This fall, MetalMark Climbing and Fitness hosted an event for 7 Central Valley burn survivors and their families. The Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation (AARBF) is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to burn prevention education and helping children and adult survivors of severe burn injuries. AARBF derived its name and inspiration from an eight-year-old child, Alisa Ann, who died from injuries sustained in a backyard barbecue accident.
Special events, such as the Central Valley Rock Climbing Day, provide an opportunity for burn injured children to interact with and support each other in a fun and constructive environment. “We believe that friendships built between peers can encourage and create social and emotional growth in children,” said Michelle “Pixie” Zaragoza, who coordinated the event.
Staff members from MetalMark along with volunteers from the community came out to belay and encourage the kids and their families. We also opened the cycling room for a parent support group where parents came together to form bonds through sharing their experiences.
“It was really great to see the climbing community reaching out to AARBF families during this event,” said Manager Marie Garringer.
If you are part of a non-profit organization and would like to bring your group to MetalMark Climbing, please call the gym at (559) 229-7900.
