Chelan Firefighters Raise Over $11K in Stair Climb for Cancer Fund

CHELAN – Chelan Fire and Rescue members raised over $11,000 dollars for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in the Annual Stair Climb Fundraiser on March 10.

The six firefighters Sam Belsky, Taylor Rains, Chris Colbert, Duke Odenrider, Brandon Fogelson, and Stephanie Preheim climbed 69 flights of stairs up to the top of Seattle’s Columbia Tower in 60 pounds of full gear while on air.

With a vertical elevation of 788 feet, this is the largest on-air stair climb event in the nation. This year's event was sold out and drew 2,000 total participants from across the United States, in addition to a few participants from overseas. 

The Seattle Firefighter Stair Climb has raised over $25 million for LLS since its inception 33 years ago. 

“We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who donated their time and money to help our team achieve (and surpass) our goal of $10,000,” CFR said in a recent press release. “We are proud and honored to be a part of such an amazing community.”

CRF thanked local businesses that helped the fire and rescue members meet their fundraising goals: Hard Row to Hoe, Manson Fire Department, Ally Paige, Toast ‘n Buggy, Slidewaters, Lake Chelan Sports, Scoop Cart, Mellisoni, Larc Hill, Sun Mountain Lodge, Cafe Myth, and Debs Delights.