five weeks trekking with them in the Himalayas pursuing a life long dream of mine while helping others in the process."

Nassie's fund-raising journey to the top of the world, which will also benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank begins in Los Angeles, and then passes through Taiwan, Singapore, and New Delhi, ultimately settling in Katmandu, Nepal – the departure city. From Katmandu the Everest team led by Nassie and his sons will make its way to base camp some 17,000 feet above sea level. From there, an advance team will push forward carrying the Everest 2004 flag
that will be planted at the Everest summit over 29,000 feet high.

The pledges and sponsorships garnered through the partnership effort of the Orange County Association of REALTORS, HomeAid Orange County and the Second Harvest Food Bank will underwrite various programs that feed the hungry and house those living in cardboard boxes and in seedy motels throughout the county.

The "climb-a-thon" will secure pledges based on the actual altitude the team is able to climb with the flag. Pledges of a "penny per foot" (maximum feet: 29,095 @ $.01 per foot = a $290 donation) and flat rate pledges are being solicited. Additionally, various individual and corporate sponsorships and underwriting opportunities are being made available.

Everest 2004 – climbing the mountain for those in need – is kicking off its hosted fundraiser on February 18 at the Irvine Sports Club from 5:30 P.M. where realtors, building industry members and the community will be invited to join in the celebration by pledging support. Those interested in providing sponsorships or underwriting will benefit from various promotional opportunities. Former Angel baseball greats, Buck Rodgers and Darrell Miller will be on hand to "meet and greet" special guests.

Men and women wishing to participate as part of the Mt. Everest 2004 climbing team may contact Daniel Nassie (949) 752-5370 or visit www.mteverest2004.com.

Sign Up Deadline: March 15, 2004
Departure Target Date: April 10, 2004
Return Target Date: End of May 2004
Approximate Costs: $6,700

All team members are responsible for covering their own costs (approximately $7,000) so that every penny earned from pledges and sponsorships go directly to HomeAid Orange County and the Second Harvest Food Bank, where over 15.1 million pounds of food was distributed serving more than 385 local agencies that are able to feed more than 215,000 individuals each month in Orange County.

HomeAid Orange County was established by the leadership of the Orange County Chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California in 1989. Those temporarily homeless served by HomeAid include women in crisis pregnancy; abused children; victims of domestic violence; and those families and individuals who find themselves homeless as a result of job loss or catastrophic illness. In 2002 alone over 6,000 homeless men, women and children found refuge at a HomeAid shelter.

For information, call (949) 553-9510 or visit the website at www.homeaidoc.org.