Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05
February 22, 2007 issue
ASU to Host Climbathon Fundraiser for Mountain Alliance Friday
Story by Carly Pieper
Mountain Alliance, ASU’s Outdoor Programs and ASU’s ACT Program will host a climbathon on Friday, February 23, and Saturday, February 24, from 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. to raise money for Mountain Alliance.
Mountain Alliance Director Todd Nolt approached Joel Barricklow with the idea of holding a fundraiser for Mountain Alliance using the new climbing wall in the ASU Recreation Center. Barricklow works for Mountain Alliance, Outdoor Programs and the ACT Program.
The ACT Program organizes most of the large fundraisers and service activities at the university, including the Dance Marathon, MLK Challenge, and Alternative Spring Break, and Outdoor Programs runs the climbing wall, so Barricklow was in a perfect situation to bring them together.
“After mentioning the idea to my bosses in each department and receiving very positive feedback, I put together a group of amazing students from each of the three organizations,” said Barricklow. “Beginning in early September, six other students and I have been meeting weekly to plan the event.”
Students, faculty and staff of Appalachian State who have signed up to participate are trying to raise $100 from friends, family and others throughout the community to sponsor them for the event. Those registered will climb the rock wall in the new Student Recreation Center throughout the night.
Currently, 37 people are registered, including students from NC State and UNC Ashville.
When participants are not climbing, they will enjoy live music, including Possum Jenkins, climbing prizes, drawings, food and games. There will also be movies, a slide show from Boone Climbers Coalition and homemade food from Mountain Alliance students. Games and entertainment will take place in the entrance area of the recreation center.
“You do not need to be a climber to participate. In fact, this is a great way for anyone interested to get started,” said Barricklow. “Participants are will be allowed to climb as much or as little as they choose.”
Climbathon t-shirts will sold to help raise money as well, so if you cannot commit to having fun all night, you can still contribute by buying a t-shirt.
“This is really about raising money for a great organization. Appalachian State students benefit so much from the Boone community and this is a great way to help give back. I hope students can recognize what a great opportunity this is to not only have fun, but do something positive as well,” said Barricklow.
Mountain Alliance is a local nonprofit at Watuaga High School that helps students develop leadership skills through service and adventure programming. To learn more about Mountain Alliance and its current programs, click to www.mountainalliance.org.