The Mountaineers
The Mountaineers has the honor of impacting so many lives across Puget Sound. Our courses, events, activities, and youth clubs bring thousands of people outside each year. We strive to promote a sense of welcome, responsible recreation, and a love for the outdoors. However, we recognize that although we do our best to make our offerings accessible, financial barriers still exist for many. This is why we have created the MAP (Mountaineers Access Program) Scholarship Fund, a fund specifically designed to provide support to those who otherwise may not be able to participate in our organization and this #GivingTuesday we need your help.
This year especially, it is critical that we support our community in every way we can. Nurturing our connection to the outdoors has allowed many of us to manage stress in these unprecedented times. Hiking, climbing, paddling, and so much more is a lifeline for us all. And as more and more individuals face uncertain financial futures, the need for this support is becoming increasingly urgent.
All donations made to The Mountaineers today will go directly toward our MAP Scholarship Fund to provide access to those who need it.
It’s challenging to put into words the impact these gifts can make, but throughout the year we hear from scholarship recipients about how donated funds changed their life and their outlook. For one single mom, it offered her hope and a sense of community in this difficult year:
"I used the scholarship to pay for a membership, take wilderness navigation, and take the basic climbing course. I am a single mother with a senior in high school, who signed up for this to find out what I want to do with my free time after my daughter goes into the military. This has opened my eyes to a whole world of things I never thought were possible.
The Mountaineers is a very close-knit group of individuals that look out for one another and share in their love of the outdoors. They welcomed me into their ranks with opened arms. They have always made me feel like I was a part of something so much bigger, and I never felt alone. They truly want me to succeed, and that has been so refreshing. Everyone is there for one another, ready to help out in any way they can. I can't wait to see them all again. To the donor or donors that made my scholarship possible, I would like to say:
‘THANK YOU! Thank you so much for changing my life. Without you none of this would have been possible. I have had a very tough year, and sadly things have not gotten any easier. I am uncertain as to whether I will have a job to go back to when this is all over, and if so what that will look like. I have seen firsthand what money can do to change a person's life, and I am so grateful. I'm not an emotional person, but the thought of your kindness makes me tear up. If I could reach out and hug you I would. I am so thankful for the kindness you have shown me. I have enjoyed taking wilderness skills and starting the basic climbing course, and I have so much more to look forward to because of you.’”
On this global day of giving, we set a goal of raising $15,000 to provide 75 scholarships. These scholarships have the potential to impact so many of our friends and neighbors. Your gift today can help welcome a new member into our outdoor community with opened arms. Please consider donating to The Mountaineers this #GivingTuesday in support of those individuals who seek solace and community in the outdoors. Thank you for considering a gift of the outdoors this giving season.
To make giving directly to scholarships easier, you can give through Facebook or our Mountaineers #GivingTuesday donation page. If you have questions about how to make your gift, including gifts of securities or Donor Advised Funds, please reach out to development@mountaineers.org.
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.
