I Climb Because They Climbed
Envision IT Pressroom | September 27, 2018
Envision IT Pressroom
September 27, 2018
Envisioners Climbed in the 6th Annual Stair Climb
Lambeau Field holds a rich history in Wisconsin – not only from the Green Bay Packers but also from the dedication to fans, visitors, and the community. September 11, 1965, the Packers’ founder and first coach, Earl “Curly” Lambeau was honored by the renaming of City Stadium to Lambeau Field. But since 2001 this day is more commonly known for remembering the tragic events that took place, honoring the firefighters and first responders, and showing support for families of all involved.
The 6th annual 9/11 Stair Climb was held at Lambeau Field on Saturday September 22, 2018, where over 2,700 people gathered to climb the equivalent of the 110 floors of the World Trade Center. Waves of 343 climbed to represent the 343 firefighters who selflessly gave their lives on 9/11. Every climber received a badge with the photo and name of the firefighter they were climbing for. At the 78th floor, climbers rang a fire bell and read the name of the fallen they were representing. The 78th floor is significant because that was the top floor reached in the towers before communications were lost. All proceeds raised benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). NFFF received over $135,000 from this year’s event benefiting survivors of fallen fire heroes, providing resources to help rebuild their lives, as well as the Fire Service Community to reduce firefighter deaths.
This was the second year that Envision-er Addie Peper participated in the Stair Climb. She shared this about her experience:
“Entering Lambeau Field always takes my breath away – even without climbing the equivalent of 110 stories. There is great energy and companionship circulating the stadium during Packer games and the same atmosphere is present during the Stair Climb. Those who show up at the worst times in your life, selflessly, deserve to be recognized – and this is my chance. In 2001 I was in first grade, so my memory of 9/11 is a bit fuzzy, but still engraved in my mind. I’m looking forward to future years of climbing for those who no longer can.”
In the words of Vince Lombardi, “After the cheers have died down and the stadium is empty, after the headlines have been written … the enduring thing that is left is the dedication to doing with our lives the very best we can to make the world a better place in which to live.”
The first Stair Climb was held in 2005 when five Colorado firefighters gathered to climb the 110 stories in a downtown Denver high-rise building. This event garnered interest from the folks across the United States. In 2010, the original Denver team partnered with the NFFF to create a template to coordinate successful Stair Climbs throughout the United States. However, with all the history and dedication, I’m not sure a more perfect place exists to honor the fallen heroes than Lambeau Field.
For more information on becoming involved or to donate, try one of these great resources:
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
9/11 Stair Climb – Lambeau Field
