FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Kismet Rock Foundation Gears Up for Eleventh Season of Educating Youth Through Climbing

North Conway, NH – July 6, 2010 – Nine eighth grade students from a half dozen schools in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine will meet for the first time in the White Mountains of New Hampshire this weekend to commence the first of several summer weeks they will likely spend with Kismet Rock Foundation (Kismet) in the years to come. The organization’s unique programs focus on rock climbing as a platform for learning.

“Rock climbing is a very multidimensional activity,” explained Sarah Garlick, Chairperson of the Board of Directors. “Our students develop athleticism, analytic skill, good judgment, focus, team awareness, relationship skills, patience, compassion, honesty, humility…the list goes on. And all of this is offered in a pristine mountain environment, surrounded by adult mentors and peers from diverse backgrounds and geographic areas. Our students’ time here is often transformative for them.”

The organization serves well functioning, underprivileged students who might otherwise ‘fall between the cracks’ of their highly stressed public school systems. By developing their potential, Kismet prepares students to positively contribute to their communities and their culture throughout their lives.

“We will serve more students than we ever have before during this, our eleventh season,” added Garlick. “And we are very pleased to add Gorham NH to the list of public schools we’ll serve this summer.”

Kismet also serves public schools in Bartlett and Manchester NH, Portland ME and Boston MA, offering students one week per summer of programs for up to four years. The first session of students arrive in North Conway on July 11, with programs running through August 28^th.

Valuable contributions from the Evenor Armington Trust, the Great Circle Foundation, the Kendall C. and Anna Ham Charitable Foundation, the Nelson Charitable Foundation, the Pequawket Foundation, the Robert and Dorothy Goldberg Foundation, the Stare Fund, and a community of individual and business donors make the program season possible. Kismet also thanks the following businesses for 2010 program support: Black Diamond Equipment, Mountain Hardwear and Montrail, Nike, Inc., SOLO and Sterling Rope Co., Inc.

After the summer programs wrap up, Kismet Rock Foundation’s fall calendar includes the 2^nd Annual Kismet Cliff Run on Saturday, September 18^th and Caliente! A Night of Salsa Dancing to Benefit Kismet Rock Foundation on October 23. The Power of Three Campaign is still active, with all first time donations being double matched by the Great Circle Foundation and the Nelson Charitable Foundation.  For more information about these events, to make a donation, volunteer or learn more about Kismet Rock Foundation and its climbing programs for New England youth please visit www.kismetrockfoundation.org, email info@kismetrockfoundation.org or call 603-986-9457. Kismet Rock Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 and all donations are tax deductible.

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Contact:

Janet Bergman, Executive Director

Kismet Rock Foundation

PO Box 1744

North Conway, NH 03860

(603) 986 9457

janet@kismetrockfoundation.org