The Springfield Area Memorial Stair Climb returns for its 14th year on Monday, Sept. 12, at Route 66 Stadium. The community‑focused event honors the 343 New York firefighters who gave their lives responding to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Event details

Gates open at 7 a.m., with an opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Participants will ascend the stadium’s stairs until they have climbed the equivalent of 110 floors – the number of floors in the Twin Towers. Registration is $40, which includes a badge featuring one of the 343 firefighters, a commemorative 25th‑anniversary T‑shirt, and a special climb coin.

Supporting families and first‑responders

“We have a lot of folks that come just to simply be part of this event to memorialize the 343 fallen firefighters,” said Julie Mercer, vice president of the Springfield Area Memorial Stair Climb. “These firefighters were fathers, sons, husbands, brothers, friends who all gave their lives on that day.”

All proceeds benefit three nonprofit charities: Supporting Heroes, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and the Sunshine Brotherhood Foundation. These organizations provide direct assistance to families affected by the Sept. 11 attacks and to local first‑responders who continue to serve our community.

Fund‑raising impact

Last year’s climb raised more than $28,000. In addition to the registration fee, participants are encouraged to solicit additional donations for the three charities, amplifying the event’s impact on both national and local families of heroes.

How to get involved

Those interested in climbing, supporting the cause, or learning more can register online at www.springfieldmemorialstairclimb.org. The event provides a meaningful way for Springfield residents to honor the sacrifice of the fallen, strengthen community bonds, and support families who have endured loss.

Original reporting: Springfield Daily Citizen — read the source article.