Looking Glass Outfitters Helps to Buy Laurel Knob

MONDAY, 24 NOVEMBER 2008

Pisgah Forest, NC -- Looking Glass Outfitters announced that their John Bachar Slideshow on November 15th raised over $1600 for the Carolina Climbers Coalition. The proceeds, generated by ticket sales, sponsorship, and silent auction of vendor-donated items, have helped to finalize the CCC's three year push to pay for the acquisition of Laurel Knob, a stunning granite cliff in western North Carolina and previously endangered by land development. The land purchase solidifies the area as a phenomenal resource for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts for future generations.

November 15th coincided with the Re-launch of Looking Glass Outfitters, recently purchased by Phil and Jessica Hoffmann. The Hoffmanns have many connections to the Brevard area, and have just returned to the southeast after a year-long stint in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where Phil worked for the Teton Valley Branch of NOLS and Jessica worked for Mountain Khakis. Jessica continues to work for Mountain Khakis, and Phil has taken the reins of the store with the goal of expanding the store's offering of climbing, trailrunning, camping, and hiking gear and making LGO an area leader for outdoor equipment. Having worked throughout the state as a climbing guide, camp director and climbing gym manager, Phil is uniquely familiar with the outdoor playground of western North Carolina, and the nuances of the gear designed for each activity it encompasses.

Phil cites the draw of Pisgah National Forest, the area's world-class climbing, and the strong outdoor community as the driving forces that persuaded he and his wife to return to western North Carolina and purchase Looking Glass Outfitters. The Re-launch party was well attended, and the slideshow, offered in partnership with Appalachian Mountain Institute, Brevard Rock Gym, Fox Mountain Guides, and Brevard College, gathered over 100 outdoor enthusiasts. "It was a great opportunity to bring a legendary climber to the area and share the celebration of new ownership with the community," says Jessica. "We have a strong desire to expand our involvement with local organizations that foster outdoor pursuits in the area as we grow the store." Visit Looking Glass Outfitters at 90 New Hendersonville Highway in Pisgah Forest, NC or at Lookingglassoutfitters.com.

Source: www.rockclimbing.com