Climbing For Change By Caroline Monday Appalachian State University students, faculty and staff will be climbing to raise money for Mountain Alliance, a local nonprofit working with youth to build leadership skills through outdoor and service experiences. A climber tackles Appalachian State University’s climbing wall, the location for Climbathon 2007, a fundraiser for Mountain Alliance. Photo submitted They will be participating in Climbathon 2007, the first such fundraiser for Mountain Alliance. Todd Nolt, Mountain Alliance director, said the agency has long partnered with ASU programs such as the Outdoor Program and the ACT office. The outdoor program connects students with Mountain Alliance to serve as student leaders for the agency’s many outdoor programs. It was these students who got the ball rolling on Climbathon. “It’s neat to see a group of students from the university come together to plan something like this,” Nolt said. “It’s a testament to university programs such as ACT and the outdoor program,” he said. The volunteer climbers have been getting others in the community to sponsor them in the event. Stan Seals, senior at ASU and event organizer, said that each volunteer was challenged to raise $100 in sponsorships and, with 30 climbers, the event is projected to raise about $3,000 for Mountain Alliance. From 9 p.m. Feb. 23 to 9 a.m. Feb. 24, these climbers will enjoy a night of climbing, games, live music and refreshments. The event will be held at the ASU climbing wall. Nolt said this event is a great use of the new recreational facility at the university and is especially pertinent because Mountain Alliance focuses on outdoor activities. Nolt and Seal voiced their appreciation to local businesses and organizations that have helped with the event through the donation of raffle items and sponsorship. These groups are Mast Store, Rock Dimensions, Hawks Nest Ski Mountain, Footsloggers, Misty Mountain, Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve and Boone Climbers Coalition. Mountain Alliance started in 1990 and serves the youth of Watauga County, specifically at Watauga High School. It gives students opportunities to build leadership skills and community through outdoor adventure and service. It also promotes a commitment to environmental stewardship and the ability to overcome obstacles in the outdoors as well as in all life’s situations.