| | Texas Volunteers Climb 41 Flights of Stairs to Support Search for a Cure
On Sept. 11, Houston Fire Department firefighters and their families participated in Dancing with the Stairs to support the search for a cure and to honor those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks. |
October 8, 2010This September, volunteers of the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter embraced a new way to work toward a cure while working out—one stair at a time.
As part of the CF Foundation’s new CF Climb for Life event series, ambitious volunteers signed up to climb 41 flights of stairs to the top of the Marathon Oil Tower in Houston, Texas, at the first annual Dancing with the Stairs, presented by Hanover Real Estate Partners.
The 41 flights of stairs in the Marathon Oil Tower in Houston, Texas, were no match for Team Tone: Jeffrey Boyd, Julie Jacobson, Shynae Godfrey (the event’s top fundraiser) and Drew Fucci. |
Climbing to Cure CF
On Sept. 11, more than 100 climbers, including three teams of firefighters, took on the challenge and raised $40,000 for critical CF Foundation programs.
To give volunteers an extra boost before they began their ascent, paintings by children with CF and their friends who were hospitalized at Texas Children’s Hospital were hung on a wall at the climb’s starting point. Thirteen people with CF, from ages 3 to 20, contributed to the artistic project.
Another burst of inspiration came from belly dancers posted throughout the race, cheering on the climbers.
Honoring Heroes
Assistant Fire Chief Carl Matejka and Kim Phillips of the Houston Fire Department show off their painting by 3-year-old CF Ambassador Ava Blencke. |
At the Sole Survivors Party following the climb, volunteers celebrated their success and participated in a moving tribute to the heroes of 9/11, which included music by the St. Thomas Episcopal School Pipe Band and remarks by Chapter Board President Mike McGinnis and Assistant Fire Chief Carl Matejka of the Houston Fire Department.
To express her appreciation, CF Ambassador Ava Blencke, 3, presented the participating fire stations and sponsors with paintings of her handprints in red, white and blue.
“It was a great day supporting the CF Foundation and paying tribute to the Houston Fire Department on the anniversary of 9/11,” says Heather McMillon, property manager of Transwestern. “The race was emotional as well as challenging, and Hanover Real Estate and Transwestern were proud to be a part of this inaugural event and appreciate all those who participated or donated.”
The Texas Gulf Coast Chapter would like to thank the presenting sponsor:
Hanover Real Estate Partners
The T-shirt sponsor:
The “rest stop” sponsors:
- Building Professionals of Texas L.P. – Janitorial Services
- En Trust Immediate Care
- FireTron, Inc.
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- ISS Facility Services
- ML Deer Construction
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And the event’s key volunteers:
- Jonina Dickey
- Karen Hooper
- Heather McMillon, Transwestern Associates
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- Kim Phillips, Houston Fire Department
- Kathy Tipton
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