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– September 2024 –

Let's Join Together to

Make The World a Better Place

The Mountain is a unique and welcoming space that has nurtured souls throughout the years thanks to the generous contributions of so many. When you support The Mountain, you are helping us to build and maintain a community that reflects our shared values and lead to a better world for all.


There are many ways to contribute to The Mountain and since we are an Endowment (501c3) organization your kind gift is tax deductible. Check out all of the options and thank you for considering to give!

• Cash Contributions Online or Onsite– Check, PayPal, Credit Card, and Cash

• Stock Transfer

• Donor Advised Fund

• Retirement Accounts -- Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) or Qualified Charitable

Distribution (QCD), or IRA accounts (up to $100,000 may be donated without tax

exposure)

• Please reach out to us if you have other ideas for giving

Annual Fund

When you designate your giving to the Annual Fund, you're helping The Mountain cover the costs of daily operations for things such as cleaning supplies and guest amenities. You are also helping us add new staff members to our already great team, pay our operating bills, prepare for programs and retreats, as well as maintain and improve upon our guest's experience.

Planned Giving

This allows us to plan ahead for our long term viability through legacy gifts to The Mountain or Mountain Endowment Fund. In doing so, your gift is an investment in our future. Previous giving has helped pay for our van, new mattresses for guests rooms, electric doors, and so much more.

Capital Campaign

Through your pledges to our Roots & Wings - Capital Campaign, you are helping to create a generational investment in The Mountain property that will support the needs of people, programs, and infrastructure for years to come. Our Capital Campaign team estimates the need to raise $3+ million to meet our project goals. So far we have completed our new Staff Housing, Crafts Barn renovation, a total renovation of The Tower, and we have recently began the much needed exterior renovation of The Lodge.

Click to learn more about the Roots & Wings Campaign


ANNOUNCING:

$50K Match for Annual Fund to Support Mountain Programming starting November 1st


Click to Learn More About Giving

Team Members Spotlight!

Meet Mick Mayer

"Hey! My name is Michael but everyone calls me Mick. I was born and raised in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, and my boyfriend and I have recently moved up to Scaly Mountain to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I love being out in nature.


I was attracted to The Mountain after meeting Carole Light, a former president of the board and neighbor, who introduced me to Beverly, Anna and James. From what I have experienced, the beautiful mountaintop setting is only paralleled by the wonderful community of staff. I feel a strong connection to Unitarian Universalists values, and was thrilled to find an opportunity such as this so close to my new home.


In my Guest Services role at The Mountain, I would like to make use of my resourcefulness and skills in customer service to act as a beacon of relief for any of our guests or staff in need of assistance. I am very open-minded about religion and spirituality and agree with the unitarian idea that religion should be open for interpretation per the individual. I am particularly interested in

eastern spirituality and the perspectives that are purposed by the message of non-duality. I enjoy talking about these ideas to whomever else they resonate with!


In my spare time, I enjoy writing songs and recording music and I have just released my first solo album. I have aspirations to share my music with the general public on a big festival stage some day, like Bonnaroo or Coachella. I love how music can usher so much inspiration into peoples lives,

enriching communities and bringing people together."


Check Out Mick's Music Here:

mickmayer.com

Fall Youth CONs

Are Going to Be a Blast!

Youth CONferences are weekend gatherings of Unitarian Universalist youth – from congregations far and wide – who gather at The Mountain for fun, connection, reflection, and spiritual growth. Activities include workshops, outdoor activities, a dance, and so much more. Participants stay in our cozy cabins and join together in our Dining Hall for delicious meals suited to each individuals’ dietary needs. CONs are planned by youth for youth, providing opportunities for youth leadership and empowerment.


Click on each CON to learn more and register:


Elementary CON - October 18-20


Intermediate CON - November 1-3


High School CON - December 13-15

The Grateful Gathering

November 27 - December 1, 2024

There is no place more beautiful than The Mountain in the fall and no time better to visit than for The Grateful Gathering. It's the perfect weekend to reflect on the gifts provided by this special place and connect with old and new friends alike.


Join us for a long weekend of acknowledging and celebrating the gratitude in our lives.


Click for more information

Be a Part Our Team!

Check out these great opportunities to work with a team in a beautiful mountain setting and help make a difference in our world!


Housekeeping

Work with housekeeping staff to clean and resupply guest rooms, meeting spaces and public areas in an environmentally friendly manner. Source, purchase, organize and supply linens, towels, cleaning supplies, paper products and equipment used in the Housekeeping Department.


Advancement Director

This position is responsible for planning, organizing and directing all aspects of fundraising including major gifts, annual fund, planned giving, special events and Capital Campaign. This position will work closely with the current Advancement Director for a transition period.


Food Service Worker

Good food is the heart of The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center. We are hiring for all skill sets so come and learn and serve good, healthy food to our guests!


Click to learn more and apply


A Mountain Member Message from

Lois Lee

We first got involved in The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center through our son’s involvement in Youth CONS. Because of what The Mountain meant for our son; we came to love The Mountain too. Now 40 years later, we still love The Mountain and have shown our love by being active members, volunteers, and contributors to the Mountain General Fund, Capital Campaign and The Endowment Fund.


The Endowment Fund exists to support the long-term development and enhancement of the mission, programs, and activities of The Mountain. We strongly believe in the importance of The Mountain and want it to be there for children, youth, and adults forever. That is why we contribute to the fund every year. We also celebrate, honor, and memorialize friends by making donations in their names, and have included The Mountain and The Mountain Endowment Fund in our estate plans. 


Every year the Endowment Board gives 4% of the fund to The Mountain for special projects not in

the operating budget. Recent gifts have provided new mattresses for the Lodge and cabins,

acoustic tiles and new dishes for the Dining Hall.


Please join us in making sure that this wonderful place will thrive and be here forever for all who

love The Mountain. As a 501(C)(3) organization, your contributions are tax deductible and very

much appreciated.

Upcoming Events and Programs

Click on events to learn more!


YouthCONs - Fall 2024


Wild Mushroom ID and Foraging September 21


Grateful Gathering November 27 - December 1

Mountain Matters Archives

There is always so much happening at The Mountain! Check out the archives of Mountain Matters Newsletters and relive all the fun and important programs.

See you on The Mountain

Sign up for Mountain Matters at the bottom of The Mountain's Home page!

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