Jackson Gutierrez
On June 5, 2025, The Mountaineers was delighted to host our annual 50+ Year Member Luncheon, a cherished tradition dedicated to celebrating the remarkable individuals who have shaped our community for over 50 years. The Seattle Program Center was filled with warmth, laughter, and a profound sense of shared history as we honored some of our foundational members.
The luncheon provided a wonderful opportunity for old friends to reconnect, new memories to be made, and everyone to reflect on the incredible legacy of adventure, conservation, and education fostered by our long-standing members. The shared stories spanned generations of experiences, from various outdoor adventures to impactful advocacy, and it was inspiring to hear about the countless hours our members have dedicated to fostering a love for the outdoors. With 100 guests in attendance (representing nearly every Mountaineers branch), the energy in the room was truly special.
This year's event continued the tradition of heartfelt tributes and lively camaraderie. Attendees enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Mainstay Provisions, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. After lunch, the room was warmly welcomed by Board Member Danielle Graham, who greeted guests and took a moment to intentionally pause and pay respect to the land. CEO Tom Vogl provided insightful updates on The Mountaineers mission impact and organizational progress, and Mountaineers Books Publisher Tom Helleberg shared recent publication highlights and underscored the vital importance of storytelling in preserving our history and inspiring future adventures. Then, climbing legend Jim Donini took the stage and captivated the audience with his incredible experiences and insights as he shared stories from his biography, Survival Is Not Assured.
Guests smiling for photos at the photo booth. Photos by Mountaineers staff.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all the 50+ year members who joined us. Your unwavering commitment and passion are the bedrock of The Mountaineers. You have not only witnessed but actively shaped our community and organization's journey, and your dedication continues to inspire future generations of outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists. You can relive some of the wonderful moments from the luncheon by viewing photos from the event in our online photo gallery!
For those who were unable to attend, we hope you feel our appreciation. We are incredibly proud of the vibrant community you have helped build and continue to nurture.
A special thank you to all the staff who helped make this event a success. Your dedication ensured a memorable and fitting tribute to our lifetime members.
We look forward to continuing to celebrate our incredible 50+ year members for many years to come!
Continue Your Adventure with The Mountaineers!
The spirit of adventure and learning continues! We invite you to join us for our upcoming BeWild series, kicking off on June 17. Our first event features Christopher Van Tilburg, author of Crisis on Mount Hood, for what promises to be a fascinating evening. Learn more and register at mountaineers.org/blog/bewild2025.
And for those looking to make a lasting impact and continue their Mountaineers legacy for generations to come, we encourage you to consider joining our Summit Society. Discover how you can leave a powerful legacy at mountaineers.org/legacy.
