Federico Campanini, an international Argentine guide, lost his life on Aconcagua in January 2009. Created in memory of Federico, The “El Fede” Campanini Foundation is dedicated to providing information, guidance, training and financial assistance to support ongoing efforts to improve mountain rescue on Aconcagua and in other commercial climbing areas.
The endeavor will not be easy, but it is possible through the support from those who share Federico’s love for the mountains.
The “El Fede” Campanini Foundation participated, once again, in Ashford, Washington’s annual Mountain Fest, September 14-15. The foundation sold hats made by mountain climber/guide Katy Laveck and raised a bit of funds to help in the foundation’s ongoing efforts to move Aconcagua, as well as other commercial mountains, towards adequate rescue standards.
Thank you to RMI and everyone else that helped support the foundation’s presence at the festival.
The first Mountain Conference was held in Mendoza, Argentina from August 3-5th. The conference featured Argentine climbers, workshops on high-altitude medicine, as well as information sessions on mountain safety, rescue and future projects for the national parks in Argentina.
The Mountain Fest was a great experience and success this year.It began with returning to Camp Muir and putting one sticker on RMI’s shack under a big, blue and clear sky, with open snow fields below and memories everywhere.
Back in Ashford the grassroots efforts of the foundation to raise money for rescue equipment and training began with a communal dinner in the employee housing. Basically, everyone offered any food that they had. Every bit of effort resulted in a feast and a celebration of the mountaineering feast and remembering Federico Campanini.
The next two days at Mountain Fest were emotional and fruitful as we were able to raise money to getting closer to our goals. We sold t-shirts and hats made by Katy Laveck.
Others gave some donations of what they could.
Eric Schafer participated in a speed boulder climb at the festival and donated his winnings ($75) to the foundation.
Thanks to everyone who helped in the efforts to keep moving Aconcagua.
Come join the Mountain Festival on September 10th and 11th in Ashford, Washington. The festival will have feature well-known mountaineers talking about their experiences and adventures in the mountains. The foundation will also be there trying to raise awareness and funds for future projects on Aconcagua, such as implementing a protocol and medical and rescue training.
Unfortunately, the Tribute Climb on August 30-31st has been canceled. Sometimes mountain moving means just being there for a loved one. It may be scheduled for next week before Mountain Fest in Ashford, Washington on September 10th and 11th. I will be at Mountain Fest with the hopes of raising awareness and funds for improvements of Aconcagua’s rescue system. Come to Mountain Fest or donate to our cause, or at least, be safe in the mountains.
