Community Bridge Fund

Thank you!

Our pledge drive is complete.

You all made this possible

Our climbing community pulled together to make a big difference for the Climb Nittany employees. Thank you to all the donors for helping to make sure the people who run Climb Nittany are supported between the closure and the reopening. It really makes a difference!

Over the next couple days, we'll reach out to each donor directly with Zelle transfer instructions for your pledge amount. Every Zelle transaction goes directly to staff members.

Thank you, community!
$12,850 65 pledges
Final pledges
Anonymous $100
Chris Fowler $250
Ben and Liza Johnson $500
Carla Stilson $575
Dave & Jen Case $500
Anonymous $50
Anonymous $100
Sora Rhee $300
Anonymous $100
Anonymous $200
Anonymous $500
Mary Walsh $100
Hannah Wiseman $50
Erin Whiting $300
Austin Li $200
Aaron Clair $100
Anonymous $100
Anonymous $200
Anonymous $100
Mary Coyne $100
Anonymous $100
Anonymous $500
Andrea & Chris Murrell $50
Anonymous $250
Anonymous $25
Anonymous $50
Anonymous $100
Anonymous $200
Anonymous $200
Anonymous $200
Anonymous $500
Anonymous $100
Anonymous $400
Anonymous $100
Anonymous $300
Anonymous $100
michele chernega $50
Anonymous $100
Sarah Gioia $100
Anonymous $250
Anonymous $300
Anonymous $100
Anonymous $100
Anonymous $100
Anonymous $50
Anonymous $300
Dave & Jen Case $500
Anonymous $50
Pam & Virgil Fuentes $300
Anonymous $500
Anonymous $50
Yan Gilchenok $100
Anonymous $100
Anonymous $100
David and Lisa $300
Anonymous $100
Anonymous $150
Anonymous $200
Kristen Frank-Dixon $500
Erin and Roman $200
Orsolya and Istvan $150
Anonymous $100
Tara and Doug $200
Christina Cates $100
Anonymous $100

Frequently asked questions

How did you determine the overall fundraising goal?

The goal was calculated by estimating the gap between Pennsylvania unemployment benefits and the employees' previous earnings during the expected closure period. The fund is intended to supplement unemployment benefits, not replace a full salary.

The current goal is based on our best estimate of when the gym may reopen and includes a modest buffer. If circumstances change significantly, we may launch a second pledge campaign rather than raising more money than is needed today.

Who are the employees receiving the funds?

The fund is intended to support the full-time employees who lost their jobs as a result of the closure and who intend to return when the gym reopens.

To protect employee privacy, we are not publicly identifying recipients or disclosing how funds are allocated among them.

When will I need to actually send money?

The pledge drive has closed. We will contact each donor individually with instructions for making a direct transfer to a recipient. We would request that the transfer be made shortly thereafter.

Will my gift be anonymous?

You can choose to appear anonymously on the pledge list displayed on the Community Bridge Fund webpage. As fund administrators, we will be able to see your name, email, and pledge amount so that we can contact you about transferring the funds.

Due to the way most money transfer services work (such as Zelle, our default method), donors and recipients will generally see each other's names as part of the payment process. While we can minimize unnecessary disclosure, we cannot guarantee complete anonymity.

Are contributions to this fund tax-deductible?

No. This is a person-to-person gift campaign, not a donation to a registered charity. Contributions are not tax-deductible. If you have questions about how a gift like this affects your taxes, please contact your own tax preparer or CPA.

Do the organizers hold or handle the money?

No. The organizers connect donors to recipients. They do not collect, hold, or distribute any funds themselves. Every Zelle transfer goes directly from a donor to a staff member.

Who is organizing this campaign?

Scott Woods and Alison Martin are organizing this campaign. We are longtime members of the Climb Nittany community, acting independently of the gym and its ownership.

We are not a nonprofit or registered charity. This is a direct peer-to-peer fundraiser. Every dollar pledged goes straight to the employees — we collect nothing for overhead or administration.

Questions? Email us at bridge-fund@2climbers.org.