So what in the world is the Stanley the Pig contest?

First, let us introduce you to Stanley the flying pig. Each year, Stanley goes to live with the DC Climb4Life team which raises the most money for HERA. (By the way, he's very neat and clean, doesn't eat much, and has a great disposition.)

Why a flying pig?  The story goes, once upon a time, when our good friend Sean Patrick was thinking about starting a climbing fundraiser for ovarian cancer research, a friend said to her, "climbers will come to an event about ovaries when pigs can fly." Well, she thought, "why not?" And so Stanley, our local C4L mascot, was born because we all believe that one day, not only will pigs fly, but there will be a cure.

The Contest  Stanley, like many of us, is a dreamer. And despite the love we give him, he's been curious to meet other flying pigs and the wonderful dreams they support.  It now seems that Stanley has run off to carouse with other winged swine and has completely forgotten the time!  So it's now up to you to find Stanley and convince him to return to spread magic and inspiration to all the survivors and families that have faced this disease.

How the Game Works  Somewhere in each of our locations is a clue to Stanley's whereabouts. There are 6 different clues hidden at the top of 6 climbing routes. You don't need all 6 to find Stanley, but each will get you closer to the right answer. The clues are planted at each Sportrock (2) and Earth Treks (3) gyms, plus one at the REI Fairfax pinnacle.  We've chosen routes that anyone can climb but don't even think of asking staff which route it's on. That, my friends, is up to you to discover.

Think you've found Stanley?  Once you decipher the clues, place your answer and a letter to Stanley in an envelope and send it to Sean Patrick. Tell Stanley why this event is important to you and why he gives you hope. Sean will be at our closing event, March 29th at Earth Treks, Rockville, MD. You can also send your entry to rkrafch@rei.com or drop it off at REI Fairfax, 11950 Grand Commons Ave., Fairfax, VA 22030. Entries must be received by close of business, Friday, March 28th.

Stanley will select three winners from the pool of correct answers who will receive cool prizes!

Where in the World is Stanley the Pig contest brought to you by HERA, REI, Earth Treks and Sportrock Climbing Gyms.