A group of famous mountaineers, ICT members and staff, and supporters reached the summit of Mt. Whitney on Friday, June 16, and raised more than $38,000 in pledges and donations. The climb, including legendary climbers Conrad Anker and Peter Croft, launched “50 for Tibet,” an initiative of ICT members to climb the highest peak in every state within a one year period – an average of one peak per week, ending on Alaska’s 20,320 foot Denali.
The climbers, also including ICT staff John Ackerly and Denise Clegg, ascended by two different routes, which were both still covered with snow and ice, requiring the use of crampons and ice axes to navigate the upper sections of the peak.
Each climber donated and/or raised funds which went to the Rowell Fund for Tibet, a program of the International Campaign for Tibet that gives grants up to $5,000 to Tibetans in India, Nepal, Tibet and elsewhere. The Fund focuses on environmental and women’s issues, and photography and journalism, in honor of Galen and Barbara Rowell, who were prominent advocates for Tibet before a tragic plane accident took their lives in 2001.
Among the climbers was a young Tibetan scholar from Tibet who requested anonymity so that he could return to Tibet and carry on his work. Two years ago, he was one of the Tibetans who had received a Rowell Fund grant.
Tony Rowell, the son of Galen Rowell, was the group’s official photographer, and shared many memories of Galen and Barbara with the group. At the summit, Tony conducted a moving, brief ritual in memory of his father.
Bob Greco, an ICT member from Seattle said the climb “was physically exhausting, mentally challenging and all in all a rewarding and inspirational experience. What a great way of helping ICT help Tibet.”
Other climbers were Abby Bronson, John Fager, Curt Jones, Bruce Rich, John Ackerly and Justin Black. Two guides from Sierra Mountain Center coordinated the trip.
Another benefit climb, led by David Breashears and Jimmy Chin, up the Grand Teton in Wyoming is being organized from August 24 – 28.
For more information, contact rowellfund@savetibet.org. For details on the 50 for Tibet initiative, see www.50forTibet.org.
