2010 Planning Presentation Stair Climb Event History The 2009 Event Where we are today Future Goals

Stair Climb History – 5 Denver area firefighters met at 1999 Broadway in downtown Denver to climb 110 stories in full firefighting gear as tribute to the 343 New York City firefighters who were killed at the World Trade Center – The stair climb moved to the Qwest Building at 1801 California and the solemn tribute expanded to 12 firefighters – With growing interest and an opportunity to remember and give back, the original organizers opened the event to Colorado firefighters. Several hundred uniformed firefighters turned out and the memorial stair climb fundraiser was born – In just 3 years the event grew from 5 to 343 firefighters (the event cap). Due to logistical limitations at the Qwest Building the number of participants had to be capped at 343. This number also symbolizes the number of FDNY firefighters lost on In 2008 each participant climbed the stairs with a lost firefighter’s photograph to ensure that remembrance was still the focus of the day.

Stair Climb History Summer From one came two The downtown stair climb registered 343 participants in less than 7 days. Firefighters from 5 different states, representing 45 fire departments signed up. The wait list swelled to over 200, including several dozen West Metro Firefighters. It was quickly realized there was a need to expand this great tradition and fitting tribute. On August 6 th with just over one month till September 11 th, West Metro Firefighters Local 1309 approved a motion to establish and sponsor a memorial stair climb event.

The 2009 Event 1 Month + Motivation = Success On at 7:00 am we began live feeds with local morning news from the top of Red Rocks Amphitheater and it was clear the event would be a success. 4 hours later over 500 people completed the 110 story equivalent climb around Red Rocks Amphitheater and we raised $6, in the name of The Twin Towers Orphan Fund.

The 2009 Event The First Year : Who? What? Where? When?

The 2009 Event Who attended the memorial stair climb? September 11 th 2001 affected us all. It became clear in our planning and communication that this would be an opportunity to share this annual firefighter event with our community. About two weeks prior to the event we decided to open it to the public. Over that next 2 weeks, with nothing more than word of mouth, 300 additional registrations were submitted by men and women outside of the fire service. All armed forces branches were represented including Colorado State Patrol, teachers, students, pilots, flight attendants, and Urban Search and Rescue Teams. Even a family from New York City who lost their loved one and hero on , Lt. Kevin Dowdell of FDNY Rescue Company 3 participated in the climb.

2009 Event Attendees

The 2009 Event What is the memorial stair climb? The stair climb is an untimed walk aimed at using physical activity to remember the events and people of September 11 th. The route is designed to equate to 110 stories, the height of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers. At Red Rocks Amphitheater the route began in the upper south parking lot, ascended the south ramp and took participants around nine counter clockwise laps in the amphitheater.

The Route Start area and event base in upper south parking lot Participants ascending south ramp approaching the amphitheater At the top of ramp the 9 laps begin by crossing the theater at row 17.

The Route Across the theater at row 17 to the north stairs and ascend to the top row. Back across the amphitheater to the south stairs for an amazing view. Descending the south stairs for the completion of a lap.

2009 Event Where? A combination of pure luck and a good working relationship with Red Rocks Amphitheater brought West Metro Firefighters to the most fitting venue we could imagine.

2009 Event When? September 11 th at 8:46 am we have participants gather together at the starting point (8:46 EST the first plane hit the north tower). We give a brief speech about the event and the route. We thank all for their attendance and we observe a moment of silence. At 9:02 am (9:02 EST south tower hit by second plane) we have the Colorado Emerald Society Pipes and Drum Band play Amazing Grace and the climb begins.

Where we are today What we have: National Attention – Potential model for annual nationwide program to be rolled out in 2011 on the 10 th anniversary. Similar to Race for the Cure National Campaign. Growing Support – 1000 interested in participating – Over 50 volunteers – Facebook Page and Website established Charities Named – National Fallen Firefighters Foundation – Twin Towers Orphan Fund

Where we are today Our Needs A secured contract with Red Rocks Amphitheater Corporate Sponsorship Organizational model for 10 th anniversary event and beyond

Future Goals – Create a sustaining annual event to support 9-11 Charities for years to come – Be a model program for other cities – Attract and support an event of 2001 participants – Raise $50,000 at the 2011 event and following years

Questions, Thoughts or Comments On behalf of West Metro Firefighters Local 1309 we thank you for your time and consideration