Lars Spurkland Hut Fundraising Update!

I love this time of year – we’re sandwiched in that perfect spot between the cozy darkness of winter and the promise of March and all its sunny, snowy, joyful glory. We’ve done the longest, hardest stretch of winter. We just have one more little push, and before we know it the days will be long and we’ll catch that first magical spring moment when the sun has a kind of warmth to it we haven’t felt in months and we’re skiing in t-shirts.

I hope my enthusiasm for spring snow (and appreciation of anticipating it) excuses the cheesy metaphor, but Alaska Huts is also sandwiched in a perfect spot as we work with you all to make the Lars Spurkland Hut at Spencer Glacier – the first in the Glacier Discovery Project – a reality. Hopefully you’re familiar with the project by now, but if not (or if you want some stunning photos to drool over and future trips to scheme about), please check out our planning and prospectus. Thanks to an incredible number of generous individual donors, we have surpassed our fundraising goal and raised over $80,000. This is nothing short of incredible, and as an organization, we are even more invigorated in our mission in providing backcountry lodgings that promote camaraderie, stewardship, outdoor education and Alaska’s cultural heritage knowing that so many Alaskans share that passion.

Here’s where that whole February part of the analogy comes in – the final push to reach our fundraising goal from individual donors is another $21,000. We are aiming to secure the remainder of our funds this calendar year, and the sooner we do, the sooner we can firm up plans to break ground on the Lars Spurkland Hut in 2023. And speaking of that long, hard, dark stretch of winter…..your contribution could help jet you off to some sun next winter. For every $25 you donate through February 14, you’ll be entered to win one of two Alaska Airlines tickets! There are multiple ways to donate: you can give directly to the Hut fund, become a member, or upgrade your membership. We can accept credit card and check, and all donations are tax deductible. Hut donors will be recognized at a variety of levels.

We hope you’ll consider contributing to this final fundraising push as we move through the last part of winter. The Alaska Huts mission is truly one of community, camaraderie, and shared ownership and responsibility. Those values have shown brightly in the community response to realizing the Lars Spurkland Hut thus far, and we can’t wait to continue working together as the Glacier Discovery Project moves forward. We also encourage you to spread the word about the project and invite your friends and networks to be part of this effort.

To sunny days ahead!

-Jessica Holden Braunlich, Alaska Huts Board Member