Upon hearing of the impending closure of one of the Bay Areaʼs most renowned climbing destinations, Chris Sharma has pledged three multimedia presentations to help raise awareness, and money, to support a self-sustaining budget for the park. The shows will take place May 18th at Clif Bar Headquarters Theater in Emeryville and May 19th at The Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz. Proceeds will be donated to the Portola and Castle Rock Foundation, the non-profit organizing efforts to keep the parks open.

Considered by many to be the most recognizable and influential figures in rock climbing today, Sharma was born and raised in the Bay Area and began his outdoor climbing career at Castle Rock in 1993. Today, he spends most of his time in Spain establishing the hardest rock climbs in the world. His shows are composed of images from throughout his career and Sharma recounting stories of his extensive accomplishments, which help to explain his personal influences and motivations. Raised in a Buddhist home within the Santa Cruz community, from early in his career Sharmaʼs perspective on climbing provided an alternative take to the some of the staunchly traditional aspects of the sport. Through his graceful attitude, unparalleled talent, and approachable disposition, Sharma has been a leader in climbingʼs rise to widespread popularity. His accomplishments have helped make climbing seem both accessible and unbelievable, and have given rise to an expanding generation of young climbers. In addition to establishing dozens of the hardest roped climbs in the world, Sharma has almost single-handedly popularized bouldering and deep water soloing, which have both become sub-sports of their own in the last decade.

When heʼs not revolutionizing the various disciplines of climbing, Sharma is often involved in inspiring underprivileged youth to take to the rock. Founded in 1998, the Sharmafund provides scholarships and climbing opportunities to less fortunate kids through contributions from Sharma and his industry affiliations. The efforts to maintain public access to Castle Rock and Portola Redwoods State Parks presented a new fundraising challenge to Chris, as he personally feels the parks provides unique opportunities for inner-city youth to realize their own strengths and test their limits, while maintaining physical and mental well-being and developing a respect for wilderness and open space. In this way, Sharma felt a personal imperative to lend his support to keeping the parks open, and he is excited to make a May visit to the Bay Area specifically for the cause.

Details:

An Evening with Chris Sharma

Presented by Clif Bar and Prana

All Proceeds Donated to Keep Castle Rock Open

May 18th | 7pm and 9pm | $15

Clif Bar Theater

1451 66th Street

Emeryville, CA

May 19th | 7pm | $15 Adv/20 Door

Rio Theatre

1205 Soquel

Santa Cruz, CA

www.riotheatre.com

More at: www.facebook.com/sharmafundraiser