The Liz rocks Foundation is dedicated to providing opportunities for people to get outdoors and reach new peaks in honor of mountaineer and Tacoma local Liz Daley who was tragically lost in a snowboarding accident while living her dream.
Our Mission
Our mission to not only bring climbing to an urban area but to also provide underrepresented urban youth the opportunities to reach new peaks through mountain related activities in the wilderness.
Providing youth opportunities to participate in physical and mental challenges can help build confidence and improve teamwork skills. Participating in outdoor activities encourages students become environmental stewards with a hands on approach.
As a grass roots organization we have raised significant funds to provide a safe place for youth to climb for years to come! Our partnership with the YMCA allows more underrepresented youth to experience climbing through several avenues for years to come. After raising significant funds for the climbing wall we are now focused on providing youth opportunities to take skills they learn on the climbing wall to the great outdoors with the Liz Rocks Foundation!
We have raised over $150K to build a climbing wall in honor of Liz Daley. This wall will be constructed in the new SiS and Names Family YMCA.
We have partnered with local high schools to fund snowshoeing trips on Mt. Rainier.
Two scholarship recipients have attended a week+ leadership mountaineering course and successfully summited Mt. Baker.
After successfully reaching our fundraising goal with the Liz Rocks Campaign by raising $150k for a climbing wall in Liz’s honor. We thought, what if we could raise the same amount of money to provide life-changing experiences to youth that need it the most? We are Tacoma locals committed to helping our community experience the outdoors!
The American Alpine Institute's Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) program utilizes rock climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, stewardship and outdoor adventure to develop decision making and judgment skills for young leaders. Participants learn skills necessary for an attempt on 10,781-foot Mt. Baker.
The public will have access to the climbing wall through the partnership with Liz Rocks, our school partnerships, any open house/community events, special events, etc. The Y does not turn anyone away due to an inability to pay and offers financial assistance to ensure that every person has the opportunity to experience our community centers, programs, and activities.
Liz rocks has provided outdoor adventure to multiple youth organizations in Tacoma. We partner with other organizations to provide necessary gear and guides. If your group is looking to reach new peaks contact us for more information.
Youth that have found a passion for the outdoors and wish to progress their skill sets may be eligible to receive funding for memberships to local outdoor organizations or clubs for up to one year or more. Interested youth should contact us for information and to apply for sponsorship.
— Charlie Davis, CEO of YMCA Pierce and Kitsap Counties
We are a group of Tacoma locals and outdoor enthusiasts passionate about inspiring our youth to LIVE LIKE LIZ and reach new peaks.
Liz Rocks is a local grass roots non-profit organization run by a group of outdoor enthusiasts passionate about our mission and honoring Liz’s legacy. We rely on support from community members and partners like to you to provide opportunities for underrepresented youth to reach new peaks.
We partner with organizations to provide scholarships, sponsorship, gear and programming to youth.
You may volunteer at one of our events or offer a specialized service to support our mission.
We rely on donations to fund trips, provide transportation, buy gear and support operations. Anything helps!
