The Refuge Climbing & Fitness to Host Slideshow By Renowned Climber Jim Donini on Thursday, October 30

Proceeds from Donini’s slideshow benefits the American Safe Climbing Association

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LAS VEGAS (Oct. 22, 2014)—The Refuge Climbing & Fitness (RCF), a state-of-the-art bouldering and fitness facility located in Las Vegas with over 10,000 sq. ft. of bouldering terrain, hosts a slideshow by renowned international climber Jim Donini on Thursday, October 30 at 7 p.m. The event is free to the public. Donations from the event will benefit the American Safe Climbing Association, a nonprofit organization that replaces unsafe anchors and encourages climbers to reduce the visual and environmental impacts of climbing.

Donini, a former president of the American Alpine Club (AAC) and recipient of the AAC’s prestigious Robert and Miriam Underhill Award, has made numerous historical first ascents in Patagonia, Alaska, the Karakoam Himalaya, China, Peru, Venezuela and Antarctica. His slideshow will illustrate a retrospective on a nearly four-decade pursuit of first ascents in the world’s greater ranges, with a special emphasis on the key partnerships that made it all possible.

“It’s an honor to host one of the most prominent figures in international climbing at The Refuge,” said Jeff Clapp, the gym’s founder. “What motivates an alpinist like Jim to pioneer summits of intimidating peaks is intriguing. It will be an entertaining, inspiring and educational evening for climbers and non-climbers alike.”

Donini began climbing in the late 1960s, after experiencing the sport as a member of the U.S. Army Special Forces. He quickly found a climbing home in Yosemite National Park in the 1970s, where he began establishing new free routes, including the famous route, “Overhung Overpass,” arguably the parks first 5.12[1] route. He has climbed on all seven continents and has received countless awards for his work in the climbing community.

As a part of the facility’s special events programming, RCF will also host a slideshow presentation by local professional climber Alex Johnson on Friday, November 14 at 7 p.m. Johnson, a two-time World Cup Gold Medalist and five-time national champion, will showcase images of her adventures climbing around the globe. The event, which is open to the public and is part of the Southern Nevada Climbing Festival, is also a fundraiser for the Las Vegas Climbers Liaison Council, a grassroots affiliate of the Access Fund, advocating for rock climbers in Southern Nevada by promoting responsible stewardship of local resources.

For more information about RCF, visit www.climbrefuge.com. For more information about Jim Donini, visit the Las Vegas Climbers Liaison Council webpage.

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About The Refuge Climbing & Fitness

The Refuge Climbing & Fitness (RCF) is a state-of-the-art bouldering and fitness facility located in Las Vegas, easily accessible from Strip. Established in 2014 by longtime climber Jeff Clapp who founded Rockcreation Sport Climbing Centers in Costa Mesa, Calif., Los Angeles and Salt Lake City, among other facilities, RCF has over 10,000 sq. ft. of bouldering terrain and climbing specific training systems for all ability levels. RCF also offers fitness equipment and a yoga studio as well as a children’s top rope area along with a birthday party and special events room. Group pricing, lessons and climbing shoe rentals are available. For more information, visit www.climbrefuge.com or call 702-383-0175. Follow The Refuge on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For more information, please contact:

Veronica Kawka, veronica@forteprlv.com o. 702.898.2547 c. 702. 832.7368

Matthew Griebel, matt@forteprlv.com o. 702.898.2547 c. 702.321.3675

Stephanie Forte, steph@forteprlv.com o. 702.898.2547 c. 702.596.9866

[1] Difficulty grades in American rock climbing grades range from 5.0 to 5.15d in ascending order