The Mountaineers
Planning a gala today is much different than it was a few months ago. It now includes the intricate dance of supporting Safe Start Washington, shifting catering logistics for pickups and home deliveries, and all sorts of new multi-media technicalities. But for the team of staff and volunteers involved in auction planning, we’re having a lot of fun dreaming up a reimagined gala.
Thanks to the many businesses that support us with their incredible donations, planning an auction for The Mountaineers is one of the best jobs around. One day we may receive an entire box of the latest climbing gear, and the next a signed print from a famous outdoor photographer. Many of these packages will remain surprises until we reveal the full lineup on July 8, so don’t forget to pre-register to make sure you’re at the front of the line to receive updates! Bidding in our live and silent auction will open from July 17-23.
In addition to the auction, we’re planning a celebrity-packed live presentation the evening of July 23 that you won’t want to miss. If you want your name on the list for our virtual event but don’t want to register for the auction, you can sign up for the free event on our website.
In the meantime, we have a new round of sneak peeks for you!
PEak Nutrition Optimal Training Package
The newly released Mountaineers Books title Peak Nutrition: Smart Fuel for Outdoor Adventure is being called the “Freedom of the Hills for nutrition,” and there couldn’t be two more accomplished authors fit for the task. Maria Hines is a James Beard Award winning chef and Mercedes Pollmeier is a NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist and Level 2 nutritionist. They’re also expert climbers and outdoor recreationists, with plenty of first-hand experience fueling big adventures with great tasting food.
This is your chance to welcome Maria and Mercedes into your home for a three-hour nutrition and personal training session for you and seven of your closest friends. Complete with eight copies of their new book, this in-home seminar will include a special nutrition presentation from Maria, including insight into recipes in the book and samples for everyone to try. Mercedes will then lead the group in some wellness-based exercises built around the group’s athletic interests and skill levels. Both components will leave the group with all the tools required to eat and exercise in ways that help you reach your outdoor recreational goals.
The package winner will also get a private two-hour training session with Mercedes and her trademark “Midnight Lightning” training program, along with 15 day passes to Seattle Bouldering Project to keep your new skills primed.
To give you an idea of the wonderful meals found within Peak Nutrition, take a look at their Thai coconut curry recipe.
Joshua Tree Getaway
Looking for a break from the Pacific Northwest rain? This sunshine-filled package is perfect for you! It starts with a peaceful five-night stay at Mountaineers Member Sherrie Trecker’s “Lone Palm” home in Twentynine Palms, located just 10 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park. Lone Palm is a two bedroom, two bathroom home with a private hot tub and beautiful desert views. A queen-size pullout couch in the living room allows for six people to sleep comfortably.
In addition, Alaska Airlines will provide you with two coach airline tickets, good for direct and easy travel to Palm Springs (or anywhere else they fly direct!). Gregory is providing the luggage for both travel and adventure: a 22” and 30” Quadro Pro Hardcase, and two Nano 20L Daypacks.
Be sure to head into the park prepared to capitalize on the superb climbing with your new Petzl gear, including a Meteor Helmet, Grigri, Volta Guide Rope, Kliff Rope Bag, six Djinn Axess Quickdraws, and an Actik Headlamp. There’s also great hiking in the park too, and your copy of Hike the Parks: Joshua Tree, published by Mountaineers Books, will help you find the best trails.
To top it all off, treat yourself to an evening out with a $100 gift card to Kitchen in the Desert, a Twentynine Palms-based restaurant of Caribbean and New American cuisine, and two weekend passes for a sound bath at the well-known Integratron, an acoustically perfect sound chamber.
It’s the perfect getaway for Mojave meandering, desert adventuring, and high-end relaxation.
Jimmy Chin Signed Print of El Capitan
In 2018, world-renowned photographer and mountaineer Jimmy Chin gained international acclaim (as well as an Oscar) for his film Free Solo (co-directed with Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi).
The film is a stunning and unflinching portrait of the free soloist Alex Honnold as he prepares to achieve his lifelong dream of climbing the face of the world’s most famous rock - the 3,000ft El Capitan in Yosemite National Park - without a rope.
To commemorate this incredible feat and filmmaking, we are offering this 16”x24” aerial photograph of El Capitan, printed on Fuji Crystal Archive Paper, taken and signed by Jimmy Chin.
Dinner and Wine Pairings for 6 with Chef Kaspar
At Kaspars Catering, their culinary passion is inspired by innovative and fresh cuisine. Chef Kaspar works directly with farmers, fishermen, vintners, and other local businesses to bring fresh ingredients to every menu. While embracing fresh Pacific Northwest ingredients, their culinary team integrates creative vision into every bite.
This package is for 6 people toward a Kaspars Winemaker’s Dinner, which highlights various wineries and vineyards to create delicious menus. These public dinners are special opportunities to discover new wines and experience incredible cuisine by an acclaimed chef.
Now is the time to reward your taste buds while treating your close friends to an unforgettable experience. Take advantage of this unique package and find out why organizations such as The James Beard Foundation, Bon Appetit, and the New York Times have recognized Chef Kaspar as an extraordinary master of his craft.
Cragging Bragging Rights
“Cragging” comes from the British term for a steep and rugged piece of rock that juts out. These days, it’s used to describe climbing many short routes in an area with a lot of available options - it’s low commitment and a ton of fun. If you’ve long admired the rocky terrain of the Northwest and hoped to dip your toes into the climbing world, this cragging package is for you! Take a look at the great gear available:
- 1 Petzl Volta 60m Rope
- 9 Petzl SM’D Carabiners
- 6 Petzl Djinn Axess Quickdraws
- 1 Petzl GriGri
- 1 pair of Spy Optic Hi-Fi Sunglasses
During your rest periods, be sure to open up your Crag Survival Handbook for further insight into how to maximize your time on the rock!
We have many more auction packages to share with you, several of which will be highlighted as sneak peeks in the next few weeks. We’re excited to see who will get to claim these packages as their own and hope you enjoy the friendly bidding competition amongst our outdoor community - all funds raised will benefit The Mountaineers. For more information about the event, you can check out our regularly updated Gala 2020 website. Stay tuned for more auction sneak peeks coming soon!
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!
