Dan Allred

When I moved to Boston, one of the places I most wanted to see was the summit of Mount Washington. Since then, I have climbed this challenging mountain several times, including my first double climb to support the Museum last year. As the husband of a former science teacher, dedicated to initiatives that encourage children, and as a business person who works with entrepreneurs focused on scientific discovery and technological development, I personally support the Museum's local and national programs for the young and the young at heart.

For the 2010 climb, I want to express my commitment to the Museum's mission by setting a new goal, and hopefully raising even more funds! Partnering with two other highly experienced hikers who have been training extensively, I am attempting a one-day climb of the entire Presidential Range. This journey, with the notorious weather conditions associated with Mount Washington at the midpoint, is exactly the type of extreme hike that Brad Washburn himself would have tackled. Please support me as I explore a new take on the ever-challenging Washburn Climb to support the Museum of Science.
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David Bergeron

Anyone who knows about my early career in the NFL won't be surprised that I've chosen to get involved with an athletic fundraising event! Although Mount Washington and the Presidential Range are new terrain, I've previously tested my "off the field" endurance by climbing Mount Hood and running in the 2009 Boston Marathon, and I'm ready for the challenge of the Washburn Climb.

Relocating to the East coast has meant a new career in clean tech real estate services, a new volunteer role as a member of the Young Leadership Committee at the Museum of Science, and a whole new life with my wonderful wife Elise! Getting involved at the Museum has been integral to this new phase in my personal development. Health science education is of particular interest to me and I want to share all the great work the Museum is doing in this area, not just with fellow Innovators but with everyone I meet! By participating in this fundraiser, I want to raise awareness as well as financial support. Your donation will help me spread the word about the need for science and technology education. Thank you for your kind generosity.
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Dale Edmunds

2010 will be my second double climb of Mount Washington. I enjoyed last year's Washburn Climb so much that I'm coming back for more! The opportunity to spend a day doing something I love — hiking — and raising money for an organization I love — the Museum of Science — is too good to pass up. The Museum has always been a big part of my life, beginning with visits as a child to view and interact with the many exhibits, and later returning as a parent with our three children to observe and enjoy their excitement as they learned more about the world around them. The Museum has provided wonderful experiences for our family with its hands-on approach to science, and I like to give something back in return. Please join me in supporting the fabulous work of the Museum of Science. Thank you.
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Matt Fates

Having successfully done a double Washburn Climb for each of the last two years, I plan to undertake a new challenge in 2010 to support the Museum. Along with two other very experienced and physically prepared hikers, I am undertaking a one-day climb of the entire Presidential Range, a trail upon which Brad Washburn spent considerable time himself.

I am proud to be chair of the Museum Innovators Young Leadership Committee and a volunteer fundraiser for developing the next generation of scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. The Museum and its mission mean a great deal to me. As the home for the National Center for Technological Literacy® it is both a local and world force for science literacy and enlightenment, improving the quality of science and engineering education and keeping the United States out front in innovation and discovery. As I enthusiastically embark on this "adaptation" of the Washburn Climb, I hope you will support me and the incredible work of the Museum of Science.
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Rich Kohan

My wife, Amy, and I are dedicated to helping students prepare themselves as best they can to make the decisions that shape their lives, and that includes getting an education that prepares them for an increasingly complex world. Technological developments are moving so fast and schools need to integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) into all aspects of the curriculum. The work that the Museum of Science is doing with the National Center for Technological Literacy® is very impressive, especially the Engineering is Elementary program which is now used in all 50 states!

I have been a committed runner for many years, enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the second Washburn Climb, and am very excited to return this year for the fourth. The challenge, camaraderie, and, of course, the opportunity to raise funds to improve educational opportunities for students are all great motivators for this double climb. Please support me in my second Washburn Climb, and at the same time support STEM education both locally and nationally.
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Amy O'Doherty

Working at the Museum of Science reminds me of how important it is to maintain balance between the natural world and the influence of human technology and innovation on our lives. The Museum's role has never been more significant in helping us understand the consequences of human actions on the Earth's ability to sustain and nurture life, and teaching us to use that understanding to guide our endeavors.

Growing up in New England, my family spent summer vacations in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I have fond memories of fresh pine trees, plump blueberries, elusive fireflies, and spectacular views from mountaintops along the Presidential Range. I decided to join the Washburn Climb for three reasons: in memory of my dad, who instilled in me a deep appreciation of nature; to balance my own time between the human-made and natural worlds; and to follow in the spirit of Brad Washburn, whose long-term vision for the Museum has inspired millions to become explorers. Please sponsor me in the 2010 Washburn Climb. Thank you!
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Michael Thonis

2010 will be my fourth Washburn Climb, a fundraising event that I created in memory of annual trips to the Museum of Science with my late dad, who visited the Museum while growing up as an orphan in Boston. The climb has grown and evolved to honor also the late Brad Washburn and his legacy of education and discovery at the Museum. Brad was its director for 40 years, authored the definitive hiking map of Mount Washington, climbed nearly all of Alaska's highest peaks, was a renowned outdoor photographer, and pushed himself to physical extremes of exploration. This year, I plan to follow his inspiration and make a triple climb of Mount Washington. I believe this will be the first time such a feat has been attempted.

At age 60, I'm doing this hike to benefit the Museum of Science. My father and I each received so much from our Museum experiences that I want my fundraising efforts to result in many more people being able to enjoy all that it has to offer. The deeply dedicated staff present science, math, and engineering in the most exciting, innovative and imaginative ways possible. Without their intellect, humor, and committed work ethic, the Museum of Science would not be the world-class institution that it is today. Please support the work of the staff by sponsoring me in the 2010 Washburn Climb. Thank you!
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Barbara Washburn

Barbara was the first woman to climb Mount McKinley, Mount Hayes, and Mount Bertha, and now, at age 95, she is the first virtual climber in the very special fundraiser named to honor her late husband Brad. Being a virtual climber allows Barbara to take part in the Museum's unique double climb of Mount Washington — a mountain that she helped to map — and raise funds for "the museum that Brad built." Her involvement is testament to the legacy of the Washburn family at the Museum of Science and proof that a love of teaching can be a life-long passion.

For many people, Barbara is an icon of exploration and adventure, education and learning. As her memoir The Accidental Adventurer states, she has fulfilled many roles: "mother, wife, teacher, mountaineer, surveyor, world-traveler" and we are proud to add "devoted supporter of the Museum of Science." Please support Barbara's life-long dedication to making the world around us a better place, and make a donation to her virtual climb.
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