The Mountaineers
We are less than a month away from The Mountaineers Annual Gala: Adventure with Purpose! While you still have time to register for your free ticket to attend the virtual Gala, it’s the last call for meal purchases from Kaspars Catering. Crusted halibut, rainbow carrot cake, specialty cocktails and hibiscus mocktails - oh my!
Kaspars will provide dinner for the whole family (including mac and cheese and for the kids). We’re 80% of the way towards our meal sales goal! Help us take advantage of our catering credit from the cancelled in-person 2020 Gala by enjoying a delicious four-course meal on April 29. All funds from meal and beverage sales directly support donor-funded Mountaineers programs, so you can feel good about dining in.
VIP adult entree purchases include delivery within a 10 mile radius of The Mountaineers Seattle Program Center. 100% of the proceeds from meal sales support the event’s $360,000 fundraising goal.
The Gala will be hosted virtually on Thursday, April 29 from 7-8pm. In addition to the online auction, this one-hour event will include a creative celebration of our 2020 Volunteer Award winners, Mountaineers musical guests, and more! Be sure to register today to be on the list to receive the special auction link, as well as the main event’s live stream link. The virtual Gala is free to attend, with 100% of proceeds from optional ticket donations, meal sales, auction items, and raise the paddle gifts supporting mission-driven priorities at The Mountaineers. Register today!
Auction Preview
In addition to great food from Kaspars Catering, our 2021 virtual Gala will include incredible opportunities to bid on unique experiences, adventurous getaways, beautiful artwork, and awesome outdoor gear. With over 50 auction packages, you can feel great knowing that your next vacation or new swag benefits a cause you care about.
Check out this preview of our 2021 auction:
Final auction packages are still under development and may be subject to change. A detailed list of items, values, and donors will be available once the auction is published on April 22.
Wanderlust: Two First Class Flights to Your Next Adventure
After a year of wanderlusting, travel in style with two roundtrip tickets on United Airlines! If you’ve always wanted to treat yourself to a little bit of luxury, these first class tickets will give you the ultimate comfort and convenience as you travel to your next adventure. Escape to the warm beaches of the Caribbean, trek through the Tour du Mont Blanc in the French Alps, or cruise past the Norwegian fjords - the sky is truly the limit!
Whether you’re in the air for a quick domestic flight or an international redeye, bring your adventurous travel memoir from Mountaineers Books, The Road to San Donato, to inspire your journey. Kick back with that extra leg room and enjoy your flight.
You and a friend can fly first class to anywhere United Airlines flies in Europe, Central America, the Caribbean, and North America (including Alaska and Hawaii!). Not sure where to go? Use this interactive map to find flights to great destinations. Gaze out the window and watch Rainier fade into the distance - you’re on your way!
Climb Rainier with Tom Vogl and Vik Sahney
Arguably the most iconic mountain in the Pacific Northwest, Mount Rainier looms over Puget Sound. An epic giant dominating the horizon, many have wondered what the world looks like from its 14,411-foot summit. Now is your chance to bid on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attempt the climb with Mountaineers CEO, Tom Vogl, and Board President, Vik Sahney. Tom and Vik will co-lead you and five other adventurous package winners to the top of Washington’s highest peak via the Emmons Glacier Route.
Still wondering if you should join? Read what one previous package winner had to say:
We knew going into the 2019 Gala that we wanted to make a meaningful contribution to The Mountaineers and the Rainier trip was the perfect fit. We won't soon forget the great conversations and the new friends that we made along the way. We were so proud that everyone made it to the summit together. What a trip!"
Know before you go with Mountaineers Books guide, Mount Rainier: A Climbing Guide. This title is your perfect resource, packed with the technical guidance you need to climb the mountain. Whether you’re a casual climber or an aspiring pro, don’t miss out on this epic adventure!
Group Watercolor Painting Lesson with Molly Hashimoto
Learn to observe, sketch, and paint nature from award-winning artist and art teacher Molly Hashimoto! Molly is dedicated to connecting people of all ages to nature through her hands-on art experiences. She teaches and leads plein air (outdoor) watercolor workshops around the West, including at North Cascades Institute, Yellowstone Forever Institute, and Sitka Center for Art and Ecology. Molly’s work has been exhibited throughout the Pacific Northwest, and now is your chance to learn from an artist who’s truly mastered her craft.
You and three friends will join this Mountaineers Books author for a 2-hour private plein air watercolor session in your choice of Seattle’s beautiful parks. Explore natural wonders, popular landmarks, and flora and fauna through this artist’s lens while picking up watercoloring skills in the process. Take your new Daniel Smith Extra Fine watercolor half pan set (recommended by Molly herself!) with you and stock up on any other supplies you need with a $25 gift card to Artist & Craftsman Seattle.
For a little extra education (and a beautiful centerpiece for your coffee table!), this package will include one of Molly’s books, Colors of the West, published by Mountaineers Books, to better “see” the colors in the world around you.
Corduroy at Crystal
Shred through the trees or cruise the corduroy at Crystal Mountain! With open space, expansive terrain, and epic views of Mt. Rainier, Crystal Mountain is one of the premier ski resorts in Washington. Fit for the whole family, Crystal is offering four anytime lift tickets for the 2021-2022 season. Slip on a new pair of goggles from Spy+ and race down the Exterminator or venture onto Forest Queen. Pull up a chair on the summit to snack on a PB&J, or end the day at the base for après-ski at Raven Hall.
Only been to Crystal in the winter? Not anymore! Check out the mountain in the summer to experience breathtaking views and miles of hiking trails through lush meadows filled with colorful wildflowers. Even better - take a ride on the Mt. Rainier Gondola using your four scenic gondola passes and stop for lunch at Summit House at almost 7,000 feet. Crystal Mountain is the ideal outdoor playground all year round!
The Mountaineers online auction will go live on April 22 and culminate on April 29 during the on-air event. Our online auction will include gear, trips, stays, and more - over 50 biddable items and packages in total. Register today to make sure you are on the list to bid on these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
Interested in receiving benefits as a Gala sponsor or have questions about the event? Visit our event page or contact Sarah MacGillivray at sarahm@mountaineers.org.
