Annual Benefit Gala — American Alpine Club

ANNUAL GATHERING + BENEFIT GALA

April 26-28, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA

Online registration for the Gala has closed. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email Xavier at xbravo@americanalpineclub.org.


Thank You for an Incredible 2024 Annual Benefit Gala!


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Untold Stories from Yosemite

This year’s Annual Benefit Gala is going to be a little like sitting around the fire at Camp 4—swapping yarns and discovering the strength of this community. We’re highlighting climbers and perspectives that have shaped climbing in Yosemite, but don’t get talked about enough. You’ll hear from Sibylle Hechtel, Tommy Caldwell, and Mikey Schaefer.

Plus, gala guests will enjoy the 2024 Climbing Awards, catered dining, complimentary bar, and auctions all while supporting the American Alpine Club. Our core belief is that climbing can change lives and ignite a passion and sense of meaning within its practitioners. By being part of this Club, you are connected to creating impact. And by being at the Gala you are making that impact possible.


Online Auction

Whether it's a dream trip with an athlete you admire, gorgeous mountain art, signed collectables, mountaineering artifacts, pristine climbing gear, or the newest technical apparel—our silent auction is stacked with exclusive finds that you’ll want to snag.

100% of your purchase supports our work helping climbers and climbing landscapes thrive through advocacy, education, inspiration, or community. So, bid early and bid often!

*Auction closes at 7pm PST on April 27th.


Meet our Keynote Speakers: Tommy Caldwell, Mikey Schaefer, and Sibylle Hechtel

Press the drop down arrow to read more about our Keynote speakers!

The Gala is the biggest night in climbing! You can take a sneak peek at the guest list to see which climbing legends, industry titans, and fellow AAC members will be in the room. Now the only question is, will you be there too?


2024 Climbing Awards

The climbers we recognize with these awards are pushing the sport in new directions: from cutting edge ascents and route development, to bold conservation strategies, and leading the charge on inclusion and equity in the outdoors. Every year at the Annual Benefit Gala, the AAC confers committee-selected awards like the Pinnacle Award, H. Adams Carter Literary Award, and The David A. Sowles Memorial Award.

The Climbing Awards include two special awards determined by public nomination and voting—The Climb of the Year Award and The Changemaker Award. Voting will take place February 14 - April 4, and winners will be announced live at the Gala!


Meet Your MC’s

Cody Kaemmerlen

Cody grew up in rural Oregon, where he developed a true love for all that our wild spaces have to offer. Like many folks who experience rock climbing, his life has been guided less by script, and more by a desire to push the edge of possibility and always see what the next challenge brings. With nearly two decades in the corporate world and a continual upward leadership tract, he presently holds a leadership position in corporate strategy. He lives in Wyoming and serves as the mentor for the U of Utah's Parks, Recreation and Tourism intern assigned to the Joe's Valley Coalition.

Mo Beck

Mo grew up climbing in New England, thinking she was the only climber with a significant disability in the whole world (this was before the internet!) Since then, she's found that she's not alone and has become a leader in the adaptive climbing community. Now a full time professional climber, she has won 2 world championships, 7 national titles, and was named National Geographic's 2019 Adventurer of the Year following an expedition to Canada's Cirque of the Unclimbables. Mo has partnered with the AAC Craggin' Classics to bring adaptive programming all over the country, and looks to continue that work as a member of the board.


Volunteer with Us!

We’re searching for local volunteers to help make this gathering the best it can be! If you are interested in volunteering, click the link below to explore shift options.


2024 Host Committee

Committee Chairs: Allyson Gunsallus & Steve Schwartz

Committee: Abbey L Smith, Adrian Ballinger, Andrew King, Bob Palais, Carey Roberts, Cody Smith, Emily Harrington, Greg Thomsen, Greg van Inwegen, Howard Sebold, Jeff Zettel, Jim Frush, John Lee, John Long. Jordan Cannon, Kailey Hermann, Kareemah Batts, Ken Yager, Kyle Goldenberg, AAC LA Chapter, Myung-Jin Oh, Rebecca Robinson, Rick Merritt, Ryan Delvin, AAC San Diego Chapter, Scott Richards, Sebastien Levin


Capture the Experience

Join us for our Annual Benefit Gala and go through our selfie booth from DigiBooths! No matter the size and location of your event, DigiBooths is your first stop for selfie booths. They're a DigiGroup Entertainment company that offers more than just photo booths. You can book DJs as well by visiting Pittsburgh Digital DJs.


Top 3 Reasons To Sponsor

  1. You will help save climbing areas and wild spaces, so they can be enjoyed for generations to come

  2. You will help support equity in climbing access

  3. Together we will raise funds vital to AAC programs during our largest fundraiser of the year

To learn more about the unique and dynamic event sponsorship opportunities available email Heidi McDowell at hmcdowell@americanalpineclub.org


Questions?

If you are having any trouble registering or have any questions about the Annual Gathering or Benefit Gala, email Xavier Bravo at xbravo@americanalpineclub.org or call the AAC Office at 303-384-0110.