Benefit planned for injured climber
Nearly three months after Jack Beard’s near-fatal tumble in Glacier National Park, a family-friendly event Sept. 26 is being staged to raise money for the well-known climber’s recovery.
On June 27, Beard was attempting to scale the glacial wall beneath the Lithoid Cusp between Mount Merritt and Ipasha Peak when he lost his footing in a snow chute and fell more than 600 feet.
The 60-year-old cabinet maker and outdoors enthusiast sustained a concussion and fractured his ribs, spine and forearm.
In a precarious spot on a cliff, the injured Beard was stabilized by his climbing partner David Steele and later rescued by the Two Bear Air helicopter.
Beard still is recovering from his injuries, although his condition has improved markedly and he’s able to walk once again.
Two Flathead Valley residents are reaching out to those who know Beard to help pay off his substantial medical bills.
“We wanted to celebrate Jack’s survival, and also help with the out-of-pocket expenses — which is hard for him because he’s a self-employed cabinet maker,” said Louanne Christian, one of the event organizers.
“This started as a little homegrown thing, and now it’s going to be an amazing event,” fellow organizer Margery Fox added.
Billed as “Angels in the Mountains” after the epic Two Bear Air rescue, the event will include four musical groups, a silent auction, a raffle and children’s activities.
The fundraiser will be Sept. 26 from 2-6 p.m. at the covered pavilion in Kalispell’s Woodland Park, rain or shine.
First up on stage will be the Bad Larrys, who describe themselves as “Willie Nelson meets Lake Wobegon,” followed by Swiftcurrent, a local Celtic band. The African-inspired tunes of the Tropical Montana Marimba Ensemble will come next, with a finale from the blues-rock Kenny James Miller Band.
Fox noted that each band stepped up to donate its time to the cause, and a multitude of businesses have already chipped in for the auction.
Attendees will bid on items including cabin getaways up the North Fork and Middle Fork, a rafting trip, kayak rentals, a vacation in Bigfork, tickets to a Glacier Symphony and Chorale performance, a table and hall tree made of reclaimed wood by Mike and Sandy Koness, a keg of beer from Great Northern Brewing Co. and “a big surprise” from Rocky Mountain Outfitter.
The Konesses also will grill hot dogs and veggie burgers and Christian and Fox will provide homemade pies and desserts.
Separate donations also are being accepted through the “Jack Beard Recovery Fund” Wells Fargo donation account.
To watch a video of Beard’s rescue, go to www.twobearair.org/videos2.
Reporter Samuel Wilson can be reached at 758-4407 or by email at swilson@dailyinterlake.com.