» Seek the Peak 2008 was the biggest fundraising event in the history of the Mount Washington Observatory, thanks to more than 250 passionate, generous, adventurous participants from across the nation. In 2009, we're looking to reach even greater heights!

» Stay tuned as we prepare for the 2009 version of Seek the Peak. We plan to activate the 2009 Seek the Peak website nine months in advance of the event, October 25, 2008.

» In the meantime, visit the Seek the Peak section of the Mount Washington Observatory web forums to read about the 2008 event, meet some of the hikers and make your plans for 2009.

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Mount Washington Observatory's 8th Annual Seek the Peak Hike-a-Thon smashes attendance, fundraising records

On July 26, 2008, hikers came in droves to support the non-profit Mount Washington Observatory during its annual Seek the Peak hike-a-thon, making the 2008 edition the most successful event in its eight-year history. 250 hikers from as far away as Texas, Colorado, Florida and the Carolinas, ventured to the summit of the tallest peak in New England, raising a total of just over $100,000 for the Observatory. That sum surpassed the event's 2007 fundraising totals by more than $37,000 and more than doubled the 2006 effort.

Presented by Subaru and L.L.Bean, Seek the Peak is Mount Washington Observatory's largest annual fundraiser. All proceeds from the event benefit the organization.s ongoing efforts in weather observation, education and research. Over its eight years of existence, the cumulative total that Seek the Peak has raised is now over $383,000.

A record $40,000 worth of prizes and hiker goodie bags were given away at the 2008 Seek the Peak, including two grand prizes. Drawn among participants that raised at least $1,000, a one-year lease of a 2009 Subaru Forester was awarded to Brad Griswold of Orford, NH. Ed O'Malley of Mantoloking, NJ was the top fundraiser, personally raising $5,225 in support of the Observatory. For his efforts, O'Malley took home a $1,000 family camping package from L.L.Bean. All participants that raised at least $1,000 received a specially-embroidered Seek the Peak fleece jacket from L.L.Bean.

Several other prizes were claimed at Seek the Peak. Valentin Gribkoff of Wallingford, CT won a trip to the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, complete with air travel on JetBlue Airways. Myra Adorno of Portland, ME won a 2009 overnight winter EduTrip to the Mount Washington Observatory.

The event was presented by Subaru and L.L.Bean, with support from Lakes Region Coca-Cola, Cooper Cargill Chant, HEB Engineers, Dwell Creative, Appalachian Mountain Club, USDA Forest Service, Mt. Washington State Park, Mt. Washington Auto Road, 93.5 WMWV-FM and WPKQ-FM.

The 2009 edition of Seek the Peak is scheduled for July 24-25, 2009.