Peter Marbach shares inspiring story of Nepali guide Jagat Lama

Hood River photographer Peter Marbach presents an evening journeying into the heart and soul of Nepal on Dec. 18 at Columbia Center for the Arts.

The evening will include a silent auction and no-host bar starting at 6:30 p.m. with the slideshow and talk beginning 7:30 p.m. Admission is a $5 suggested donation, at the door. All proceeds will benefit the work of Jagat Lama’s Sukman Memorial Polyclinic in Kumari, Nepal.

In spring 2013, Marbach volunteered with the Mountain Leadership Institute and Freesolo Collective film crew on a humanitarian expedition to the Himalayas and the remote village of Kumari to document the amazing life story of trekking guide Jagat Lama.

Jagat’s rise from poverty and his heroic efforts to bring health care, education, and a women’s skills center to his village will be featured in the upcoming film “Kumari: The Jagat Lama Story.”

Marbach will share stories and images from village life in Kumari, the colorful chaos of Kathmandu, the beauty of the Himalayas and friendships forged en route to Everest.

“I promised Jagat that upon my return I would stand up and bear witness to his work,” said Marbach. “The response from Hood River and beyond has been amazing.”

PocketFuel and Shortt Supply are event sponsors. Ryan’s Juice will match the first $500 raised.

Silent auction items include special offerings from Patagonia, Icebreaker, Columbia Cliff Villas, Martin’s Gorge Tours, Villa Columbia, Morning Song Acres, Friends of the Columbia Gorge, Secret Salsa Society, Hood River Bagels, Egg Harbor, Best Western Cascade Locks, artists Bill Sturman, Leah Hedberg and Peter Marbach, and a very special item — a chance to bid on reserving a spot on the 2015 Mountain Leadership expedition and service project to Nepal.

Filmmaker Sean O’Connor hopes attendees will be inspired to get involved.

Since 2008, Mountain Leadership Institute has led climbs of Himalayan peaks and service projects in support of Jagat’s work.

Les Zollbrecht, leader of the 2013 expedition to Nepal, said, “While our expeditions take you to the most spectacular mountains on earth, the heart and soul of the trip is making the lives of the people of Nepal better by our humanitarian emphasis in Kumari.”