A note from BCM Executive Director, Mark Godley
When I reflect on my 16-year relationship with BCM, here are the experiences that comes vividly to mind:
The pride in the smile of a former BCM teen when she told me she was changing her undergraduate major to Environmental Science.
The love from the parent of a former BCM teen who bumped into me unexpectedly on the street in East Oakland and told me, 'God bless you for what you did for my child'.
The tear in the eye of a former BCM teen on his 21st birthday when he was given a birthday cake for the first time.
The appreciation in the handshake from the former BCM teen for my kind words in his letter of recommendation that helped him land his first job.
And, with agony and despair, the funeral of a BCM teen killed randomly the same week he had found out he would become a father and was accepted on a scholarship to the college of his choice. 
These are my most meaningful memories at Big City Mountaineers. Interestingly enough, they are not as BCM's Executive Director, but as a volunteer participant in our program. I suspect that if you are getting this enewsletter, you've either had similar direct experiences at BCM or you've seen the power of mentorship and the outdoors in your own life that has caused you to be a part of our community. Thank you.
If, like me, you have gotten more out of BCM personally than you've given, I would ask that you consider taking some action after you've read through our enewsletter. This reunion trip brought Jeromi
back together with volunteers he had met and stayed in touch
with from a BCM
program in Yosemite six years ago, including Mark Godley (left).
Commit to continuing your support of BCM in some fashion during 2009!
As challenging a year as 2009 will be for our country, our economy and each of us as individuals, it will be much tougher for both the non-profit sector and the communities we serve. Given how appreciative we are for your past generosity, our organization has rarely asks for your financial help directly. We humbly do so today.Volunteer, mail us your unwanted gear, climb with SFS, stuff some envelopes, introduce us to others you think could help, or send us a note with an idea of how you want to help. During the first quarter of 2009, you will be receiving a copy of our Year in Review document highlighting another great year of programming at BCM. Thank you for the role you've played in helping us deliver it. Mark Godley
Executive Director
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Teen Personal Expressions Contest
We asked our Teen Participants to tell us what their summer trip meant to them and we received many wonderful stories, essays, poems, pictures and songs. Here is the 2008 Winner!
 My Home by Summer M. Williams
When I first went
I was scared
Of no music,
No TV,
And no easy transportation
We started with a portage
Which was hard
But I soon got used to it
And was called Portage Queen...
Read the full poem here
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Learn More....
BCM podcasts
Listen to audio broadcasts from Executive Director, Mark Godley
1 new podcast (With Jansport founder Skip Yowell) added since our last newsletter!
Current Media
2 new stories added since our last newsletter! Articles: Oct. 08 - Urban Climber interviews BCM Executive Director, Mark Godley
Dec. 08 - Backpacker Magazine editor's note focuses on BCM
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SFS blog
Photos videos, and fundraising tips for Summit for Someone
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(Discount will be visible only at final checkout)
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In this Issue
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Quick Links
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Steph Davis climbs to benefit BCM through
Pitches with Pros
It's not to late to enter. Read her blog for more info or buy a raffle ticket.
(raffle ends 1/11/09)
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Thank you to all who participated in our Gore Windstopper Warm & Fuzzy
campaign. Because of you, we won the contest with 707,570 points and Gore will be
donating $15,000 to BCM's programs in 2009.
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Check out our beginner
Mountaineering Package
on Mt Sneffles new for 2009!
Led by San Juan Mountain Guides.______________________________ BCM Wish List
Office Chairs
Outfitter Tent
Computer/Laptop
Copy Machine
Fax Machine
Scanner
Canoe trailer
File Cabinets
Projector
If you have any of these items and would like to donate them to BCM please contact Brie.______________________________ Thank you to our 2008 corporate supporters: Summit Team:
Keen, The North Face, REI, Jansport, Stewardship Council
Rope Team:
Benson Family Foundation, The Guardsmen, National Recreation Foundation
Support Team:
Adolph Coors Foundation, Brickyard Family Fund, El Pomar Foundation, Macy's, W.L. Gore______________________________ |
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