This event was presented by Arc’teryx and Scarpa.

From the moment climbers began arriving at this year’s Annual Benefit Gala, the energy was high. AAC members, volunteers, board members, athletes and supporters gathered for the first time since the onset of the pandemic. As climbers—average but passionate, young but absurdly strong, and of course, the legends—brushed shoulders with each other, you could mill around and bump into the person who had invented the quickdraw and perfected the backstep, or youngsters who are pushing the cutting edge of hard bouldering. 

In the milieu of scrubbed up dirtbags and ex-dirtbags, there was a clear duality and connection. The older generation–like mountaineer Arlene Blum and prolific climbing writer Pat Ament–offered wisdom and perspective to the young, reflecting on the roots of climbing. Among the crowd, too, was the younger generation, like MCs Meaghan Martin and Cody Kaemmerlan, and crushers like Drew Ruana, who are each pushing climbing in new directions. This year’s Annual Benefit Gala seemed to particularly encapsulate how the AAC bridges the gap between where we have come from in climbing history, and the future we are striding towards. Even the Keynote speech, by the incredibly dynamic pairing of Mark Hudon and Jordan Cannon, epitomized this sense of the mingling of the past and the future. 

Jordan and Mark’s story is about an incredible friendship and climbing partnership, facilitated by Jordan’s fascination with climbing history and Mark’s uncompleted goals from his youth. The night of the Gala, Mark and Jordan were suited up, in Blues Brothers hats, and armed with a suitcase that housed Mark’s step stool (the man is very short). They played with seriousness and humor as they told the story of how they bonded despite their ages and heights over their shared goals to free climb El Cap—for Mark, in any way possible, and for Jordan, in a day. But their friendship and support of each other soon morphed into a story that pushed beyond their climbing goals. 

When Jordan initially came out to Mark as a gay man, he was terrified. Terrified of this friend and father figure not understanding, of what his sponsors would say, and whether the climbing community would accept his authentic self. But his doubts were unnecessary. Just like in their climbing partnership, Mark was there to support him. For months, Mark helped coach Jordan through discovering who he truly was, and finding the strength to share himself with the world despite his fears. The two became even closer through this life mentoring, epitomizing the depths of climbing partnership, and how much our relationships in climbing teach us who we are and what we are capable of. 

With such a moving story to frame the evening, it was no surprise that attendees left feeling deeply connected with each other and to the AAC. Hundreds of attendees showed their support for their Club with their generous donations towards the policy, community, and education work that we do every day. 

The rest of the weekend featured community and thoughtful conversations. At the Friday night Send N’ Social, our community gathered to share in the activity we love. On Saturday, Ashley Saupe from The Sharp End Podcast conducted an incredibly moving interview with Arc'teryx athlete Adam Campbell about the avalanche that took his wife’s life, and the struggles he faced as he blamed himself for it. Other talks on Saturday included a panel on Female First Ascents and how helpful they are to recognizing the cutting edge of women’s climbing, featuring the voices of Lynn Hill,  Madeliene Sorkin, Sarah Leanne Hart, and Arlene Blum. Finally, Jordan Cannon and Patrick Dunn discussed LGBTQ+ visibility and mentorship in the climbing industry. 

The Annual Gathering was a huge success because it brought the AAC Community together and escalated the momentum we have towards building an inclusive, excited, motivated community. We can’t wait for future events, like the 2022 Craggin’ Classic Series that can continue to foster this community!

If you enjoyed hearing about Jordan's journey, learn more about him and what he's doing to mentor others in the climbing world, highlighted in this film!

If you are interested in hearing the Female First Ascents Panel for yourself, keep an eye out for an episode dropping soon on the American Alpine Club Podcast!

You can listen to The Sharp End Podcast here.