| **News and Events: Dec. 15: Fundraiser for Pakistan Earthquake Victims |
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| Fri, December 9, 2005 09:37 AM |
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Pakistan Earthquake Relief Benefit
Thursday, December 15, 2005
7 p.m. @ REI, Seattle
You are invited to a special event with local alpinists Steve Swenson,
Jim Wickwire, Jim Whittaker, and Dee Molenaar as a Pakistan earthquake victims' benefit. This slideshow and speaking event is taking place in an effort to raise money for the Pakistan Alpine Club and as a kick-off to a two-week jacket, sleeping bag, and tent drive.
This is a rare opportunity to bring together some of North America's most experienced mountaineers, all of whom are Puget Sound area climbers who have been on expeditions to Pakistan's Karakorum region, including the most deadly and difficult mountain in the world, the infamous K2.
Immediately following the slideshows will be a live auction to raise
money for the Alpine Club of Pakistan to aid in earthquake relief. Outdoor gear to be auctioned off has been donated by Arc'teryx, MSR, Hilleberg Tents, Outdoor Research, and Montrail. Additionally, the presenters themselves have donated items from their private collections, including a preserved, 1st edition of the book, The Last Step: American Ascent of K2, about the 1978 expedition on K2, that can be signed by all the team members; signed prints by Dee Molenaar from the 1953 K2 expedition; Wickwire's vintage REI climbing suit from the successful 1978 expedition (as seen on the cover of May 1979 National Geographic-included in mint condition), and many others.
A suggested $10 donation will be collected at the door. All proceeds
will go to the Alpine Club of Pakistan, whose members are actively transporting aid to villages in mountainous regions impacted by the earthquake.
The Jacket, Sleeping Bag, and Tent Drive - Dec. 15-29
We are encouraging local outdoor enthusiasts to go through their closets
and find quality outdoor jackets, sleeping bags, and tents to send to
Pakistan. The drive will take place from December 15th - 29th. Drop off points include all Puget Sound REI stores, Feathered Friends, Second Ascent, Stonegardens, Vertical World, Alpine Experience, OR retail store, and Cascade Crags. Donated items will be sent to Pakistan courtesy of the Pakistan Association of Greater Seattle.
As of November 19, the Pakistani government's official death toll was
73,276, but some estimate the death toll could reach well over 100,000.
Most of the affected areas are in mountainous regions and access is
impeded by landslides that have blocked the roads. An estimated 3.3 million were left homeless in Pakistan, many of whom are at risk of dying from exposure and the spread of disease as winter snows set in.
Combined, these two events will raise a considerable amount of money and warm goods for the people of Pakistan. We hope to rally the large Puget Sound area climbing community to make an impact on the relief effort.
For more information please visit:
http://www.climbersactionnetwork.org/pakistan
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