Check out our

Climber Bios

You make the difference. This extreme sport is sure to raise some extreme dollars for the United Way, but we need your participation. Please consider joining us as a sponsor. As a sponsor you can support as many climbers as you'd like and can give a one time donation, or one based on the total number of feet climbed.

Please select a name to see their bio information and to donation information:

Donate here
*Please fill in the climber name when donating.

Who is

Tom Seguin
What is your Occupation?
Master Gemologist Appraiser – One of only 50 in the US
Are you married? Do you have any children?
I am married to the love of my life – Donna. We have two boys, Anthony who just got married 3 weeks ago and Mitchell who will be climbing with us.
What are your hobbies and/or passions in life?
Climbing and travel are my hobbies and my passions
Where are you originally from?
I was born in Detroit, Michigan but Bradenton has been my home for the past 35 years
Why are you "Rock Climbing for Dollars"?
I am rock climbing for dollars because it is a way that I can use my passion to help other folks that are in need and it is very cool.
Donate here
*Please fill in the climber name when donating.

Who is

Donna Seguin
What is your Occupation?
Gemologist
Are you married? Do you have any children?
I am married to Tom. We have two boys, Anthony who just got married 3 weeks ago and Mitchell who will be climbing with us.
What are your hobbies and/or passions in life?
I love participating and watching sports (Go Rays!) Tom and I really enjoy traveling; and especially going to NYC anytime for any reason
Where are you originally from?
Lakewood Ohio
Why are you "Rock Climbing for Dollars"?
Because United Way does so much good in our community and I want to help in whatever way I can
Donate here
*Please fill in the climber name when donating.

Who is

Mitchell Sequin
What is your Occupation?
Student at University of Florida studying Political Science
Are you married? Do you have any children?
Not married
What are your hobbies and/or passions in life?
Surfing and Fishing
Where are you originally from?
Bradenton, FL
Why are you "Rock Climbing for Dollars"?
I am rock climbing for dollars because it is an exciting and new way to raise money for United Way. Also, I can’t turn down a weekend of climbing with my dad.
Donate here
*Please fill in the climber name when donating.

Who is

Valerie Nelson
What is your Occupation?
I am the Director of Development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County
Are you married? Do you have any children?
I am married to Steve Nelson who owns Taylor Rental. We do not have children
What are your hobbies and/or passions in life?
I love to read, cook, kayak, exercise, animals, gardening, trekking, fly fishing, helping children and animals, movies; teaching; exploring.
Where are you originally from?
I was born in Elmhurst Illinois, I grew up in Hinsdale Illinois. I lived downtown Chicago for 4 years prior to moving.
Why are you "Rock Climbing for Dollars"?
I am climbing because I want to try something I have never done before and I am inspired because the end result will help others. The past two years I have been trying things that I have never done before due to fear or lack of opportunity. Now, while I am healthy and have a adventure spirit, I am accepting challenges as they come my way.
Donate here
*Please fill in the climber name when donating.

Who is

Chris Vining
What is your Occupation?
Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch
Are you married? Do you have any children?
Married (wife Dana) Sons Peyton (9) Camden (6)
What are your hobbies and/or passions in life?
Golf, anything athletic or outdoors, History, My family
Where are you originally from?
Macon, GA
Why are you "Rock Climbing for Dollars"?
I love climbing and the United Way is a great organization.
Donate here
*Please fill in the climber name when donating.

Who is

Tara Donovan
What is your Occupation?
Director of Resource Development, UWMC
Are you married? Do you have any children?
No not married. No children, just a four year old Puggle named Dexter.
What are your hobbies and/or passions in life?
Traveling, cooking, spending time on the water and living the Florida lifestyle.
Where are you originally from?
I’m one of the lucky ones… spending almost my entire life in the Sunshine State. My family moved from New York to Sarasota when I was only four years old. So the hot sun and white sandy beaches are all I know.
Why are you "Rock Climbing for Dollars"?
I work for the United Way. But for me, it’s more than ‘just’ a job. I love what I do and I’m extremely passionate about helping those who need it most in our community. Being the Florida girl I am, I've never attempted anything like this before, but I'm determined to do my part for our community. I'm always up for a challenge & this might be my biggest one yet.
Donate here
*Please fill in the climber name when donating.

Who is

John Donovan
What is your Occupation?
Florida Highway Patrol Trooper
Are you married? Do you have any children?
No I’m not married and do not have any children
What are your hobbies and/or passions in life?
Sports and outside activities
Where are you originally from?
Originally from New York, moved to Sarasota in 1982
Why are you "Rock Climbing for Dollars"?
“Rock Climbing for Dollars” sounded like a great way to raise money for the United Way and to have fun at the same time. I am excited that my sister, Tara, and I will be doing this together.
Donate here
*Please fill in the climber name when donating.

Who is

Nathan Baker
What is your Occupation?
I work with stone and metal and am also a student going to college for geology or anthropology.
Are you married? Do you have any children?
No kids and not married.
What are your hobbies and/or passions in life?
I am a musician and artist. I thoroughly enjoy the outdoors; climbing, mountain biking, camping, etc.
Where are you originally from?
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Why are you "Rock Climbing for Dollars"?
It's a unique and amazing experience, and it a very cool way to raise money for a noble cause.
Donate here
*Please fill in the climber name when donating.

Who is

Jared Baker
What is your Occupation?
Sales Specialist REI, Freelance Photographer.
Are you married? Do you have any children?
Not married. Yes I have a Daughter named Sage who is age 9 and a beginning climber.
What are your hobbies and/or passions in life?
Living in colorado I am fortunate to be able to enjoy all types of outdoor activities at my fingertips. Favorites...Climbing, Snowboarding, Mountaineering, Hiking.
Where are you originally from?
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Why are you "Rock Climbing for Dollars"?
Funny story, met Tom only 2.5 weeks before the climb while visiting my father in florida. Saw a flyer for the climb and asked him what it was all about and he invited me to climb with them. It was a wonderful opportunity to help out the united way, and meet some new people while doing an activity I love.
Donate here
*Please fill in the climber name when donating.

Who is

Manny Cruz
What is your Occupation?
Professional Photographer — I am 1 of only 100 photographers awarded The Florida Degree of Photographic Excellence. Our studio has been creating award winning portraits of families and children, here in Manatee County, for over 20 years.
Are you married? Do you have any children?
My wife Mary Jane and I have will have been married for 27 years in February. We have four daughters ranging in age from 25 to 13.
What are your hobbies and/or passions in life?
Travel, climbing, skiing, skating or bike riding anything I can do with my four daughters. I am passionate about my family and doing my part to help my community.
Where are you originally from?
I am a Navy Brat. I was born in New York but lived in many places including Virginia Beach and Rota Spain growing up. I have lived in Florida since 1976.
Why are you "Rock Climbing for Dollars"?
Rock climbing for dollars is a very unique way to raise money for our community. I am looking forward to the fellowship and the challenge.

Think you have

What it Takes?

Do you have a passion for the outdoors? Do you wish to try something new? Would you like to make a difference in the community? If your answer is yes, than We Want You! Join our team of climbers looking to take part of an adventure and make a difference for the community. You can download a climber information packet and join the team.


Download the Climber Packet in PDF form here.


Want to make a difference by sponsoring one of our climbers and the United Way. You can choose to look through the bios and click on their Donation button there or you can donate here.

Please mark your donation as Rock Climbing for Dollars and add the name of the climber you would like to donate on behalf of.