Young Climber Raises $100,000 for Relief

by Justino Aguila
San Francisco Chronicle, October 5, 2001

Scott Cory is only 11, but he's already earned a reputation for being a gifted rock climber. He recently took his passion to new heights by doing what he loves most and raising money for those affected by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

On Tuesday, the sixth-grader, who lives with his family in Brentwood, spent the day at Yosemite National Park climbing The Nose. Starting at the valley floor, he scaled more than 3,000 feet to raise $100,000 for the children of firefighters, police and public service employees who need help.

Cory hoped to have accomplished his goal by Oct. 15, when the fund-raiser ended. He hosted an auction at his gym: Mission Cliff in San Francisco, 2295 Harrison St. Clothing, tents and others types of gear were auctioned.

"I talked to my dad about helping those in New York," said Cory, who welcomes anyone to contribute, but is focusing on sports companies for financial or equipment donations for the auction. "We then came up with the idea of climbing."

Media attention has also helped Cory's mission. Thanks to his four years of climbing experience and preparation and training at home and at the gym, Cory reached the top with the help of his friends Tommy Caldwell, from Estes Park, Colo., and Beth Rodden, from Davis, both among the nation's top-rated climbers.

Rodden, 21, and Caldwell, 23, received media attention last year when they were kidnapped by Islamic rebels in Kyrgyzstan where they were climbing. They were held hostage six days, then escaped.

"We were really excited knowing that we'd be climbing with Scott," Rodden said. "He's a great kid and it's for a very good cause."

Cory, the youngest person to climb The Nose, made a trial-run two weeks earlier with seven fellow adventurers.

"I like climbing because I like being really high by myself," Cory said.

"Because of climbing, I've also met new people in different countries when I've gone climbing."

Cory climbs about three times a week at the Mission Cliff and two days at home, where he has a wall he can climb for practice.

He became hooked on climbing during a family trip to Lake Tahoe in 1997.

Jennifer Cory says her son's passion has involved extensive training, preparation and support from experienced climbers.

"I absolutely encourage it," Jennifer said. "He loves it, it keeps him healthy and he has tons of fun."

"I wanted to do something to help those in New York," Cory said. "It made me sad to see kids and their families crying. It might not be easy raising money, but I think we will accomplish it."