Mountains for Mark is an event born out of tragedy, friendship and service to our local communities. On November 29th, 2009 in Lakewood, WA, Sergeant Mark Renninger was murdered, one of four police officers shot in the line of duty. The nation watched in astonishment. One of those viewers was Chris Eline, a Bethlehem, PA firefighter and childhood friend of Mark and his family.

Chris was shocked by this senseless tragedy that devastated the Seattle area and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where Mark and Chris grew up. This event was conceived to honor Mark and his family.

I’m climbing Mt. Rainier in August to raise funds for The Boys & Girls Club of Bethlehem- Northeast Unit where Mark, his siblings and I spent our most formative years.

My fundraising goal is $20,000 and can only be done with your help.

As young children in the 1980's, Mark and I were raised in a tough neighborhood where many families lacked role models and a safe place to play. Most youth found trouble quickly. Thankfully Mark, his siblings, and I discovered the Boys & Girls Club.

The Renninger brothers and I shared many fond memories at the Boys & Girls Club, from summer camp to spending countless hours in the blazing sun on the playground. We all enjoyed the friendship and mentoring we received from the staff and often realized it was the only positive contact we had. And even today the Boys & Girls Club still plays an important part in all of our lives; something we didn’t fully appreciate until Mark’s tragic murder.

Mt. Rainier, coincidently, is very near Mark’s home and the precinct where he worked. After reconnecting with Mark’s family and other Boys & Girls Club alumni at his memorial, I decided I would climb in honor of Mark and dedicate the climb to the Boys and Girls Club of Bethlehem, Northeast Unit. It is this place that greatly influenced us to become civil servants of our local communities.

Gary Martell, Director of the Boys & Girls Club, was a staff member of the NE Unit in the 80’s when we were all there. Gary spoke at Mark’s memorial, sharing stories about Mark and how he exemplified the mission of the Boys & Girls Club. In fact, they will be dedicating a room in his honor.

“Mark Renninger epitomizes the mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Bethlehem; to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, caring citizens. He showed great character as a young boy and was an influential and dedicated Boys Club member. He became a leader of men and women in service to our country. He was also a loyal and caring son, brother, uncle, husband, father and friend.” - Gary Martell

Mark’s murder is a tragedy that has touched lives across the United States. Please join me in helping to remember this fallen officer and all that he stood for in both his professional and personal life.  Please donate today.