My name is Logan Prenger. In 2022, my brother passed away after a lifelong struggle with his mental health. In his life, Austin held so many passions, but the greatest of them was rock climbing. We both found climbing in 2016, at a cramped and dingy climbing gym in our hometown. In the beginning, I was the disgruntled little brother, upset that his older sibling was following him into a new sport. I wanted climbing to make me eccentric and cool against the backdrop of my sleepy midwestern town. We have a way of being selfish like that, as kids. As we grew older and our love of climbing developed, the sport brought us closer. As many climbers know, there is hardly a better bonding experience than to spend time on rocks with those you love. What I have left of my brother, now resides in the memories made on the wall.
Austin dedicated his education and career to connecting people with the outdoors. He spent time as a youth camp counselor in Colorado, an outdoor recreation guide in Missouri, and was active in various climbing advocacy groups in Arkansas. One of his greatest ambitions was to work with underprivileged and disabled children, providing opportunities to rock climb, through unique access solutions. Austin left us before he could realize this dream. This grant is inspired by that passion and seeks to provide access to climbing necessities for those who otherwise cannot afford them.
This year, we hope to raise $750 to provide a recipient with all the essentials required to begin their lifelong journey in rock climbing or bouldering. I plan to work with the recipient to create a grant package tailored to their various needs including but not limited to: desired climbing style, shoe size, access limitations, etc. For this reason, a full list of goods contained within our grant package cannot be provided here. However, once the recipient is chosen, the full grant package and cost breakdown will be delivered to interested donors.
If you've read this far, I sincerely thank you for your interest in helping me memorialize my brother. I want this grant to serve as a memory of Austin's kindness and willingness to bring anyone and everyone outside with him. My brother can't be here to make this dream a reality, but I hope with your help, we can make it happen in his stead. Please share this page if you want to help us get more folks out on the rock.
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APPLICATIONS EXTENDED UNTIL JUNE 30, 2024
APPLY HERE:
Organizer
Logan Prenger
Organizer
Jefferson City, MO