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Everest: A Climb for Peace at Ironworks Gym in Berkeley - Tibetan Aid Project (TAP) Fundraiser
By Lance Trumbull | November 3, 2009
It was an inauspicious beginning to a karmically wonderful evening. I was in San Francisco during the day and my destination for the night was at a climbing gym in Berkeley. The problem was the Bay Bridge was actually closed! The first time I can remember this happening since the big earthquake back in 1989. And so what would normally be a 30 minute commute across the Bay Bridge, took 2 hours and 45 minutes via the Golden Gate. But it was well worth the drive. As I arrived at the IronWorks Climbing Gym - who helped the sponsor the screening of my film, Everest: A Climb for Peace - I was amazed just how enormous the place was and how cool it looked inside with all of the climbing walls.
When I walked in I was happy to see a section to the left that was surrounded by Tibetan Prayer Flags. TAP - the Tibetan Aid Project was in full force with flags, posters, brochures and several very enthusiastic volunteers. The main reason for the evening was to help raise money and awareness for TAP. “For forty years, the Tibetan Aid Project (TAP) has dedicated its efforts to restoring and preserving Tibet’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Working with an all-volunteer staff, the Project has served as a bridge between donors in the West and the Tibetan people.” I felt honored to be screening my film to help such a wonderful and worthy non-profit in any small way that I could.
I was also happy to see my good friend Jerry Price whom I had not seen in a while. Jerry is 75 years young and is one of the most friendly and inquisitive people that I know. Jerry climbed with us on our Kilimanjaro Climb for Peace back in 2005 and remains a good friend of my family and of course, The Everest Peace Project.
Jerry Price and Lance Trumbull
And so how could an already fun night become even better? Answer: free Zachary’s pizza! Hmmm pizza…! Since I live in Portland, Oregon it is not too often that I get to munch (or devour!) a Zachary’s pizza - and so my tummy was quite satisfied! Lhasa Beer was also provided as well. Although I do not drink alcohol I heard from several people that it was quite good. (note: thanks to La Val’s Pizza and The Cheese Board who along with Zachary’s also donated pizza).
After informative presentations by Rick Christiani and TAP’s Executive Director Rosalyn White, an excellent short film about TAP and its great works was shown. It was now almost 9:30 and it was my turn. I introduced myself to the 60 or so people who eagerly listened to me tell them about how my Everest journey all began. After my short 5 minute introduction we then proceeded to show the 63 minute film. It seemed like we had a very good audience and this time, after about the 300th time watching the film, I too enjoyed it as it had been several months since I watched it.
Screening the film at Ironworks Gym in Berkeley, CA
After the film ended we had a lively Question and Answer period in which I happily answered questions for about 20 minutes. However, it was now 11pm and the gym was supposed to close at 10 and so we had to call it a night. As always I thoroughly enjoyed speaking directly to and with the audience - and as always I had some excellent questions to answer.
But the evening was not over. I had the distinct pleasure of having a 2 hour conversation with Linnea and Rick Christiani at their beautiful (and I truly mean beautiful!) home in the Berkeley Hills. I had originally met Rick and Linnea on Mt. Everest 3 years ago. While our Everest Peace Climbers were climbing the mountain they were there for a few weeks on a climb to the North Col. It was Linnea who really was the impetus and driving force behind making tonight’s screening and fundraiser for TAP at Ironworks Gym happen.
Rick and Linnea Christiana
Thanks again Linnea - and thanks again for everyone else who helped make this wonderful event become a reality.
In peace…Lance Trumbull
Topics: Everest Peace Project |
One Response to “Everest: A Climb for Peace at Ironworks Gym in Berkeley - Tibetan Aid Project (TAP) Fundraiser”
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May 3rd, 2010 at 3:28 am
Извиняюсь, но это мне не совсем подходит. Кто еще, что может подсказать?…
The problem was the Bay Bridge was actually closed! The first time I can remember this happening since the big earthquake back in 1989. […….