This summer as she has been preparing college applications, Menlo School senior and marathon swimmer Angel More was struck with yet another way she could give to others. 

Working with Children International, a global nonprofit aimed at helping break the cycle of poverty,  More launched a two-year campaign called Angel’s Hope with the goal of raising $1 million. She intends to create scholarships for 5,000 teens around the world so that they can pursue their education in high school, college or technical school. Just two-plus weeks in, More has already raised nearly $15,000. 

“Since I’m a rising senior, I’ve been reflecting a lot on school especially as I’m writing essays,” More said. “I know just how important education is - to support yourself and land a good job. There are a lot of deserving kids who want to go to school, go to college and who might not have had the same opportunities that I have had.” 

It’s not the first time More has drawn on her own experiences then found a way to help. More has been connected with Children International for years, a nonprofit her family has long supported.

Not only is she a world-record breaking marathon swimmer, More is also a triathlete and hiker. At 10 years old, she set the record for the youngest person to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa. Endurance swimming, however, is her passion. She has completed the Alcatraz swim more than 50 times. 

Last year, More became the youngest to complete the California Triple Crown of Marathon Swimming after covering the Santa Barbara Channel, Catalina Channel and Tahoe totaling more than 50 miles. Not long after, she organized Escape from Alcatraz to Escape from Poverty with Menlo teammates, Menlo soccer coach Marc Kerrest and area high school swimmers, and raised more than $8,000. 

This Saturday, to help kick off her Angel’s Hope campaign, More will return to one of her favorite places - “I’m really excited. I really like New York. It’s lively - there’s so much to do.“  She plans to swim around Manhattan Island, covering 28 miles.  

These past few weeks, she has been swimming 20-25 miles a week to prepare for Saturday when she will swim Manhattan Island, covering 28 miles in 70 degree waters. Her swims have as much to do with an athletic endeavor as to raise awareness about poverty worldwide. She shifts the media attention she receives for swimming record-breaking distances in often difficult conditions to talk about Children International.

More was thrilled when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, recently designated Children International as one of the Forces of Change, a social media conversation to highlight global efforts. It got her thinking about swimming the English Channel.

Until then, More already has plans after Manhattan. At the end of July, More took on Estero Bay in San Luis Obispo County. She swam 11 miles over eight hours before her crew decided to pull her. She had three miles to go but with strong winds and cold waters, her crew considered her pace and decided it was time to stop.  It was the first time, she was pulled from a swim. So, she is determined to try again: In September, she will try again, trying to become the first female swimmer and youngest to tackle the 15-mile route. 

For information on More’s campaign, visit Angel’s Hope or to sponsor a child, visit Children International