‘Snore Outdoors’ 17-Year Old Now Supports Charities; Continues To Sleep Outside and Will Be at Fitgers Saturday

Rudy Hummel decided last June to challenge himself and see if he could sleep outside for a full summer.  Now the 17-year-old high school student who has generated international attention for extending his challenge for a full year—even through our natsy, cold weather this winter cold—has turned challenge into charity.

Hummel will make his “Snore Outdoors” quest a fundraiser for two charities: Habitat for Humanity, which provides quality housing to those without it, and Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth, which educates thousands of adults and children annually about migratory birds and nature.

“I thought about what’s important to me, like the outdoors. I also thought about how many people have to sleep outside all the time, without sleeping bags or warm clothing,” Hummel said. “At first glance, these don’t seem very well connected, but to me they are. Caring for people is important, and so is caring for the environment that sustains us. Treating nature well is treating each other well, both now, and for generations yet to come. It’s our habitat, too. We all live on this planet together.”

Supporters can learn more about Hummel’s Snore Outdoors quest and can easily contribute to Habitat for Humanity and Hawk Ridge through donation buttons on his website, snoreoutdoors.com. Followers can keep track of his outdoor sleeping project on the site and through his Snore Outdoors pages on Facebook and Twitter (@snoreoutdoors).

Hummel began his quest June 7, 2013, by sleeping in his back yard. Through challenging weather and family trips out of town, he has maintained his outdoor sleeping streak. When winter struck northern Minnesota with above-average snowfall and below-average temperatures, Hummel built a quinzhee, or snow hut, in his backyard. He has been sleeping there for several weeks, including when overnight temperatures have plunged to near 30 below zero Fahrenheit. He uses a combination of cold-weather clothing and gear to stay warm. His parents support his effort and work with him to keep him safe.

On Saturday, Hummel will trade his quinzhee for an ice house that Habitat for Humanity has built in the courtyard of the Fitger’s Inn complex in Duluth to raise awareness about their efforts. Hummel will discuss his quest and his fundraising effort at 2:30 p.m. Saturday Jan. 25 on the Lakewalk side of Fitger’s, 600 E. Superior St.

Take advantage of this opportunity to meet a very special young man and wish him continued success as temperatures next Sunday night into Monday may be the coldest yet!