The Mountaineers
We’ve got something very exciting in store for you at our July 23 virtual Gala. It’ll be an uplifting reminder that, even in the middle of a pandemic, outdoor celebrities are just like us. As a little teaser, we can say that you’ll be hearing from many of our special guests from previous galas (including Jimmy Chin and Lynn Hill!). Want to hear how athletes entertain their kids during quarantine, or where our authors plan to travel as soon as they can? Tune in on July 23 to find out!
To ensure you don’t miss any of our updates or reminders about the event, be sure to either pre-register for the online auction or sign up for the free virtual event! Now, for your auction sneak peek:
Ice Climbing with Steve Swenson in Canmore, Alberta
Steve Swenson is a Mountaineers Board Director, Mountaineers Books author, and one of the most accomplished climbers on the planet.
Last summer, Steve Swenson made history by standing atop the 23,100-foot peak Link Sar. Joined by a team of three others, they were the first to summit what was one of the highest remaining unclimbed peaks in the world. Swenson was already a remarkably accomplished alpinist, being the recipient of the prestigious Piolet d’Or Award, but astonished the mountaineering world yet again with this historic feat.
Now is your chance to ice climb with a true living legend.
Win this package and you’ll stay in the cozy climber’s apartment at Steve Swenson’s winter home in Canmore, Alberta – approximately 50 miles west of Calgary near the southeast boundary of Banff National Park. Steve will spend two days ice climbing with you and a partner, bringing you to all of the best spots in the area. After a long day of climbing, enjoy a relaxing evening with Steve and his wife, Ann, over a home-cooked meal and a glass of wine.
To outfit this trip, Rab will provide you with a Muztag GTX Jacket, Ascendor Pants, and Pivot Gloves. Black Diamond will supply two Fuel Ice Tools, Cyborg Crampons, and six varied Express Ice Screws. Before you arrive, get to know Steve by reading your new copy of his acclaimed book, Karakoram, published by Mountaineers Books.
After a few years in the auction, this will be the last time this package is offered at The Mountaineers Gala. Don’t miss your final opportunity on July 23 to win this trip of a lifetime.
Fly Fishing in the Tetons: May 22-26, 2021
Experience the beautiful western flanks of the Tetons at the warm and welcoming Windigo Lodge. You and five guests will enjoy a five-night stay in this private, family-owned lodge that offers all the modern conveniences you want, with the quiet and relaxing atmosphere you need!
Feeling adventurous? Jackson Hole is only 22 miles to the east, Grand Teton National Park is an hour-and-a-half drive away, and Yellowstone National Park only a half an hour further. If you’d rather stay close to home, take a wildlife walk right from the Lodge up the Game Creek Drainage, or embark on an epic hike into the Jedediah Smith Wilderness. At the end of each day, treat yourself to a barbecue on the back deck and a relaxing soak under the stars in your private outdoor hot tub.
When you’re ready to take your experience to the water, Western River Anglers will provide you and one guest with a full day of guided fly fishing that is an unparalleled experience for both beginners and experts. This includes a delicious shoreline picnic with scenic views and a professional staff who are excited to exceed your expectations.
To outfit your adventure, Filson is providing you with two Foul Weather Fishing Vests, a Tin Cloth Fishing Pack, two hats, and a Compact Rod Case. Pack your fishing gear, your new Stanley Pro Camp Set (perfect for your next fishing adventure!), and David Guterson’s book Turn Around Time into your two new waterproof Ortlieb duffles.
Special thanks to Lorna Corrigan and the Corrigan family.
Shopping Spree at evo with founder bryce phillips
When evo founder and CEO, Bryce Phillips, started the organization, he had a vision to make lives better by crafting elevated customer and employee experiences, fostering human connections, and igniting passions while leveraging the ability to give back. The result is an iconic outdoor Seattle-based brand and business that serves our greater outdoor community.
By winning this package you will get a $1,000 evo gift card to use toward products, travel, or services. As an added bonus, evo is also including a private shopping experience for you and five of your friends at the Fremont evo store with their exceptional team of gear experts. The winner of the package can use their gift certificate for this shopping spree, and joining friends will get 10% off their purchases. As a cherry on top, CEO Bryce Phillips will join you and your group on this priceless shopping experience to lend his expert advice on gear.
Family Fun for wildlife Lovers
Seattle has one of the most diverse ecosystems in the country, and now is your family’s chance to explore its natural wonders!
With your 4 tickets to the Woodland Park Zoo, spend the day at this award-winning facility, with exhibits ranging from temperate forest to the African savanna. Conserving animals is at the heart of their work and will inspire wildlife advocacy in anyone who visits. And in case the sun is shining, Rheos is including a pair of Minnows Sunglasses for kids plus a quick-drying baseball cap.
Next, take your family to the Seattle Aquarium with your 4 guest passes to learn about our Puget Sound. You’ll have the opportunity to meet Vincent the giant Pacific octopus, and many other marine mammals during daily talks and feedings. Here you will learn that we all have an awesome responsibility to protect and restore our marine environment - and it all starts with understanding and exploration.
Speaking of exploration, Mountaineers Books is including their new title Nature Obscura to help you rediscover the natural world just outside your front door. This book reveals the complex micro-habitats and surprising nature found right in the middle of your city!
Tinte Cellars: Your Secret Crush!
Join Tinte Cellars this harvest season for a day and experience what life is like as a winemaker during the fall crush. You’ll be part of their production team working side-by-side with their winemakers sorting fruit, sampling fresh grapes, and helping with the crush.
For this special “secret crush” experience you’ll get down and dirty, and work for your wine. Grab a friend and work a day at the crush at their winery in Woodinville with some of Washington’s best winemakers, Noah Fox Reed and Rebecca Germano of Tinte Cellars. Learn secrets known only to a few and finish your day enjoying an exclusive wine tasting of the finished product.
Tinte Cellars is a family-owned winery with a vision of producing great wine for the greater good. Today, Tinte Cellars’ goal of crafting world-class wines and generously giving back to the community is being realized, as Tinte Cellars successfully bridges philanthropy with operation of a premium Washington State winery producing award-winning wines.
In the coming weeks we will also continue to reveal a few more of our celebrity guests, so be sure to keep up-to-date on our website. Next week will be our last auction sneak peek as all packages (beside maybe a few surprise items) will be revealed on July 8. Stay tuned!
Don’t forget to pre-register for the auction - with our online platform it’s simple, easy, and fun! All auction packages will be uploaded for viewing by July 8 and bidding will occur the week of July 17-23. If the auction isn’t for you but you would like to attend our live presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award with Sally Jewell and Governor Dan Evans, you can register for free online. Please reach out to Tyler Dunning at tylerd@mountaineers.org with any questions. This auction is for everyone - so tell all your friends!
