LOS ALAMOS, NM — In the true spirit of the giving season, a 12-year-old Los Alamos Middle School student has organized an event during Los Alamos, New Mexico’s Winterfest called, “Rock on Climbathon,” with the goal of raising at least $3,500 for local non profits, YMCA and Self Help, Inc.
Originated and organized by seventh grader, Talia Ben-Naim, “Rock on Climbathon” will give adults and kids alike a chance to try indoor rock climbing, while enjoying music, pizza, popcorn, drinks, and a chance to win raffle items donated by local merchants. Half of all proceeds benefit the local YMCA chapter, while the other half will benefit Self Help Inc. – a non-profit organization which has provided consultation and advocacy, emergency financial assistance and seed money grants to area residents since 1969.
The fundraiser is part of a “passion project” in Los Alamos Middle School’s seventh grade GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) class, in which Ben-Naim is a student. “Passion projects” for GATE students have taken place in the class for the past 15 years, and are designed to showcase a student’s passion while challenging the student to produce a result or product at the end of the project.
“While many pre-teens in the world might be focused on their wish lists for the holidays, Talia’s wish is to host a successful event to raise money for two local non profits as a way of giving back to her community in which she is passionate about,” said Ben-Naim’s GATE teacher, Naomi Unger. “She’s chosen to do something she loves – rock climbing – and turn it into something that benefits others. That doesn’t happen very often especially with these projects, and it shows the kind of person that she is – well rounded, bright, and driven.”
Ben-Naim, who has utilized the YMCA for several years, contacted the sports director at YMCA, who worked with her on the planning, implementation and marketing. Along with creating and distributing flyers and t-shirts, Ben-Naim has also gained experience promoting the event, having recently done her first radio interview with a local radio station.
“I think kids should definitely do a project like this, where they can help the community and charities around town – it would make our world a better place,” said Ben-Naim. “I wanted to give back to the YMCA and raise money for Self Help Inc, because I think it’s cool that they help people help themselves.”
Tickets to “Rock on Climbathon” are $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at laymca.org. The event will be held from 7–10 p.m. at the YMCA, located at 1450 Iris St. in Los Alamos. This is an all ages event.
Winterfest, which the “Rock on Climbathon” is part of, takes place in Los Alamos from Dec. 5–7 and features dozens of other holiday activities for the family including a North Pole Workshop, holiday lights parade and tree lighting, Creche Show, Children’s Bazaar, Affordable Arts Show, and much more. Visit losalamosmainstreet.com/events for complete details.
