On Sunday, April 19, the FDNY Foundation — in partnership with SL Green Realty Corp. — proudly hosted the 4th Annual Climb to SUMMIT at One Vanderbilt in Manhattan. This signature event once again brought together FDNY members, supporters, corporate teams and individuals to take on the challenge of racing up 93 stories — more than 1,100 feet — to the top of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. There were participants from 15 states and five countries. 23 teams from the FDNY participated.
More than 300 climbers participated in the event, which raised more than $350,000 for the FDNY Foundation—an event record. These funds will help support firefighter and EMS physical fitness programs, safety education and equipment needs.
“This is a two-fold event for us. Of course, to raise money to support the Foundation and support the Department and thank them for everything they do. But it’s also a recognition of the incredible amount of physical fitness and effort that goes into being a firefighter, EMT and paramedic,” said Matthew J. DiLiberto, Chairman of the FDNY Foundation.
This year’s stair climb holds special meaning, as the Foundation and Department recognized the 25th anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2001.
“Twenty-five years ago, steps in the World Trade Center were the difference between life and death,” FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said. “Stair climbing is one of the things the FDNY does most, and in the worst possible times, the steps can be your pathway to safety.”
To celebrate the achievements of FDNY members, the top 20 teams from the Department will receive fitness or training equipment for their respective firehouse or EMS station.
“The FDNY Foundation is one of the most important institutions in our presence. Every single day, they support the Fire Department,” Commissioner Bonsignore said. “As we know, this is a fundraiser, and those funds are going to go to good use to help prepare our firefighters and EMS members to continue doing their lifesaving work.”
The FDNY Foundation congratulates all the participants and gives special thanks to the event’s sponsors, including:
SL Green Realty Corp.
Summit One Vanderbilt
Way Fong LLC
Barasch & McGarry
Central Rock Gym
Cerbelli Creative
Epicerié Boulud
Fini Pizza
Floor & Décor
Halmar International LLC
Rapid Relief Team
TD Bank
Tower Beverage
Troutman Pepper Locke
Additionally, we would like to thank our FDNY Foundation Board members who sponsored teams, including:
Matthew J. DiLiberto
Michael Barasch
Chris J. Carrera
Salvatore J. Cassano
Michael Corbi
Howard Koeppel
Tony Pasquariello
Amanda Rubin
Stephen L. Ruzow
John C. Santora
Robert S. Tucker
Robert T. Zito
Lastly, we would like to thank all our FDNY teams who participated:
FDNY Training
FDNY K-9
L52
R3
E325/L163
E22
E97
E54/L4/B9
E231/L120
Team Downey
E227
E263/L117
E214/L111
E301/L150
E303
E312
E8/L2
E34/L21
E26
E1/L24
E264/E328/L134
E218
EMS Station 54
To see FDNY team results, click HERE.
To see individual results, click HERE.
To view more photos from the climb, click HERE.
NBC New York: FDNY Foundation Climb to SUMMIT at One Vanderbilt #1
NBC New York: FDNY Foundation Climb to SUMMIT at One Vanderbilt #2
CBS New York: FDNY holds 4th Annual Foundation Climb
*Broadcast clip here
PIX11: FDNY’s Annual SUMMIT Climb