Bean Fever TONIGHT in Boulder

Life is a crazy thing. You think you’re starting to get it figured out and then something comes along and just blindsides you. It’s in times like these that we really need our friends, and right now there is a member of the climbing community who needs the support of his friends, far and wide. His name is Bean Bowers, and for those who don’t know, he is one of the most accomplished all around climbers out there, but more importantly, he’s a great guy, and right now he’s facing the fight of his life against advanced-stage cancer.

I had the chance to spend some time with Bean last summer, as we shared endless laughs and good conversation picking our way up a chossy ridge high in the San Juans. We had a blast, and it’s awesome to see the community coming together to support a friend in need. To that end, there is a HUGE fundraiser happening tonight in Boulder to raise some money to help Bean and his wife Helen deal with the cost of going through these treatments. If you are in the Front Range area and can make it, please do.

The event is taking place at Avery Brewing, 5757 Arapahoe Ave. Suite A1, Boulder, Colorado 80303. It’s in their Barrel Room and starts at 6:30 p.m.

Even if you don’t know Bean personally, it’ll be a great time with lots of folks, good beer, free munchies and a live auction, a silent auction, brief and fun slide shows and live music. Some of the auction items include

• original artwork and gorgeous mountain photos
• over $2,000 of new Patagonia clothing
• shoes and boots from La Sportiva, Montrail, SCARPA, and Keen
• climbing and skiing gear from Black Diamond, Dynafit, Metolius, Petzl, and Sterling Ropes
• gear from Arc’Teryx, Outdoor Research, Rab, and The North Face
• sunglasses from Native Eyewear and Julbo
• lodging packages from Alpine House (Jackson Hole)
• an incredible, private ski cabin in Colorado’s Elk Range
• a climb of the Grand Teton
• rescue seminar from Jackson Hole Mountain Guides
• a Grand Teton climb with Exum Mountain Guides
• training at Mountain Athlete
• and much more.

Other auction items include a day of climbing with friends of Bean’s, including: Conrad Anker, Steve House, Tommy Caldwell, Josh Wharton, Timmy O’Neill, Kelly Cordes, Jack Tackle, Kitty Calhoun and Lynn Hill.

More info can be found over on the Bean Fever website.

And if you can’t attend tonight, you can check out the online auction, or simply make a donation. No amount is too small or insignificant, so do what you can!