The Monika Johnson Avalanche Education Scholarship

Screw REI... 

I won't screw them(eeww!) but I am boycotting them until they make amends. We're into a guilt/redemption cycle here. I'm taking my business elsewhere until they or their insurance company does the right thing.

Mike Richardson, aka "Cookie Monster", has just donated his $300.00 NSAS Speaker's fee to the Scholarship fund. This is the single biggest contribution to date, and shows an incredible dedication to not only the memory of Monika, but to avalanche awareness education. Pretty damn nice Mike, thank-you!

Is there a 501c type organization that these donations may be routed through? (my employer will match donations to qualified organizations)

Randy,

The answer is yes, but not quite yet. 

We are working on putting the Scholarship under the umbrella of the Alpine Safety Awareness Program ( ASAP ) a 501 (c)3.  Never having done this, we are seeking legal advice on how to properly proceed.  All indications are that it is just a formality and that we should be able to get the process completed in a timely manner, so please be patient. 

All of you that have similar employee matching donation policies, consider a donation to the Scholarship fund.  It will make a huge difference in our fundraising efforts.

Thank-you

Another Aiare Level 1 has been donated to the Scholarship by the Northwest Mountain School. 

Northwest Mountain School

That makes seven donors to the program for courses...  Great support from the community:

Mountain Madness

The Everett Mountaineers

American Alpine Institute

Ridge Explorations

North Cascades Mountain Guides

Pro Guiding Service

this is such a cool idea .. it makes me weep and smile too .. way to go!