80-year-old great-grandmother skydives for child-trafficking fight

Shirley Romig of Battle Ground, Washington, will jump from 14,500 feet on Aug. 30 in Mulino, Oregon, with five community members to raise money for Shared Hope International. The fundraiser, called Jump for Justice, aims to bring in $14,500 for the anti-child sex trafficking nonprofit.

Why it matters: - The jump is designed to raise money and attention for Shared Hope International’s work to prevent child sex trafficking, support survivors and push for accountability. - Romig’s stunt gives the organization a visible local fundraiser tied to a simple target: $14,500, or $1 for every foot of the skydive.

What happened: - Shirley Romig, 80, of Battle Ground, Washington, will skydive from 14,500 feet over Mulino, Oregon, on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, at noon. - Five community members will jump with Romig in the event called Jump for Justice. - The fundraiser benefits Shared Hope International, which is based in the region and works against child sex trafficking.

The details: - The fundraising goal is $14,500. - Romig first skydived at age 70 and has made skydiving an annual tradition. - Romig began using the attention around her jumps to support local causes. - In 2025, Romig connected with Shared Hope International and chose the organization as her annual cause. - Romig became more involved in the nonprofit’s local efforts after learning more about child trafficking. - Romig said, “I’ve decided I’m not going to sit still while children are being bought and sold.” - Romig added, “If jumping out of an airplane is what it takes to make people stop and pay attention, then I’ll keep climbing back in the plane. Age is no excuse — every child is worth the leap.” - The other jumpers are Tyler Castle, founder of Castle Farms and 2024 Citizen of the Year; Wendy Brooks; Billy Armstrong of The Reflector; Russell Laratta, owner of Inkability, and his wife, Kendra; and Ashley Mallory, Romig’s granddaughter and a Certified Medical Assistant. - Shared Hope International said every dollar raised will support its prevention, restoration and justice work. - The organization was founded in 1998 by former U.S. Congresswoman Linda Smith. - Shared Hope International’s approach includes education and training, survivor services and policy advocacy. - Donation information is available at Shirley’s Jump for Justice, and more information about the organization is available at Shared Hope International.

Between the lines: - Romig’s annual jump has become a recurring fundraising platform, which gives the cause a built-in story and a repeatable local hook. - The event pairs a personal milestone with a social-issue campaign, which can help the nonprofit reach donors who might not respond to a standard appeal. - Shared Hope International is leaning on community participation, not just one individual, to broaden the event’s visibility.

What's next: - Romig and the five community members are scheduled to make the jump on Aug. 30. - The fundraiser will continue until the $14,500 goal is reached or the event concludes. - Shared Hope International will use the proceeds to support its anti-trafficking programs and advocacy work.

The bottom line: - An 80-year-old great-grandmother is turning a skydive into a local fundraising push for child-trafficking prevention, survivor support and justice.