Kismet received a grant from the Pequawket Foundation for 2010 Summer Programs. Thank you, Pequawket Foundation, for this and many previous years of support of our students!
Janet Bergman, Kismet ED (middle right) with David Brooks of the Pequawket Foundation, along with grant recipients from the North Conway Community Center and the Green Mountain Conservation Group.
Board member, Brian Post, is offering two panoramic prints on sale to benefit Kismet. You can find information and order at this link:
Print Sale to Benefit Kismet Rock Foundation
Thanks to the generosity of local business IMCS/IME for making Kismet Rock Foundation the beneficiary once again of the Friday night silent auction proceeds at the ICE FEST. The evening included a slide show by world-class climber Steve House as well as a dry tool competition. The event was emceed by Freddie Wilkinson (who some argued can actually get away with wearing neon lycra tights in public).
Many thanks to Anne Skidmore for use of these images
Kismet Rock Foundation volunteers MIKE LACKMAN, PHIL THALHEIMER, NICKIE SEKERA and board member BRIAN POST worked the silent auction tables and were on hand to answer questions about the organization.
Quality climbing hardware and soft goods were donated to the silent auction, which raised more than $1,700 for the Kismet student scholarship fund. Thank you to those sponsors: JULBO, ICEHOLDZ, LOWA, OUTDOOR RESEARCH, PRINCETON TEC, ASOLO, PETZL CHARLET, SCARPA, MAMMUT, MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR, PATAGONIA, LA SPORTIVA, and BLACK DIAMOND.
Adding to an already memorable evening, Jim Shimberg, a longtime friend of Kismet, presented a check for $2,500 to establish a KISMET INTERN ENDOWMENT FUND, in memory of Jonny Copp, Micah Dash and Wade Johnson. Jim ‘passed the hat’ for nearly a year, collecting contributions from $1 up to $500 to create the fund. Kismet is honored to carry on the memories of those three men who were so loved and are so missed with this very special fund for Kismet graduates.
Contact Kismet to learn more about the fund.
Our gratitude and appreciation goes out to Ice Fest event directors Sarah Garlick and Anne Skidmore for a successful weekend, and of course to Rick Wilcox and Brad White of IME/IMCS for making the event possible.
Mountain Hardwear has again generously included Kismet Rock Foundation and nine other nonprofit organizations in their 2010 Send a Kid to Camp Program!
Its simple: Now through April 15 simply visit their Mountain Hardwear Gives Back page and click on the Send a Kid to Camp button.
For every click to the Send a Kid to Camp button, Mountain Hardwear will donate $1 towards this program up to a total of $40,000. Help us spread the word. Between now and April 15th, you and your friends can click to Send a Kid to Camp. Don’t forget to return every day to click and show your support! Thanks so much to the folks at Mountain Hardwear for this great opportunity!
17th Annual Mt. Washington Valley Ice Festival
Steve House Slide Show and Dry Tooling Face Off with Silent Auction to Benefit Kismet Rock Foundation
See photos from last year’s Ice Fest auction and slide show!
WHEN: Friday February 5, 7 pm WHERE: Cranmore Family Fitness Center (climbing wall)
Thanks to International Mountain Equipment/Mountain Climbing School for making Kismet the silent auction beneficiary once again. Last year the auction raised more than $2,000 for Kismet’s education programs.
Don’t miss this line up of events on Friday. Bid high and bid often! 7:00 PM: Doors open, silent auction begins. A climbing rope, ice climbing boots, backpack, jackets and more will be up for bidding from the Ice Fest sponsors. 100% of proceeds goes to the Kismet Rock Foundation scholarship fund. 7:30 PM: Steve House keynote slide show, followed by the 2nd Annual Indoor Dry-Tooling Face Off with MC Freddie Wilkinson. Also look for a special presentation to Kismet from long time friend of the organization, Jim Shimberg. Cost: $10 at the door Clinics are still open! Visit the IMCS website or the Ice Fest Blog to learn more. |
We were thrilled to learn recently that Kismet won a grant of $2,500 from Nike Inc. through their ‘Back Your Block’ Initiative! This is the second such grant we have received.
