Pittsburgh’s screening of Reel Rock 10 was once again hosted by ASCEND Pittsburgh and co-sponsored by the Explorers Club of Pittsburgh and the CMU Explorers Club.  Thanks to their collective generosity, the Pittsburgh climbing and outdoors community was given free admission. Over 375 people were in attendance this around - a nice bump from last year!

The free screening featured a raffle to help raise money and awareness for the Access Fund and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Climbers Coalition (SWPACC), two very important local and national climbing organizations. The Access Fund is a national non-profit dedicated to the conservation of climbing areas and preservation of climber access, while the SWPACC is a newly formed LCO (local climbing organization) with the following mission: to promote the responsible development of climbing and bouldering in southwestern Pennsylvania, to disseminate information about development and conservation of the resource, and to gain and preserve access. To stay up to date on the progress of the SWPACC please check HERE.

Prizes for the raffle were generously donated by local sponsors like The Climbing Wall, Climb North, RESL Science, ASCEND Pittsburgh, Venture Outdoors, The Gendarme (Seneca Rocks, WV), Seneca Rock Mountain Guides (Seneca Rocks, WV), and Waterstone Outdooors (Fayetteville, WV), as well as national retailers and climbing organizations Mountain Gear, Mountain Khakis, Access Fund, and CAMP.

The event netted $1,421 in donations, of which $1,065 went to the Access Fund and $356 to the SWPACC. Thanks to all of our attendees, sponsors and volunteers for making the event possible and a huge success!

Prior to showing the film, the audience heard from a few sponsor organization representatives. The following organizations and people play integral roles in the local climbing community.

Michael Schmitt - Explorers Club of Pittsburgh, Nathan Brooks - CMU Explorers Club, Alex Bernstein - ASCEND Pittsburgh, Joel Brady - Southwestern Pennsylvania Climbers Coalition

This event wouldn't have been possible without the help from the following bunch:

Paul Guarino, Michael Schmitt, Nathan Brooks, Alex Bernstein, Jim Schuring, Greg Zamule, Jayme Penner and Joel Brady! Sorry if we forgot anyone else!

Looking forward to seeing everyone next year for the new installment of Reel Rock!

***END UPDATE***

Reel Rock 10 is here and ASCEND is once again pleased to be able to host this year's showing in the Burgh! The event is sponsored by the Explorers Club of Pittsburgh and the CMU Explorers Club, and thanks to their generosity, the event is FREE for all attendees. So tell your friends, bring your families, and enjoy the show!

There will also be a raffle with lots of awesome prizes from sweet vendors, partners, and sponsors. The drawing will take place during the film's intermission. The raffle's proceeds will be donated to the Access Fund and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Climbers Coalition.

Here's a quick blurb about this year's film:

In its landmark 10th year, Reel Rock is kicking off the 2015 world tour to over 450 locations around the world. Reel Rock 10 features exclusive premiers of short films by Reel Rock Co-Founders, Sender Films and Big Up Productions, that tell stories of the most exciting vertical action from the past year. From big walls to big moves, and featuring athletes Tommy Caldwell, Kevin Jorgenson, Alex Honnold, Daniel Woods and a special tribute to the late Dean Potter, this year's tour boasts an eclectic program that will get you psyched!

Check out this year's film descriptions at http://reelrocktour.com/films/

-AND-

Learn more on the event's Facebook page HERE.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!