Tim wrote to us to say that the 2009 Firefighter Stair Climb had been a success.

"Honestly, it was one of the hardest physical things I've done, ... but I'm already looking ahead to training for next year... I just feel lucky to be able to participate in this event, and try to raise money, especially for the kids diagnosed with leukemia."

On March 8, 2009 over 1,500 firefighters ran, in full gear, up the stairs of Seattle's tallest building - the Columbia Tower.Their goal was to raise $550,000 to help kids with leukemia. What a safety net they provided!

Tim organized his network of friends, family, and associates (his own Personal Safety Net) to raise donations so that, together with other firefighters, he could run up all those stairs. He wanted the kids to know that people cared. This happened, of course, 1,500 times over, since each firefighter reached out to their individual networks, offering people in their communities a chance to help.

The marvel of Tim's actions were evident in the power of the already courageous firefighters to extend the invitations, to communicate the need, to ask for help, to meet their individual fundraising goals, and to do so for the good of the whole. Success relied upon a whole community pulling together for the good of all, multiplying the success of each. It was the right thing to do, to help those who need our love and support.

Our West Seattle firefighter, Tim, said "Through YOUR donations, I was able to contribute $3,200 towards that goal! Thanks so much for your support!!!... I just feel lucky to be able to participate in this event, and try to raise money, especially for the kids diagnosed with leukemia."
Aren't we all fortunate to have 1,500 "Tims" in our midst! They are part of our own Personal Safety Net.