With skydiving, traveling Europe, getting his pilot’s license and scuba diving already under his belt, Lake Orion resident Michael Balian is well on his way to accomplishing yet another goal: to climb to the top of a mountain.

Balian hasn’t set his sights on just any mountain. He is set to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the largest mountain in Africa, near the end of February. While working at achieving his own goal, he will be helping others as well by raising for money for Lighthouse of Oakland County. Lighthouse is a nonprofit organization based in Pontiac that helps raise funds for resources to help those in need of food, utility assistance, housing and more.

“I’m looking forward to giving back to the community,” said Balian, a lawyer in Rochester Hills. “I think it’s an important thing for children to learn — it’s not always about yourself. If you can help others as you’re helping yourself, it’s a wonderful thing to do.”

Adventure paired with giving

Much of Balian’s motivation for the climb came from his desire to show his three children, ranging in age from 4 to 14, that they can accomplish big things at any age and that lending a hand to those in need is good practice. Paired with his love for adventure and traveling, the idea is something that 50-year-old Balian couldn’t let go.

“I’ve always gone on different adventures throughout my life,” Balian said. “You need to have an adventure in your life every once in a while to make yourself feel alive.”

The idea to raise money for charity while achieving his goal came to Balian from friends soon after he made the decision to climb Kilimanjaro. He decided that $5,000 was his goal for the initiative, with all proceeds going to Lighthouse. John Ziraldo, CEO of Lighthouse, likes that someone in the local community came up with such a creative approach to raising funds for the group's cause. 

Balian chose Lighthouse because he liked its mission and wanted to focus on a local charity. He grew up in Rochester, is a managing partner at Balian & Busse, PLC in Rochester Hills and has lived in Lake Orion since 1999 — and he said he wanted the money to stay close to his roots. In the past, Balian has worked in a variety of area soup kitchens, been a part of Leadership Oakland and served on the board of directors for North Oakland Family YMCA.

“We’re thrilled that he would reach out to us in this way — absolutely delighted,” Ziraldo said. “It’s a terrific thing for us … it makes people aware that you don’t have to volunteer hours of their time every week to make a difference for us.”

A little afraid of heights

After a year of getting in shape and shedding 30 pounds, Balian said he is in the best shape of his life and thinks he is prepared for the challenge. The only things that he foresees possibly standing in his way would be the weather or if his body can’t acclimate to the altitude.

He said if he enjoys the climb, he might set a new goal for himself — to climb the tallest mountain on every continent. He added that he would be interested in raising money in unique ways in the future as well.

In spite of his confidence, Balian did admit he is a little afraid of heights but thinks he will be able to tolerate the climb because it is gradual.

“I don’t think I will realize the enormity of it until I get there,” he said. 

The climb will take about five days to reach the summit and three days down. Balian said he is trying to limit what he brings up the mountain to just 20 pounds. Though he hasn’t started his trek to the top of the mountain yet, his children are already getting the message.

“My daughter wants to go on my next adventure with me,” Balian said proudly.

If you’re interested in following Balian’s climb, check out his Facebook page for the initiative here. To donate to the cause, visit lighthouseoakland.org or send a check to P.O. Box 430508, Pontiac, MI 48343-0508 addressed to Balian LOC Fundraiser, c/o Lighthouse of Oakland County.