Black Diamond Equipment®, a global innovator in climbing, skiing and mountain sports equipment, is hosting the 27th Backcountry Benefit fundraising event for the Utah Avalanche Center (UAC), virtually this year due to COVID-19 concerns. Festivities will take place from 6-10 p.m., Thursday, September 10.
“We are proud to host a significant fundraising opportunity for the Wasatch backcountry community at large. This event is more timely than ever as we head into a ski season where we are anticipating an influx of backcountry users as the pandemic will push people from the resorts into the backcountry,” says Jess Powell, Black Diamond Equipment’s event and partnership manager. “The UAC not only supports the resources backcountry users need to safely go out, but also brings us together and builds those communal bonds which hold this tight-knit community together. We hope that you will continue to show your support for the UAC in our new, exciting virtual format.”
For 27 years, Black Diamond has brought people together to raise money for UAC programming. However, given the current public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 epidemic, Black Diamond is making some changes to this year’s event. The fundraising party will be a combination of a livestream event and peer-to-peer parties where UAC sponsors and the backcountry community are asked to host small COVID friendly parties for their friends and family. Drinks, videos, music, opportunity drawing and a silent auction will all be provided with the purchase of a ticket.
The UAC provides avalanche forecasting, awareness and education in the State of Utah giving backcountry travelers the tools they need to make wise decisions in the backcountry. Additionally, it issues daily avalanche and mountain weather forecasts for eight regions across the state, provides over 100 complimentary Know Before You Go avalanche awareness presentations each season, offers on-snow avalanche courses and manages a free avalanche skills e-learning program.
“The Backcountry Benefit is the UAC’s largest annual fundraising drive typically raising around 100k per event. The money we raise is crucial to support the avalanche forecasting, education and awareness across the state of Utah,” explains Chad Brackelsberg, executive director of UAC. “Thanks to the generous support of Black Diamond, over 95% of the money raised goes directly to supporting the UAC’s programs.”
A variety of different ticket packages are being offered to fit the needs of all group sizes hosting parties for the livestreamed event. A full schedule of the programming can be found here. With support from the Uinta Brewing Company, a limited release UAC beer will be available in a UAC logoed can. Tickets can be purchased here. For more information, call 801-365-5522 or go to UtahAvalancheCenter.org.
