By Danielle Margosian

Tahoe locals Nicole Cartwright, Cindy Thaw, Brian Black, Travis Thaw, and Margie Maxhimer supported the teens in placement at Tahoe Turning Point’s four group homes by participating in the 2009 Peak Bagging fundraiser.

This was the second year of the fundraiser, which rewards participants for the peaks they hiked from April through November. After registering, each peak hiked was documented and a photo was taken on the summit. The peak records and photos were turned in to determine who won prizes for the following categories:

Rich Barna, left to right, Brian Black, Danielle Margosian, Russ Thaw, Margie Maxhimer, and two residents from the group home. Photo/Provided

➢ Most peaks overall

➢ Most peaks above 10,000 feet

➢ Highest peak

➢ Farthest peak from South Lake Tahoe

➢ Best summit photo

Nicole Cartwright hiked the most peaks overall, reaching 14 summits. She also claimed the prize for the farthest peak from South Lake Tahoe, for a summit in Mexico.

Cindy Thaw, a second-year participant, won a prize for bagging seven peaks over 10,000 feet. Her son, Travis Thaw, claimed the highest peak overall, Mount Williamson at 14,375 feet. He also won the prize for best summit photo, for his picture on top of Half Dome.

Brian Black was runner-up in several categories, and enjoyed prizes for his efforts in bagging 10 peaks.

Margie Maxhimer, another second-year participant, was not able to do as much hiking as she would have liked this year, but she enjoyed supporting the fundraiser.

Tahoe Turning Point would like to thank all of our sponsors for donating the prizes that reward our participants for their peak-bagging efforts. We would also like to thank our participants who care about the teens in placement at our group homes. The money raised from their registration fees ($40 per person) goes toward gear and supplies for our residents to enjoy the outdoor activities Tahoe has to offer.

Participatns also enjoyed prizes for their efforts, which were generously donated by businesses within the community who sponsored the fundraiser. This year our sponsors were:

➢ Sierra-at-Tahoe and Northstar-at-Tahoe

➢ Tahoe Keys Resort

➢ Inn by the Lake

➢ Kahle Community Center

➢ Tahoe Bowl

➢ Sierra Cycle Works

➢ Alpen Sierra Coffee

➢ Grassroots

For more information on Tahoe Turning Point’s peak-bagging fundraiser, and how to get involved, please contact us at (530) 541.4594.

Danielle Margosian is a counselor at Tahoe Turning Point.