Stair climbs have become an increasingly popular way to raise awareness and gather support for great causes. Memorial stair climbs pay tribute to fallen first responders. Association climbs are NOT extreme sporting events or fundraising campaigns; instead they are honorable events that pay tribute to the sacrifices of fallen heroes.
In 2011, on the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks, over forty climbs were held across the United States. Climb participants honor the first responders (343+ firefighters, 70+ law enforcement officers, 9+ EMS) who were killed on September 11th, 2001 by climbing the equivalent of 110 floors (the height of the former World Trade Center Twin Towers) while carrying the name and picture of one of the fallen. These climbs typically occur in medium- to-high-rise buildings or stadiums and either involve only active duty public safety personnel OR a mix of police, fire EMS and the general public. Some climbs have successfully raised financial support for beneficiaries who provide support to those left behind after a line-of-duty death, while other events wish to remain a memorial event with no fundraising component. Most, if not all climbs, wish to retain local control while receiving the administrative support necessary to hold these events. The Wichita 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb will take the first 343 registrants (MUST BE ACTIVE OR RETIRED FIREFIGHTERS, CAREER OR VOLUNTEER) in honor of those lost from the FDNY on 9/11/01. Hosted at the Epic Center in downtown Wichita, KS, climbers will climb 110 floors in honor of our fallen brothers. Each climber will be assigned a name badge with the picture and name of one of the 343, further making the experience even more personal. The Wichita 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is a sanctioned event of the Association of Memorial Stair Climbs, a 501(c)3 organization. All proceeds above and beyond the costs of hosting the climb, benefit the FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation. About the FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation
A registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation dedicated to the well-being of the fire department family; for recognition of the unique sacrifices that firefighters and their families selflessly make for the sake of all; and to honor those sacrifices. The central focus of the Foundation is assisting the families of firefighters in their times of greatest need, in transporting firefighters, family members and department personnel to and from medical institutions both for care and family support. We also are dedicated to the comfort and support of the families of firefighters in their times of bereavement. Our immediate aim is to minimize the negative impact of injuries and fatalities that members of the fire family endure, by providing vehicles and transportation assistance, in conjunction with the Fire Department of the City of New York. On a broader scale, we are dedicated to the good of the community in building awareness of the often-overlooked needs of the fire department family. The Foundation is all-volunteer, entirely non-profit, and depends on donations of equipment, funds and service to carry out its mission. The Foundation has, through donations, acquired a fleet of vehicles that are commissioned to the Fire Department and are available around the clock to provide transportation services throughout the City of New York and environs. The Foundation also assists fire families in funeral details, tributes and memorials, to preserve the honor of their sacrifices. The Foundation also joins to support other organizations and endeavors in the broader community, in honor of all who serve in the same spirit. |