Can You Give Back By Buying Gear?

This week I have had a lot on my mind after hearing more bad news about the economy and how this is impacting non-profit organizations. If you’re a regular reader or follow me on Twitter you know I am involved with the planning of The Women’s Wilderness Institute’s Gear and Cheer fundraising event. We have been very fortunate to have great support for the event as well as amazing organization like Kelty and Sierra Designs as 2009 sponsors for the educational programs. Also a new development from 2009 sponsor Mountain Hardware the Send a Kid to Camp program that is supporting TWWI and other organizations.

Between working to set-up the auction and receiving my REI dividend this week I have been thinking a lot about buying gear. As you’ll note from my previous blog, Gear on the Brain, my decision making was based on how much I can get with my coupon and dividend but then I took a step back. I realized I shop at REI because I like supporting their amazing Stewardship Program. So what if I based my brand decisions on something greater? In a time when corporations are cutting their charity budgets how can I show them my support? Easy, show it with my dollars. Buy from organizations that give back.

I took a bit of time to research the brands I already use and figure out what they’re doing to make an impact. After visiting companies’ websites and learning more I have discovered they break down into three major areas: Non-Profit Partnerships, Environmental Impact, and Event Sponsors.

The Non-Profit Partners

Since I am considering purchasing quickdraws by Black Diamond, let’s start with them. This organization supports a lot of regional and national organizations. As with most of these corporations their entire list of philanthropic contributions is too large to list but to name a few Black Diamond is supporting the Access Fund, American Alpine Club, and HERA’s Climb for Life.

The North Face also has an impressive list of partners. One organizations of note is GlobalGiving.com which focuses on supporting “high quality grassroots social and economic development projects around the world” by matching donors with community based projects.

While some may not consider Clif Bars and Luna Bars gear we can all agree we need nourishment when were on the go. These companies focus on sustainability with their own product development as well as partner with great organizations like International Mountain Bike Association and American Whitewater but they also have a unique way of connecting to the community. Clif Bar aims to get more people biking than commuting by car particularly when traveling within a 2 mile radius. Check out the 2 Mile Challenge!

Environmental Impact

I knew that Patagonia did a lot on the local level to help the community but their global involvement is impressive on a much different level. Not only is the Patagonia distribution center in Reno, NV LEED Certified but they’re developing a rainforest in Chile, distributing Environmental Grants, and have the Common Threads Garment Recycling Program.

Another heavy hitter in global environmental impact is Mammut. Climbers in particular will be interested in the Kirgistan Mountain Project where Mammut has set-up fixed ropes for climbing, helped refurbish base camp, and is developing a mountain guide training program. In addition Mammut has climate-neutral ropes but offsetting their production expenditures by partnering with MyClimate.org.

Event and Athlete Sponsors

Many brands including some of those listed above sponsor elite athletes, like 5Ten, helping to support some of the top names in climbing. Some organizations are known more for their sponsorship of events. Tubbs Snowshoes for example sponsors the Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer and Winter Trail Days. Marmot has also been linked to some great events like “Going to the Dogs” in Estes Park which supports local No Kill animal shelters.


So there you have it. While this is in no way a comprehensive list I hope it gives you a starting point when looking at how your gear dollars can go further. If you have information on other brands and their impact please email me at tali@mycupcakemafia.com or leave a comment.

A Three Cupcake Day

This year has probably been the best birthday I have had in years. After spending a wonderful evening with a good friend on Wednesday night the real birthday began on Thursday. I slept in and enjoyed some virtual birthday love via Facebook and Twitter then on to a whirlwind of activity.

I met my friends Janine and Lindsay for lunch in Boulder. We went to The Med and it was so nice to have a leisurely lunch with the girls. It's been so long since I have done that and it was like a breath of fresh air. We then sauntered over to Tee and Cakes for the first of three cupcakes.

My day continued with a little bit of volunteer time with The Women's Wilderness Institute. We're getting close to Gear and Cheer so it was time to do a preliminary walk through of the event site, Rembrandt Yard and pick up some donations. When I arrived at the TWWI office, my friend Lori had a wonderful hot pink cupcake waiting for me. This put a big smile on my face, however my teeth were hot pink from the frosting so I am sure it wasn't a very attractive smile.

Then on to the climbing wall with my friend Amber. Who arrived with a cupcake and one of those little toys that you place in the water and they grow. It's a pink cat, I can't wait to play with it! We only got in a few climbs due to a crowded wall but it was still good to get moving a bit.

Finally the last stop of the day was a wonderful dinner with my cousin Dana at Panzano. They have a wonderful four course menu for Restaurant Week and I am still full!

I am so thankful to all my friends for making it a great day! Between the virtual love to the real life festivities I am a truly a lucky girl.

Waking up from the Benadryl Coma...

Westword Artopia was a great time. Once again I had the opportunity to work with an amazing group of performers including Buskers, Belly Dancers, Fire Eaters, Burlesque Dancers and an amazing Aerialist.

However a full day of work at the day job and a full night of work lead to a full day of rest on Sunday. I was so sore and stuffy that I gave in, took some Benadryl and went back to bed.

However this morning I feel pretty good. I am heading up to Boulder for a full day of meetings at the Women's Wilderness Institute as well as a pre-birthday lunch with some wonderful friends.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Monday!

Gear and Cheer is around the corner

I have been climbing for about two years now. After my first course with the Women's Wilderness Institute I was hooked. I often wonder if I hadn't learned with their amazing instructors on a perfect day in Boulder Canyon, would I be climbing and drooling over gear today?

Hopefully the answer would be yes, but I know in my heart that something is just different about WWI. This amazing non-profit organization has really perfected the learning experience for women (and girls). They know how to speak to women of all ages, help them find their inner strength, and create an amazing environment that is so magical and rare.

That's why I am now a volunteer with WWI, focusing on the annual Gear and Cheer Silent and Live Auction. If you're in the Boulder/Denver area, mark April 23 on your calendar. The event is held at Rembrandt Yard in Boulder and will have amazing entertainment, wonderful auction items, and is a chance to mingle with other outdoor enthusiasts.

We're always looking for new volunteers and sponsors for the event. If you have time to give contact Lori Mathews, Volunteer Coordinator, at 303-938-9191. If you would like to contribute to the auction we're always looking for gear as well as unique items such as clothing, jewelry, or other goodies. It's a great way to generate publicity for your business as well as give back to a great cause.