Frequently Asked Questions
GENERALWhat is the McAllen Stair Climb?
Visit our ABOUT page for more information. Is this climb affiliated with any other stair climbs? We are affiliated with other sanctioned climbs of the Association of Memorial Stair Climbs. Visit the AMSC website at www.MemorialStairClimbs.com for more information about sanctioned and affiliated climbs. Where does the money that climbers collect go? While fundraising is not a major objective of our event, participants are encouraged to help raise support for our beneficiaries - non-profits that support the families and departments who have suffered a loss. Visit our beneficiaries’ page to find out more about our beneficiaries. Why 110 floors? The World Trade Center Twin Towers were 110 floors tall. This is just one of many symbolic elements of our climb. I want to help support this event, how can I do that? This event has not and could not happen if it weren't for the support of our volunteers, partners and sponsors. There are many ways to help support this event - but all involve giving. See our contact page to email a director or coordinator about the way you are interested in participating. Who runs this event? The McAllen Stair Climb is planned by a volunteer committee that consists of 2 directors and 3 coordinators. These high level volunteers oversee the planning process to ensure a successful event and operate the event on the day of. Each individual spends a lot of time planning, meeting, and organizing each event beginning in January for that year's climb. Who do I talk to if I have any questions? Should you not find the answer to your question on our website, feel free to contact us through our Facebook or Instagram page. You can also find contact information for specific Directors and Coordinators on the Contact page. |
PARTICIPANTSWho can climb?
Anyone over the age of 18 that is medically cleared to climb. Please make sure you are physically able to safely participate in this event prior to registering. There are 4 practice climbs in the 2 months prior to the event to prepare. How many climbers are there? The number of climbers will be capped at 343. We will also have an alternate pool in the event that one of the 343 can not make the event. If I register as an alternate, am I guaranteed to climb? The McAllen Stair Climb guarantees every registered alternate will climb at the event. However, we cannot guarantee you will be provided with tags to climb for a fallen hero. Do I need to train for this climb? And what can I do to prepare for this event? Yes. Visit our CLIMBER INFO page to find out more. When does registration open and how much does it cost, is it refundable? Registration is $45 and opens on July 1st. Registration costs pay for event expenses (t-shirts, challenge coins, drinks, snacks, insurance, tents, signs, etc.) and remaining funds will be distributed to our beneficiaries. As a non-profit organization, we strive to spend wisely and our goal is to be able to make an impact with our donations to our beneficiaries. Unfortunately, because we use this money to pay for event operational expenses tickets are non-refundable. I'm coming from out-of-town, is there a place I can stay for cheap? Each year we attempt to secure a discounted rate with at least one hotel near downtown. Information will be posted on our Facebook and Climber Info page as it becomes available. What is an alternate? Alternates are individuals who complete the registration process and help us ensure that we have 343 first responders to represent the fallen the day of the climb. Alternates who attend the event help ensure that we have all 343 are represented. Who do I talk to if I have any registration related questions? Contact the participants coordinator at participants@mcallenstairclimb.com Are pledges required? Although fundraising is not the main focus of our event, both event organizers and participants have recognized that a significant amount of support can be raised and positive impact made in the operations of our beneficiaries. Participants are encouraged, but not required, to raise at least $1.00 per floor. How do climbers raise pledges? Climbers are highly encouraged to gather all pledges via their own personal online fundraising page that is created during or immediately following the registration process. Climbers are discouraged from taking pledges in person. Should this be the only option, please: - convert any cash received into a check - make all checks payable the beneficiary you choose to raise support for - place Mcallen Stair Climb in the memo line of the check - bring the check with you to check-in. Are pledges tax-deductible? Yes. Our beneficiaries are 501(c)3 organizations. What percentage of pledges goes to the beneficiaries? 100% of the pledges collected from the donor go to the beneficiary. The McAllen Stair Climb does not keep any money raised through participant fundraising pages. Do I get credit for pledges I gather and do donors get a receipt? When someone donates on a climbers pledge they will receive credit for that pledge and the donor will automatically receive an email receipt that meets the IRS requirements for a record of their donation. How fast do I have to climb the 110 floors? The McAllen Stair Climb is a Memorial. It is not a race. The event is not timed in any manner. Do I have to wear my bunker gear/ duty gear? This is optional. Firefighters will be allowed to climb with their own SCBA and high rise pack. Law Enforcement and EMT’s will be allow to use duty gear. |
VOLUNTEERSWho can volunteer?
Volunteers are always welcome. We ask that if you wish to volunteer that you are at least 18 years old. How can I volunteer? There are many opportunities to volunteer at the climb. Please fill out form in the Contact Us page or email Volunteers@McAllenStairClimb.com if interested in volunteering. You will be contacted prior to the event with further information. Do I have to attend volunteer training? It has been determined that some volunteer assignments require training beforehand to ensure the climb is successful. Depending upon what you would like to do the day of the event, you may be required to attend training. I have a group of individuals who wish to volunteer, do you accept groups? Groups of volunteers are accepted on a case by case basis. Please contact us at Volunteers@McAllenStairClimb.com for more information. |