SUCCESS!
Climb For A Cause smashes previous attendance record
and raises over $120,000 in support of oral health education and treatment
AND Relief For Syrian Refugees!
Climbing Event – Galleries
Dental Charity Reaches Multiple Milestone
Chicago, IL
Just before daybreak on a cool rainy morning near Squamish, British Columbia, 72 Americans convened in Garibaldi Provincial Park and began an 18 mile round trip, 4,000 foot ascent along that’s park’s famed Panorama Ridge Trail.
Each year since 1998 Climb For A Cause (CFAC) has organized events intended to challenge, not only participants’ physical stamina, but also their commitment to making a positive difference in peoples’ lives.
2018 marked CFAC’s 21st annual event, and its first international venue. The charity raises funds, recruits volunteers, and in other ways supports oral health and education projects in developing countries around the world.
This year’s Event was also special. For the first time in its history CFAC invited another charitable organization to accompany it to support its objective.CFAC Board Member Ala Dean Attar, a dentist practicing in Libertyville, IL helped connect the two Foundations. “Ala is one of the most giving people I know, and am indeed fortunate and grateful to have him as a friend, and for his longtime support of our efforts.” Says CFAC executive director and AIM Dental Marketing president Daniel A. ‘Danny’ Bobrow. “That giving spirit runs deep in his family. His brother Sam quite literally puts his life on the line as part the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS). SAMS is a global medical relief organization which places itself on the front lines of crisis relief in Syria to save lives and alleviate suffering. His wife Lina Sergie Attar is Founder and CEO of the Karam Foundation, whose works benefits those affected by the persistent tragedy in Syria. Karam fielded a team of 11 intrepid individuals, many of whom had never attempted an event of this magnitude – their grit and determination were nothing short of amazing but, in light of their commitment to serving the needs of so many, it is not at all surprising! I and the other 61 participants were glad to have them as partners.” concludes Bobrow.
Despite cold temperatures and intermittent rain, by 11:00 a.m. all but three of 72 team members managed to reach the summit ridge of the Trail, which tops out at nearly 7,000 feet above sea level.
“Although we were deprived the spectacular view of Garibaldi Lake’s pristine blue waters, it was highly gratifying to reach the summit ridge.” Shared Dr. Attar.
Perhaps the biggest ‘win’ is that CFAC and Karam together raised well in excess of $120,000 in support of their respective causes.
“It was fun to share good times with so many new people. I think everyone was touched by the work of Karam, and we look forward to continuing and expanding our association.” Says CFAC Board Member Virginia Norton, for whom 2018 marked her fifteenth consecutive Climb For A Cause, the most of any participant (second only to Bobrow).
As of this writing, the CFAC Board is reviewing its short list of candidate venues for 2019. Details will be available at www.ClimbForACause.org
Many thanks to all who participated in this year’s event and who, in so many ways, have ‘stepped up’ in support of oral health education and treatment, and Relief For Syria!
