Press Release - The North Face

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At @ORShow @thenorthface and @OIWC present adventurer Barbara Hillary http://3bl.me/qwqdv9

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We are named for the coldest, most unforgiving side of a mountain. We have helped explorers reach the most unfathomable heights of the Himalayas. But The North Face(R)legend begins, ironically, on a beach. More precisely, San Franciscos North Beach neighborhood, at an altitude of only 150 feet above sea level. It was here in 1966 that two hiking enthusiasts resolved to follow their passions and founded a small mountaineering retail store.

Soon thereafter, that little shop became known as The North Face, a retailer of high-performance climbing and backpacking equipment. In 1968, The North Face moved to the other side of San Francisco Bay, to the unbridled possibilities of the Berkeley area, and began designing and manufacturing its own brand of technical mountaineering apparel and equipment.

In hopes of sharing our passion for the outdoors, we created a number of global events and initiatives to inspire the next generation of explorers and conservationists.

OIWC and The North Face Present Adventurer Barbara Hillary

Aug 2, 2012 10:30 AM EDT

(3BL Media) August 2, 2012 - Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition (OIWC), together with The North Face, is pleased to present a special gathering with Barbara Hillary, the first African American woman and senior citizen to reach both the North and South Poles. The event will take place on Thursday, August 2, from 4:30-6:00 pm at The North Face booth (#35051).

At the age of 75, breast and lung cancer survivor Barbara Hillary finally reached her dream of skiing to the North Pole.

Four years later, she repeated the adventure, but to the opposite pole. As an advocate for the senior community, today Barbara utilizes her leadership qualities and her graduate degree in gerontology to educate and improve staff development in nursing homes and related facilities as a consultant to meet the current expectations of the aging population.

"Barbara Hillary is a true inspiration to the outdoor community. A pioneer, Barbara pushed past a great deal of adversity in her life to become the first to accomplish a feat unlike any other," said Todd Spaletto, president of The North Face. "We are excited for Barbara to join us at The North Face booth and share her story, which will undoubtedly resonate within a community that seeks to never stop exploring."

The North Face and OIWC are excited to include such an inspirational speaker and community trailblazer as part of this gathering. Barbara will give a 20-minute presentation on “How I Reached the North and South Poles.” The event is open to the members and non-members although a donation is suggested to support OIWC's programs focused on providing advocacy, education and resources for women in the outdoor, bike and snowsports industries.

For more information, please contact Hillary Harding (hharding@oiwc.org) or visit www.oiwc.org.

SOURCE The North Face