Local Activist Amped about Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, Campaign Begins to Raise $100K

December 22, 2011

By Jessica Zummo and N.A. D'Agostino, The Revered Review

Being a national entrepreneur, artist, and activist would make anyone’s life a little crazy. Most would not even imagine adding climbing the tallest mountain in Africa to the list. Yet, most aren’t Timothy Kostenko, aka Timmy Grins.

In September of 2012, Grins will be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise money for a disease that recently has hit a little too close to home. Teaming up with Amped 4-A-Cure and his girlfriend Miz Katastrophe, he is now launching an international campaign to help cure cancer. The effort will culminate with the couple climbing the “Shining Mountain.” Their goal is to raise $100,000.

Grins and company will be planting an "Amped 4-A-Cure" flag at the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro next September.

Some Background first please…

In a world full of pessimistic non-believers, there exists an insatiable pursuit of happiness. Attaining happiness is as likely as obtaining the freshest apples on a tree- all we have to do is reach. However, the majority of human beings settle for what is already grounded and easy. They would rather pick up the fruits that others have worked for. Where is the risk? Where is the reward?

Is nobody willing to climb and jump at what they desire? If we never work, we will never have a need to rest. If we never rest, we will never sleep. If we never sleep, we will never dream.

Timothy Kostenko by birth, Timmy Grins by choice, is a dreamer. Through his unparalleled drive and notorious smirk, he has brought about positive change worldwide. With a talent in Hip Hop, Grins has built all of his accomplishments around his passion for music. That foundation began early in the millennium when he was the front man for Hip Hop group “Arcane.” While touring, he developed an innate understanding of the craft, the business and most of all, people.

Though born and raised in New Jersey, Timmy quickly became enamored by the state of Maryland and more specifically the city of Annapolis. There, he found a home on Clay Street. He began a blog called “I Live on Clay Street” which exposed all of the crime and corruption on the streets. By organizing dinners on the street corners (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSx–brQn1c), parties, meetings and other sober non-profit activities, he slowly transformed Clay Street into a more desirable location. He was even recognized on Fox TV for his efforts (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8LE2KHzPlE).

Still not satisfied, he formed the annual “3rd Rail Jam” in 2008. The event is a snowboarding competition that features Hip Hop and art (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWpkt79n0fs). In its opening event, in January 2008, nearly 4,000 people attended. 3rd Rail Jam is now a national tour.

Expanding to his entrepreneurial roots, Timmy and his brother Kevin opened up an ice cream and Italian ice business also in 2008. New York’s Finest is located in Sussex County, New Jersey and is quickly gaining popularity in the area. Its mascot, Eddie Ice Cream, is one of the most recognizable faces in the county. Travie McCoy of Gym Class Heroes and friend of Grins helped to kick off the buzz and appeared at the shop in ’08.

In his irresponsible youth, Grins battled with the addiction of alcohol. Now sober, he has become an enormous voice against drinking and driving. His poem “Last Call” has become an anthem for the cause and is opening tens of thousands of eyes around the globe. In Alcoholics Anonymous, he met a 19-year-old man that had woken up in jail one morning and was told he had driven drunk the night before and had killed 2 people and critically injured 2 others. Inspired from the unfortunate story of his friend, he mixed in his own experiences and created a masterpiece. Grins currently speaks nationally at schools and other venues to spread his message.

Furthermore, in 2010, with his grandparents Peg and Bill in mind, he began raising awareness for Alzheimer’s. He released his song “Legacy” which featured his late Grandfather’s saying “keep looking forward” in the lyrics. Grins has “look forward” tattooed on his left wrist.

All of this hard work and dedication has come with some major recognition. In November of 2010, Timmy Grins was invited to and recognized by Oprah Winfrey’s show as a “Local Hero.” The show had to narrow down their search to approximately 150 people that they considered heroes. The world consists of 7 billion people.
Grins and other heroes received many gifts of gratitude, including a cruise.

This cruise brought “validation that good people win,” said Grins.

The Sky is NOT the Limit…

Grins and Katastrophe used the cruise as a think tank, and it was there that “everything started falling into place.” With Grins’ ability to use music to “portray a positive impact” and his girlfriend’s skills with lyrical magic, “Dreamers” was born.

“I would love to see this song be the catalyst for us towards a successful campaign,” said Grins.

Initially, the historic climb was to fight Alzheimer’s disease, yet when Katastrophe’s mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, the goal shifted gears.

Katastrophe’s mom, Julieta Mira, was diagnosed with the disease this past summer. Mira is thrilled that she inspired this campaign.

“It is because of this that I am climbing with Tim,” Katastrophe said. “I am so proud of my mom. She is surviving the cancer and she is my hero.”

The couple is in hopes to raise $100,000, starting January 1, 2012. “Prevention and early detection is the cure itself,” said Grins.

Taking the long hike with them will be eight other heroes, all raising $15,000 each.

The next few months will consist of fundraisers, events, and lots of training. “We will be climbing through five different climates,” added Grins.

“This is the most ambitious thing I have ever done,” said Grins. “Everything anyone does should be a rallying cry for an impact. This is mine.”

Katastrophe and Grins smiling at each other while telling the tale of two lives joined to make a difference in the world.

The launch of this international campaign will be kicked off Friday Dec 23, 2011 in Vernon NJ. “DREAMERS” Music Video Release & Amped Adventures Launch Party is a public event. This “very special holiday fundraiser” will open its doors at 8pm at the Vernon VFW #8441,
313 Rt. 94. For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/events/325187637509227/.

Evidently, Grins is one of those rare individuals who doesn’t take the easy way out. He embodies what every individual should strive to become. Not only has he accomplished great things, but he inspires those around him to do the same. It is said that “A good leader makes others believe in them. A great leader makes others believe in themselves.”

So what do you do when all your dreams start to come true? “Dream bigger,” Grins said, with well…a grin from ear to ear.

Who is willing to climb for what they desire? Grins is, both figuratively and literally.

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