2018 EXCELLENCE IN CLIMBING
Raise a glass to climbers who give back
June 2, 2018 at the History Colorado Center
Raise a glass with the American Alpine Club in celebration of climbers who give back. Dine, drink, and dance as we recognize those who better their communities.
This will be the 3rd Annual Excellence in Climbing Celebration, and undoubtedly the best one yet! Come peruse silent auction items ranging from gear to art to trips. Grab a tasty cocktail while you try your hand at the wine ring toss. After sampling the variety of delicious foods, the program will begin.
The highlight will undoubtedly be inducting the 2018 Hall of Mountaineering recipients. Past inductees into this esteemed hall include Libby Sauter, Tom Frost, Yvon Chouinard, Geoff Tabin, and more. Also presented at this year's event will be the esteemed Ad Carter Literary Award, recognizing excellence in climbing literature.
Back due to high demand: The AAC's Excellent Dance Party featuring Colorado's own 80's cover band—The Goonies! Last year's after party was off the hook with glow sticks, inflatable guitars, and dance moves so spicy they left people begging for more. This is one party you do not want to miss!
Last year's event sold out. So be sure to get your #ExcellenceInClimbing ticket before they're gone.
Proceeds benefited the American Alpine Club Library and Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum— helping to preserve and celebrate our shared climbing history.
Schedule:
Friday, June 1 @ American Mountaineering Center, 710 Tenth Street, Golden, CO
Mountaineering Museum VIP Reception
6pm - 8pm
Featuring special access to exhibits not open to the public and remarks from Phil Powers.
**Included with the purchase of a Table or Patron Ticket. Great Ranges Fellowship members are also invited to attend.
Saturday, June 2 @ History Colorado Center, 1200 N Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
Drinking and Eating
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Games, silent auction, friends
Celebrating
7:30-9pm
Hall of Mountaineering Excellence Inductions
Ad Carter Literary Award
Dancing
9pm - 12am
Grab your finest 80's spandex and get ready to hit the dance floor! We've got The Goonies playing live, and you know they rock the house!
**Just want to dance? Grab a ticket for just this portion of the night for $10 HERE.
Photo: AAC member Michael Lim
2017 Hall of Mountaineering Excellence
Sean Patrick (1951 - 2009) - For being a recognized leader in the cancer treatment and research community. Sean Patrick spread awareness, compassion and inspiration to other women by founding HERA Ovarian Cancer Foundation, all while continuing to climb. More on Sean and her legacy.
David Morton and Melissa Arnot Reid - For starting The Juniper Fund, which provides assistance to individuals, families, and communities in underserved countries adversely affected by their work for the mountain-based adventure industry. More on David and Melissa's work with The Juniper Fund.
Sean and Timmy O’Neill - For their work with Paradox Sports, a community that provides inspiration, opportunities and specialized adaptive equipment so that anyone is able to be an active participant in human-powered sports. More on the O'Neill's work with Paradox Sports.
Doug Walker (1950 - 2015) - Former AAC President, committed conservationist, and a true climber’s climber, Doug Walker dedicated his life to the preservation of the outdoors he loved so dearly through his service on a variety of boards and generous giving. More on Doug's lifelong work.
2018 Hall of Mountaineering Excellence Selection Committee
Chair: Charley Mace
Committee Members: Alison Osius, Libby Sauter, Michael Wejchert, Freddie Wilkinson
Proceeds Benefit:
Sponsorship:
For more on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Heidi at [email protected]
2016 Recap:
May 7th has come and gone, and what a day it was!
The room was full for the AAC’s first ever Excellence in Climbing Awards Dinner at the History Colorado Center in Denver. The night, presented by Adidas Outdoor, celebrated the inspirational 2016 Hall of Mountaineering Excellence inductees, the Alpina Cutting Edge awardees, raised critical funds for AAC programs and institutions, and was capped off with a lively 80’s themed after party.
We were honored and humbled to have hosted this event, bringing the community together to eat, drink, and support the preservation of climbing history.
Thanks to our generous donors and supporters $75,000 (gross) was raised to support the Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum and American Alpine Club Library.
We hope to see you next year!
Press Room:
True Heroes of Climbing
"The word hero gets thrown around a lot in climbing. But as impressive as summiting K2 or bouldering V15 might be, the genuine heroes of climbing are those whose achievements help make the world a better place..."
-Climbing.com
Women Are On The Rise In The Climbing World
"It was a giant stepping stone,” said Libby Sauter, the award recipient and also the keynote speaker of the night. Sauter is the youngest climber to be added to the Hall, and only one of five women in its history, since the club’s birth more than a century ago..."
-Gear Junkie.com