The New River Alliance of Climbers (NRAC) has devised an ingenious fund raising method. This method, known as the New River Rendezvous, is more or less a big party for climbers. Brilliant.

The funds raised go to support NRACs efforts to preserve climbing access, protect the land and to keep a strong relationship between climbers and land managers throughout the region. NRAC is also officially sanctioned by the NPS to repair or replace unsafe bolts in the New River Gorge and the Gauley River National Recreation Area. Needless to say, then, the money raised at the Rendezvous went to a great cause. 

This year’s Rendezvous was the fifth and by far largest event. Over 1,200 people showed up from across the eastern half of the country, pitched more than 350 tents at the massive, bowl shaped National Park Service (NPS) campground known as Burnwood, and enjoyed the West “By God” Virginia hospitality that infused every bit of the Rendezvous from top to bottom. A good relationship with the NPS, highly-respectful attendees and the hard work of event organizers and 85+ volunteers were the cogs and gears that allowed the massive gathering to run its course smoothly, according to event organizer, Maura Kistler. Though Kistler did not yet have the figures on the amount of money brought in, she said it was significantly more than what was raised in the past. 

The three day event, which began on Friday night and ran through Sunday, avoided the commercialism that can turn such large gatherings into marketing events rather than opportunities for community-building (ever been to Lollapalooza and bought a $5 bottle of water or $25 T-shirt?). Partially because the NPS does not allow its land to be used as a venue for sales and partially in the spirit of John Cusack in Say Anything when he explains “I don't want to sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought, or processed,” the New River Rendezvous had nothing for sale. All money was collected through donation boxes that were circulated like collection plates among the jubilant throngs, through the entry fees for Saturday’s route climbing and bouldering competitions and through a silent auction that was stocked with beautiful clothes, gear and photographic prints, all donated by generous event sponsors (for a list, visit www.newriverrendezvous.com/sponsors.html),.