Kismet students in front of the North Conway Factory Store, photo by Brian Post
But that is not all! Now through the holiday season, if you go to our Nike Factory Store in North Conway, you will see this great sign:
And, if you buy a Give Nike Give Change gift card while there, Nike will donate an additional $5 to Kismet! Everyone wins!
Store Manager Brian LaPlant and the rest of the crew at the North Conway Factory Store with Janet Bergman from Kismet.
Thanks Nike! And don’t forget to get to the North Conway Factory store to buy a gift card that supports Kismet!
And be sure to read about the Back Your Block recipients from around the rest of the country–225 organizations won grants for their work in improving the lives of young people through sports.
Caliente! Event An Overwhelming Success
More than 160 Kismet Rock Foundation supporters turned out for Caliente! A Night of Salsa Dancing to Benefit Kismet Rock Foundation, presented by Polartec LLC on Saturday, November 7 at Black Mountain Ski Resort in Jackson, New Hampshire. “It was our most successful and fun event yet,” said Brian Irwin of the Kismet Rock Foundation Board of Directors. “The band, the wonderful food, a great mix of people, we had it all.”
Founding director Mike Jewell and several Kismet Rock Foundation students kicked off the night with presentations, following an auction preview reception and cocktail hour. Students spoke about their experiences in the four-year rock climbing program and how it has impacted their lives. Volunteer of the Year awards were presented to Ken Lydecker, Gabe Flanders, Jeannine Peterson and Marilyn Grant, in recognition of their countless hours of service in support of the organization. A lit birthday cake was presented to wrap up the presentations, in honor of Kismet’s 10th year of service.
The Boston-based band Los Sugar Kings then taught a short dance lesson and played a mix of Salsa, Merengue and other styles for the remainder of the evening. The dance floor was full of smiling faces and moving bodies straight through to the last song.
The silent auction was quite popular, bringing in more than $6,000 for Kismet programs. Guests also enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres and desserts donated by Cafe Noche, Chef’s Market, Courtyard Café, Delaney’s, Flatbread Company, Frontside Grind, May Kelley’s, The Shovel Handle, Wildcat Inn & Tavern, Horsefeathers, White Mountain Cider Company, and As You Like It Bakery & Café, plus several individuals.
“Please relay our appreciation to everyone at Kismet,” said Mik Mersha of Los Sugar Kings, following Caliente!. “You are truly one of the best audiences we’ve had the pleasure of performing for.”
Many thanks to Caliente! A Night of Salsa Dancing to Benefit Kismet Rock Foundation sponsors, including Presenting sponsor Polartec LLC; Gold Level sponsors Black Mountain Ski Resort, Dutch Bloemen Winkel, Nereledge Inn and Rovetti Design; and Silver Level sponsors Belray Asset Management, Café Noche, Doug Madara, Fryeburg Veterinary Hospital, Mountain Top Music Center, Mountain Yurt Yoga and Sky Ambitions. Thanks also to dozens of volunteers who made the event possible.
Based in North Conway, NH, Kismet Rock Foundation enhances the physical, intellectual and emotional development of well-functioning but economically disadvantaged children by providing access to the immense value of a comprehensive education in technical rock climbing. Kismet Rock Foundation currently offers programs to students from Boston, MA, Manchester, NH, Bartlett, NH and Portland, ME. To learn more about Kismet Rock Foundation, make a donation or get involved as a volunteer, email info@kismetrockfoundation.org, call 603-356-7738 or visit www.kismetrockfoundation.org.
The following photos courtesy of Bruce Raymond:
Thank You, Silver Sponsors!
Check out the unique and generous businesses supporting Kismet Rock Foundation and Caliente!
