Tom Vogl
Earlier this week we had to make a hard decision in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and our commitment to the health and safety of our community. In partnership with our Gala Co-Chairs and Event Committee, we officially rescheduled The Mountaineers Gala: Adventure with Purpose to July 23, 2020.
On Wednesday we sent a communication to Gala attendees announcing the decision to reschedule the Gala. While we are deeply disappointed, we’re thankful that this decision aligns perfectly with Governor Inslee’s proclamation to prohibit large gatherings.
We’re excited that we will still be honoring Governor Daniel J. Evans with a Lifetime Achievement Award and welcoming special guests Sally Jewell and Sir Chris Bonington to Fremont Studios on July 23. We are thankful to all of those who were involved in making this rescheduling miracle a reality.
What I admire about our Mountaineers community is that I’ve already received numerous inquiries from members like you asking how we can band together and make sure we’re financially stable during this time. Community celebrations like the Gala bring in over $400,000 of funding that supports our ability to deliver mission-critical outdoor education and conservation programs. This special event accounts for 25% of our organization’s fundraising revenue, and without it, we are less able to serve the needs of our members, volunteers, and greater community.
In response to your questions, we are launching a new fundraising adventure for The Mountaineers and a reimagined Gala experience that will be available for the entire membership. Throughout a week-long virtual campaign from March 30-April 4, we’ll be posting fun videos from our volunteer leadership, announcing a special matching fund, and launching our very first online auction. A portion of our silent auction will be available for all members to participate. Get ready to bid on these amazing packages from the comfort of your own home!
To help you start dreaming of the adventures to come, we put together an online auction catalog. Inside, you’ll find packages like this one from Stevens Pass:
Epic Adventures for Two at Stevens Pass
Special thanks: Spy Optic, Stevens Pass
Value: $1,630
For bluebird skies and epic snow conditions, head to the crest of the Cascades: Stevens Pass! Now is your chance to secure two 2020/2021 unrestricted season passes! The 1,125 acres of deep powder, numerous bowls, and steep slopes will keep you busy all winter long. To keep you fueled for your snow-filled adventures, Stevens Resort is throwing in a $100 gift card - good for any restaurant at the resort.
To outfit your adventure, Spy Optic is providing you one pair of Raider Snow Goggles and one pair of Legacy Snow Goggles - perfect gear for both style and function!
Other packages include:
- Experience the National Parks - Tami Asars Wonderland Consultation
- Wake Surfing on Lake Washington
- One Week in Whistler, BC
- Boost Your Bouldering with Momentum Climbing
- Host a Book Club with David Guterson
We encourage you to peruse our auction catalog and check back regularly as we add a dozen more exciting packages, including an opportunity to climb Mount Rainier with former Park Director Mike Gauthier!
We are also hosting a Virtual Raise the Paddle. Your gift today teaches courage to young people, inspires thousands of stories of perseverance and adventure, and supports leaders and educators who, in turn, make us better Mountaineers. This is our largest fundraiser of the year, and all donations help to sustain mission-critical outdoor education and conservation programs. We will launch our virtual campaign on March 30 and announce a special opportunity to help raise funds to sustain our programs. If you are ready to pledge your paddle raise today, we have set up a special donation page to do so. Even if you were planning to attend the gala and make a gift, I invite you to join me in an online paddle raise this month.
As you can imagine, the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak are significant across our Pacific Northwest communities, and especially within The Mountaineers. Your generosity is critical now more than ever. We thank you in advance for your support of The Mountaineers.
For those who have already purchased tickets to the Gala on April 4, your seats will carry over to July 23, 2020. If you are unable to attend on July 23 or would like to purchase tickets, please contact our development team at development@mountaineers.org. We will be happy to issue a refund for your purchase or provide an updated receipt that converts your support to a 100% tax-deductible donation.
We encourage you to stay informed on King County’s regularly updated COVID-19 guidance and let us know if you or your loved ones need extra support during this time. If you have questions or want to chat further, please reach out by calling 206-521-6004.
