In recent months fundraising efforts of the Red River Gorge Climbers' Coalition have garnered special attention from worldwide adventure equipment manufacturer, Petzl, Inc. In recognizing the RRGCC endeavors to preserve climbing in Eastern Kentucky, Petzl turned its attention to the Red River Gorge and has provided major assistance in helping us secure climbing at the Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve (PMRP).

Petzl has teamed up with the RRGCC to present our annual Rocktoberfest fundraising event and will bring the famed RocTrip to the Red River Gorge this October 12, 13, & 14, 2007. With an anticipated crowd ranging from 800 to 1200 people breezing through the Red for this event, along with well known faces known for burly sends worldwide, the annual PMRP mortgage fundraising is certain to get a meritorious boost. If by chance you hadn’t already heard this exciting news, visit the RRGCC Events page for more information.

Although crowds of this size might detract the faithful weekend visitors and send them packing for a brief road trip, recent news from Petzl might find them back at the Red. Not only will Petzl add momentum with the RocTrip, but Petzl Foundation has given the Coalition a dollar-for-dollar match grant. For every dollar we raise for the event, up to a whopping $10,000, Petzl will give the RRGCC a dollar!

For those who are still certain they will miss this year’s exciting event, contributions for this event will be accepted through October 14th on the RRGCC/RocTrip website.

As if these developments weren’t already exciting enough, Petzl also mustered additional momentum by nominating the RRGCC for two other grants: one from the Conservation Alliance and another from the EOG Association for Conservation. In recommending us for these generous awards, Petzl helps to promote our efforts of preserving climbing and other recreation in the Red, as well as legitimizes fundraising for our organization on an international level.

About the Conservation Alliance

The Conservation Alliance (CA) is an organization of more than 130 outdoor industry companies that have banded together to fund grassroots organizations focused on protecting wildlife, particularly in areas where people recreate. Since its inception in 1989, CA has made contributions of more than $5.3 million and in 2007 will contribute $700,000. The RRGCC has applied for the allotted maximum amount of $30,000. To learn more about this organization, visit the Conservation Alliance website.

About the EOG Association for Conservation

Founded on the same model as the U.S. Conservation Alliance, the EOG Association for Conservation is an initiative stemming from the European Outdoor Group to help preserve and protect natural environments worldwide. With an unceasing interest from our fellow European climbers (the Red is the first and the only U.S. crag featured in 8a, a popular European sport climbing rag), fingers are crossed for the recognition from the EOG Association for Conservation as a climbing and wildlife area well loved locally and internationally. However, the RRGCC’s grant application is only in the preliminary stages so stay tuned for results. To learn more about this organization, visit the EOG Association for Conservation website.

Is it just me or is the lack of commentary on this issue a stunningly huge oversight?

OK, so how did the RocTrip 2007 go? Was it a success? What are the stories? How much funding was raised? Will there be a repeat next year? And BTW, thanks to Petzel for the funding. The Red is a great place.

Check out the article at Climbing.com