2019 MEMORIAL STAIR CLIMB DRAWS 589 REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS TO HONOR 9/11 VICTIMS

Gainesville, FL - The 2019 Memorial Stair Climb brought in close to 600 participants in yesterday’s climb. The Grit Foundation was the benefitting charity for the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb event which was co-hosted by the Grit Foundation, the University of Florida’s Collegiate Veterans Society and Student Government. The event took place at the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Wednesday night with registration opening at 5 p.m. and the event beginning at 6 p.m. at Gate 18. It was free and open to the public with an online crowdfunding fundraiser that will go toward purchasing essential equipment for local first responders through The Grit Foundation. The event raised $1,790 through online donations.

GFR Participants pose for photo at Ben Hill Griffin

The 589 registered participants at the event climbed 1,980 steps, the equivalent of one of the World Trade Center Towers. Some participants tackled the climb in full bunker gear, SWAT gear or with extra weights to commemorate the sacrifices that were made on September 11 th . Multiple police and fire departments from around the region were represented as well as UF Army and Air Force ROTC.

Board President Matthew Harrison released the following statement: “We were proud and excited to partner with the University of Florida’s Collegiate Veterans Society and Student Government for this 9/11 Stair Climb Memorial. It is incredibly important that we always remember and honor the immense sacrifices that were made on September 11 th . It is exciting to see so many different fire and police departments represented as well as members of the community who just want to do their part in keeping this history alive. We believe that the best way can ‘never forget’ is to turn those words into action.”

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The Grit Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) whose mission is to generate community support for local first responders. The Grit Foundation serves first responders in Alachua, Bradford, Union, Clay, Putnam and Gilchrist County by providing funds for critical equipment and resources. You can learn more about

the Grit Foundation by visiting www.TheGritFoundation.org.