The Mountaineers
Each year, The Mountaineers partner with Banff Mountain Film Festival to bring their World Tour to the Pacific Northwest. In addition to a heavy dose of stoke, the festival provides a gathering place to visit with old friends and new adventure buddies. Banff also provides the prefect venue to recognize and celebrate our Peak Society donors, who bolster our ability to serve a growing outdoor community in ways we could not do with earned revenue alone.
As a Peak Society member, donors are part of a distinguished group of individuals who share our vision to educate and engage the next generation of recreationists and conservationists by making an annual gift of $1,000 or more to support The Mountaineers. These contributions are an essential part of how we expand and accelerate impact, touch more lives, and create deeper, richer experiences in the outdoors.
Peak Society membership has grown 70% in the last three years alone. There are currently 337 Peak Society memberships, representing almost 500 individuals and households who have committed to leadership-level generosity. The growth of Peak Society represents a growing culture of philanthropy at The Mountaineers, and an incredible opportunity for us to deliver our mission with more impact. We are excited to host a larger reception next year in the Benaroya Grand Lobby Promenade.
We were honored yesterday to celebrate this important part of our community at the beautiful Benaroya Hall. In conjunction with the ever-popular Banff Mountain Film Festival, we hosted a lively Peak Society reception before the show. Once again, we filled the Norcliffe Founders Room and overheard joyful conversation, sharing stories about summer excursions and excitement for winter adventures.
The highlight of the evening was looking around the room and fully absorbing the impact that this influential group of people holds. From conversations around the importance of scholarships and outdoor equity programs to discussions about the mission impact created through philanthropic support, it’s clear that our work wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of this impactful group.
Just before seven o’clock, we ushered everyone to their seats in the auditorium to join an almost-full house. Over the next three hours, we sat in awe, captivated by some of the best mountain films of the year. Eight short films inspired us to seek adventure, preserve tradition, and remain hopeful as we fight to protect our natural world.
The journey to becoming a Peak Society member looks different for everyone, but often the inspiration for a member’s first leadership gift stems from an influential learning experience, place, or book.
Interested in supporting The Mountaineers by joining Peak Society? Here are some ways you can make a qualifying gift in support of our mission and programs:
- Make a one-time gift of $1,000, $2,500, $5,000, $7,500 or $10,000 to the annual fund
- Make a multi-payment pledge of $1,000 or make a monthly unrestricted donation of $84 for 12 months
- Raise the paddle at the $1,000 or more level at a Mountaineers signature fundraising event (Note: Event ticket prices and auction purchases do not qualify towards Peak Society enrollment)
- Submit your volunteer hours for a $1,000 corporate matching gift from your employer to The Mountaineers annual fund
- Make a gift of securities valued at $1,000 or more
- Renew your Peak Society membership annually (your My Profile page will tell you when it's time)
You can find more information by visiting our Peak Society page or reaching out to development@mountaineers.org. We host multiple appreciation events such as this one throughout the year and we'd love to see you there!
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.
