PRESS RELEASE: Kismet Rock Foundation Announces Expansion Plans at Annual Jubilee

Kismet student Chelsea Laguerre took to the stage for a solo singing performance at the Kismet Jubilee. Photo by Brian Post

‘A Night to Remember’ for All in Attendance
Sixteen year old Kismet Rock Foundation student Chelsea Laguerre welcomed the crowd at Cranmore Mountain Resort this past Saturday with a phenomenal solo singing performance. Played at the end of the cocktail hour, she silenced the room of about 120 attendees, who enthusiastically applauded her before dining on the White Mountain Cider Company’s spread of delicious food.
“Chelsea’s performance was one of the evening’s highlights,” said Brian Irwin, MC for the evening and also a Kismet Board member. “Her confidence on stage was incredible, as was her voice. We’re very lucky to have such a passionate student in our program.”
The event, sponsored by RE/MAX Presidential-Drummond & Drummond and Badger Realty, attracted climbers and non-climbers alike from as far away as Pennsylvania.
After dinner, Michael Jewell, founder and director of the program, formally announced the organization’s expansion plans. The board has contracted a consultant for the project and plans to expand programs and serve additional geographic locations within the coming two years.
“This year is a turning point for Kismet,” said Irwin. “We’re expanding our curriculum, restructuring our organization to accommodate its growth and are more excited about the future than ever before. The Jubilee was the perfect place and time to make our new developments public to our most avid supporters.”
‘Volunteer of the Year’ awards were also presented to Ted Wroblewski, Brian Post and Ruthann Brown, all of whom have demonstrated outstanding commitment and passion for the Kismet mission. Three Kismet students, including Ms. Laguerre, spoke of their experiences with the organization as did Gary Hunter, a long time Kismet supporter from Manchester, one of the organization’s three service areas.
A successful silent auction including unique gift packages, flight tours, art work, climbing gear and more kept bidders busy, bringing in about $4,000 for this summer’s rock climbing programs.
The Kismet Rock Stars, consisting of Mr. Jewell, Ms. Laguerre, Mary Bastoni, Molly Campbell, Zebulon Jakub, Mike Jewell, Alain Comeau, Tony Iorfino and Mitch Scher, then took the stage for a set of dance music that had everyone out of their seats.
To learn more about or get involved with the long term plans of the organization, contact Janet Bergman, Project Director, at 603.986.9457 or [email protected].

Kismet student Josh Lee with founder and Director Mike Jewell. Photo by Brian Post.
The event committee extends its deepest gratitude for the long list of sponsors and donors who made the event possible:

Anne Skidmore Photography
Attitash Resorts
Badger Realty
Bear Notch Ski Touring Center
Becca Van Fleet Pottery
Bouret Photography
Brian Post Photography
Chinook Cafe
Christopher Noonan Oriental Rugs
Chuck Roast
Conway Historical Society
Cranmore Mountain Resort
Creative Expressions (Wanda Allen)
Debony’s Healthy Hair
Dutch Bloemen Winkel
Frechette Tire Co.
Front Side Grind
Finn Goodwin
Jerry Handren
Amee Hinkley
Horny Toad
Horsefeathers
Inn at Thorn Hill
Robert Irwin
Isis
Laura Johnson
Julbo
Lupine Pet Collars & Leads
Mammut (Eric Seifer)
Margarita Grill
Maui Jim
Museum of Science, Boston
Nereledge Inn
New England Aquarium
Renan Ozturk
Kris Pastoriza
Philbrick Photography
Polartec LLC
Randy Rackliff
Ragged Mountain Equipment
Kate Renner
RE/MAX Presidential-Drummond & Drummond
Rock & Ice Magazine
Saco Bound
Harrison Shull
Jim Siverts
Snowflake Inn
Sterling Rope
Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities
T. Murray Wellness Center
The UPS Store North Conway
Urban Climber Magazine
Laura Waterman
Clint Willis
White Mountain Artisans Gallery
White Mountain Puzzles
Rick Wilcox
Wild Things, Inc.
Wildcat Service Station

About Kismet Rock Foundation: 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 currently offers programs to students from Boston, MA, Manchester, NH and Bartlett, NH.

The Kismet Jubilee at Cranmore Mountain Resort. Photo by Brian Post