Tom Vogl
I am writing to update you about our response to the COVID-19 outbreak and actions related to our annual Gala. A lot has changed since last week, and we are committed to keeping our community healthy and to responding to public health recommendations in a way that allows us to best sustain our mission. In partnership with our Gala Co-Chairs and Event Committee, who are diligently keeping the health and safety of our community at front of mind, we are rescheduling The Mountaineers Gala to July 23, 2020.
We made the decision to reschedule the gala yesterday, prior to the restrictions announced today by Governor Inslee and the Washington State Health Department. Our decision was driven by our deep desire to do everything possible to protect the health and well-being of our community. While we were disappointed to reach this decision, we’re comforted by the fact it is completely aligned with Governor Inslee’s proclamation prohibiting large gatherings.
I am pleased to share that we will still be honoring Governor Daniel J. Evans with The Lifetime Achievement Award and welcoming special guests Sally Jewell and Sir Chris Bonington to Fremont Studios on July 23. While I’m deeply disappointed to not be able to welcome you in person on April 4, we are excited to host you over the summer for a night of exciting silent and live auctions, seated dinner, Lifetime Achievement Award presentation to Governor Daniel J. Evans, and a special keynote presentation from Sir Chris Bonington.
In addition to our rescheduled July gala, we are also kicking off a virtual campaign on Monday, March 30 to help our community stay connected while helping us reach our critical $400,000 fundraising goal.
The virtual campaign will be a new fundraising adventure for The Mountaineers, and we hope you’ll join us for a reimagined Gala experience. Look for video messages between March 30 - April 4 promoting ways to participate online from the comfort of your own home.
- Bid in our online auction: Get ready to participate in The Mountaineers very first online auction. Keep your eyes out for teasers featuring our exciting auction packages including 2020 Season Passes to Stevens, a private Book Club event with David Guterson, and so much more! The online auction will be available to our entire community.
- Virtual Raise the Paddle: Your gift today teaches courage to young people, it 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. I invite you to join me in an online paddle raise.
If you are ready to pledge your paddle raise today, we have set up a special donation page to do so.
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, please reach out to 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.
Your contributions continue to help The Mountaineers do what YOU do best – get more people outside, expand the tradition of volunteer-led outdoor education, cultivate stewards of our public lands, and publish books to inspire adventure, exploration, and conservation.
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 to our Development team at 206-521-6004.
For the latest guidance for Mountaineers leaders, volunteers, and activity participation, please visit our COVID-19 Response webpage.
As you can imagine, the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak are significant. Your generosity is more critical than ever so we thank you in advance for your support of The Mountaineers and our mission.
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.
If you are inspired to make a gift, please visit mountaineers.org/donate or call 206-521-6006. For rapid response gifts in support of The Mountaineers Gala, our special donation page can be found at mountaineers.org/virutalraisethepaddle.
