CORRALES, N.M. — The 29th annual Corrales Ditch Run saw its largest turnout ever Sunday, as the community came together to celebrate and remember Dave Cook—a local man who disappeared in 2016 while mountain climbing in Colorado’s Elk Mountain Range.
For the past five years, the Kiwanis Club and the nonprofit Dave Gives Back have organized the event to honor Cook’s legacy and raise money for the Kiwanis Kids Camp. The run also serves as a tribute to search and rescue teams, whose efforts were critical during the search for Cook.
All proceeds from the Dave Gives Back campaign go directly to Search and Rescue organizations dedicated to rescue, recovery, and mountain safety education. These teams are often made up of volunteers who respond at any hour to help those lost or injured in remote terrain.
Cook was an accomplished mountaineer, having summited more than 50 peaks in Colorado. He was also a husband, father of three, and entrepreneur. His family started the Dave Gives Back initiative to honor his life and values, inspired by eight personal missions he kept posted above his desk.
The campaign also raises awareness about the risks faced by search and rescue volunteers, who put their lives on hold and in danger to help others. Though Cook was never found, his family says the support they received during the search inspired them to give back.
Community members can support the cause by purchasing merchandise—100% of proceeds go to search and rescue efforts—or by making a tax-deductible donation to the Dave Gives Back fund.
The Cook family—Maureen, Kate, Ryan, and Sara—say they hope Dave’s legacy continues to inspire others to live with purpose and compassion.
