Director
Nov 16, 20173 min
We had a blast on Friday, November 3 for our 10 year Anniversary Party! We raised $25,000! Check out what our executive director, Claire Smallwood, had to say about it. Congratulations to the winner of the Golden Ticket, Becca White. Thank you to Ryan French for all photography (@rlfrench)
Ten years ago if you would have asked Vanessa, Lynsey or myself, “Where do you think you’ll be in 10 years?” I’m sure you would have gotten some very different answers. Part of what made SheJumps happen in the first place were these differing opinions, views, and ambitions. Either way, the fact that we actually did just celebrate our 10 year anniversary has us thinking—what do we know now that we wished we’d known then?
The 3 Co-Founders (left to right): Claire Smallwood, Lynsey Dyer, Vanessa Pierce
The answer to that question is (in my opinion at least) never underestimate the passion of the community. Looking back over the highs and lows from the last decade from the high perch of a celebration, it’s easy to forget about all the obstacles we have faced, and on Friday, November 3, 2017: we were definitely on top of the mountain.
Our setup crew! Claire’s mom came to surprise her for the Anniversary Party
Our 10 year anniversary party was a huge success thanks to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and supporters. It actually snowed (!) in Seattle on the day of the party, making travel difficult for people. Despite the inclement weather, we had more than 200 people arrive to the Seattle Bouldering Project to support us and ring in a new decade.
I want to take a moment to acknowledge one of our team members, Christy Pelland. Without Christy’s round-the-clock work, we would never have been able to get the graphics realized for this party. We had colorful banners depicting all of our programs and 10 year highlights and milestones. We had a lot of other people who poured their heart and soul into this party—thank you so much to our ENTIRE team. You all played a part in our party’s success! I’d also like to thank Carly Driscoll for stepping in on the day-of so I could enjoy the evening and be thoroughly off-duty!
Ski Carry Showdown with K2 Skis
Learning where we came from and where we are headed
Huge thank you to all companies who donated raffle prizes!
We had 3 different raffle drawings featuring prizes from incredible and generous companies: ABOM, Arc’teryx, Big Agnes, Crystal Mountain, Dakine, Deviation, Goal Zero, GoPro, Gordini, Harmony Brewing, Hestra, K2, Keen, Krimson Klover, Marmot, Mervin, Mountain Khakis, Mountain Madness, Mtn Logic, Outdoor Research, Petzl, PURL Wax, REI, Rumpl, RYU Gear, Smith, Steven’s Pass, Sunski, Toad & Co, Voilé, Western Rise, The Depot Restaurant in Ilwaco, Mercato Restaurant, Anthony’s on the Water, the North Jetty Brewing co., Skookum Surf, and Ocean View B&B.
SheJumps Storywalk
Silent Auction thanks to the American Fundraising Foundation
We had a team of more than 25 volunteers present at the event to help with registration, selling raffle tickets, serving tacos, pouring beer (Thanks Harmon Brewing!), and of course: administering the K2 Ski Carry contest.
Just the day before, we also gained an incredible new partner for all of our outdoor education programs: Outdoor Research!
Outdoor Research “Draw Your Dream Adventure” Contest
Our hearts were full after the event, and although we were very tired, we feel enthused and proud of our organization. We are honored to have you in our community and know we would not be here without you.
Wild Skills Area sponsored by Big Agnes
Moving forward, we are excited to be unveiling a new strategic plan in the coming month, as well as a new website within the year. As we grow and move forward, we will never forget our roots. We would be nowhere without our event attendees, our donors, our Girafficorn-hat-wearing-fans, our board of directors, our INCREDIBLE volunteer team, and of course: mother nature.
Here’s to another decade of SheJumps, complete with all the challenges, rivers, peaks, valleys, obstacles, tacos (duh!), and support from our diverse community: YOU!
—Claire Smallwood, Executive Director & Co-Founder