Local Heroes: Doug and Melinda McCaw

Chasing the Sky will help elevate kids.

It’s an impressive feat to complete the entire 490-mile Colorado Trail (CT) as a fast-pack trail run, yet it becomes an even more notable achievement when the effort also benefits kids. Doug and Melinda McCaw set out to do just that in July of 2020, turning their personal challenge into a philanthropic accomplishment. As a fundraiser to help two local nonprofits in their local community of Grand Junction, Kids Aid and Intermountain Adventist Academy, the couple successfully completed the trail in 18 days, raising $21,000 to date. 

The McCaws partnered with InFilms and Design to create a documentary called Chasing the Sky. The film crew was with them throughout their training and for the full experience on the CT. Chasing the Sky has two upcoming showings: 6 p.m. on Oct. 14 at the Colorado Mesa University ballroom, and 6 p.m. on Oct. 27 at The Picture Show in Grand Junction. The team is currently working to get the film on Amazon, Netflix, Venmo On-Demand, and is also submitting it to several film festivals for be consideration. Learn more about the film and fundraising project at helpelevatekids.com. 

Cover photo: Melinda (left) and Doug McCaw completed the entire 490-mile Colorado Trail in July of 2020 as a fast-pack trail run in just 18 days. In addition to creating the documentary Chasing the Sky, the McCaws raised $21,000 so far for two Grand Junction nonprofits.