Dr. Vonda Wright and the Buck Institute for Research on Aging have launched the Move the Mountain campaign — a philanthropic initiative that combines a gruelling endurance challenge. The fundraising goal is $79 million, which will support the establishment of The Vonda Wright Women's Health Foundation at the Buck Institute's Center for Healthy Aging in Women. It will create a permanent research home dedicated to understanding women's unique biology and its impact on healthspan.
The Dr. Vonda Wright x Buck Institute for Research on Aging campaign is anchored by Dr. Wright's personal commitment to complete a 79-mile mountain challenge, beginning with the 29029 Trails Race in Park City, Utah, in September 2026 and continuing with the 29029 Everesting Race in 2027.
Image Credit: Dr. Vonda Wright and the Buck Institute for Research on Aging
What's Driving This Trend
- Endurance-led Fundraising
- High-visibility athletic commitments are transforming philanthropy into immersive storytelling platforms that connect donors to measurable physical sacrifice and long-term research missions.
- Women-centered Longevity Research
- Greater focus on female biology is creating space for specialized healthspan science, personalized prevention models, and funding ecosystems built around historically underrepresented medical needs.
- Experiential Philanthropy Campaigns
- Mission-driven challenges are blending adventure, media, and charitable giving into participatory campaigns that deepen emotional engagement beyond traditional donation appeals.
Who This Affects Most
- Biomedical Research
- Institutions focused on aging science are positioned to expand sex-specific research infrastructure as demand grows for evidence-based approaches to longer, healthier lives.
- Nonprofit Fundraising
- Charitable organizations can benefit from campaign formats that merge personal narratives, endurance milestones, and digital visibility to attract new donor communities.
- Women’s Health
- The sector is gaining momentum as dedicated foundations and research centers address gaps in diagnostics, prevention, and longevity care for women.
