Amber Dygert
Over the years, I’ve lost track of how many times someone has shot me a puzzled look and asked, “why did you decide to become a fundraiser?”
I can tell you it wasn’t because I enjoy writing a mountain’s worth of #GivingTuesday blogs! I love supporting The Mountaineers through fundraising because I’m a passionate believer in the work we do and the impact that charitable donors make possible. I’m especially proud to rope-up with our community of members and volunteers to fund scholarships, because I know how much financial support matters to the youth, adults, and families who receive it.
Meet Jen
I wanted to share one last story from a scholarship recipient that really warmed my heart. It came from Jen, a mother of two adventurous young girls who share a passion for the outdoors. Thanks to scholarship support from Mountaineers donors, her daughters are able to attend summer camp and experience hiking, rock climbing, paddling, and more. While the girls believe they have the “best mom ever”’ for sending them to camp, Jen and I both know that Mountaineers members also deserve credit for being the “best donors ever” by helping make their experiences possible:
“My girls' determination, sense of adventure, and optimism about the future and the amazing things they can do began with The Mountaineers. Summer camp has given them the opportunity to flourish and explore in ways that would not ever have been possible without the generous support of the scholarship program. In our household, summer camp is a privilege and I cannot do a lot for them as far as extracurricular activities go. But I am the best mom ever when I sign them up for this camp!”
What I love about her story is that it paints a picture of transformative beginnings – one that not only benefits her daughters, but the places they’re growing to love, too:
“Your gifts help my young children experience a world they can only see during the summer, only at The Mountaineers, and only with the help of generous supporters like you. Know that by donating to The Mountaineers, you’re helping grow future climbers, paddlers, and land protectors. The future of our great outdoors lies directly in the hands of those who are set to inherit it. When you support kids like mine, you help ensure a bright future for our beautiful Pacific Northwest.
“Thank you so much. You helped my daughters gain experiences that even myself as a child could only dream about. I’m a mother who is trying her hardest but can’t do it alone. Your support means the world to me.”
Your gift of any size makes a difference for budding recreationists and families like Jen’s. We are only $6,500 away from our $20,000 fundraising goal. Before you head to bed tonight, I hope you’ll consider making a donation and making more stories like theirs possible.
LAST CHANCE to double your scholarship impact
First time Peak Society donors have the opportunity to double the impact of their gift by making a personal contribution of $1,000 or more. When you elect to upgrade to a Peak Society membership with a first-time gift at this level, your scholarship gift will be 100% matched by a generous pool of donors, up to $20,000. All gifts of $1,000 or more from new Peak Society donors received from November 15 through December 31, 2021 are eligible. Please contact me at amberc@mountaineers.org with questions.
The Mountaineers® is a 501(c)(3) organization supported through earned revenue and elevated through charitable contributions, tax ID:27-3009280, 7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115.