Cafe Noche, located in Conway, New Hampshire, is owned by Thomas Kugel and proudly offers quality, authentic, delicious Mexican cuisine in a festive, fun and colorful atmosphere. Serving lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Cafe Noche will be serving up some tasty, signature dishes for Caliente!
www.cafenoche.net
Mount Washington Valley local Doug Madara represents some of the best names in the climbing industry: LaSportiva, Metolius, and Sterling Rope. Look for him at climbing events throughout the country or at one of the many local crags located in the Mount Washington Valley.
www.sportiva.com
www.metoliusclimbing.com
www.sterlingrope.com
Fryeburg Veterinary Hospital is a comprehensive facility that offers a wide variety of goods and services to it’s clients and their pets. With six veterinarians on staff, qualified technicians and a helpful reception desk, Fryeburg Veterinary Clinic is committed to you and your pet’s health and road to recovery. Check them out online for a full listing of services, staff, photos, and client education.
www.fryeburgvet.com
Mountain Top Music Center’s mission is to enrich lives and build community by providing inspiring music education and by offering performance and listening opportunities throughout the Conway, New Hampshire area. For a complete listing of classes, concerts, and art exhibits check out Mountain Top Music on the web.
www.mountaintopmusic.org
Mountain Yurt Yoga – Practice yoga with certified instructor Martha Davis in a peaceful setting on 30 acres on Allen Mountain in Denmark, Maine. Check out their blog to learn more about Mountain Yurt Yoga, Martha, and her motivation and philosophy for teaching and practicing yoga.
www.mountainyurtyoga.blogspot.com
Skt Ambitions, LLC
Sky Ambitions, LLC owned by Dave & Kristin Karl, representing outdoor gear companies: Petzl, Sea to Summit, Adventure Medical Kits, OBoZ Footwear, Ambler Hats, Julbo Eyewear.
www.petzl.com
www.seatosummit.com
www.adventuremedicalkits.com
www.obozfootwear.com
www.amblermw.com
www.julbousa.com
Belray Asset Management – Passionate about managing money in a conservative manner, Belray’s goal is to provide you with a great investment experience. Located in Greenwhich, CT, Belray is a Registered Investment Advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
www.belrayam.com
Looking for a great wedding or event space? Dreaming of hitting the slopes with your family? Imagine walking along trails, on horseback, as the sun sets over the White Mountains! If you are nodding your head then you need to check out Black Mountain.
For over sixty years, Black Mountain resort has added the perfect family adventure destination to the heart of Jackson, NH. Nestled above the quaint town center, Black Mountain is a great place for beginner to advanced skiers. Those who would rather enjoy a book by the fire, can head to The Whitney Inn or find a great meal at The Shovel Handle Pub. In the warmer seasons enjoy horseback riding adventures of all sorts.
If you are planning a special event, Black Mountain can offer you a fabulous space for up to 300 guests with activities galore in a magnificently beautiful setting.
Kismet Rock Foundation is thrilled to host their 10th anniversary celebration, Caliente!, at Black Mountain. Thoughtful and knowledgeable staff, flexible scheduling and the friendly atmosphere made planning the organization’s largest annual event a real treat. Come check out Black Mountain on November 7th during Kismet’s grand event or book a vacation when the snow flies. You will not be disappointed.
Thanks to Black Mountain for supporting Caliente! and Kismet Rock Foundation.
Check out Black Mountain today at www.blackmt.com!
Kismet Cliff Run – Sunday 10:00 AM | September 20, 2009
A challenging, five mile race around beautiful Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledges in North Conway, New Hampshire. Come for the steep climbs and descents, technical singletrack, and stunning views, with approximately 1,100 feet of elevation gain. Starts and finishes at Echo Lake State Park. Great food from Matty B’s, prizes and raffle after the race. This event is USATF sanctioned, and part of the Eastern New England Trail Running Series.
Download the application form (with additional information)
View and/or register for the Kismet Cliff Run on Active.com
Kismet Cliff Run press release
