Scale the Strat on March 3 & 4, 2012
Extreme Stair Climb Event to take place at Stratosphere Tower
Registration Now Open Online at ScaleTheStrat.com
108 Floors. 1,455 steps. One cause: to fight lung disease in Nevada
The American Lung Association in Nevada (ALAN), Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield are proud to present the fourth annual Scale the Strat, an extreme stair climb event and fundraiser at the world famous Stratosphere Tower on Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4, 2012.
Participants will scale 108 floors inside The Stratosphere Tower, the highest building west of the Mississippi River, to raise money for the American Lung Association in Nevada’s mission of preventing lung disease and promoting lung health. Teams and individuals will race for the fastest times and fundraising dollars.
Last year, about 300 people participated in this extreme climbing event and raised a record $110,000 for the American Lung Association in Nevada. The winning time was seven minutes and 26 seconds.
“Our employees are excited to once again host this signature fundraising event for the American Lung Association in Nevada and showcase our ongoing commitment to the community,” said CEO Frank Riolo of American Casino & Entertainment Properties, the parent company of Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower. “The Stratosphere Tower is an icon and its 1,455 steps provide a challenging experience for athletes to climb. Climbers come from all over the country and world to participate.”
Stair climbs have become unique, signature fundraising events for the American Lung Association over the past several years. Sometimes called a “vertical road race,” participants can use the event as a fitness target or a competitive race.
“Scale the Strat is our major fundraiser of the year. Thanks to the fantastic support of the Stratosphere, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and other sponsors we’re expecting a record turnout for 2012,” said American Lung Association in Nevada Executive Director Allison Newlon Moser. “We know as out-of-breath climbers reach the top of The Stratosphere Tower they’ll be thinking about those who struggle to breathe everyday. That’s what this climb is all about – helping those who fight lung disease, asthma or struggle with smoking. We’re working to provide clean air for everyone who lives in Nevada.”
The event is limited to the first 400 participants who are 21 years of age or older. There will be a qualifying event on Saturday, March 3 and the top 50 climbers with the fastest times will compete again on Sunday, March 4 for a “Climb-Off”.
Registration is $50. Climbers are also asked to make a minimum fundraising pledge of $150 to the American Lung Association.
The ALA provides online support and personal fundraising coaching to help climbers achieve their fundraising goal. Event sponsor Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is providing online training and fitness tips. Detailed event and registration information can be found at www.ScaleTheStrat.com.
ALAN has been improving the lives of Nevadans since 1916 when it was founded as the Nevada Tuberculosis Association to combat the devastating disease of tuberculosis (TB). Since that time, ALAN has remained constant in the fight against lung diseases and the promotion of lung health. Lung disease is the fourth leading cause of death in America and ALAN is often the first point of contact for individuals with lung disease. ALAN provides practical help and education to people living with asthma, emphysema, and other lung diseases, confronting this disease at the root level by educating kids about the dangers of smoking, providing smoking cessation programs, advocating for smoke-free environments, and working to reduce air pollution.