impactgiving
Investing in the Future A Conversation with Lily and Amber Walker By Brianne Vanderlinden, Assistant Director of Development
Amber and Lily Walker on the summit of Mt. Pugh. Photo courtesy of Amber Walker.
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ometimes a story asks to be told. As part of my role as Assistant Director of Development, I have the privilege of connecting with members to learn how Mountaineers philanthropy has positively impacted their lives. In last fall’s #GivingTuesday scholarship fundraising effort we introduced 18 year-old scholarship recipient Lily Walker, a five-year member of our year-round teen program, the Tacoma Mountaineers Adventure Club (MAC). For weeks after reading her story, I found myself reflecting on her genuine love for our community and her spark for conservation.
Mountaineers through the Basic Alpine Climbing course. She always enjoyed being outdoors, and at the prompting of a friend, joined our community nine years ago to learn more technical climbing and decision-making skills.
I couldn’t help but think that she’s someone we’d all benefit from knowing a little better. To my delight, Lily was excited to share more about her Mountaineers story - something she quickly credits to the generosity of our donors and volunteers.
In a twist of fate, Amber met fellow climbing students Sarah Holt (now serving as our Tacoma Mountaineers Program Manager) and future volunteer Kevin DeFields through her course. She had no idea that one day in the not-so-distantfuture, both Sarah and Kevin would be mentoring her daughter in her own outdoor journey.
A love that spans generations To better understand Lily’s story, it’s helpful to first learn about her mom, Amber. Long before Lily became involved with the Tacoma MAC program, Amber found her way to The
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Climbing soon became a family affair. When Lily was just three years old, Amber took her to Edgeworks Gym for her very first rock climbing experience. Amber shared, “Lily could tie into a climbing harness before she could tie her shoes.” She’s been climbing ever since.
Growing up in the Mountaineers Adventure Club
Under the guidance of skilled staff like Sarah and dedicated volunteers like Kevin, MAC participants meet two to three times a month for skills practice and trip planning. They also get out
