Are you a rock climber? If you answered yes, then you need to get to the 3rd Annual Salt Lake Climbers Alliance Fundraiser on Thursday, June 14, hosted by Black Diamond Equipment. Why? Because the SLCA is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving local climbing access and encourages stewardship of the environment. Basically, they keep you on the crags, and in return, they need your financial help.
This fundraising event will take place in front of Black Diamond’s Ssalt Lake City headquarters, in the parking lot otherwise known as the Black Diamond Courtyard, at 2084 East & 3900 South.
“We are excited to build on the success of the last two years and continue our support of the SLCA,” says TJ Kolanko, Black Diamond’s Grassroots Marketing Coordinator in a press release. “It’s a great event for the Salt Lake climbing community that helps drives awareness around the important issues addressed by the SLCA.”
But you may ask yourself, why does access in the Wasatch need protection? Haven’t climbers been sending routes in the Wasatch for decades with no problems? Well, most climbers don’t know that the Wasatch Mountains is composed of a patchwork of private and public lands that make up the boundaries of range. According to SLCA, in the past, infrequent use of many areas kept access problems to a minimum. These days, pressure on the Wasatch canyons is at an all-time high, not only from climbers, but also from a large pool of user-groups. SLCA works to alleviate potential access conflicts that may arise in the future.
The event will run from 6-10pm and will include beverages from the Red Rock Brewery, food from Barbacoa, live music from the local Smokin’ Blues Band and Nicole Paradeso, and auctions to benefit the SLCA. Additionally, Black Diamond athletes Josh Wharton, Cedar Wright and Mike Libecki will be present to support the cause. The fundraiser will be held outdoors, rain or shine. All guests under the age of 21 must be accompanied by an adult and please, no dogs! Tickets are currently being sold at both the BD retail store, I.M.E., REI in SLC, and White Pine Touring for $25. After June 12, tickets will retail for $30. Kids under 12 get in for free with a suggested donation.
For more information, visit www.saltlakeclimbers.org