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Pittsburgh’s screening of Reel Rock 11 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 400 people were in attendance - which is more than ever before!

Like 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 our 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 follow the group on Facebook or become a member HERE.

Prizes for the raffle were generously donated by local sponsors like The Climbing Wall, Climb North, RESL Science, Ascend Pittsburgh, SWPACC, Venture Outdoors, and Waterstone Outdooors (Fayetteville, WV), as well as national retailers and climbing organizations FrictionLabs, Rock Candy Holds, Mountain Gear, Mountain Khakis, Access Fund, CAMP, Red Chili Climbing, and Black Diamond.

The event netted $1,651 (MOST EVER!) in donations, of which $1,238.75 went to the Access Fund and $412.75 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 and had the opportunity to view the recently produced film, Son of Thunder, a tribute to Cal Swoager. The following organizations and people play integral roles in the local climbing community.

Matt Golub - Explorers Club of Pittsburgh, Evan Hill - CMU Explorers Club, Alex Bernstein - Ascend Pittsburgh, Paul Guarino (via Bob Value) - Access Fund, Joel Brady - Southwestern Pennsylvania Climbers Coalition

In additional to the folks listed above, this event wouldn't have been possible without the help from the following:

Paul Guarino, Todd McCormick, Nathan Brooks, Evan Hill, Alex Bernstein, Aaron Gilmore, Jim Schuring, Greg Zamule, Brian Pardo, and Jayme Penner. Sorry if we forgot anyone else!

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

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Tuesday, October 4th - CMU's McConomy Auditorium - Doors: 6pm, Show: 7pm

Reel Rock 11 is here and ASCEND is once again pleased to be able to host this year's showing in the Burgh! Like in previous years, 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. Raffle prizes include donations from: Friction Labs, Rock Candy Holds, RESLscience, Ascend Pittsburgh, The Climbing Wall, Climb North, Access Fund, Mountain Khakis, Water Stone Outdoors, CAMP USA, Red Chili Climbing, Black Diamond - don't miss out on these amazing prize packages!

Here's a quick blurb about this year's film: This fall, REEL ROCK cranks it up to 11 with its latest collection of electrifying climbing films showcasing the sport's biggest stories and athletes. The five new films deliver edge-of-your-seat action, globe-trotting exploration, big laughs and true inspiration.

Check out this year's film descriptions and trailer!

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Learn more on the event's Facebook page HERE.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!