Saugus teen takes a hike for charity

SAUGUS – Saugus resident Courtney Whyte turned 16 recently, but she didn?t have a big birthday bash. Instead, Whyte had her Sweet 16 hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire to raise money for a domestic violence charity.Whyte joined around 50 women who hiked nearly 20 miles over three days in July as part of Wilderness Heals, a hike to raise money for the Elizabeth Stone House in Roxbury. The Stone House helps homeless people and families “rebuild their lives after experiencing domestic violence, substance abuse and mental illness,” according to the Wilderness Heals website.Whyte said she hiked about five miles the first day, seven the second day and another seven the third day, and slept in cabins on the mountain.?I wanted to make a difference in the community around me,” said Whyte, who will be a junior at Saugus High School in the fall. “I don?t directly know anyone that is directly involved in domestic violence, but everybody knows about the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer ? but not many people talk about domestic violence because it?s hidden behind a wall of silence. I chose to do this to break the wall and break the silence.”Whyte?s goal is to raise $1,500, all of which will go to the Elizabeth Stone House, and after the hike is just $250 away from her goal. While the hike was in July, the fundraising goes until September. Anyone interested in donating may do so online. Whyte said her stepmother and aunt got her involved in Wilderness Heals, which was a perfect match since she?s been hiking since she was young. Whyte?s team even threw her an impromptu birthday party.?My group threw me a little party that I didn?t even know about,” said Whyte, who hiked with her stepmother Erika Whyte and friend Allyson Geer. “They carried a hat that said, ?16? on it and a banner that said, ?Sweet 16? on it and gave it to me on my birthday.”