Many people were involved in making this expedition a success. The climbers which to acknowledge everyone who helped. We had support from people within OSAT and from friends of OSAT. Muchas gracias!
Friends of OSAT CASE '97
Although the expedition was not successful in obtaining corporate sponsorship, several individuals and organizations provided significant support to our efforts. among these were the following.
In July 1996, Don and Chris Bennett climbed Mt. Rainier via the Kautz Glacier route with Rik, Rik's daughter Hillary, and OSAT members Hoot H and Chuck T. This is a challenging route for mountaineering neophytes, but Don and Chris were equal to the challenge, and successfully summited. In appreciation for the small part OSAT played in their success, Don and Chris gave a generous gift in support of the Aconcagua climb.
Rik's parents, Terry and Les Anderson provided emotional support to the climb leader, and also provided CASE '97 a full expedition first aid kit. After the Argentina expedition, this first aid kit will become an important OSAT club asset, in support of large group activities such as the OSAT Rainier climbing course and future major OSAT expeditions.
Several organizations provided publicity for the expedition. Brad Wetzel's story in the January 12 New York Times Magazine, and Jeff Blumenfeld's item in his Expedition News both brought some national exposure to our expedition.
OSAT Club Support for CASE '97
The entire club supported CASE 97, beginning with well-wishes and prayers.
On Saturday, September 14 we held a fund raising breakfast atop Mt. Si (near North Bend, Washington). For $5, and a 4 mile, 3200 foot elevation gain hike, folks got pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs, orange juice, coffee, and opportunities to meet the Aconcagua climbers and other members of OSAT, and to buy an expedition T-shirt! We served about 50 breakfasts, and had a lot of fun in spite of the misty (Seattle euphemism for rainy) conditions. Thanks to all the OSATers who helped carry Coleman stoves, eggs, water (and water and water), etc. up the mountain Saturday. They showed up extra early to carry stuff up to the top. Robert T organized the breakfast, which not only provided and early financial boost to the trip, but also visibly demonstrated the broad support the club gave to the climb.
There were 144 expedition t-shirts in June 1996, but by the time the trip left for Santiago, only 5 or 6 remained. Thanks to everyone, club members, friends, business associates, and total strangers who supported the climb by buying shirts.
Greg A and Steve S originated the idea of an OSAT trip to Aconcagua. Little did they know how their notice in the Yodel would grow Greg provided his home, snacks, treats, pies, and his expertise from past expeditions in planning the trip. Steve provided early leadership for the entire endeavor. In the end, Steve and Gret were unable to go on the climb, but they was there both in spirit and in the form of loaned pieces of personal gear to individuals on the climb.
Pam G loaned CASE 97 a 4-person expedition Sierra Designs tent. Thanks, Pam, for entrusting us with your tent. It was not only our primary shelter for nearly three weeks in Argentina, but also served on two of our three training climbs above Panorama Point on Mt. Rainier.
Tom M loaned the expedition one of the three MSR XGK stove we took. In addition, Tom provided a number of items of personal gear, and shared with the expedition his vast reservoir of personal experience. He and Leah also helped with the purchasing of some expedition equipment.
Bob C, who led a climb of Aconcagua in 1993, provided technical knowledge, planning ideas, expertise and encouragement which gave us a great deal of confidence that we "knew the lay of the land" before we even took off for South America. Buenos suerte to Bob and his Peru expedition later in 1997.
Ivar S put in many hours attempting to secure corporate sponsorship for the climb. Although in the end the financial results of this endeavor did not earn any company a note of appreciation from the expedition, it earned Ivar our thanks.
Karen C, in her role as OSAT public relations coordinator, and Doug H, as OSAT's hotline coordinator, assisted the climb with respect to several media contacts.
Muchas gracias to all from the climbers of OSAT CASE '97: Aconcagua.