Fundraising teen sleeps outside every night for a year



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A Minnesota teen is doing what, in this weather, seems like the unthinkable -- all for a two very important causes. 17-year-old Rudy Hummel has spent every night since last June sleeping outside.

"Once you block the door it holds heat in pretty well," said Hummel as he settled in his quinzee snow hut Saturday night, February 1st.

Hummel normally spends his nights in the backyard of his Minnesota home, but this weekend he is sleeping outside his grandfather's house in Milwaukee. The teen is visiting the area for his grandfather's 90th birthday.

Hummel began sleeping outdoors as a summer challenge but didn't feel it was hard enough. He decided to spend every night outside for an entire year as a fundraiser to benefit Habitat for Humanity and a nature organization.

"For some fundraisers you might pledge money for every mile a runner runs or every mile a swimmer swims. I thought people might do that for every night I slept outside," said Hummel.

Believe it or not, the teen says Wisconsin feels warm.

"It was something like 29 degrees yesterday and I've been dealing with a lot of stuff below zero," said Hummel.

Hummel's parents say their son's determination is something they're very proud of.

"Sometimes I think when I grow up, I'd like to be like Rudy in terms of his focus and his dedication," said his father, Mark Hummel.

Hummel's mother says she does worry about her son and will go outside to check on him from time to time. The teen says sleeping outside is something he will continue to do regardless of what mother nature has in store.

If you would like to donate to Rudy's cause, CLICK HERE.