Passionate about rock climbing and helping others, local seventh grader Talia Ben-Naim organized Saturday’s Rock on Climbathon to raise funds for the Family YMCA and Self Help Inc. Courtesy photoCOMMUNITY News:
In the true spirit of the giving season, Los Alamos Middle School student Talia Ben-Naim, 12, has organized an event during Los Alamos Winterfest called Rock on Climbathon with the goal of raising at least $3,500 for local nonprofits, YMCA and Self Help, Inc.
The event is 7-10 p.m., Saturday at the YMCA, 1450 Iris St. in Los Alamos. This is an event for all ages. Tickets to Rock on Climbathon are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at laymca.org.
Originated and organized by seventh grader, Talia Ben-Naim, the Rock on Climbathon will give adults and kids a chance to try indoor rock climbing, while enjoying music, pizza, popcorn, drinks, and a chance to win raffle items donated by local merchants. Half of all proceeds benefit the local YMCA, while the other half will benefit Self Help Inc., a non-profit organization, which has provided consultation and advocacy, emergency financial assistance and seed money grants to area residents since 1969.
The fundraiser is part of a “passion project” in Los Alamos Middle School’s seventh grade GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) class, in which Ben-Naim is a student. “Passion projects” for GATE students have taken place in the class for the past 15 years, and are designed to showcase a student’s passion while challenging the student to produce a result or product at the end of the project.
“While many pre-teens in the world might be focused on their wish lists for the holidays, Talia’s wish is to host a successful event to raise money for two local nonprofits as a way of giving back to her community, which she is passionate about,” said Ben-Naim’s GATE teacher, Naomi Unger. “She’s chosen to do something she loves – rock climbing – and turn it into something that benefits others. That doesn’t happen very often especially with these projects, and it shows the kind of person that she is – well rounded, bright, and driven.”
Ben-Naim, who has utilized the YMCA for several years, contacted the sports director at YMCA, who worked with her on the planning, implementation and marketing. Along with creating and distributing flyers and t-shirts, Ben-Naim has also gained experience promoting the event, having recently done her first radio interview with a local radio station.
“I think kids should definitely do a project such as this, where they can help the community and charities around town – it would make our world a better place,” Ben-Nain said. “I wanted to give back to the YMCA and raise money for Self Help Inc., because I think it’s cool that they help people help themselves.”
Winterfest, of which the Rock on Climbathon is a part, takes place in Los Alamos Dec. 5-7 and features dozens of other holiday activities. Visit losalamosmainstreet.com/events for complete details.