Will Climb For Food 2000
Turning The Dream Into Reality...

What began as an idea only shy of a year ago became a reality on December 9, 2000 for Tony Reynaldo, manager of Climb Time of Blue Ash. Tony conceived the idea for the Will Climb for Food competition to help raise money and awareness for the hungry and homeless of Cincinnati.
Tony's preparation and hard work resulted in a very successful indoor climbing competition that was different from the rest. This was a fun event for the participants that also helped the needy at the same time. Admission was discounted with the donation of canned goods that were donated, along with the money raised, to the Freestore Foodbank of Cincinnati.

The format of the competition was simple climbers had as many tries as they could manage, on over 75 different climbs, during a four-hour period of time. Scores were based on a scoring system that gave points for the more difficult climbs. Approximately 130 climbers went head-to-head on the Climb Time walls.

As the afternoon unfolded, climbers were screaming and yelling words of encouragement as competitors tried problems at the hardest levels, scoring more and more points to their total scores. They were so excited and full of energy as the competition ended, that Reynaldo decided to add an extra event a Dyno Competition!

For those unfamiliar with the Dyno Competition concept, imagine a person hurling himself vertically at a 24 foot tall wall to gain the highest point on the wall. While scores were being tallied and prizes divided, climbers were occupied and entertained by this event.

More than $7000 worth of climbing gear and other merchandise and prizes were awarded to top finishers in divisions including; under 14, beginner, intermediate and advanced. Climbers came from Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Chicago and Ohio. The event was supported by many of the national climbing industry companies. Local companies and Extremz Magazine stepped in to help advertise, provide much needed food, and promote the event.

Reynaldo, himself, was so dedicated to the project and obtaining permission from Climb Time of Blue Ash owners Matt and Patty Seto, that he raised $5000 in donations before the Free Store Foodbank was ever contacted about the competition.

Overall, Will Climb for Food 2000 was a huge success. Reynaldo has already started thinking about the 2001 competition and will start planning after a much needed vacation.